Last Updated: January 14, 2026
Ottawa is finally getting what food lovers have long demanded—a city-wide restaurant week that rivals Toronto’s Winterlicious and Montreal’s MTL à Table.
Taste Ottawa presents Capital City Bites, the National Capital Region’s inaugural culinary celebration running from January 31 to February 6. More than 50 restaurants across Ottawa’s diverse neighbourhoods will offer exclusive prix fixe menus and special dining experiences, all accessible through a free digital pass. The timing couldn’t be more perfect—Capital City Bites overlaps with Winterlude, creating an unprecedented opportunity to pair world-class winter festivities with exceptional cuisine. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie hunting for chef’s tasting menus or a couple seeking romantic dinner spots, this week transforms Ottawa into a culinary playground.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Capital City Bites runs January 31 to February 6 with 50+ participating restaurants offering special prix fixe menus. Register for a free digital pass at tasteottawa.com to access exclusive deals. The event coincides with Winterlude, making it ideal for pairing outdoor winter activities with memorable meals.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | January 31 - February 6, 2026 |
| 📍 Locations | ByWard Market, Downtown, Wellington West, Glebe, Westboro, Hintonburg |
| 🎟️ Cost | Free digital pass required |
| 🍽️ Restaurants | 50+ participating venues |
| 📱 Registration | tasteottawa.com |
| 🚇 Transit | O-Train Line 1 serves downtown ($3.50 single ride) |
What is Capital City Bites?
Capital City Bites brings exclusive prix fixe menus to Ottawa’s finest restaurants
Capital City Bites represents Ottawa’s first coordinated restaurant week—a concept that has thrived in cities like Toronto (Winterlicious, Summerlicious), Montreal (MTL à Table), and Vancouver (Dine Out Vancouver) for decades. The premise is straightforward: participating restaurants offer special multi-course menus at set price points, allowing diners to experience establishments they might not typically visit while providing restaurants with increased traffic during a traditionally slower period.
Taste Ottawa, the organization behind this initiative, has positioned Capital City Bites as more than just a discount dining event. The focus lies on showcasing the depth and diversity of Ottawa’s culinary scene—from fine dining establishments like Beckta and Riviera to neighbourhood gems in Wellington West and Hintonburg. Each participating restaurant commits to creating a unique experience that reflects their culinary philosophy, whether that means a three-course prix fixe lunch or an elaborate tasting menu with wine pairings.
The timing during Winterlude weekend one is strategic. Visitors already flocking to Ottawa for ice sculptures, the Rideau Canal Skateway, and Snowflake Kingdom now have compelling dinner options to complete their winter experience. For locals, it’s an excuse to finally visit that restaurant you’ve been meaning to try or return to a favourite spot for a special menu you won’t find any other time of year.
Participating Restaurants by Neighbourhood
Wellington West offers one of Ottawa’s densest concentrations of participating restaurants
One of Capital City Bites’ greatest strengths is its geographic diversity. Rather than concentrating solely on downtown venues, the event spans Ottawa’s most vibrant culinary neighbourhoods. Here’s what you’ll find in each area.
Downtown and Centretown
The downtown core features Ottawa’s most celebrated fine dining establishments, many of which rarely offer prix fixe promotions.
Beckta Dining & Wine (150 Elgin Street) — Stephen Beckta’s flagship restaurant remains one of Ottawa’s most consistent fine dining experiences. Expect refined Canadian cuisine with an award-winning wine list that spans 350+ labels. The restaurant occupies an elegant heritage building and has served as Ottawa’s power-dining destination since 2003.
Riviera (62 Sparks Street) — Chef Matthew Farvour’s live-fire focused restaurant delivers one of Ottawa’s most dramatic dining experiences. The open kitchen, anchored by a wood-burning grill and hearth, produces dishes with pronounced smoke and char. The Sparks Street location, with its soaring ceilings and sophisticated atmosphere, makes Riviera a favourite for business dinners and special occasions.
North & Navy (226 Nepean Street) — Adam Feddema’s intimate townhouse restaurant specializes in Venetian cicchetti and house-made pastas that rival anything you’d find in Italy. The restaurant seats just 30, creating an atmosphere that feels more like dining in someone’s home than a commercial establishment.
Wellington West and Hintonburg
Hintonburg’s colourful streets hide some of Ottawa’s most innovative kitchens
This west-end corridor has emerged as Ottawa’s most dynamic dining neighbourhood, with acclaimed restaurants occupying former industrial spaces and heritage buildings.
Supply and Demand (1335 Wellington Street West) — Steve Wall’s seafood-forward restaurant sources oysters, fish, and shellfish from both coasts daily. The raw bar alone justifies a visit, but the kitchen’s roasted and grilled preparations demonstrate equal sophistication. The industrial-chic space buzzes with energy on weekends.
Alice (540 Rochester Street) — One of Ottawa’s most ambitious restaurants, Alice delivers vegetable-focused tasting menus that challenge preconceptions about plant-based fine dining. Chef Briana Kim’s approach emphasizes seasonality and technique, transforming humble vegetables into multi-course experiences that compete with any steakhouse or seafood restaurant.
Bar Lupulus (1116 Wellington Street West) — Craft beer enthusiasts know Bar Lupulus as one of Canada’s finest beer bars, but the kitchen holds its own with elevated pub fare designed to complement the rotating tap list of Belgian-style ales and wild fermentations.
Hintonburg Public House — This neighbourhood gastropub offers approachable comfort food with a refined edge. Expect well-executed classics alongside creative seasonal dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
ByWard Market
The ByWard Market’s historic streets come alive during restaurant week
Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market features restaurants ranging from casual bistros to upscale dining rooms, all within walking distance of each other.
Cocotte — This French bistro brings Parisian charm to the Market with classic dishes executed with precision. Cassoulet, coq au vin, and steak frites anchor a menu that celebrates traditional French technique.
The Market’s advantage during Capital City Bites lies in its walkability—diners can easily visit multiple venues in one evening, perhaps starting with drinks at one establishment before dinner at another.
The Glebe
The Glebe’s Bank Street corridor features diverse dining options
Bank Street through the Glebe offers a more neighbourhood feel than downtown, with restaurants that have served loyal local followings for years. While specific participant announcements for this area are pending, the Glebe typically contributes several establishments to city-wide dining events.
Westboro
The village-like atmosphere of Westboro attracts restaurants focused on quality over flash. This neighbourhood tends toward health-conscious, locally-sourced cuisine that appeals to the area’s active residents. Several Westboro establishments are expected to participate, with final confirmations available on the Taste Ottawa website.
What to Expect During Capital City Bites
Prix fixe menus typically feature three to five courses showcasing each chef’s signature style
Understanding what restaurant weeks offer helps maximize your experience. Here’s what Capital City Bites participants typically provide.
Prix Fixe Menu Formats
Most restaurants offer structured menus with set courses at fixed price points. Common formats include:
Lunch prix fixe — Usually two or three courses priced lower than dinner options. Ideal for trying upscale restaurants at more accessible price points. Expect to pay $25-45 CAD for lunch menus.
Dinner prix fixe — Three to five courses at price points ranging from $40-100 CAD depending on the restaurant’s regular pricing tier. Fine dining establishments like Beckta and Riviera may offer tasting menus at special rates.
Optional upgrades — Many restaurants offer wine pairings, additional courses, or premium ingredient substitutions for supplemental charges.
Reservation Strategy
Popular restaurants will book solid within days of the event launching. High-demand venues like North & Navy (30 seats), Alice, and Supply and Demand require immediate booking. Mid-tier restaurants may have more flexibility, but weekend dates—especially Saturday, February 1, and Friday, February 7—fill fastest.
Book through OpenTable, Resy, or directly through restaurant websites. The Taste Ottawa digital pass may include direct booking links to simplify the process.
What’s Included vs. Extra
Prix fixe prices typically include food only. Budget additionally for:
- Tax (HST at 13%)
- Gratuity (18-20% standard for Ottawa fine dining)
- Beverages (unless a wine pairing is included)
- Upgrades or supplements
A $65 prix fixe dinner for two becomes approximately $180 after tax, tip, and a bottle of wine.
How to Participate
The free digital pass provides access to all participating restaurants and menus
Getting started with Capital City Bites requires just a few steps.
Step 1: Register for Your Free Digital Pass
Visit tasteottawa.com to register for a free digital pass. This pass serves multiple purposes:
- Access to the complete restaurant directory
- Exclusive menu previews before public announcement
- Optional notifications about new restaurant additions
- Possible access to limited-time offers or early reservations
Registration takes approximately two minutes and requires only an email address.
Step 2: Browse Participating Restaurants
Once registered, explore the full list of 50+ participating restaurants. The directory includes:
- Restaurant name and location
- Cuisine type and pricing tier
- Prix fixe menu details and pricing
- Reservation links
- Special notes or restrictions
Step 3: Make Reservations Early
Prime dining times (Friday and Saturday evenings, 6:30-8:00 PM) at top restaurants will book immediately. Consider:
- Weeknight dining for easier bookings at popular venues
- Early or late seatings on weekends
- Lunch service for upscale restaurants at lower price points
- Solo dining at bar seats if travelling alone
Step 4: Present Your Pass
Some restaurants may require showing your digital pass to access the special menu. Save it to your phone’s wallet or bookmark the confirmation page.
Tips for First-Time Participants
First-time restaurant week participants benefit from strategic planning
Restaurant weeks can be overwhelming, especially Ottawa’s first iteration. These strategies help maximize value and minimize frustration.
Research Restaurants Beforehand
Not every participating restaurant matches every diner’s preferences. Before booking, review:
- Regular menu pricing (understand what discount the prix fixe represents)
- Recent reviews on Google, OpenTable, and Reddit’s r/OttawaFood
- Cuisine style and atmosphere
- Dress code expectations
A $75 prix fixe at a restaurant that normally charges $150 per person represents excellent value. The same price at a casual bistro may not.
Book Multiple Reservations
Restaurant weeks attract crowds, and popular venues may disappoint due to rushed service or kitchen overwhelm. Spread your bookings across different nights and restaurant tiers:
- One splurge dinner at a fine dining establishment
- One casual weeknight dinner at a neighbourhood favourite
- One lunch at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try
This approach ensures at least one excellent experience even if others underperform.
Communicate Dietary Requirements Early
Prix fixe menus offer limited customization by design. If you have dietary restrictions—allergies, vegetarian/vegan preferences, religious requirements—contact restaurants before booking. Most accommodate modifications with advance notice; fewer can pivot on the spot.
Consider Off-Peak Timing
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings see lighter traffic than weekends. Kitchens operate with more focus, service feels less rushed, and last-minute reservations remain possible. If your schedule permits flexibility, weeknights often deliver superior experiences.
Leverage Transit
With restaurants spread across multiple neighbourhoods, driving between venues during a multi-stop evening becomes impractical. The O-Train Line 1 connects downtown stations (Parliament, Rideau, Pimisi) with easy access to ByWard Market and central restaurants. Single rides cost $3.50 CAD, or purchase a day pass for unlimited travel. Parking downtown during Winterlude weekend adds stress and expense—transit simplifies logistics.
Pairing Capital City Bites with Winterlude Activities
Capital City Bites overlaps perfectly with Winterlude’s opening weekend
The timing of Capital City Bites during Winterlude’s first weekend creates natural pairing opportunities.
Morning: Winter Activities
Start your day with outdoor winter experiences:
- Rideau Canal Skateway — World’s largest skating rink runs directly through downtown
- Crystal Garden ice sculptures — Confederation Park showcases professional ice carving
- Snowflake Kingdom — Gatineau’s Jacques-Cartier Park offers family-friendly snow activities
Afternoon: Warm Up
After outdoor activities, warm up at one of the participating restaurants for lunch:
- Book an early lunch reservation (11:30 AM) to beat crowds
- Order hot drinks and hearty dishes to recover from cold
- Take your time—rushing defeats the purpose of prix fixe dining
Evening: Fine Dining Experience
Reserve your most anticipated restaurant for dinner:
- Allow 2.5-3 hours for multi-course meals
- Arrive hungry—tasting menus feature 5+ courses
- Consider bar seating for more intimate chef interaction
Late Night: Dessert and Drinks
Cap the evening at a participating bar or lounge:
- Bar Lupulus offers craft beer in a cozy setting
- Many restaurants offer dessert courses separately
- ByWard Market bars provide post-dinner atmosphere
Budget Planning for Capital City Bites
Smart budgeting ensures you can enjoy multiple restaurants without overspending
Restaurant weeks can strain budgets if approached without planning. Here’s how to allocate spending effectively.
Sample Budget: Couple’s Weekend
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Friday dinner (fine dining) | $150-200 |
| Saturday lunch (casual) | $60-80 |
| Saturday dinner (mid-range) | $100-130 |
| Sunday brunch | $50-70 |
| Drinks/beverages | $50-100 |
| Total | $410-580 CAD |
Prices include estimated tax and gratuity.
Money-Saving Strategies
Prioritize lunch over dinner — The same restaurants often offer lunch prix fixe menus at 40-50% lower prices than dinner equivalents.
Skip alcohol or bring your own (where permitted) — Some restaurants offer corkage for a flat fee ($25-35 typically), making BYOB wine cheaper than restaurant markup.
Avoid peak nights — Some restaurants may add premium pricing for Saturday evening seatings.
Share dishes when possible — Prix fixe portions at some restaurants can be generous. Check if sharing is permitted before booking.
FAQ
Q: When does Capital City Bites take place?
Capital City Bites runs from January 31 to February 6, 2026—a full week of special dining opportunities. The event coincides with Winterlude’s opening weekend, allowing visitors to combine winter activities with culinary exploration.
Q: How do I get a digital pass for Capital City Bites?
Visit tasteottawa.com to register for a free digital pass. Registration requires only an email address and takes approximately two minutes. The pass provides access to participating restaurant details, menus, and reservation links.
Q: How much do prix fixe menus cost?
Pricing varies by restaurant and meal period. Lunch menus typically range from $25-45 CAD, while dinner prix fixe menus range from $40-100 CAD. Fine dining establishments may offer tasting menus at higher price points. All prices exclude tax, gratuity, and beverages unless specified.
Q: Do I need reservations for Capital City Bites?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for popular restaurants and weekend dining. Smaller establishments like North & Navy and Alice will book immediately upon menu announcement. Book through OpenTable, Resy, or directly through restaurant websites.
Q: Can I accommodate dietary restrictions during restaurant week?
Most restaurants can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Contact restaurants directly before booking to discuss allergies, vegetarian/vegan requirements, or religious dietary needs. Prix fixe menus offer limited substitution flexibility.
Q: Is Capital City Bites only for fine dining restaurants?
No—Capital City Bites features restaurants across all price tiers and cuisine types. While fine dining establishments like Beckta and Riviera participate, you’ll also find casual bistros, seafood spots, beer bars, and neighbourhood restaurants. The diversity ensures options for every budget and preference.
Q: How does Capital City Bites compare to other restaurant weeks?
This is Ottawa’s first coordinated restaurant week. Similar events in Toronto (Winterlicious) and Montreal (MTL à Table) have run successfully for decades, attracting hundreds of thousands of diners annually. Capital City Bites adapts this proven model for the National Capital Region.
Q: What neighbourhoods are included in Capital City Bites?
Participating restaurants span Ottawa’s major dining corridors: ByWard Market, Downtown/Centretown, Wellington West, Hintonburg, the Glebe, and Westboro. The geographic diversity showcases Ottawa’s neighbourhood-specific culinary identities.
Q: How do I get to participating restaurants by transit?
O-Train Line 1 serves downtown Ottawa with stations at Parliament, Rideau, and Pimisi—all within walking distance of major restaurant clusters. Single rides cost $3.50 CAD. For Wellington West and Hintonburg, bus routes 11 and 14 provide direct service along Wellington Street.
Q: Can I participate in Capital City Bites if I’m visiting Ottawa?
Absolutely—the event welcomes visitors and makes an excellent complement to Winterlude tourism. Register for your free digital pass before arriving, make reservations in advance, and plan restaurant visits around your Winterlude activities.
Q: Will menus be available before the event starts?
Participating restaurants typically release their prix fixe menus one to two weeks before the event begins. Register for the digital pass to receive notifications when menus become available.
Q: Is tipping expected during restaurant week?
Yes—standard gratuity expectations apply during Capital City Bites. Plan for 18-20% tip on the pre-tax bill. Prix fixe pricing does not include service charges unless explicitly stated.
Final Thoughts
Capital City Bites marks a significant milestone for Ottawa’s culinary scene. After years of watching Toronto and Montreal celebrate their restaurant communities through city-wide dining events, Ottawa finally joins the conversation. The inaugural event brings together 50+ restaurants across the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, offering locals and visitors alike an accessible way to explore Ottawa’s diverse food culture.
The overlap with Winterlude creates a rare opportunity—outdoor winter activities by day, exceptional dining by night. Whether you’re skating the Rideau Canal before warming up with house-made pasta at North & Navy, or exploring ice sculptures in Confederation Park before a seafood feast at Supply and Demand, this week offers experiences unavailable at any other time of year.
Register for your free digital pass at tasteottawa.com, book your priority restaurants immediately upon menu release, and prepare for Ottawa’s culinary coming-out party.
Sources: Taste Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism
