Best Lunch Restaurants in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

GatineauOttawaSouthern Ontario

Neighborhoods

AylmerByWard MarketCentretownCumberlandDowntownGatineau

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

92 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Cocotte Bistro

4.3

Awesome(826)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown

Booked 93 times today

Meet Cocotte...A taste of modern authentic French cuisine Bubbles by the glass, locally sourced fresh ingredients, seasonal creations. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a weekend brunch, treat yourself to delectable and visually stunning dishes inspired by French cuisine.

2. Cantina Gia

4.6

Exceptional(1060)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • The Glebe

Booked 51 times today

Welcome to Cantina GiaWe look forward to seeing you soon.

3. Al's Steakhouse

4.7

Exceptional(548)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 24 times today

Classic steakhouse meals define the cuisine at Al’s: certified Angus beef, fresh fish, a variety of delicious appetizers and salads fill the menu. It’s perfectly complemented by classic cocktails, an extensive wine list, and uncompromising service.Al’s is the first and only restaurant in Ottawa to cook its beef on live charcoal, giving steaks their distinctive signature taste. Al’s famous garlic salad dressing is included on a starter salad with most meals, and is bottled and sold in-house and in grocery stores throughout the city.Open daily for lunch and dinner Al’s has ample free parking, can host over 100 diners in private events, and features a menu that will satisfy all tastes.

4. JOEY Rideau

4.5

Awesome(163)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • ByWard Market

Booked 107 times today

JOEY Restaurants marries iconic hospitality with a handcrafted, locally and globally-inspired menu from award-winning chefs, to bring an unparalleled guest experience. Instead of just one chef, JOEY has a whole team of celebrated Executive Chefs bringing you an experience you can't get anywhere else. Located in Ottawa’s historic downtown, the updated turn-of-the-century design boasts a theater kitchen, chef’s table seating, sushi bar, wrap-around lounge and patio.

A photo of Zoe's at Fairmont Chateau Laurier restaurant

5. Zoe's at Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.6

Exceptional(1802)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • Downtown

Booked 43 times today

The Capital's social place for for drinks, dining, and other delights. Zoe's is an aristocratic social space with a modern edge, infused with the soul of Lady Zoe Laurier, whose taste and cultivation lives on forever. Impeccable culinary delights, timeless tea service, and compelling new cocktail culture. This is a place to gather, gossip, and fall in love with the city all over again.

6. JOEY Lansdowne

4.7

Exceptional(235)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • The Glebe

Booked 94 times today

JOEY Restaurants marries iconic hospitality with a handcrafted, locally and globally-inspired menu from award-winning chefs, to bring an unparalleled guest experience. Instead of just one chef, JOEY has a whole team of celebrated Executive Chefs bringing you an experience you can't get anywhere else. The darling of Ottawa’s historic Lansdowne Park has a spacious lounge and dining room, and a seasonal patio that employs exposed brick and beams for a sleek yet approachable feel.

7. Gezellig

4.8

Exceptional(492)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown

Booked 51 times today

With a name that means "cozy or nice atmosphere, but also belonging and general togetherness," gezellig invites guests to experience an elegant menu of local, seasonal cuisine using french techniques in a casual and welcoming environment. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, gezellig prepares each menu item using high-quality ingredients purchased locally. On the menu are items such as seared scallops, braised beef shortibs, potato gnocchi, beef tartare, duck breast, and wild-caught lingcod. Our classic butterfinger for dessert is a staple that has been on our menu since opening in 2012

8. Mati

4.7

Exceptional(237)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Little Italy

Booked 23 times today

At Mati, our menu offers a modern take on Mediterranean style crudo dishes and charcoal grilled steaks, showcasing the finest ingredients and technique.Indulge in our famous seafood towers or mouth-watering wagyu steaks and truly see what our menu is all about.Each dish is meticulously crafted, capturing the essence of the Mediterranean with modern touches. Complemented by inspired sides and accompaniments, our menu caters to a variety of preferences, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all.The Bar Menu - Cocktails and WineAt Mati, you’ll experience some of the finest craft cocktails in the city. High quality ingredients, craft ice, and beautiful glassware result in elevated cocktails that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.Our Sommelier curated wine list will have you exploring unique and exquisite wines from all over the world and some of the finest from right here at home.

A photo of Aiāna Restaurant Collective restaurant

9. Aiāna Restaurant Collective

4.8

Exceptional(539)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Canadian • Downtown

Booked 11 times today

Driven to provide a dining experience unlike any other, Aiāna's cuisine reflects a harmonious balance between classic cooking techniques and contemporary recipes. Whether a memorable meal; handcrafted cocktail or a glass of carefully curated wine, Aiana delivers distinctly Canadian cuisine and impeccable hospitality – all from the pulse of Ottawa’s bustling downtown.

A photo of Wilfrid's Restaurant - Fairmont Chateau Laurier restaurant

10. Wilfrid's Restaurant - Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.4

Awesome(1126)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • ByWard Market

Booked 13 times today

Wilfrid's is an award-winning restaurant in Ottawa offering a wide selection of culinary creations. Our Executive Chef and his team are famous for their superb selection of regional Canadian cuisine.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
amanda
Ottawa •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We really enjoyed ourselves and will be back soon!
More info
Zoe's at Fairmont Chateau LaurierPrice: Moderate• Unspecified• Downtown
•
4.6
M
Maxime
Montreal / Quebec •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our servers Mellina and Cedrik took amazing care of us, the food was great and ambiance very pleasant :)
More info
Cocotte BistroPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown
•
4.3
M
Manon
Ottawa •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We go maybe once a month and it’s always top notch! Everything is always perfect and the good is excellent!
More info
Al's SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.7
M
MoniqueVIP
Ottawa •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Cantina Gia is one of my go to restaurants for lunch with friends and family. Excellent food and service.
More info
Cantina GiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• The Glebe
•
4.6
A
AlisonVIP
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Apr 25, 2025
It was our first time at Joey. We visited from Montreal Excellent food and plating, service was very attentive. Atmosphere was beautiful, individual bathrooms were amazing. Very clean. We will go back and wish they would open a Joey in Montreal!
More info
JOEY RideauPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• ByWard Market
•
4.5

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