Top 5 restaurants in Ottawa

Narcity called Sidedoor a place that "never disappoints" in September 2024, writing that the soft-shell crab dish left a lasting impression. Apt613 wrote in August 2025 that the bao buns had "excellent structural integrity to hold the saucy, crispy fillings" and that the restaurant offers "sexy and upscale evening vibes suitable for date nights." Noms Magazine listed it among Ottawa's best restaurants in July 2025, writing that it "reimagines Southeast Asian street food with bold, polished flair."

• “Sidedoor for me is one of those restaurants that never disappoints, but is never the first one on my mind.”

  Narcity, Jordan Pizzuti · best-of list · September 2, 2024 (opens in a new tab)

• “excellent structural integrity to hold the saucy, crispy fillings”

  Apt613, Kiersten Vuorimaki · feature · August 6, 2025 (opens in a new tab)

• “Sidedoor reimagines Southeast Asian street food with bold, polished flair tucked inside a cozy stone-walled space that makes everything feel intimate.”

  Noms Magazine · best-of list · July 20, 2025 (opens in a new tab)

Photo: Sidedoor's website

Apt613 wrote in October 2024 that Fauna is "still known for its creative food, eclectic wines, and warm service" and that it was "one of the first Ottawa restaurants to really go outside the box." Noms Magazine named it among Ottawa's best in July 2025, writing that it "fuses French, Italian, Korean, Malaysian, and Japanese influences into bold, globally inspired plates."

• “Fauna is still known for its creative food, eclectic wines, and warm service”

  Apt613, Zachary Resnick · feature · October 11, 2024 (opens in a new tab)

• “Fauna fuses French, Italian, Korean, Malaysian, and Japanese influences into bold, globally inspired plates, served in a sleek brick-and-glass setting.”

  Noms Magazine · best-of list · July 20, 2025 (opens in a new tab)

Photo: Fauna's website

Narcity wrote in August 2024 that the team at North & Navy is "next-level when it comes to taking care of their guests" and that "you can always expect to have a good time from the moment you walk in the door." Noms Magazine listed it among Ottawa's best restaurants in July 2025, writing that it "brings Northern Italian flair to downtown Ottawa, serving up refined bar snacks, pastas, and salads with Venetian roots."

• “The team at North & Navy are next-level when it comes to taking care of their guests.”

  Narcity, Jordan Pizzuti · best-of list · August 12, 2024 (opens in a new tab)

• “North & Navy brings Northern Italian flair to downtown Ottawa, serving up refined bar snacks, pastas, and salads with Venetian roots.”

  Noms Magazine · best-of list · July 20, 2025 (opens in a new tab)

Photo: North & Navy's website

Apt613 profiled Stofa in January 2025, writing that the restaurant's core values are "warmth and togetherness" and quoting chef-owner Jason Sawision: "I don't think you're ever going to have a boring meal here." Noms Magazine listed it among Ottawa's best in July 2025, writing that it is "a cozy favourite for top-notch Canadian dining" with "creative, locally inspired dishes that feel both comforting and refined."

• “I don't think you're ever going to have a boring meal here, that's for sure.”

  Apt613, Zachary Resnick · feature · January 3, 2025 (opens in a new tab)

• “Stofa is a cozy favourite for top-notch Canadian dining in Ottawa. Expect creative, locally inspired dishes that feel both comforting and refined.”

  Noms Magazine · best-of list · July 20, 2025 (opens in a new tab)

Narcity wrote in July 2024 that chef Alex Bimm's "practice of dry-aging fish to create things like tuna bacon, swordfish prosciutto and trout sausage makes for one of the most unique and creative dining experiences in the city." Apt613 wrote in November 2024 that Le Poisson Bleu aims to push "the boundaries of what fish and seafood dining can be."

• “His practice of dry-aging fish to create things like tuna bacon, swordfish prosciutto and trout sausage makes for one of the most unique and creative dining experiences in the city.”

  Narcity, Jordan Pizzuti · best-of list · July 19, 2024 (opens in a new tab)

• “Trying new things, pushing the boundaries of what fish and seafood dining can be, and providing great food, drink, and service is the mission statement of Le Poisson Bleu.”

  Apt613, Zachary Resnick · feature · November 23, 2024 (opens in a new tab)

Photo: Le Poisson Bleu's website