Ethan BrownThis particular journey of mine started when my stomach (and ADHD) demanded tapas and refused to take no for an answer. I thought I’d snag a quick bite at one spot and call it a day, but Ottawa had other plans.
One patatas bravas led to another, and soon I found myself hopping from bar to bar every day (yes, EVERY DAY) like some kind of tapas treasure hunter. By the time I was done, I was pretty sure my jeans had shrunk—and my standard for snack plates had skyrocketed.
Ottawa doesn’t just do tapas: it out-tapas itself. So if you’re craving a little Spanish flavour or just love small plates, here are the top tapas spots in Ottawa you NEED to check out—bring stretchy pants!
Speakeasy Tapas Lounge
– Media credit: jess.can.eat
Address: 55 York St.
Contact details: +1 613 241 6221
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Speakeasy Tapas Lounge is a must-visit if you want to mix things up and treat yourself to a creative menu. Their menu is internationally inspired: one bite, you’re savouring classic flavours, and the next, you’re digging into a total global twist.
When it comes to must-try tapas, their seaside ceviche is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with sea bass, cod, jalapeño, guava, and a zippy citrus-chilli hit.
Another no-brainer is the fire-grilled paprika chicken; juicy, with just the right hint of smoke, and perfect with a drizzle of peri-peri sauce. And if you want to make your tapas moment even better, get their Maple Mad cocktail (I ordered two, not ashamed!).
| Pro tip: If you like to plan (or just pick the best possible seat for their live entertainment), they’ve got a virtual tour on their website. And if you ever need a spot for a special event, Speakeasy is available for private bookings. |
Cadena Restaurant & Tapas Bar
– Media credit: cadenarestaurant
Address: 385 Richmond Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 695 7772
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 4 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Cadena Restaurant & Tapas Bar is all about celebrating the soulful flavours of Spain, offering a menu bursting with shareable tapas. The wine list here is a real treat for anyone who loves a good pairing, featuring a curated selection of Spanish bottles.
If you’re new here (sure, you are!), you’ll definitely want to start with the shrimp ceviche—it’s got just the right zing and freshness, making it my favourite every time. For those who want meat, the empanadas and costillas (pork ribs in BBQ sauce) are perfect.
It doesn’t stop there—Cadena also makes a point of accommodating most dietary preferences, so everyone gets a seat at the table. As much as their tapas steal the show, you can’t leave without trying their iconic paellas, which come in huge portions!
| Pro tip: Cadena fills up fast—due to limited tables—so booking a reservation is a wise move. And, letting them know about dietary needs when you reserve is necessary. |
Aroma Meze
– Media credit: aroma.meze
Address: 239 Nepean St.
Contact details: +1 613 421 0504
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 4:30 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 4:30 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 4:30 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$$
For a break from the usual pub grub, drop by Aroma Meze. Their menu is basically a tour through Greece and the Mediterranean!
The ouzo shrimp and lamb sliders are huge hits—they come out plump and perfectly cooked! We swear by the feta & olives combo too, but heads up, it’s got a sneaky kick of spice.
The drinks menu is loaded too, from international wines to some mocktails that are actually worth sipping—not just an afterthought. A fun twist: Aroma Meze sizes your plates for your table, so if there’s a crowd, you get enough for everyone to dig in.
| Pro tip: If you’ve got a big crew, definitely give them a heads-up before you go. They’ll sort out a custom group menu and make sure everyone gets a fair taste of everything. |
The Belmont
– Media credit: sipsnspill
Address: 1169 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613 979 3663
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
The Belmont is a cozy, low-lit gem where sharing is encouraged, thanks to a menu made for passing around the table. Get the warm olives—simple but so addictive—and the chicken liver pate, which is a rich, velvety spread.
And don’t miss out on the Nada Colada mocktail (being responsible for the trek home, you know how it goes). This one seriously hits the spot—tropical and refreshing, without feeling like a consolation prize.
If you’re in the mood for something boozy, their cocktails and draft beers are always on point! By the way, the place is pretty small, so it feels like the kind of spot you pick for a date night or when you don’t want to shout over a crowd.
| Pro tip: Since the place is small, reservations for bigger groups are a must. Though if you’re craving those signature plates (and maybe a cocktail or two), a weeknight visit usually gives you a better shot at snagging a spot. |
Supply and Demand
– Media credit: onelove.foodie
Address: 1335 Wellington St. W.
Contact details: +1 613 680 2949
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$$
Supply and Demand’s vibe is cool and lively, especially thanks to their open kitchen—it’s like dinner with a side of entertainment as you watch the chefs do their thing. Now their tapas menu isn’t huge, but it’s seriously well-curated.
Oysters on the half shell are a big hit at our table; they’re super fresh and in demand. Another surprise is the Mussel and ‘Nduja flatbread, which is packed with flavour and totally worth it.
The rest of the menu changes depending on the season and whatever the local farmers bring in, so if you spot something you’re excited about, go soon.
| Pro tip: Supply and Demand can get pretty loud, especially when it’s busy, so if you’re after a quiet conversation, aim for an early dinner. And definitely make a reservation—the place fills up fast, and you don’t want to miss out. |
Trio Bistro and Lounge
– Media credit: triowestboro
Address: 307D Richmond Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 722 3887
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday, Wednesday and Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Tuesday – 2 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $$$
If you’re on the hunt for one of Ottawa’s most recommended tapas spots, Trio Bistro and Lounge is the place to be. Bonus points: their walls double as a showcase for the arts of local artists, so your eyes get a treat while your taste buds do, too!
The real fun started when we dove into their tapas menu. Their roasted garlic kale Caesar is a total game-changer—way punchier than your standard Caesar, with crispy kale and a seriously addictive dressing (you’ve been warned!).
Our table unanimously agreed the Thai fried calamari had to be reordered; it’s got this golden crunch and spicy-sweet sauce that’s just WOW. If you’re a fan of cocktails, Trio’s bartenders definitely know what they’re doing, and their wine list is worth checking out too.
| Pro tip: Trio takes reservations (especially handy for weekends) and sometimes hosts special tasting nights or art openings. Keep an eye on their social media for updates—you’ll get a heads-up on exclusive menu items or themed evenings not listed online. |
Margarita’s Latin Fusion
– Media credit: margaritasottawa
Address: 873 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613 233 2523
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Margarita’s Latin Fusion’s energy here hits as soon as you sit down, and the menu reads like a love letter to Latin street food. The first thing we ordered was the empanadas—the chicken melts in our mouths (a mushroom version is available too!).
Ceviche is the other big showstopper—loaded with shrimp, fresh jalapeños, and enough avocado to keep me happy. I scooped it up with plantain chips and felt sorta fancy but also just super content.
And, because we’re not quitters, we hit up happy hour for half-price margaritas. One Mango Tango, and suddenly, karaoke night seemed like the best idea ever.
| Pro tip: Definitely book ahead if you’re planning on rolling in for a DJ or karaoke night—the crowd gets wild and so do the wings. If you’re feeling brave, go heavy on their house tatameda hot sauce. |
Play Food & Wine
– Media credit: playfoodwine
Address: 1 York St.
Contact details: +1 613 667 9207
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$$
Play Food & Wine sits inside this gorgeous heritage building, but instead of art on the walls, all the action happens in their open-concept kitchen. This brings you to the front row of a culinary show, chatting with chefs instead of painters.
Dive straight into the tapas scene with warm marinated olives and grilled shishito peppers—they set the mood for everything else. Everything here is meant for sharing, and the staff are pros at helping you pick the perfect combo.
Two or three plates per person is the sweet spot, but leave room for surprises!
| Pro tip: You’ll want to book ahead—especially if you’re rolling in for dinner after 5 pm. Their wine list is solid too, and if you’re celebrating, grab a gift certificate for your foodie friends; they’re valid for Play, Beckta, or Gezellig! |
Ember
– Media credit: emberottawa
Address: 92 Clarence St.
Contact details: +1 613 562 4700
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Friday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Cost: $$$
Ember is where the fire game comes to play—literally, because everything good here hits the charcoal or open flame first. If you’re the type who loves your olives roasted (and not just tossed in oil), you’ll get a kick out of their wood-fired version.
The spicy crispy tuna is a favourite for anyone who likes their fish with a little sizzle, but the charred hispi cabbage is the sleeper hit. It’s silky, smoky, and not remotely the sad cabbage you’ve picked out of soup before.
Don’t forget to check out their bar menu—the Americano cocktail has gained a sort of cult following.
| Pro tip: Ember loves a seasonal promo! Discounts around holidays, giveaways, and sometimes surprise menu specials—so keeping an eye on their Instagram could totally score you a deal next time. |
Arlo Wine & Restaurant
– Media credit: arlo.ottawa
Address: 340 Somerset St W.
Contact details: +1 613 421 1424
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5:30 PM to 12 AM
Cost: $$
Arlo Wine & Restaurant’s wine list is a wild tour for vino nerds, but honestly, just grab a bottle and see where the night takes you. Their tapas aren’t your sad bar snacks: the olives, oysters, and pickled shrimp will slap your taste buds awake!
Beef tataki piled high with BBQ eel and crispy sweet potato—truly gave me a “where have you been all my life” moment, and don’t get me started on the scallop tartare! The real flex?
That infamous porcini-crusted ribeye for two: bone marrow, mushrooms, golden fries—you’ll need to come back for this alone! Though the music here gets a bit too loud, so if you’re chatting over your tapas, the patio is your haven.
| Pro tip: Next time you’re hunting for a cool venue for an event, give Arlo a call—they rent the place out, so you can have all the wine, oysters, and steak you want, no crowd required. |
