Last Updated: January 6, 2026
Ottawa’s fine dining scene has evolved into one of Canada’s most sophisticated culinary destinations, with four restaurants earning spots on the prestigious Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list in 2025—a remarkable achievement for the nation’s capital.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, closing a business deal, or simply craving an unforgettable meal, Ottawa delivers experiences rivalling Toronto and Montreal at often more accessible price points. From Chef Marc Lepine’s globally-recognized molecular gastronomy at Atelier to the intimate sustainability-focused tasting menus at Perch, this guide covers every upscale dining option worth your attention. Real reviews from Reddit’s r/ottawa and r/OttawaFood communities, OpenTable ratings, and local food critics inform these recommendations—not marketing copy.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Atelier ($250 tasting menu) represents Ottawa’s pinnacle of culinary innovation, while Perch ($160 for 9 courses) delivers the city’s most acclaimed contemporary experience. For French cuisine, Gitanes consistently earns the highest ratings. Business diners favour Riviera’s dramatic setting, and romantic dinners thrive at North & Navy’s intimate townhouse atmosphere.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fine Dining Options | 25+ upscale restaurants |
| Top Pick (Splurge) | Atelier - $250/person tasting menu |
| Best Value Tasting Menu | Stofa - $95/person for 3 courses |
| Best for Romance | Gitanes, North & Navy, Riviera |
| Best for Business | Riviera, Beckta, E18hteen |
| Reservation Lead Time | 60+ days for top restaurants |
| Dress Code | Smart casual to business formal |
Contemporary Canadian Fine Dining
Ottawa’s contemporary restaurants blend Canadian ingredients with global techniques
Ottawa’s contemporary Canadian restaurants have earned national recognition for pushing culinary boundaries while celebrating local ingredients. These establishments represent the capital’s most ambitious dining experiences.
Atelier - Ottawa’s Culinary Pinnacle
540 Rochester Street, Hintonburg | $250/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.9
Atelier stands as Ottawa’s most celebrated culinary achievement and one of only six Canadian restaurants to receive an international award from The Best Chef Awards in 2024. Chef Marc Lepine, a two-time Canadian Culinary Championship winner, orchestrates an experience that functions as both art and theatre.
The “Zyre” tasting menu unfolds across seven distinct expressions, expanding to 12-15 courses with amuse-bouche, bread service, and petit fours. Modernist techniques transform familiar ingredients into unexpected presentations that challenge and delight serious food enthusiasts.
What Reddit Says: “If you’re going to do one fancy dinner in Ottawa, Atelier is the answer. Nothing else comes close to the creativity and execution.” — r/OttawaFood
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Capacity: 35 seats maximum
- Best For: Special occasions, adventurous diners
- Reservations: Essential, release 60 days ahead
- Book: OpenTable or direct phone
Perch - The Rising Star
300 Preston Street, Little Italy | $160/person (9 courses) | OpenTable Rating: 4.9
Chef Justin Champagne’s Perch earned #4 on enRoute’s Best New Canadian Restaurants in 2022 and maintains its position on Canada’s 100 Best. The restaurant prioritizes sustainability across every dimension—from ingredient sourcing to staff work-life balance.
The open kitchen design allows guests to observe culinary artistry firsthand, creating an intimate connection between chef and diner. Choose between five courses at first seating or the full nine-course experience, with optional beverage pairings at $100.
What Locals Say: “This is the best fine dining experience I’ve had in Ottawa since Atelier’s peak years. Food is creative, service is warm, and the atmosphere is perfect.” — Reddit user
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Capacity: 14 tasting seats + 14 lounge seats
- Best For: Romantic dinners, foodie celebrations
- Reservations: Required 60+ days in advance
- Wine: Natural wine focus, excellent pairings
Stofa - Exceptional Value
1356 Wellington Street West, Wellington Village | $95-115/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.9
Stofa offers modernist Canadian cuisine in an understated, welcoming environment that punches well above its price point. The fixed-price table d’hôte menus—three courses at $95 or five courses at $115—represent outstanding value compared to competitors.
Chef ownership emphasizes local and sustainable ingredients sourced from the Ottawa Valley and Lanark County. Menu changes seasonally, ensuring return visits reveal new culinary discoveries.
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Best For: Couples seeking value, weeknight dining
- Private Dining: Available
- Reservations: Recommended via OpenTable
Black Tartan Kitchen - Worth the Drive
132 Bridge Street, Carleton Place | $84-144/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.9
Located 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Black Tartan Kitchen earned placement on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2025. Chef Ian Carswell celebrates Lanark County’s finest products through classical French technique with modern progression.
Options range from three-course table d’hôte at $84 to seven-course tasting menu at $144. The journey creates destination dining appeal that serious food enthusiasts consider essential.
- Dress Code: Smart casual to business formal
- Best For: Special occasions worth a drive
- Private Dining: Available
- Reservations: Strongly recommended
French Fine Dining
Ottawa’s French restaurants range from refined tasting menus to accessible bistros
French cuisine maintains strong representation in Ottawa’s fine dining landscape, from intimate tasting rooms to classic bistro experiences. These establishments honour French tradition while incorporating Canadian ingredients and sensibilities.
Gitanes - Best French Restaurant
361 Elgin Street, Centretown | $51+/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.9 (714 reviews)
Gitanes achieves Ottawa’s highest rating among French restaurants, with Chef Mitch Lacombe creating cuisine using sustainably sourced Canadian ingredients. The romantic, intimate atmosphere combined with an extensive wine cellar makes this the premier choice for date night restaurants.
The tasting menu with wine pairings represents the signature experience, while the Chef’s Table offers deeper immersion into the restaurant’s philosophy. Fresh seafood from the raw bar showcases particular strength.
Reddit Consensus: Gitanes consistently earns recognition as Ottawa’s finest French option, with particular praise for romantic ambiance and service excellence.
- Dress Code: Smart casual to business formal
- Best For: Romantic dinners, anniversaries
- Wine: Extensive cellar, old and new world
- Reservations: Strongly recommended
Cocotte Bistro - French Comfort
Downtown (Metcalfe Hotel) | $50-80/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.4 (1,054 reviews)
Cocotte Bistro presents French comfort cuisine with contemporary polish in a chic setting featuring geometric black-and-white tiles and green velvet banquettes. The accessible price point and flexible hours—breakfast through dinner plus weekend brunch—suit various occasions.
Signature offerings include steak frites, fresh oysters, tartare, and the house “Ottawa-Brest” dessert. Proximity to the National Arts Centre makes this an excellent pre-theatre option.
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Best For: Pre-theatre, business lunches
- Hours: Breakfast through dinner
- Reservations: Recommended for dinner
Italian Upscale Dining
Fresh pasta crafted daily defines Ottawa’s Italian fine dining scene
Ottawa’s Italian upscale dining emphasizes handmade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and regional authenticity. For more casual Italian options, explore our Little Italy Ottawa guide.
North & Navy - Venetian Excellence
226 Nepean Street, Centretown | $40-60/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.8
North & Navy earned #95 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants through Chef Adam Vettorel’s sophisticated interpretation of Venetian cuisine. Operating from a converted Centretown townhouse, the restaurant draws parallels between Eastern Ontario and Northeast Italy’s climates and ingredients.
Daily handmade pasta, house-cured salami, and weekly menu changes reflect ingredient availability and chef-driven creativity. The intimate spaces include a marble bar, front dining area, and private room seating six—ideal for celebrations.
Signature Dishes: Housemade gnocchi, polpette with fresh tomato sauce, charred eggplant with yogurt
- Dress Code: Smart casual to business casual
- Best For: Intimate celebrations, pasta lovers
- Private Room: 6 seats available
- Reservations: Essential via OpenTable or phone (613-232-6289)
Mati - Mediterranean Splendour
428 Preston Street, Little Italy | $$$ | OpenTable Rating: 4.7 (348 reviews)
Mati emphasizes Mediterranean seafood preparations with particular strength in crudo and raw bar offerings. The extensive menu ranges through premium proteins including Canadian prime beef up to Wagyu A5 selections.
The signature seafood tower ($150-250) combines hot and cold preparations with lobster tail, scallops, shrimp, and more. Private dining requires a $3,000 minimum spend, reflecting the venue’s upscale positioning.
- Dress Code: Business casual
- Best For: Seafood celebrations, group dinners
- Private Dining: Available ($3,000 minimum)
- Location: Heart of Little Italy
Steakhouses - Premium Beef
Ottawa’s premium steakhouses serve Canadian beef in elegant settings
Ottawa’s high-end steakhouses combine premium Canadian beef with sophisticated atmospheres suitable for business entertainment and special celebrations. For a complete overview, see our steakhouse Ottawa guide.
Sussex & Co. - Historic Elegance
15 Clarence Street, ByWard Market | $90-150/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.9
Chef Shawn Arbuckle’s Sussex & Co. operates from a historic 19th-century carriage house in the ByWard Market. The premium steakhouse specializes in Canadian beef served in a setting combining heritage architecture with modern sophistication.
The downstairs speakeasy-style bar “Little Sussex Snacks & Libations” adds entertainment value, while Chef Appreciation events highlight rising culinary talent from the kitchen team.
- Dress Code: Smart casual to business formal
- Best For: Business entertainment, celebrations
- Speakeasy: Downstairs bar venue
- Reservations: Strongly recommended
E18hteen - 20 Years of Excellence
18 York Street, ByWard Market | $100-140/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.8 (1,652 reviews)
E18hteen has served Ottawa’s business professionals and celebrants for over two decades, maintaining consistent recognition for “Canadian Freestyle Cuisine.” Chef David Godsoe emphasizes seasonal ingredients sourced through relationships with local farmers.
The striking heritage space features high ceilings, exposed stone walls, and an elegant fireplace. Weekly-updated multi-course tasting menus provide chef-driven alternatives to à la carte dining.
- Dress Code: Smart casual to business formal
- Best For: Business dinners, formal occasions
- Menu: À la carte and weekly tasting menus
- Reservations: Essential via OpenTable
The Shore Club - Steak & Seafood
11 Colonel By Drive, ByWard Market | $90-130/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.6-4.7
The Shore Club presents refined steak and seafood in an art deco-inspired setting paying homage to grand ocean liners. Head Chef Kirk Woodland focuses on classic yet contemporary preparations with an award-winning wine list.
The “Low Tide Cocktail Hour” established recognition as one of Ottawa’s premier spots for oysters and cocktails. Luxurious contemporary décor creates an appropriately elegant environment for romantic occasions.
- Dress Code: Smart casual to business formal
- Best For: Romantic dinners, celebrations
- Specialty: Raw bar, oysters
- Reservations: Essential
Japanese Omakase & High-End Sushi
Ottawa’s omakase experiences feature fish flown in from Japan
For Ottawa’s most authentic Japanese fine dining, these establishments import premium fish and employ trained sushi masters. For more sushi options at various price points, see our best sushi Ottawa guide.
Shinka Sushi Bar - Premier Omakase
2900 Sheffield Road | $175-350/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.9
Shinka represents Ottawa’s most exclusive omakase experience, with the full experience priced at $350 per person. Fresh Japanese fish flown in almost daily creates authentic omakase artistry that justifies premium positioning.
The industrial park location creates destination dining appeal for serious sushi enthusiasts. Chef’s Choice menus at $150-175 provide excellent entry points for experiencing the quality.
Reddit Reviews: “Omakase takeout box plus extras—$300 for two people. Worth every dollar for the quality.” — r/sushi
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Best For: Sushi purists, special occasions
- Price Range: $175-350/person
- Reservations: Essential, especially weekends
Tomo Restaurant - ByWard Market Omakase
109 Clarence Street, ByWard Market | $80-150/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.8 (207 reviews)
Executive Chef Daniel Ken Miyamoto brings 29 years of sushi mastery to Tomo’s recently refreshed menu. The elevated dishes reflect the highest standards with intricate flavour profiles distinguishing the restaurant in Ottawa’s Japanese scene.
The open preparation allows diners to observe artistry directly, creating an engaging culinary experience in the heart of the ByWard Market.
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Best For: Japanese cuisine enthusiasts
- Location: Walking distance from downtown hotels
- Reservations: Essential
Seafood Fine Dining
Ottawa’s seafood restaurants source from Atlantic Canada and beyond
Despite being landlocked, Ottawa’s fine dining establishments maintain exceptional seafood programs through relationships with coastal suppliers and commitment to freshness.
The Shore Club (covered in Steakhouses) represents Ottawa’s premier dedicated seafood venue, while Gitanes, Mati, and The Ivy Restaurant excel in seafood preparations within broader menus.
Unique & Specialty Fine Dining
Ottawa’s specialty restaurants bring global cuisines to fine dining standards
Coconut Lagoon - South Indian Excellence
853 St. Laurent Boulevard, Vanier | $36-180/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.8 (1,173 reviews)
Chef Joe Thottungal brings Kerala’s culinary traditions to elevated fine dining, creating one of Canada’s rare South Indian upscale experiences. Standard lunch begins at $36 per person, while special Kerala Lobster Feasts reach $180 including taxes, gratuity, and welcome drinks.
For more Indian food options in Ottawa, explore our dedicated guide.
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Best For: Adventurous diners, celebrations
- Specialty: Kerala cuisine
- Reservations: Recommended
Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine - South American Refinement
200 Elgin Street | $60-100/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.8 (822 reviews)
Chef Lizardo Becerra explores Peru’s multiple microclimates through refined cuisine, utilizing both Canadian staples and ingredients sourced directly from Peru. Ceviche, carefully grilled meats, and bold flavours distinguish this unique fine dining experience.
- Dress Code: Smart casual to business formal
- Best For: Adventurous palates, business dinners
- Specialty: Peruvian ceviche, grilled meats
- Reservations: Recommended
Arlo - Natural Wine Focus
340 Somerset Street West | $40-60/person | OpenTable Rating: 4.8
Arlo emphasizes natural wine with sommelier-driven curation featuring rare and unusual selections unavailable elsewhere in the region. The tree-shrouded garden patio or cozy interior creates intimate atmosphere for wine enthusiasts.
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Best For: Wine lovers, casual fine dining
- Specialty: Natural wines, small plates
- Reservations: Recommended
Best Fine Dining by Occasion
Anniversary & Romantic Dinners
Finding the perfect romantic date night restaurant requires atmosphere, service, and memorable food:
- Riviera - Most dramatically romantic space with art deco grandeur
- Gitanes - Chef-curated tasting with wine pairings, intimate room
- The Shore Club - Elegant ocean liner aesthetic, award-winning wine
- North & Navy - Converted townhouse intimacy with Venetian warmth
- Arlo - Tree-shrouded patio, natural wine focus
Business Dinners & Entertainment
For impressing clients or closing deals:
- Riviera - Professional atmosphere, impressive space, Parliament Hill location
- Beckta - Established institution, private dining rooms, consistent excellence
- E18hteen - Dedicated business clientele, formal service
- Sussex & Co. - Luxury setting, attentive service, historic location
- North & Navy - Elegant private room, sophisticated cuisine
Tasting Menu Experiences
For food enthusiasts seeking chef-driven journeys:
| Restaurant | Courses | Price | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atelier | 7 expressions (12-15 total) | $250 | Modernist, molecular |
| Perch | 5 or 9 courses | $160 | Sustainable, Canadian |
| Stofa | 3 or 5 courses | $95-115 | Seasonal, accessible |
| Beckta | 5 courses | $125 | Classical, refined |
| Black Tartan | 4 or 7 courses | $96-144 | French-Canadian |
| Gitanes | Variable | $95+ | French, wine-focused |
Best Wine Programs
For oenophiles seeking exceptional lists:
- Gitanes - Extensive cellar, particularly renowned
- Arlo - Natural wine focus, rare selections
- Beckta - Deep Old and New World inventory
- The Shore Club - Award-winning international selections
Price Comparison Guide
| Price Tier | Per Person (Food) | With Wine | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| $$$ (Accessible) | $40-60 | $70-100 | North & Navy, Arlo, Prova |
| $$$$ (Established) | $60-100 | $100-160 | Riviera, Gitanes, E18hteen, Beckta |
| Tasting Menus | $95-160 | $145-260 | Stofa, Perch, Black Tartan |
| Luxury Tastings | $250+ | $350+ | Atelier, Shinka Omakase |
Reservation & Booking Strategies
OpenTable Tips
OpenTable serves as Ottawa’s primary reservation platform. Most establishments release tables 60 days in advance. The platform’s Diners’ Choice recognition identifies top performers across categories like business meals and romantic dining.
When to Book Directly
Phone reservations prove essential for:
- Chef’s table experiences (Gitanes, Atelier)
- Groups of 5+ (Perch requires direct contact)
- Special occasion menu requests
- Dietary accommodations
- Last-minute availability searches
Walk-In Reality
Walk-ins rarely succeed at tasting menu restaurants. À la carte establishments like Riviera and Gitanes occasionally accommodate during slower periods, though reservations remain strongly recommended.
Timing Strategy
Lunch service (Tuesday-Friday) typically offers easier access than dinner (Thursday-Saturday saturation). Special occasion dates—Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve—require booking 2+ months ahead at top restaurants.
Ottawa Fine Dining Dress Code Guide
The capital’s fine dining maintains professional dress codes:
| Level | Description | Appropriate For |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Casual | Dress pants, collared shirt | Arlo, Stofa, Prova |
| Business Casual | Add blazer or elegant sweater | North & Navy, Cocotte, Mati |
| Business Formal | Jacket for men, elegant attire | Atelier, Perch, Gitanes, Beckta |
Avoid: Gym wear, athletic apparel, tank tops, visibly worn denim
When uncertain, err toward dressier presentation. Ottawa maintains less strict codes than major financial centres, but business formal guarantees appropriateness everywhere.
Fine Dining by Neighbourhood
Downtown Core & Parliamentary Area
- Atelier (540 Rochester St)
- Perch (300 Preston St)
- Gitanes (361 Elgin St)
- Raphaël Peruvian (200 Elgin St)
- Riviera (62 Sparks St)
- Cocotte Bistro (Downtown)
ByWard Market
The ByWard Market concentrates several upscale options:
- E18hteen (18 York St)
- Sussex & Co. (15 Clarence St)
- The Shore Club (11 Colonel By Dr)
- Tomo Restaurant (109 Clarence St)
- North & Navy (226 Nepean St)
Greater Ottawa
- Stofa (1356 Wellington St W)
- Arlo (340 Somerset St W)
- Coconut Lagoon (853 St. Laurent Blvd)
- Mati (428 Preston St)
- Shinka Sushi (2900 Sheffield Rd)
Worth the Drive
- Black Tartan Kitchen (Carleton Place, 45 min)
- The Ivy Restaurant (Lansdowne)
- Antonyme (Gatineau, QC)
New Fine Dining Openings (2024-2025)
Ottawa’s dining scene continues evolving with notable additions:
- Antheia (Somerset Street West, Chinatown) - Chef Briana Kim’s plant-based sequel to Alice, December 2025 opening
- Sauterelle - Chef Marc Lepine’s second restaurant with year-round indoor garden, expected 2026+
- Tomo Restaurant refresh - New Executive Chef Daniel Ken Miyamoto with significant menu updates
Canada’s 100 Best Recognition
Ottawa earned four spots on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2025:
- Atelier - Top-tier international recognition
- Perch - #23 national ranking in 2023, maintained 2025
- North & Navy - #95 ranking
- Black Tartan Kitchen - Regional recognition (Carleton Place)
This concentration reflects Ottawa’s emergence as a serious culinary destination beyond provincial capital status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Ottawa’s best fine dining restaurant overall?
Atelier ($250 tasting menu) represents the pinnacle for modernist cuisine enthusiasts, while Perch ($160 for 9 courses) earns Reddit consensus as the best all-around experience. Choice depends on whether you prefer avant-garde molecular gastronomy or refined sustainability-focused cooking.
Q: How far ahead should I book fine dining in Ottawa?
Top restaurants like Atelier and Perch require 60+ day advance booking. Gitanes and North & Navy typically need 2-4 weeks. Mid-range establishments like Cocotte often accommodate 1-2 weeks ahead, and walk-ins occasionally succeed during lunch service.
Q: What should I wear to fine dining restaurants in Ottawa?
Smart casual represents the minimum standard—dress pants with collared shirt. Business casual or formal is expected at Atelier, Perch, Gitanes, Beckta, and Sussex & Co. Avoid athletic wear, tank tops, and excessively casual attire.
Q: Which fine dining restaurant is best for business dinners?
Riviera tops business entertainment with its dramatic architecture near Parliament Hill. Beckta offers established reliability with private dining rooms. E18hteen serves dedicated business clientele in a formal ByWard Market setting.
Q: What is the best value tasting menu in Ottawa?
Stofa offers exceptional value at $95 for three courses or $115 for five courses—significantly below competitors while maintaining 4.9 OpenTable ratings. Black Tartan Kitchen ($84-144) provides similar value with additional destination appeal.
Q: Are Ottawa fine dining restaurants kid-friendly?
Most fine dining restaurants welcome children but prioritize adult dining experiences. For families, consider lunch service at Cocotte or casual options at North & Navy’s bar area. Tasting menu restaurants generally suit diners 12+ who can appreciate extended multi-course meals.
Q: Which restaurant has the best wine list?
Gitanes earns particular renown for its extensive cellar with old and new world selections. Arlo appeals to natural wine enthusiasts with rare finds unavailable elsewhere. Beckta maintains deep traditional inventory across regions.
Q: What’s the best fine dining for vegetarians?
Antheia (opening December 2025) offers dedicated plant-based fine dining from Chef Briana Kim. Currently, Atelier and Perch accommodate vegetarian requests with advance notice—contact directly when booking. Coconut Lagoon offers excellent South Indian vegetarian preparations.
Q: Is fine dining in Ottawa worth the price?
Ottawa’s fine dining delivers exceptional value compared to Toronto and Montreal. Atelier charges less than comparable Toronto tasting menus while maintaining international recognition. Stofa’s $95 three-course menu rivals $150+ experiences elsewhere.
Q: What’s open late for fine dining?
Most fine dining requires early evening reservations (5:30-8:00 PM). For late night Ottawa options, shift expectations toward wine bars and casual establishments. Riviera’s bar occasionally extends hours for cocktails.
Q: Do Ottawa fine dining restaurants accommodate allergies?
All reputable establishments accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. When booking, specify allergies clearly—tasting menu restaurants prepare modifications requiring kitchen planning. Severe allergies warrant direct phone calls rather than online notes.
Q: Which restaurant has the best private dining room?
Riviera accommodates up to 110 guests for large events. Beckta offers multiple intimate spaces. North & Navy’s private room seats six—ideal for small celebrations. Antonyme in Gatineau provides private dining for 16 guests.
Final Summary
Ottawa’s fine dining scene offers genuine world-class experiences spanning contemporary Canadian innovation, refined French technique, authentic Italian craftsmanship, and premium steakhouse culture. Four Canada’s 100 Best restaurants anchor a scene that continues evolving with exciting new openings.
For the ultimate special occasion, Atelier’s $250 modernist experience remains unmatched in creativity. Perch delivers the current sweet spot of quality, atmosphere, and value. Budget-conscious fine diners find exceptional returns at Stofa. And romantics discover perfect settings at Gitanes and North & Navy.
Book 60+ days ahead for top restaurants, dress appropriately, and prepare for memorable culinary journeys that justify every dollar spent.
Sources: OpenTable Ottawa, Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants, r/OttawaFood, TripAdvisor Ottawa
