Liam SmithSo funny story—once, I went to a tasting menu dinner with a friend, thinking I’d look super cool suggesting it. But when they brought out what looked like a single asparagus as the first course, my friend displayed nothing but a surprised facial expression!
But, oh well, it turns out that asparagus was a roasted perfection with truffle foam (and that’s only a starter!). By the end, we were both blissfully stuffed and raving about every dish.
That’s the beauty of tasting menus—they’re not just about eating; they’re about exploring your taste buds in ways you didn’t know were possible. Now, from elegant fine dining to cosy spots, here are Ottawa’s best tasting menus you have to try. Read on!
Atelier
– Media credit: paisleygirlathome
Address: 540 Rochester St.
Contact details: +1 613 321 3537
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 6 PM to 8 PM
Cost: £££
Atelier offers a jaw-dropping 40-course tasting menu that’s like taking a three-hour culinary journey. Vegetarian and pescatarian substitutions are available, but keep in mind that they’re fairly limited when it comes to accommodating specific dietary restrictions.
Each dish is carefully explained by the staff, so you’re not just eating—you’re actually learning about the thought process behind every bite. You’ll typically come across creations like nori with avocado, almond soup, and feta tortellini, but there’s more!
They dive into modern techniques, so you’ll encounter foams, gels, mousses, split sauces, and even chilled or semi-frozen dishes. If you love wine pairings, you may also ask about their curated beverage to complete your experience!
| Pro tip: Atelier’s 40-course tasting will only be available until May 31st—so if you’ve been dying to try it, now’s the time to book your table! Also, they’re about to turn things up a notch with their exciting new concept, Zyre—look out for their announcement! |
Aiana Restaurant Collective
– Media credit: dineaiana
Address: 50 O’Connor St.
Contact details: +1 613 680 8100
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Cost: £££
If you’re all about exploring ambitious flavours crafted with precision, Aiana Restaurant Collective is a standout choice. Offering a Chef’s Tasting Menu, this dining experience is designed for the whole table, where you can go all in with wine pairing.
The menu includes a well-curated lineup of 10 courses, featuring oysters, squash, trout, scallops, and beef cheek. Even dessert is a showstopper, with highlights like vanilla & caramel and chocolate & hazelnut dishes bringing the meal to a decadent finish.
Their emphasis on locally inspired ingredients makes the experience both luxurious and a nod to Canadian culinary traditions. It’s worth budgeting about 2.5 to 3 hours for the experience, giving you enough time to relax and fully enjoy each course.
| Pro tip: Reservations are essential here since the tasting menu is only available per table. Also, the tasting menu doesn’t allow substitutions, so it’s not ideal if you have dietary restrictions. |
Beckta Dining & Wine
– Media credit: beckta_ottawa
Address: 150 Elgin St.
Contact details: +1 613 238 7063
Operating hours:
- Monday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £££
Beckta Dining & Wine is known for its 5-course omnivore tasting menu, which is served blind to immerse you in the experience even more. Each dish evolves with the seasons, so you’re always in for something fresh and inspired.
And if plant-based is your thing, Beckta’s got you covered, though you’ll need to give them a 48-hour heads-up to make it happen.
Then, you can pair your meal with optional wine pairings that are carefully selected to complement each course. This curated menu takes around two and a half hours, leaving plenty of time to savour the craftsmanship behind every bite.
| Pro tip: Got a group? Beckta offers private dining spaces perfect for special celebrations or corporate events. You may look into their private dining options here if you want an intimate, customised experience with the same stellar attention to detail. |
Restaurant e18hteen
– 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 e18theen’s five-course tasting is a culinary journey, with an optional wine pairing available. Expect a few hours of indulgence as the experience is curated to highlight seasonal ingredients and creative spins on classic concepts.
However, the tasting menu is only available if restrictions and allergies are minimal, so plan ahead if you’re looking to experience the full lineup. Nonetheless, e18theen’s main menu is packed with signature dishes that draw attention.
The seafood tower is a popular choice—it’s loaded with house accoutrements alongside East Coast oysters, butter-poached lobster, and seasonal crudo. What sets e18theen apart is its curated wine pairings and special events that complement its refined menu.
| Pro tip: Restaurant e18theen is also known for its stunning private event spaces. so , if you’re planning a celebration, take advantage of their venue which combines great catering with a sophisticated setting. |
Gitanes
– Media credit: gitanes
Address: 61 Elgin St Unit #6
Contact details: +1 613 562 0699
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5:30 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5:30 PM to 11 PM
Cost: ££
Gitanes is known for offering three unique approaches: a family-style feast, shared plates for groups, and an individual tasting journey. These menus typically range between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the pacing and size of your group.
Menu highlights include their popular appetisers like tuna crudo, anchovy, and fresh oysters. Meanwhile, mains will have you drooling over steak frites, steak Oscar, cacio e pepe, black truffle, and more.
Gitanes also serves cocktails featuring drinks like the ‘East of Eden’ blended with mezcal, melon, and absinthe or the ‘Banana Colada’ infused with Korean banana milk and spiced banana syrup. If beer or cider is more your thing, Gitanes delivers on that front, too.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a visit with a group, call ahead to confirm menu options, as they occasionally offer exclusive events or one-off dishes. For a smooth experience, you can mention any dietary restrictions upon booking. |
Stofa Restaurant
– Media credit: mangiawithmariah
Address: 1356 Wellington St. W.
Contact details: +1 613 722 6555
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 5 PM to 8:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 8:45 PM
Cost: £££
Stofa Restaurant offers two table d’hôte options: a 3-course experience and a more indulgent 5-course option. While the menu changes periodically, staples like mushroom soup en croûte, ling COD, and rabbit ragu tend to stand out.
The desserts, like the soufflé and chocolate cake, are truly worth waiting for until the last course. Furthermore, Stofa can prepare off-menu dishes for dietary restrictions, vegetarians, and vegans upon request.
Expect to spend about two hours enjoying the 3-course menu or closer to three hours with the 5-course option, depending on the pacing. By the way, Stofa also sprinkles in occasional surprises through ‘Chef’s Choice’ bonus courses.
| Pro tip: Stofa makes their fine dining experience accessible for cosy nights in with their ‘Takeaway Dinners for 2’. Available every Friday and Saturday, these special menus are posted every Monday on their website. |
Perch Restaurant
– Media credit: eatsinthe613
Address: 300 Preston St #1
Contact details: +1 613 515 0535
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 6 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £££
Known for their thoughtfully crafted 9-course menu, Perch is all about using local and seasonal ingredients. The experience runs about 3 to 3.5 hours, so you’ll want to come ready to enjoy a leisurely progression of standout dishes.
The menu evolves regularly, but a few favourites include charred beef heart, acadian sturgeon, and snow crab. You’ll also find unique creations like Seaweed Poached Broccoli Stem and Koji aged & Seaweed Wrapped Roasted Duck Breast.
In addition, you can choose from a beverage pairing, featuring wines and cocktails, or go for their house-made teas and ferments. Both options are designed to complement every course perfectly, delivering a full sensory experience from start to finish.
| Pro tip: Perch doesn’t offer private parking, so plan to use street parking nearby. Also, if you opt for the Bring Your Own Wine option, double-check their corkage fee ahead of time. |
Fauna
– Media credit: saramac.eats
Address: 425 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613 563 2862
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Thursday – 5:30 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Saturday – 5:30 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 5:30 PM to 9 PM
Cost: ££
Known for its seasonal multi-course offerings, Fauna makes sure every menu brings variety and showcases local and sustainable ingredients. Their tasting menus change throughout the year, keeping things fresh and exciting for returning guests.
Previously, they celebrated their 10th anniversary with an impressive 10-course menu that included delicious highlights like oysters, eggs with caviar, Wagyu beef, and sablefish, to name a few. Their wine list is equally worth noting, offering excellent pairings.
Typically, Fauna also rolls out special tasting menus for events like New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day, so there’s always something unique to look forward to.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a special gathering, Fauna’s private room is a fantastic option. It’s situated right next to their wine cellar and seats up to 20 people comfortably, making it perfect for intimate celebrations or private get-togethers. |
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 is known for its shareable plates and curated wine pairings, offering dishes perfect for sampling and sharing. Their menu evolves to highlight fresh and local components, so there’s always something new to try.
Also, they specialise in tasting-style dining, where you can choose from smaller portions and pair multiple dishes to create a personal multi-course experience. Some popular dishes include roasted sunchoke soup, confit tuna, and fish cake.
You can also opt for their must-try artisanal cheese plate, fennel ash gnocchi, and seared Arctic char. On the sweet side, they have chocolate & popcorn, apple & squash, and horchata crème brûlèe.
| Pro tip: Play is equipped with accessible facilities, and their low dining tables and mobile chairs mean the layout is super adaptable for groups or anyone looking for a comfortable dining setup. |
Coconut Lagoon
– Media credit: coconutlagoonottawa
Address: 853 St. Laurent Blvd.
Contact details: +1 613 742 4444
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: £££
Coconut Lagoon is known for showcasing the unique and diverse flavours of India’s South West Coast. They shine with their curated 6-course tasting menu that’s perfect for anyone looking to dive deep into Kerala’s culinary roots.
Popular items include their signature Kerala-style fried chicken, tellicherry lamb chops, and quilon chicken. If you’re into seafood, their salmon moilee, butter lobster masala, and chili seared sea scallops are also ones to look out for due to their freshness.
Beyond their tasting menu, they’re masters at creating custom menus for private events, allowing you to tailor the dining experience to your preferences. Moreover, their tasting menu takes about two hours, giving you the perfect pace to enjoy each dish.
| Pro tip: Love the dishes? You can take a piece of Coconut Lagoon’s kitchen magic home with you by grabbing one of their cookbooks—available both online and in-store! |
– Media credit: northandnavy
Address: 226 Nepean St.
Contact details: +1 613 232 6289
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £££
North & Navy brings Northern Italian cuisine to life, with their 6-course tasting menu leaning on seasonal ingredients. It changes regularly, but highlights often include vitello tonnato, rabbit peas & polenta, citrus salad, and an indulgent Black Forest cake.
It’s worth setting aside two hours for this meal, as the courses flow seamlessly, complemented by an optional wine and drink pairing.
Furthermore, the wine list here is always thoughtfully curated, ranging from Canadian bottles to Italian classics like Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino. Also, remember that their tasting menu can only accommodate gluten-free diets.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a special event or dinner party, North & Navy’s private dining room is available to take things up a notch. The space is fully equipped with modern audio-visual equipment, plus, you’ll have a dedicated server throughout the event. |
Sidedoor
– Media credit: sidedoorkitchen
Address: 18b York St.
Contact details: +1 613 562 9331
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 4 PM to 10:30 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Cost: ££
Sidedoor’s tasting menu offers you a chance to sample their signature dishes across four waves. Over two hours, you’ll work your way through plates like braised beef panang curry, green papaya salad, pork & shrimp steamed dumplings, and Thai popcorn chicken.
Then, you can finish strong with their hand-rolled mini doughnuts, served fresh and warm. This tasting menu is a high-energy journey through fusion flavours, blending Thai and Mexican-inspired dishes with a modern twist.
Aside from the tasting menu, Sidedoor’s tacos are also popular—available in choices like spicy braised beef chuck, tempura-fried Bajan fish, and vegan chorizo. Even better, on Tuesdays during ‘Tequila & Tacos’, you can enjoy margaritas and two-piece tacos.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss Happy Hour at Sidedoor—it runs Monday to Saturday from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. Another one to watch out for is their ‘Spritz Your Sunday’, where refreshing spritz options like Aperol, elderflower, strawberry, or peach are featured. |
