Ethan BrownWe’re on a mission to uncover the superiore of Italian restaurants in Ottawa, and we’re taking you along for the ride!
Italian cuisine has a way of stealing hearts (and taste buds) with its unbeatable blend of fresh ingredients, mouthwatering simplicity, and oh-so-divine flavors.
Let’s get ready to revisit your favorite pasta joints, unearth some hidden gems, and maybe even stumble upon a few new amore-inducing spots! From cheesy pizzas to dreamy risottos, Ottawa’s Italian scene has it all.
So, grab your fork, ditch the diet, and let’s mangia like there’s no domani!
Giovanni’s Restaurant
– Media credit: giovannisrestaurantottawa
Website: https://www.giovannis-restaurant.com/
Address: 362 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M7, Canada
Contact: +1 613-234-3156
Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM–11 PM
Are you looking to add a dash of Italian flair to your dining adventures? Giovanni’s is the Italian joint that’s been dishing out deliciousness since 1983.
With online reservations to boot, scoring a table is as easy as saying “mamma mia!”
At Giovanni’s, veggie lovers rejoice with delights like the Zucchini Fritti and Eggplant Rollatini — perfect for those who want to feel virtuous while munching away.
And for the meat enthusiasts, fear not! Their chicken and veal dishes will have you singing “That’s Amore” in no time. (You did sing right there, didn’t you?)
Your taste buds are in for a feast with their Parmesan mushroom sauce, a rich concoction that’ll have you dreaming of truffle-infused perfection. Giovanni’s is the place to gather la famiglia for a cozy Italian feast that’ll make Nana proud.
While Giovanni’s prides itself on primo ingredients and flavors that’ll transport you to the streets of Napoli, it might leave your wallet feeling a tad lighter. But hey, you can’t put a price on amore, right?
| Pro Tip: Giovanni’s offers take-home options, so you can savor every saucy bite in the comfort of your own casa. And if you’re in the mood for pizza, they’ve got you covered — whole pies or by the slice, the choice is yours! |
– Media credit: northandnavy
Website: https://northandnavy.com/
Address: 226 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B8, Canada
Contact: +1 613-232-6289
Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday to Thursday: 5 PM–9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM–10 PM
North & Navy is the Italian find you simply can’t miss. Despite the hustle and bustle of the street, this joint has held its own, becoming a culinary stalwart in the neighborhood.
What makes North & Navy shine is their commitment to crafting traditional
Italian dishes that’ll make your taste buds do the mambo. We mean lasagna so good you’ll bust out “O Sole Mio!” and pizzas that are the real pizza-za.
Oh, and when the sun’s shining, their outdoor patio is the place to see and be seen. (This would be a great time to burst into song.)
And let’s not forget their wine list! It’s like music in a bottle, perfectly harmonizing with every dish on the menu.
Sure, some dishes might make your wallet shed a tear, but fear not! They’ve got gift certificates galore on their website, so you can treat your friends without watching your bank account do the Macarena.
Now, about those portions — yes, they’re petite, but trust me, they pack a flavor punch that’ll knock your socks off. So, if you’re after a taste of Italy with a view to swoon over, North & Navy is where it’s at. Bellissimo!
| Pro Tip: Parking is a breeze as it’s right behind the joint and you’ll find spots aplenty. Plus, the view at night is Instagram-worthy with the city skyline sparkling like a million diamonds! |
Dreamland Cafe
– Media credit: thedreamlandcafe
Website: https://www.dreamlandcafe.ca/
Address: 262 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R5, Canada
Contact: +1 613-422-4200
Hours:
- Closed from Sunday to Tuesday
- Wednesday to Thursday: 5 PM–10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM–3 PM, 4 PM–10 PM
Situated snugly in the heart of Ottawa’s Little Italy, DreamLand Cafe is the ultimate cozy-cool hangout. This joint is all about pasta with pizzazz, run by the dynamic duo, Marlo and Coco De Leo.
They’re the pasta perfectionists behind the scenes, serving up dishes that’ll make your palate do the pasta dance. Just imagine sweet corn, spicy eggplant pasta with pecorino, and a dill pickle-encrusted goat cheese patty.
It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! And let’s not forget about the ambiance — it’s like stepping into your Italian grandma’s kitchen, but with a funky twist.
DreamLand Cafe isn’t just a place to eat; it’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry!
| Pro Tip: Try their beef ragu, Cavolo e Limone — and we beg of you, the Torta della Nonna! |
Mr. B’s Osteria
– Media credit: mrbsottawa
Website: https://mrbsottawa.com/
Address: 2446 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 8R9, Canada
Contact: +1 613-731-6800
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday: 4 PM–9 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
For a taste of Italy that’s as cozy as your Nana’s Nana’’s kitchen, head on over to Mr. B’s Osteria. Sink your teeth into classics like lasagna and chicken parmesan, or spice things up with the marsala and chicken involtini — they’re amore on a plate!
You’ll feel like you’ve crash-landed into a Tuscan villa with recipes so authentic, you’ll swear they were smuggled out of Italy itself.
And let’s talk wine. Mr. B’s has a wine list that’s longer than a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. From crisp whites to full-bodied reds, it’s perfezione in a bottle.
Sure, Mr. B’s might make your wallet whimper a bit, but trust us, it’s worth every penny. So grab your appetite and let’s mangia!
| Pro Tip: But don’t worry if wine’s not your thing: there’s draft beer and non-alcoholic bevvies too. And if you’re feeling inspired, swing by Mr. B’s market and snag some ingredients to recreate the magic at home! |
La Bottega Nicastro
– Media credit: botteganicastro
Website: https://www.labottega.ca/
Address: 64 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5V9, Canada
Contact: +1 613-789-7575
Hours:
- Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Monday to Saturday: 9 AM–6 PM
In the bustling heart of downtown Ottawa beats La Bottega Nicastro. This tantalizing Italian oasis is just waiting to whisk you away on a culinary escapade!
Let’s talk about the real star of the show: the food. La Bottega Nicastro’s menu reads like a love letter to Italy, with each dish crafted to perfection by their esteemed chef.
Whether you’re craving a classic Cacio e Pepe or feeling adventurous with their risotto and pizza creations, prepare to be wowed with every bite. It’s tesoro on a plate, my friend!
| Pro Tip: Bottega Nicastro’s Pinza Romana lineup has Margherita, Pepperoni, and 4 Cheese options. These fully dressed frozen pizzas boast a revolutionary crust made with rice, wheat, soy, and sourdough. Light, airy, and ready in minutes, they’re the ultimate solution for pizza cravings! |
Mamma Teresa Ristorante
– Media credit: mamma.teresa.ottawa
Website: https://www.mammateresa.com/
Address: 300 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 2C2, Canada
Contact: +1 613-236-3023
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 4:30 PM–9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 4:30 PM–10:30 PM
Mamma Teresa Ristorante is where it’s at if you’re looking to spice up your dining experience! This family-owned Italian joint, led by the Boselli clan, serves up a feast fit for the gods.
From mouthwatering Antipasto Casalinga to tantalizing Antipasto Della Casa, every dish is a flavor explosion that’ll have you shouting “ti amo mamma Teresa!”
With recipes straight from the old country and ingredients so fresh they practically sing, each bite is like a culinary hug from Mamma herself. And don’t even get us started on the portion sizes — they’re as generous as Nono’s stories after a glass of vino.
Speaking of wine, Mamma Teresa’s got a selection that’ll make any oenophile weak in the knees. So whether it’s a romantic date night or a family feast, they’ve got you covered.
| Pro Tip: Fair warning: parking can be a bit of a cat-and-mouse game, especially on weekends. So be prepared to channel your inner Mario Andretti to nab a spot. But trust us, the food’s so good, it’s worth dodging a few traffic cones for. |
Town
– Media credit: townlovesyou
Website: https://towncitizen.ca/
Address: 296 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M3, Canada
Contact: +1 613-695-8696
Hours:
- Closed from Sunday to Monday
- Tuesday to Saturday: 5 PM–9 PM
On Ottawa’s Elgin Street, Town is stealing the spotlight and dishing out a dining experience that’s got everyone buzzing. Known for its delectable dishes and impeccable service, this spot has tongues wagging and mouths watering.
The menu at Town is a culinary masterpiece, with a tantalizing array of dishes that are as drool-worthy as they are tasty. From savory meatballs to heavenly focaccia bread and irresistible banh mi, each plate is a sensory delight.
And the drinks — oh, they’ve got you covered with a drink selection that’ll satisfy every craving.
Sure, it’s not the biggest joint in town, but that’s all part of its appeal. Better snag a reservation — this place fills up quicker than a plate of fries, and you definitely don’t want to miss out!
| Pro Tip: We suggest sinking your teeth into the succulent beef tartare, relishing the perfectly cooked duck, or indulging in the creamy burrata as each bite is a flavor explosion. |
Johnny Farina
– Media credit: johnnyfarinarestaurant
Website: https://johnnyfarina.com/
Address: 216 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L7, Canada
Contact: +1 613-565-5155
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM–9 PM
Johnny Farina offers a fresh and authentic dining experience that’s anything but run-of-the-mill. The atmosphere is casual yet chic, making it the perfect spot for a night of fun with your pals.
While the Italian fare may lean towards the pricey side, there’s no need to don your fancy attire here — it’s all about relaxed vibes and tasty eats!
Plus, the menu is chock-full of delectable delights. They’ve got pasta dishes elbowing for the limelight and meatier options like the grilled chicken caesar and Tuscan blackened salmon holding their own.
With its trendy ambiance, ample space, and impressive menu offerings, Johnny Farina ticks all the boxes for a memorable dining experience — even if it means splurging a little!
| Pro Tip: Try the chicken scallopini with shrimp in lemon piccata sauce, served with grilled veggies and roasted garlic potato croquette. It’s a flavor-packed delight! |
Amuse Kitchen & Wine
– Media credit: amusekanata
Website: https://amusekitchen.ca/
Address: 500 Eagleson Rd, Kanata, ON K2M 1H4, Canada
Contact: +1 613-880-8883
Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday to Wednesday: 5 PM–10 PM
- Thursday: 5 PM–10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM–11 PM
Amuse Kitchen & Wine is the kind of place where culinary dreams come true! One foot inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a delicious secret hideaway.
From the lip-smacking lamb to the mouthwatering tartare, every dish is like a masterpiece on a plate. And let’s not forget the charcuterie board — it’s basically a work of meaty genius.
Whether you’re devouring the grilled lamb chops or diving into the heavenly salmon, your taste buds are in for a wild ride!
And the vibe is just what you need! It’s cozy, it’s chic, and it’s perfect for everything from date nights to catching up with pals.
| Pro Tip: We’re usually ordering their oysters paired with pomegranate cranberry rosemary spritz — finished with pear and caramel pie with vanilla bean ice cream and salted caramel. (We got lucky with the ice cream!) |
Fiazza Fresh Fired
– Media credit: fiazzafreshfired
Website: https://fiazza.ca/
Address: 205 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6W4, Canada
Contact: +1 613-725-2222
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM–9 PM
Fiazza Fresh Fired is the pizza haven in Ottawa that’s hotter than a wood-fired oven on a Friday night! Just sink your teeth into the talk of the town — custom-made pizzas that have even vegans saying, “Dio mio!”
Their cozy digs offer a welcome escape from the market madness, setting the stage for a meal that’s more than just delightful — it’s downright divine. The squad at Fiazza Fresh Fired are practically pizza whisperers, making sure every pie is a slice of heaven.
Whether you’re indulging in their signature creations or crafting your own culinary masterpiece, expect nothing but the freshest ingredients and flavor explosions.
Customers can’t stop singing praises about the quality and taste of these wood-fired wonders. Quick as a pizza delivery guy on a Vespa, your pie arrives piping hot, making it the ultimate lunchtime treat or grab-and-go delight.
Whether you’re digging into their specialty pies or getting creative with your toppings, one thing’s for sure — every bite is a personalized adventure!
| Pro Tip: The Capri Pesto pizza, with its zesty sauce, tangy goat cheese, and Mediterranean flair, is a veggie dream come true. And with prices that won’t break the bank, you’ll be saying “molto bene!” in no time. |
