Emma WhiteYou asked us for the best crispy, golden delight in the cit, and naturally, we answered. So, we scoured the bustling streets of Ottawa and delved into the mouthwatering world of the city’s fish and chips scene.
Our mission? To find the best one around to recommend to our dear readers, of course!
From unassuming food trucks to vibrant Irish pubs, we’ve left no stones (or in this case, fryers) unturned, hoping to satisfy your seafood cravings.
1. D’Arcy McGee’s
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/exP5fNvAGYxywZHs9
Address: 44 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-230-4433
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, and Sunday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12:05 AM to 1 AM, 11:30 AM to 12 AM
D’Arcy McGee’s is an Ottawan gem, earning the hearts of many locals over the years. Located in the heart of downtown, this lively Irish pub beckons anyone looking to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, along with live music.
What truly helped them gain popularity is not just its bustling interior, but also its menu offerings of delicious bar fare, including the talk of the town – the famous fish and chips.
Nestled in a warm embrace of their legendary beer batter, the mouthwatering cod is also served with a side of cabbage slaw, fries, and Dungloe sauce for dipping.
Oh, and did we mention they also have a vegan version of this classic hearty dish? You read that right! Even vegans can enjoy this filling treat at D’Arcy McGee’s!
2. Brigg Pub
Website: https://thebrigpub.com
Address: 23 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-562-6666
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Brigg Pub is a stylish hotspot located along the buzzing ByWard Market. People love its laid-back yet sleek interior, which effortlessly captures a cozy yet elegant feel.
Their menu offerings include a wide array of classic bar plates like the crispy chicken burger, wings, and of course, the fish and chips.
The fresh haddock covered in beer batter is served with fries and lemon, as well as jalapeno tartar sauce to elevate the flavors. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a combination of textures and flavors to boot.
Aside from fish and chips, chicken sandwiches, nachos, and fish tacos are other crowd favorites.
3. Le Poisson Bleu
Website: https://www.lepoissonbleu.net
Address: 610 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-656-1638
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
Le Poisson Blue is a charming eatery along Somerset, specializing in mouthwatering seafood plates, guaranteed to be served fresh. Usually only open during dinner time, this cozy enclave transforms into a hub of culinary delight when the sun sets.
While they don’t have a wide array of offerings, each dish offers indulgent variety, inviting patrons to a world of new discoveries.
The fish and chips are an exciting centerpiece to the table with its perfectly golden brown hue, as well as the extremely generous serving, almost spilling over the edges of the plate.
If you can, we suggest dropping by on a Monday for fish and chips night, which basically guarantees better deals for this satisfying fried treat.
4. Ad Mare Seafood Truck
Website: https://admareseafood.carrd.co
Address: 2265 Robertson Rd, Ottawa, ON K1A 1K3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-555-5555
For those looking for a different dining experience, how about getting your fish and chips fix at a local food truck? Ad Mare Seafood Truck offers a tantalizing, flavorful option for this beloved English classic.
The most popular dish from their offerings is, you guessed it, the fish and chips. The batter is excellent, sure, but what we were particularly happy with is the absence of excess grease usually present in fried dishes.
Additionally, it’s perfectly crispy, satisfying our mouth’s need for textures.
Their menu is quite limited, but that hasn’t been a problem for the customers. After all, each dish is guaranteed to be spectacular, so no one ever complains.
5. Heart & Crown
Website: https://heartandcrown.pub/
Address: 67 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-562-0674
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Heart & Crown is an energetic Irish pub that has been in the city for decades. While it has five different locations across the city, the one along ByWard Market is what we consider our favorite for its accessibility and overall lively atmosphere.
It’s a well-known location among locals looking for a variety of beers to indulge in, as well as adventurous foodies seeking a satisfying meal.
Of course, the fish and chips stand out from their wide array of menu options for their fresh Nova Scotia haddock battered in beer, making them both crispy and tender, as well as flaky.
They’re served with their house tartar and creamy slaw, both of which add another layer of flavor to the already flavorful dish. Customers can also order an extra fish for a mere $9 – such a great deal!
6. Petit Bill’s
Website: https://petitbillsbistro.com
Address: 1293 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-729-2500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 4 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – closed
Petit Bill’s is a charming bistro in quaint Wellington, offering an exciting mix of comforting plates.
The fish and chips don’t leave a lot to be desired; this flavorful entree is perfection on a plate. After all, we’re not calling it one of the best in Ottawa for nothing!
The delicious cod fillets are embraced by a Steam Whistle batter, adding a subtle hint of hops and malt flavors for a more aromatic taste. It also surprisingly feels light on the taste buds, yet delivers a satisfying crunch that helps elevate the culinary experience.
It’s also served with purple cabbage coleslaw and remoulade, resulting in an overall more complex flavor profile, thanks to its earthy and tangy taste.
7. Barley Mow
Website: https://barleymow.com/
Address: 399 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-695-7669
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Thursday and Friday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Barley Mow is a casual hotspot well-known for its delectable fish and chips. The golden brown haddock is battered with 1000 Islands Amber Beer, adding a delightful hint of sweet caramel taste and a satisfying hop.
It comes with their house-cut fries, as well as tartar sauce and kale slaw for an even more punchy flavor, making this dish even more satisfying. It’s no surprise why the locals like it so much!
By the way, we highly recommend getting a seat at their rooftop patio to complete the experience. It offers a view of the surrounding area, making it a great spot for people watching or just getting some fresh air.
Moreover, Barley Mow is extra fun every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, especially if you love a good game of trivia! Be sure to bring along the gang for an even better night.
8. Pelican Seafood Market & Grill
Website: https://www.pelicanseafood.ca
Address: 1500 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1H 7Z2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-526-5229
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 8 AM to 9:30 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday – 8 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday – 8 AM to 9:30 PM
If you read the name of the restaurant, it’s no secret what they specialize in. The lively Pelican Seafood Market & Grill is a flavorful addition to the upbeat Bank Street, providing hearty plates for every local and visitor alike.
The particular stand-out dish is none other than the fish and chips, made with either beer batter or Panco crumbs.
Get the former if you want another layer of flavor to the fish. Otherwise, the Panco-crusted haddock is recommended for those who want to thoroughly enjoy the freshness of the fish.
9. Halibut House
Website: https://halibuthouse.ca
Address: 1144 Terry Fox Dr, Kanata, ON K2S 1B6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-836-8866
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
If Ottawans were to think of fish and chips, Halibut House is usually the first that comes to mind. Located in the tranquil neighborhood of Kanata, this casual seafood restaurant delivers nothing short of phenomenal.
They offer an assortment of items ranging from sweet potato fries to roadhouse beef burgers and other hearty meals that will leave customers satisfied, tempting them to come back for more.
While they have a diverse range of menu options patrons can choose from, the fish and chips effortlessly steal the spotlight in every meal.
With the fish cooked to perfection nestled in just the right amount of batter, this popular dish is a lot of Ottawans’ favorite fish and chips in the city, and understandably so. This delicious concoction is not only delicious, but it’s also pretty affordable.
10. The Glenn
Website: https://theglen.ca
Address: 6081 Hazeldean Rd Unit 1010, Stittsville, ON K2S 1B9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-836-5622
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
The Glenn is a lively Scottish pub just 24 minutes away from the heart of Ottawa.
While we could write a list of strictly the best fish and chips in the city, it would be a disservice not to include popular spots like this one just a little outside Ottawa.
In fact, during your visit, we’re willing to bet that you’ll see one or two Ottawans there, indulging in their fish and chips craving! Heck, one of them could be us.
If you love this classic dish extremely crispy, you’d like it here. Additionally, customers can choose from a wide selection of batter to customize it to suit their taste better.
A few batter selections include battered fish (their signature batter), lemon pepper, and cajun breaded fish, making this stylish joint well worth the trip, especially if you appreciate variety.
11. Cheshire Cat Pub
Website: http://www.cheshirecatpub.com
Address: 2193 Richardson Side Rd, Carp, ON K0A 1L0, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-831-2183
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Step into the rabbit hole that is the Cheshire Cat Pub, just 20 minutes away from Ottawa.
They serve a lot of delicious bar fare to complement the tasty local beers they have to offer, fish and chips included, of course.
And just like the mischievous grin of the famous feline from Alice in Wonderland, their delicious fish and chips will have you smiling non-stop.
This flavorful fried delight is served with a generous abundance, ensuring satisfaction with every bite. Because of the satisfying mixture of crunchy and tender, patrons are treated to layers of textures that are sure to elevate their dining experience.
