Whether you’re planning a company holiday party, a romantic festive dinner, or searching for the perfect Christmas Day restaurant, Ottawa’s dining scene delivers exceptional options to celebrate the season.
From elegant fine dining with sweeping views to cozy neighborhood gems serving holiday comfort food, here’s your guide to Ottawa’s best restaurants for December 2025 celebrations.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa offers exceptional holiday dining from upscale options like Riviera and Fairmont Château Laurier to festive experiences like Santa’s Secret Speakeasy. Book early—holiday reservations fill fast!
| Restaurant Type | Top Pick |
|---|---|
| 🎩 Fine Dining | Riviera, Harmons Steakhouse |
| 🏨 Hotel Dining | Fairmont Château Laurier |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly | NeXT, Elgin Street Diner |
| 🎄 Festive Theme | Santa’s Secret Speakeasy |
| ☕ Cozy Winter | DreamLand Café, 107 Fourth Ave |
Upscale Holiday Dining
Riviera
Location: 62 Sparks Street
One of Ottawa’s most elegant dining destinations, Riviera transforms for the holidays with its grand décor and gourmet menu.
Private Dining:
- Banker’s Office – 12 seated guests
- Cellar Vault – 12 seated guests
- Full restaurant buyout – 60 seated / 140 standing
Best For: Corporate holiday parties, romantic celebrations, sophisticated group dinners
Image: Illustrative image only.
Harmons Steakhouse
Location: 283 Elgin Street
Premium steakhouse offering ribeye, tenderloin, and tomahawk cuts in an elegant setting perfect for holiday celebrations.
Private Dining:
- Sutherland Room – 10-18 guests
- Terrace – Up to 50 guests
Best For: Business dinners, steak lovers, groups seeking premium experience
Hotel Holiday Dining
Fairmont Château Laurier
Location: 1 Rideau Street
The iconic castle hotel offers multiple holiday dining experiences curated for the season.
Holiday Options:
- Christmas Dinner – Elegant multi-course meal
- Festive Afternoon Tea – Holiday-themed traditional service
- 1912 on Yuletide Lane – Special Christmas bar experience
Best For: Special occasions, tourists, classic holiday elegance
Brookstreet Hotel - Perspectives Restaurant
Location: Kanata
Chef-crafted festive dinners in an elegant, joyful setting.
Options:
- Perspectives Restaurant – Fine dining festive menu
- Ironstone Grill – Casual holiday feast
Best For: West-end celebrations, pre/post-Senators game dinners
Festive Themed Experiences
Santa’s Secret Speakeasy
Location: ByWard Market
A holiday-themed popup experience bringing seasonal magic to cocktails and small plates.
What to Expect:
- Themed cocktails
- Holiday décor immersion
- Festive small plates
- Limited engagement
Best For: Couples, friend groups, Instagram-worthy experiences
Nan’s Parlour
Location: ByWard Market
Holiday-themed restaurant experience in the heart of the market district.
Best For: Groups seeking unique holiday atmosphere
Cozy Winter Dining
DreamLand Café
Location: Little Italy
A colorful, charming haven perfect for winter dinner after outdoor activities.
Vibe: Tropical-inspired décor creates warm retreat from the cold
Best For: Date nights, creative comfort food, escaping winter blues
107 Fourth Avenue Wine Bar
Location: The Glebe
Hidden gem with warm, intimate atmosphere—dimly lit and inviting.
Vibe: Cozy, romantic, neighborhood feel
Best For: Wine lovers, quiet celebrations, couples
Image: Illustrative image only.
Christmas Day Dining
Not everyone wants to cook on December 25. These restaurants serve Christmas dinner:
| Restaurant | Location | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Feast + Revel | Andaz Hotel | Contemporary |
| Wilfrid’s Restaurant | Château Laurier | Classic |
| Forty-One Restaurant | Lord Elgin Hotel | Elegant |
| Perspectives | Brookstreet Hotel | Fine dining |
| Elgin Street Diner | Elgin Street | Casual |
Important: Book well in advance—Christmas Day spots fill quickly!
Private Dining for Groups
Small Groups (6-20)
| Restaurant | Capacity | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Corner Peach | 6-10 | Boutique, intimate |
| Riviera | 12 | Elegant vault settings |
| Harmons | 10-18 | Premium steakhouse |
Large Groups (20-100+)
| Restaurant | Capacity | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender Grill & Lounge | 100-120 | ByWard Market |
| Harmons Terrace | 50 | Outdoor covered |
| Riviera Full Buyout | 140 standing | Upscale |
Booking Tips for December
When to Book:
- Corporate parties: Book in October/November
- Christmas Eve/Day: Book 4-6 weeks ahead
- Weeknight dinners: 2 weeks ahead usually sufficient
- Weekend dinners: 3-4 weeks ahead recommended
What to Confirm:
- Holiday hours (may differ from regular)
- Special holiday menu vs. regular menu
- Deposit or prepayment requirements
- Cancellation policy
- Dietary accommodation availability
Budget-Conscious Holiday Dining
More Affordable Options:
- Elgin Street Diner – Classic diner, open holidays
- Restaurant Gezellig – Accessible fine dining
- Local brewpubs – Festive atmosphere, reasonable prices
- ByWard Market eateries – Variety of price points
Money-Saving Tips:
- Lunch vs. dinner – Same menu, lower prices
- Early seatings – Sometimes discounted
- Gift cards – Purchase in advance for deals
- Prix fixe menus – Often better value than à la carte
Dietary Accommodations
Ottawa’s holiday restaurants generally accommodate:
- Vegetarian and vegan options
- Gluten-free requests
- Allergy modifications
- Halal/Kosher (select restaurants)
Tip: Always mention dietary needs when booking, and confirm availability of accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I book for Christmas Eve dinner? A: Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Popular restaurants fill quickly for December 24.
Q: Do restaurants charge more during the holidays? A: Many offer special holiday menus that may be priced differently. Ask when booking what menu will be available.
Q: Can I find last-minute reservations in December? A: Weeknights are easier than weekends. Call restaurants directly for cancellations, or try apps like OpenTable for last-minute availability.
Q: Are there family-friendly holiday restaurant options? A: Yes! Elgin Street Diner, various chain restaurants, and hotel restaurants typically welcome families.
Q: Do I need to dress up for holiday dinners? A: Fine dining restaurants may expect smart casual or business casual. Call ahead if unsure about dress code.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s restaurant scene rises to the occasion every December, offering dining experiences that become part of your holiday memories. Whether you’re toasting the season with colleagues, treating family to a special meal, or celebrating quietly with someone special, there’s a perfect restaurant waiting.
The key to holiday dining success in Ottawa is planning ahead. Make reservations early, confirm details, and prepare to enjoy some of the best food the capital has to offer—all wrapped in seasonal celebration.
Happy holidays, and bon appétit!
Source: Ottawa Tourism, To Do Canada, and individual restaurant websites – Summarized and adapted for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa dining guides, visit Where to Go or explore our Ottawa Events section!
