Olivia TaylorAlright, let’s be real. You’re here because of one thing – the sudden, uncontrollable urge that hijacked your senses and prompted you on an exciting quest for flavorful satisfaction. In short, you’re craving.
We don’t blame you. After all, when it comes to craving a hearty Spanish dish, resistance becomes futile.
And we’re glad you’re giving in to your craving because you’ve stumbled upon this article.
Lucky you, we’ve unearthed a treasure trove of tapas just waiting to make your tastebuds dance in delight! Take a look at our delicious discoveries for a fantastic gastronomic journey ahead.
1. Cadena Restaurant & Tapas Bar
Website: https://www.cadenarestaurant.com
Address: 385 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 1Y8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-695-7772
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 4 PM to 10:30 PM
Cadena Restaurant & Tapas Bar is a casual joint that serves a wide array of classic Spanish staples. You can expect to find plenty of meat and seafood options on their menu, including gambas, seafood paella, and even mouthwatering empanadas.
While cheese and chicken are available choices, beef empanadas are the most popular out of the bunch for their juiciness and flavor depth. We find them best paired with the Alexander Keiths, a hoppy IPA that serves a refreshing contrast to the savory bites.
2. Speakeasy Tapas Lounge
Website: https://speakeasyottawa.com
Address: 55 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-241-6221
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday – 4 PM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Speakeasy Tapas Lounge is a buzzing Spanish restaurant with a chic and modern ambiance. Located in the heart of the equally vibrant ByWard Market, it serves as a welcoming haven for anyone craving delicious tapas.
Speaking of tapas, their menu offers a diverse array of selections including meat, seafood, and vegan-friendly options.
The old mcdonald slider may be our favorite – a mouthwatering dish of two brioche sliders with pickles, mac sauce, cheddar, onion, lettuce, and fries.
Despite their tapas being the standout choice, the oysters steal the spotlight, becoming the crowd favorite. Be sure to try them as well for the full experience.
3. Aroma Meze
Website: https://www.aromameze.com
Address: 239 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-0504
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 4:30 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 4:30 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4:30 PM to 10 PM
Aroma Meze is a charming restaurant with a relaxed and intimate feel.
The shrimp gnocchi is a definite home run, winning over the hearts of many satisfied patrons. That said, the gorgonzola gnocchi and the pulled lamb tacos are what we also consider top contenders for the best dish.
As you might have noticed, their menu features a variety of international dishes with a cool, Mediterranean twist – a first in the country, establishing them as pioneers in the local culinary scene.
4. Trio Lounge
Website: http://www.triowestboro.com
Address: 307D Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-722-3887
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 11 PM
Craving a tapa experience with a Canadian twist? You’ll love it at the Trio Lounge.
This intimate hangout spot is the perfect restaurant to take your date to if you want to impress them.
For an unforgettable dining experience, order the best dishes from the menu: grilled lamb tacos, trio quesadillas, and perhaps the house creme brulee for dessert.
To complete the night, order a delicious cocktail or other exciting provisions. They have a wide range of options to choose from, so there’s something to satisfy every palate.
5. The Soca Kitchen
Website: https://www.thesocakitchen.com
Address: 224 Beechwood Ave., Vanier, ON K1L 8A7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-695-9190
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 1:30 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 1:30 PM, 5 PM to 8 PM
The Soca Kitchen is a hip bistro that can whip up amazing Spanish dishes, with their tacos being the star of the show. Choosing a favorite would be a challenge, as each offers its own tantalizing flavors.
Our tip? Feel free to experiment with different flavors to find something that best suits your taste.
You won’t have any regrets trying them all! Whether you enjoy pork, seafood, or beef, they have something for any kind of culinary adventurer.
Their exciting raw bar, brimming with tasty oysters, is also a must-try. Devour them after the plate of tacos to elevate your experience.
By the way, their cocktails are also pretty popular, so don’t miss out on those!
6. 222 Lyon Tapas Bar
Website: https://www.facebook.com/222LyonTapasBar/
Address: 222 Lyon St. N, Ottawa, ON K1R 5V9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-238-0222
Operating hours:
- Monday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM
222 Lyon Tapas Bar offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a cozy home. In fact, they’re well-known for their terrific ambiance, which captured the hearts of many.
This is definitely one of Ottawa’s well-kept secrets and is only usually known among locals, undiscovered by visitors.
Their calamari is definitely a standout choice, which is best enjoyed with their old-country wines.
