Looking for the best restaurants in Ottawa this year? You’re in for a treat — literally. In 2025, four Ottawa dining spots earned a place on the official Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list — a prestigious ranking chosen by chefs, food critics, and culinary experts across the country. These aren’t just places to eat — they’re destinations.
So, whether you’re visiting for the weekend or rediscovering your own city, grab your appetite. Here are Ottawa’s top restaurants in 2025, each with its own story, flavor, and fan base.
Ranked by Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2025:
- Atelier — #41
- Arlo — #49
- Perch — #75
- Riviera — #88
1. Riviera — Where Fine Dining Meets Art Deco Cool
Location: 62 Sparks St.
Ranked #88 in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2025
Also featured in Canada’s Top Restaurant Bars
Step into Riviera, and you’ll feel like you’ve walked onto a movie set. Housed inside a stunning 1930s heritage bank, this downtown Ottawa gem oozes vintage class and modern creativity.
But let’s talk about food. Miso-glazed cod, lobster pasta, steak frites, and perfectly crafted cocktails — it’s where high-powered business lunches turn into romantic dinners and everything in between. If you’re Googling “best upscale restaurants in Ottawa”, this one should be at the top of your list.
Riviera, Ottawa – Tripadvisor
Insider Tip: Ask for a seat at the long marble bar for a front-row view of the cocktail artistry.
2. Atelier — 44 Courses. Zero Regrets.
Location: 540 Rochester St.
Ranked #41 in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2025
Let’s just say this isn’t your typical night out. At Atelier, you’re in for 44 tiny, mind-blowing courses crafted by Chef Marc Lepine — a culinary wizard known for turning food into theater.
From edible paper to smoky domes and wildly inventive plating, Atelier Ottawa is the place where food dreams come to life. It’s immersive, unforgettable, and a must for foodies searching for a truly unique Ottawa experience.
Atelier, Ottawa – Tripadvisor
Perfect for: Date nights, anniversaries, or bucket-list food adventures.
3. Arlo Wine & Restaurant — Small Plates, Big Vibes
Location: 340 Somerset St. W
Ranked #71 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2025
Arlo is the neighborhood wine bar everyone wishes they had. Think cozy, candle-lit tables, a vinyl record playing in the background, and a menu full of bold, beautiful small plates paired with natural wines.
Whether it’s the lamb ribs with harissa or the vegetarian-friendly polenta bowls, Arlo is all about casual elegance. This spot nails laid-back dining in Ottawa without compromising flavor or style.
Fun Fact: Their natural wine list changes often – so, there is always something new to sip.
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4. Perch
Location: 300 Preston St., Ottawa, Ont.
Ranked #75 in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2025
Justin Champagne-Lagarde serves dishes that are as creative and refined as you’d expect from a wide-roaming chef who helped open in Vancouver and, later, was sous-chef at in Ottawa. Nine-course tasting menus might include a savoury Dijon macaroon with Acadian sturgeon mousse and koji -aged, seaweed-wrapped duck breast with red-wine sauce.
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Why These Restaurants Stand Out in 2025
These four Ottawa restaurants didn’t just make the list — they’re redefining the local food scene. Here’s what they all have in common:
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Creative, passionate chefs
- Memorable atmosphere
- Consistent rave reviews
- National recognition from Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants
So, if you’re Googling:
“Where to eat in Ottawa this weekend”
“Best restaurants near Parliament Hill”
“Top Ottawa foodie spots 2025”
You’ve officially found them.
Plan Your Food Tour in Ottawa
| Restaurant | Must-Try Dish | Vibe | Area |
| Riviera | Miso black cod | Elegant & historic | Downtown |
| Atelier | 44-course tasting menu | Creative & immersive | Little Italy |
| Arlo | Lamb ribs & polenta | Cozy & hip | Centretown |
| Perch | Squid-ink pasta & oysters | Fresh & unfussy | Preston St. |
Final Bite
Ottawa is more than government and museums — it’s becoming a serious foodie destination. Whether you’re here for Parliament or poutine, these four must-try restaurants are changing the way people experience food in the capital.
Bookmark this guide, share it with friends, and start planning your next delicious outing.
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