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Best Contemporary Canadian Restaurants in Downtown

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26 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Fauna restaurant
1. Fauna
4.9
Exceptional(1449)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
Fauna, nestled in the heart of Downtown Ottawa, is a true gem for Farm-to-table enthusiasts, offering a dining experience that is both authentic and seasonal. The restaurant's commitment to using local ingredients shines through in every dish, reflecting their passion for supporting local farmers and producers. Guests rave about the "incredible food" and "thoughtfully prepared and immaculate" dishes, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to culinary excellence. With a menu that evolves with the seasons, Fauna ensures a fresh and vibrant dining experience every time. The warm ambiance and exceptional service complete the package, making it a must-visit for any food lover.
A photo of Beckta restaurant
2. Beckta
4.8
Exceptional(352)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
Beckta, situated in the heart of Downtown Ottawa, is a beacon of authentic Canadian cuisine, celebrated for its exquisite use of signature Canadian products. With an impressive streak of 19 consecutive CAA 4-Diamond Awards, this restaurant epitomizes refined dining. Diners rave about the "fantastic service, classy atmosphere, and wonderful food," making every visit feel like a special occasion. The ever-evolving tasting menus and a-la-carte options promise a culinary adventure that is both diverse and delightful. Beckta’s commitment to quality and hospitality ensures that whether you choose the fine dining rooms or the cozy wine bar, your experience will be nothing short of exceptional.
A photo of Play Food & Wine restaurant
3. Play Food & Wine
4.6
Exceptional(345)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • ByWard Market
Booked 18 times today
Play Food & Wine in Ottawa's ByWard Market offers a delightful exploration of authentic Canadian cuisine, renowned for its use of local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's unique approach to dining, with "modest portions designed to share," allows guests to savor a variety of dishes without being confined to a single choice. Diners rave about the "explosion of flavors and textures" and praise the "fantastic food and exceptional service." The gnocchi, scallops, and inventive small plates like the tandoori halloumi are standout favorites. Play Food & Wine is a culinary gem that promises a memorable and authentic Canadian dining experience.
A photo of JOEY Rideau restaurant
4. JOEY Rideau
4.5
Awesome(217)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary canadian • ByWard Market
Booked 96 times today
Located in Ottawa's vibrant ByWard Market, JOEY Rideau offers a truly exceptional taste of Canadian cuisine. With a menu crafted by a talented team of award-winning Executive Chefs, this restaurant promises a culinary journey that highlights the best of local and global flavors. Guests rave about the "delicious" and "amazingly cooked" dishes that are consistently "well-served" and set in a "great atmosphere." The restaurant's dedication to quality is reflected in its "stellar service" and "immaculate vibes," making every dining experience memorable. For those seeking authentic Canadian flavors with a modern twist, JOEY Rideau is a must-visit destination.
A photo of Milestones Grill + Bar - Ottawa - Sussex restaurant
5. Milestones Grill + Bar - Ottawa - Sussex
4.4
Awesome(1143)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
Milestones Grill + Bar in Downtown Ottawa is a standout destination for cocktail enthusiasts, offering an exceptional Cocktail Bar experience. Guests consistently rave about the “delicious” and “refreshing” cocktails that complement the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re indulging in a signature Bellini or a creative dill pickle Caesar, Milestones ensures each cocktail is crafted to perfection. The bar's offerings are further accentuated by the attentive and knowledgeable staff, often praised for their friendly service, making every visit memorable. With its inviting ambiance and consistently excellent beverages, Milestones Grill + Bar guarantees a delightful escape for any cocktail lover.
A photo of North and Navy restaurant
6. North and Navy
4.8
Exceptional(1877)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Nestled in the charming setting of downtown Ottawa, North and Navy offers an exceptional Canadian dining experience that intertwines the rich flavors of Northern Italian cuisine with local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has been celebrated for its "innovative and tasty" dishes, with many patrons applauding the "exquisite" offerings crafted by a truly "gifted chef." The use of seasonal game, seafood, and vegetables from Eastern Ontario creates a menu that is both authentic and inspired, ensuring each dish is a delightful surprise. Guests rave about the impeccable service, describing it as "top-notch" and "attentive," making every dining experience memorable and worthwhile.
A photo of Atelier - Ottawa restaurant
7. Atelier - Ottawa
4.8
Exceptional(1758)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
The experience at Atelier has evolved. It now moves through a format we call Zyre—a new culinary journey shaped by creativity and design, where the boundaries between cuisine and art begin to blur. The menu unfolds in seven distinct expressions, each one an exploration of flavour, form, and feeling. The Zyre experience is offered at $250 per guest. We kindly ask you to budget approximately 3 hours for the full experience.While we do our best to accommodate mild allergies, please note that our kitchen is not allergen-free and we cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination. Over the years, our evolving approach has garnered meaningful recognition. Atelier has been named to Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list ten times (2015–2025) and to the OAD Top Restaurants in North America seven times (2019–2025). Chef Marc Lepine was named Canada’s Most Innovative Chef in 2018, and Atelier is one of only six Canadian restaurants to receive an international award from The Best Chef Awards (2024).
A photo of Bar Lupulus restaurant
8. Bar Lupulus
4.9
Exceptional(1438)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Hintonburg
Booked 28 times today
Bar Lupulus, nestled in the vibrant Hintonburg neighborhood of Ottawa, offers an unparalleled Beer Garden experience that captures the essence of craft and flavor. Known for its "impressive rotating taps" and extensive selection of over 500 natural wine cuvees, this backyard patio oasis is a true haven for beer enthusiasts. Guests rave about the "attentive service" and the "creative, excellent food" crafted by Chef James Bratsberg, making it a top destination for both locals and visitors. The cozy ambiance and knowledgeable staff create a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that every visit is a memorable culinary adventure. Come savor the authentic taste of Ottawa's finest Beer Garden at Bar Lupulus!
A photo of Gezellig restaurant
9. Gezellig
4.7
Exceptional(524)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 45 times today
Gezellig in Downtown Ottawa promises an exquisite journey through Global, International cuisine, delighting patrons with its seamless blend of local, seasonal flavors crafted with French techniques. Known for its "impeccable service" and "beautifully presented and flavorful" dishes, Gezellig stands out as a culinary gem. The restaurant’s commitment to high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients ensures that each dish, from beef tartare to wild-caught lingcod, is an authentic representation of global tastes. The cozy atmosphere and attentive service create a warm, welcoming dining experience. With glowing reviews praising its "fantastic food" and "elevated dishes," Gezellig is a must-visit for international food lovers.
A photo of Milestones Grill + Bar - Lansdowne Park restaurant
10. Milestones Grill + Bar - Lansdowne Park
3.9
Excellent(749)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary canadian • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
Milestones Grill + Bar - Lansdowne Park in Downtown Ottawa is a cocktail bar that promises an exceptional experience with its classic drinks served with a "perfect twist." Guests rave about their handcrafted cocktails, with one customer highlighting the negroni as particularly memorable, describing it as "amazing." The ambiance is described as "a great atmosphere somewhat loungy," making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and celebrations. Live music on Thursday nights adds an extra spark to the vibrant environment, ensuring that each visit is filled with charm and delight. Milestones consistently delivers with service that is "impeccable," guaranteeing a memorable outing every time.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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