Olivia TaylorFun fact: Poutine, that delicious Canadian concoction of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, didn’t even make it into the Oxford English Dictionary until 2014! Talk about a late bloomer in the dictionary game!
Just like this tasty dish’s journey to recognition, we think new dining spots in Canada take their sweet time to hit the spotlight. Ottawa, for instance, has fresh restaurants popping up all the time!
If you’re hungry for a foodie adventure, keep reading and enjoy Ottawa’s newest restaurants like a true local!
What are the most promising restaurants in Ottawa in 2024?
There are plenty of new and promising restaurants in Ottawa to try in 2024. You’ve got Gyubee Japanese Grill, Ottaq Cuisine by Student Tasty Biryani, My Choc-O-La, Poulet Rouge Bayshore, and Cafe Tehran, among many others.
Gyubee Japanese Grill (Merivale)
– Media from gyubeejapanesegrill
Opening Date: January 7, 2024
Website: http://www.gyubeejapanesegrill.com/
Address: 95 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T2, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-367-5065, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Pricing: CAD 40 – 50
Gyubee Japanese Grill isn’t a new restaurant per se, but there’s definitely a new (and improved) branch in Merivale, Ottawa. The restaurant has a modern vibe, complete with private tables thanks to cool dividers—we love them giving us a bit of privacy here.
Now, onto the food. We believe the restaurant flips the script on Japanese dining with its all-you-can-eat barbecue. Think juicy marinated beef, flavourful ribs, hearty bibimbap (mixed rice with beef), and creamy ice cream that’ll keep you coming back for more!
But what really sets this grill apart for us is its timed dining experience. Sure, it sounds intense, but we reckon you’ll soon find it pretty fun. It encourages guests to sample everything on the menu, ensuring they get the most out of their meals.
| Pro tip: For the ultimate Gyubee experience, here’s the lowdown: Start with soups, then hit up the meats, noodles, and rice dishes. If it’s your first rodeo, it’s smart to stick to what you know or skip anything sketchy. Finally, wrap it all up with a sweet dessert finale! |
Ottaq Cuisine by Student Tasty Biryani
– Media from stbottawa
Opening Date: December 2023
Website: https://www.stbrestaurant.ca/
Address: 408 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J9, Canada
Contact Details: +1 514-885-1036, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Pricing: CAD 10 – 20
Craving authentic Pakistani flavours in the city? Ottaq Cuisine by Student Tasty Biryani is a newly opened gem in the city. Tucked in downtown, we’re super stoked that this spot brings Montreal’s biryani magic to the capital.
Right off the bat, we noticed that passersby could see the big food posters hinting at the entrance. Despite the restaurant’s small size, it radiates warmth, making it perfect for laid-back dining. Plus, we’re happy that this is affordable, even for youngsters!
The menu is a delight too, but we believe the biryanis (spiced rice dish) steal the show the most. From chicken bombay to achari (pickled) chicken, each item bursts with authentic Pakistani flavours that are great for a quick bite.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye out for Ottaq Cuisine’s special student discounts at certain times. It’s a deal too sweet to miss! |
Poulet Rouge Bayshore
– Media from pouletrougeca
Opening Date: January 12, 2024
Website: https://poulet-rouge.ca/en/
Address: 100 Bayshore Dr, Ottawa, ON K2B 8C1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-726-9999, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Pricing: CAD 10 – 20
Poulet Rouge at Bayshore is your new juicy chicken spot in Ottawa! Tucked in the mall, this gem dishes out delights with a twist. In our opinion, the vibe here is just right—chill with friends or enjoy a casual meal in the modern and comfy interiors.
Our picks? Go for the poutine loaded with 3 veggie options, chicken, sauce, and cheese, or opt for the nutritious two-flavor chicken bowl. Vegetarians, they’ve also got you covered with veggie proteins and gluten-free items.
| Pro tip: Poulet Rouge offers free Wi-Fi! For us, it’s a great spot to chill, get some work done, or just kick back and relax. |
Cafe Tehran
– Media from cafetehran.ca
Opening Date: July 2023
Website: http://cafetehran.ca/
Address: 470 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8C1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-860-8000
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 7 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Pricing: CAD 20 – 30
Curious about Persian delights? Café Tehran can be your new go-to in Ottawa! With its cozy yet lively vibe and stylish interiors, we feel it’s the ideal hangout for a unique dining experience.
The cafe offers tasty chenjeh (lamb kebab), refreshing shirazi (cucumber and tomato) salad, and irresistible mirza-ghasemi (eggplant and tomato dip). On top of that, we think the saffron ice cream looks too heavenly to ignore.
But what we like most is that the cafe caters to all diets and preferences. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, there’s something for even picky eaters.
| Pro tip: If you want to level up your dining game, head out to dine at Cafe Tehran’s rooftop! It’s where you can chill, enjoy the sunset views (sunset Ottawa), and dig into some amazing Iranian food. |
Boujie
– Media from bridgetoboujie
Opening Date: September 2023
Website: https://www.lessoireesboujie.ca/
Address: 175A Prom. du Portage, Gatineau, QC, J8X 2K2, Canada
Contact Details: +1 819-770-8322, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Friday to Saturday – 6 PM to 11 PM
Pricing: CAD 100+
Boujie is a new French dining joint that seamlessly blends elegance with culinary excellence. For us, this place screams sophistication, with a dazzling chandelier casting a soft glow over plush seating—a perfect setting for romantic dates (date ideas Ottawa)!
But it’s not all about the fancy decor. We were blown away by the poitrine de porc (pork belly) and carpaccio de Wagyu (thinly sliced meat), and we bet you’ll be too! And when it comes to drinks, give their wine list a whirl, or go for the spicy mojito for a kick.
And save room for dessert (desserts Ottawa)! We think the sweet, aromatic jelly is the perfect ending to your delicious meal.
| Pro tip: Heads up: Boujie has a ton of stairs to tackle just to reach the dining area, and even more if you need the washroom. If you’re not a fan of exercise, at least do yourself a favour and stretch those legs a bit before the climb! |
Porto A Casa
– Media from dmddoug44
Reopening Date: September 24, 2023
Website: http://www.portoacasa.ca/
Address: 3500 Fallowfield Rd Unit #2, Nepean, ON K2J 4B3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-825-2020, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 3 PM to 8 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 3 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 8 PM
Pricing: CAD 60 – 80
After a 16-year run, Porto A Casa in Barrhaven closed in 2021 due to the pandemic. Fast forward to late 2023, and it’s made a comeback! This time, it’s downtown Ottawa and serving up Italian vibes that’ll take you on a mini European getaway.
It’s all about that rustic charm with wooden touches and soft lighting, making it the perfect spot for a chill meal. Think checkered tablecloths and a warm, welcoming vibe. Whether you’re catching up with pals or on a date, the atmosphere feels like home.
And let’s talk about the food. We love the hearty pasta dishes, from the Penne alla San Giovanni to the Veal Florentine. And whatever you do, we say don’t skip dessert—tiramisu and caramel cheesecake are popular picks too!
| Pro tip: Porto A Casa fills up quickly with all its die-hard fans, especially after the shutdown. To secure your spot hassle-free, it’s best to give them a call and book ahead! |
The Tortilla Maker of Canada
– Media from tortillamaker.ca
Opening Date: August 17, 2023
Website: http://tortillamaker.ca/
Address: 2003 St Joseph Blvd, Orléans, ON K1C 1E5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-698-3776, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:45 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Pricing: CAD 10 – 20
Tortilla Maker is the city’s newest Mexican hotspot for authentic Mexican flavours! We think you’ll easily capture the scent of freshly made tortillas filling the air amid the colourful yellow walls and traditional baskets.
You’ll find some tasty salsas, ranging from the smooth and mild Salsa Popotla to the fiery Azteca. Many regulars love pairing them with the crispy tortilla chips for a match made in snacking heaven.
And don’t forget to try the chunky goodness of the traditional guacamole or the spicy kick of the salsa atteña. Feeling bold? Dive into the Azteca salsa for a flavour that can spice up your meal in all the right ways.
| Pro tip: Keep Tortilla Maker’s authentic tortillas fresh by storing them in the fridge. Word on the street is that you may do so even for up to 2 weeks! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat, and voila! Your tortillas will taste just as delicious as they did on day one. You’re welcome! |
St. Elsewhere
– Media from mariakavita
Opening Date: October 12, 2023
Website: https://www.stelsewhere.ca/
Address: 826 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 343-588-1537, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 12 PM
Pricing: CAD 40 – 60
Longing to drink a bottle of vino in an aesthetic setting? St. Elsewhere is a sleek spot with top-notch wines in Ottawa (wine tasting Ottawa). Tucked away in the lively Chinatown/Little Italy area, we love how this trendy bar puts a fresh spin on veggie fare.
We really dig the vibe here—think sleek black chairs, brick walls, and a killer glass wall with skyline views. It’s the perfect setup for cozy hangouts or chill nights (things to do in Ottawa at night) with pals!
Now onto the grub: get ready for some seriously creative eats like gnocchi (dumpling) with Beyond Meat sausage or the delectable udon carbonara with a tasty bacon swap.
| Pro tip: Got a birthday bash (birthday party Ottawa) on the horizon? Swing by St. Elsewhere, and you might score a free dessert! Just be sure to bring along some ID or proof, just in case. |
Kathā
– Media from kathaottawa
Opening Date: September 12, 2023
Website: https://www.kathaottawa.com/
Address: 225 Preston St Unit 3, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-600-9201, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Pricing: CAD 100+
Kathā is among your freshest finds for a culinary adventure that mixes tradition and innovation. With modern Indian cuisine, we’re in awe that every dish is a journey through the country’s flavours, revamped for today’s taste buds.
We find the restaurant’s cozy, dimly-lit stylish decor sets the perfect vibe for a memorable dining experience. And let’s not forget the music—we think it adds that extra oomph to the whole ambiance.
The menu is also a mix of old family recipes and daring new creations. Don’t miss the 8-course tasting menu, a lineup of culinary masterpieces waiting to be devoured. And make sure to try the mushroom broth in the dumpling dish—it’s a game-changer!
| Pro tip: Looking for some insider info with a side of friendly banter? Go ahead and chat with Kathā chefs to get the lowdown on the backstory of each dish and what makes it tick. |
Tropikal
– Media from tropikal_ottawa
Opening Date: November 3, 2023
Website: https://www.tropikal.ca/
Address: 89 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-695-1157
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday to Sunday – 5 PM to 2 AM
Pricing: CAD 60 – 70
If you’re craving a taste of the tropics in Ottawa, Tropikal is the place to be! Step inside and soak up the island vibes—hanging plants, neon lights, and R&B beats make it the perfect hub for casual meetups or a cozy date night in Ottawa.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. We’re thrilled that the menu is a Caribbean feast (carribean food Ottawa)! You might love the jerk chicken leg fries or oxtail tacos for snacks. For hearty options, the mac n’ cheese and beef empanadas look good too.
We recommend washing these all down with some of the restaurant’s creative cocktails. You may try a Night Cap or Hendrix Lamar for the ultimate tropical combo.
| Pro tip: You may park at the above-ground garage across the street from Tropikal. Street parking could be a hassle, especially if you’ve got a big group. So save yourself the headache and go for the garage! |
Buvette Daphnée
– Media from buvettedaphnee
Opening Date: August 27, 2023
Website: https://www.buvettedaphnee.ca/
Address: 11 William St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z9, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-680-0380, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Pricing: CAD 100+
Buvette Daphnée is a new French gem for foodies, serving up a killer-tasting menu alongside awesome wine pairings. For us, it feels like you’re stepping into this cozy joint with Montreal vibes, complete with groovy 70s decor.
The whole vibe at the restaurant screams “welcome home” as well. For us, it’s like it’s nailed the perfect mix of modern and retro, making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
The tasting menu is a great combination of flavours, especially their fish dish. You may also get the fish, brassica, and sausage in a scrumptious pâté.
| Pro tip: Feeling like you’re in a fishbowl by the windows at Buvette Daphnée? We suggest heading over to the centre. It’s cozier, has less glare, and has more vibe. Enjoy your meal without feeling like you’re on display! |
