Fine cuisine, excellent service and expansive wine lists; these restaurants really do exist in Ottawa for your date, celebration or business meeting.
Ottawa may not have the culinary scene that Montreal and Toronto boast, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a 5-star experience in the Capital. Especially in Ottawa’s downtown core, there are many options to choose from for high-end dining; with menus ranging from Canadian Cuisine to Authentic Italian.
Here are Ottawa’s fine dining restaurants that will live up to their promise.
Wilfrid’s Restaurant
If you’re in need of elegance in a Canadian city, you can usually look for The Fairmont. Ottawa’s Fairmont Château Laurier is home to Wilfrid’s Restaurant; an upscale and sophisticated restaurant that offers 5-star Canadian cuisine for visitors and hotel guests alike. It’s a wonderful spot to eat while viewing the Parliament and Rideau Locks, in one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Ottawa.
After dinner , you can take a walk down to the Byward Market to explore Ottawa’s bustling downtown scene or, stay at the Fairmont to continue your luxury experience.
If you’re looking for a fancy restaurant with some great scenery, this is a top choice.
The restaurant is open for dinner from 5:30 – 10 pm Monday – Saturday.
Beckta
If you’re looking for 5-star food, then reserving a seat at Ottawa’s renowned restaurateur Stephen Beckta’s restaurant is a great move. Beckta can be found in a beautifully modernized heritage building right at the corner of Elgin and Laurier. Inside, a two-story restaurant with private dining rooms await those with reservations. Beckta prepares a 5 course interactive chef’s tasting menu each night to walk guests through an amazing culinary experience. Or, they can choose to dine with the a la carte menu.
If you’re looking for a fancy restaurant that brings a focus to the culinary experience, Beckta is your top choice.
Riviera
Another heritage building restored into a trendy and upscale dining destination, Riviera can be found in an old bank on Sparks Street. Its sprawling ceilings and distinctive decor offer a relaxed dining atmosphere, with awe-inspiring food that is perfect for a dinner meeting or date.
Riviera is a great choice if you are looking for something that is both fancy and trendy. Riviera is known for its cocktail menu, with an in-house master-mixologist who can modify and create a cocktail to perfection. The food is decadent, the atmosphere amazing, and the whole Riviera experience is 5-star.
After dinner, you can take a walk on Sparks Street or up to Parliament Hill for some stunning views of the Rideau Canal.
The Shore Club
The Shore Club is a sophisticated dinner club that offers excellent seafood and steak. Just inside the Westin, the club is a bustling social scene at the bar, but offers a relaxed dinner experience as well. An expansive wine list is accompanied by a daily fresh sheet. White table cloths and 5-star service enhance the atmosphere that makes The Shore Club one of Ottawa’s top fancy restaurants.
Signature dishes include Antarctic Sea Bass, Steak & Lobster, and Big Eye Tuna, and desserts mention a Baked Alaska and Creme Brulee.
If you’re looking for an inviting yet upscale spot for dinner, this is your top choice.
Giovannis
White tablecloth dining is an incredible experience at Giovanni’s, located in the heart of Little Italy. Expert service is met with a warm, inviting and elegant atmosphere that is perfect for any date or intimate celebration. Their menu of Italian fine cuisine is infamous in Ottawa.
Fine Italian cuisine and seafood is best served at Giovanni’s, with daily and weekly specializes of fresh and expertly-prepared dishes. Champagne goes well with this fancy restaurant.
If you’re looking for a memorable, exquisite spot on Preston Street, or simply a fancy Italian Restaurant, Giovanni’s is your best choice.
Though Ottawa is not as big as its sister cities to the east and west, it has a great variety of options for those looking for a fancy, fine-dining experience or an extravagant culinary adventure.
Fancy restaurants in Ottawa are not limited to the downtown core; with spots in Little Italy and Kanata that are great choices, too.
Things To Know:
How Much Should You Expect To Pay?
Obviously prices will vary per restaurants, but white tablecloth restaurants will have apps for around $12 – $45, and mains from $21 – $150.
The most expensive items are typically steaks and seafood.
Dress Codes
Some white table cloth restaurants have dress codes- which should be found on their website. You can always call ahead to check if you aren’t sure, but it is best practice to dress at least business casual.
Hang Your Coat
Another thing to know about white cloth dining is that you usually have a place to hang your coat, and shouldn’t bring it to the table. It’s best practice to let them hang it up for you, rather than draping it over your seat.
Double Check For Auto-Grat
Most restaurants in Ontario do not include a tip on the bill, and you’re expected to tip on your own. But, some upscale restaurants will include the service fee. Double check your bill to see if its already included, so you don’t double tip.
The Servers Know Best
Unsure of what to order? Your server is an expert. Ask him or her for recommendations. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction based off of your preferences, and can also explain menu items to you in detail to help you narrow down your choices.
When In Doubt, Go Fresh
If you truly can’t decide, always go with their ‘specials’ / daily menu. It’s guaranteed to be fresh.
Make Reservations
Especially for fine dining, calling ahead is best to ensure you get a seat. Most fine dining restaurants in Ottawa fill up every night, and making a reservation is a good idea.
This Article Covers:
Fancy Restaurants In Ottawa
Ottawa’s White Tablecloth Restaurants
Date Restaurants Ottawa
Romantic Restaurants Ottawa
Five Start Restaurants in Ottawa
5 Star Restaurants in Ottawa
Ottawa Ristorantes
Ottawa Upscale Dining
Dining In Ottawa
Ottawa’s Best Restaurants
Ottawa’s Best Fancy Restaurants
High End Restaurants in Ottawa
Most Fancy Restaurant in Ottawa
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