Liam SmithOttawa’s food scene might not get as much hype as Toronto’s, but let me tell you—it’s seriously underrated, especially when it comes to tartare.
My journey into Ottawa’s tartare game started with a friend’s recommendation: “If you haven’t tried tartare, you’re missing out!” Challenge accepted. From bistros to upscale dining rooms, I discovered spots that turned this dish into an experience.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best tartare spots in Ottawa that’ll blow you away. Check them out—or you’ll be the one missing out!
Riviera
– Media credit: dineriviera
Address: 62 Sparks St.
Contact details: +1 613 233 6262
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Cost: $$$
Riviera is a classic yet modern spot that has built a reputation for putting a creative twist on timeless dishes, and their tartare game is no exception. Their beef tartare classique is expertly seasoned, topped with shavings of truffle, and served alongside potato chips.
If you’re wondering what pairs well with their tartare, there are a few standouts. You can’t go wrong with their seafood tower (if you’re sharing), and for something lighter, their king salmon gravlax is excellent with its potato bun and pickled ramps.
Their wine list is solid too, and their staff knows their pairings, so don’t hesitate to ask them what would highlight the tartare best.
| Pro tip: Riviera is all about the details, so if you’re planning to go during peak hours or with a group, a reservation is your best friend. Also, if you’re into private dining experience, ask about their semi-private banker’s office space. |
Gezellig
– Media credit: gezelligwestboro
Address: 337 Richmond Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 680 9086
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Gezellig brings an elevated yet approachable dining experience right in the heart of Ottawa’s Westboro village. Housed in a beautifully reimagined 1950s bank building, this spot feels welcoming and effortless while serving up great food.
When it comes to tartare, Gezellig’s take is all about freshness and balance—thoughtfully seasoned and paired with pimento cheese, peppers, and house-made potato chips. It’s simple and refined all at once!
Now, if you’re planning on diving into their tartare, pairing it properly with their wines is the way to go. Plus, on the menu, their ricotta gnudi or seared scallops make excellent follow-ups if you’re in the mood to try more.
| Pro tip: Oh, for brunch lovers—Gezellig does a Saturday and Sunday spread that’s worth bookmarking. |
Restaurant E18theen
– Media credit: restaurante18hteen
Address: 18 York St.
Contact details: +1 613 244 1188
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 4:30 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $$
Restaurant E18hteen is one of those spots that brings together elegance and creativity without overcomplicating things. Nestled in the heart of the ByWard Market area, it’s the kind of place that feels laid-back yet refined, making it perfect for a special night out.
While their menu is packed with standouts, their Canadian Angus beef tartare is where they truly shine—prepared either classic or spicy. It doesn’t end there, since it’s served with house-made potato chips and crostini and topped off with an egg yolk.
You can then pair it with their house frites with garlic aioli or maybe their vegetables in shallot butter for something light and fresh on the side.
| Pro tip: The tartare can be ordered as spicy, but if you’re unsure about the heat, ask for it on the side—they’re super flexible. |
Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant
– Media credit: downtownrideau
Address: 700 Sussex Dr.
Contact details: +1 613 562 1160
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $
Metropolitain Brasserie is the place where you can just feel the French influence in every bite. Their take on tartare is an absolute must-try.
They’ve got a classic beef tartare loaded with shallots, capers, cornichons, mustard, and even a quail yolk on top. Not only that, but there’s also a tuna tartare, which is all kinds of fresh with ginger miso, avocado, cucumber, sriracha mayo, and tamari.
Oh, and here’s the kicker: You can pair either option with your choice of house salad or perfectly crispy fries. Trust me on this—go for the fries.
| Pro tip: Thursday is their “buck-a-shuck” oyster day—seriously, $1 oysters all day! Also, keep an eye on their rotating seafood platters, with a lineup of oysters, shrimp, ceviche, and more, which makes a great starter. |
Supply and Demand
– Media credit: supply_ottawa
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 takes its menu seriously, but not too seriously—it’s all about good food with seasonal ingredients and bold flavours. The menu is always evolving, leaning on what’s fresh and available from local suppliers.
When it comes to tartare, their classic beef tartare is what sets them apart. It’s made with Avonlea cheddar and served with pommes gaufrette (those thin, crispy waffle-cut chips that are basically a reason to go on their own).
It strikes a perfect balance of rich, sharp, and crunchy for a classic-with-a-twist experience. If you’re in the mood to explore beyond the tartare, they also have a rotating raw bar selection, like oysters, that changes with the season.
| Pro tip: If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, Supply and Demand is super accommodating—as long as you give them a heads up. |
Luxe Bistro
– Media credit: luxe.ottawa
Address: 47 York St.
Contact details: +1 613 241 8805
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 9:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Luxe Bistro is your go-to place if you’re all about French-inspired dishes with a modern twist. While it’s easy to get distracted by their steaks and seafood, this place has a knack for tartare.
Now, their beef tartare is made with minced raw tenderloin mixed with Dijon, shallots, capers, and parmesan and served alongside crispy chips for dipping. For a little variety, their Luxe-urious Seafood Tower is worth diving into.
It features salmon tartare along with oysters, shrimp cocktail, and tuna crudo for when you want a little taste of everything cold and fresh. While you’re mostly here for the food, their patio is worth a mention—it’s cozy and gives those perfect al fresco vibes.
| Pro tip: Luxe Bistro has Wine Club Wednesdays, where wine lovers can enjoy deals all day long. |
Cocotte Bistro
– Media credit: cocottebistro_ottawa
Address: 123 Metcalfe St.
Contact details: +1 613 216 2912
Operating hours:
- Monday – 7 AM to 9:30 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 7 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 7:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$$
Nestled just steps from the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market, and the University of Ottawa, Cocotte Bistro has become a go-to for those wanting to squeeze a touch of elegance into their lunch breaks.
Now let’s talk about tartare because they nailed it! Their classic beef tartare—minced to perfection and mixed with pickled shallot, Dijon, Worcestershire, egg yolk gel, and toasted brioche—is a must-try.
If you’re into salmon, then you can opt for the salmon tartare mixed with ratatouille vegetables, chives, and crostini.
| Pro tip: Cocotte Bistro’s happy hour is worth a visit on its own, which you can enjoy in their terrace or atrium space. Oh, and by the way, they also have valet service, which makes parking in downtown Ottawa a whole lot easier. |
Lavender Grill
– Media credit: lavendergrill
Address: 47 Clarence St. Unit 101-102
Contact details: +1 613 569 6605
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Cost: $$$
Lavender Grill is a cozy bar and grill that offers a well-thought-out menu that packs a serious punch for anyone looking to treat their taste buds. They’ve carved out their niche with their tartare selection.
Their salmon tartare, for example, is a flavourful mix of shallots, a splash of Chardonnay, Tabasco, and bright lemon notes—definitely grab this! And then there’s the steak tartare, made with AAA tenderloin—it’s satisfying and dressed using the same mix.
While their tartare easily steals the spotlight, Lavender Grill isn’t just about great food. Their live jazz nights take the experience up a notch—every Sunday, you’ll find talented local musicians setting the perfect vibe.
| Pro tip: Planning a big event? Lavender Grill is available for private bookings, and they offer customizable menus and seamless service. |
Bar Lupulus
– Media credit: bar_lupulus
Address: 1242 Wellington St. W.
Contact details: +1 613 759 4677
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $$
Bar Lupulus has a vibe that is sophisticated with those charmingly rugged exposed-brick walls, giving you that perfect blend of classy and cozy. When in here—start with the tuna tartare—it’s loaded with yuzu miso vinaigrette, wild coriander, and wild fermented tomato béarnaise foam.
It’s so good you’ll forget you ever settled for boring tuna before. Now in terms of their beef tartare, they go all in with Myers beef, creamy marrow, and just enough gochujang—bonus points for the pickled lingonberries that cut through the richness.
Now, if you’re feeling like mixing it up after the tartare (or just coming really hungry), their charcoal-grilled Quebec lamb saddle is one of those things you order for “the table” and end up secretly wishing you kept to yourself.
| Pro tip: If you happen to love their style, Bar Lupulus sells their own branded glassware—so those sleek designs you get to drink from can come home with you! |
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – Ottawa Market
– Media credit: thekegsteakhouse
Address: 75 York St.
Contact details: +1 613 241 8514
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 4:30 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$$
Known for its high-quality steakhouse offerings, The Keg Steakhouse also stands out as a top place in Ottawa for tartare. Their tuna tartare, served with avocado, is a staple that kicks off any meal on a fresh and vibrant note.
It’s smooth, light, and perfectly balanced—basically the perfect way to warm up your appetite. But you can’t go to The Keg and just leave things with just the tartare.
Since they’re known for their incredible steak options, following up with one of their perfectly cooked steaks is a no-brainer. From prime rib to New York striploin, the selection is straightforward but consistently outstanding.
| Pro tip: While The Keg nails their year-round menu, their Lobster Summer event is a must-watch. It’s a limited-time offering featuring a range of signature dishes with lobster as the star ingredient. |
