Maksym KuzaievIt started as a simple craving—a day when nothing but the salty, crispy goodness of fish and chips could hit the spot. I thought it would be a quick stop at one place, grab my order, and call it a day.
But oh no, Kanata had other plans for me, because it had way too many best spots to stop at! Each spot I visited had its own twist, and I tasted plates so good I can’t stop bragging about them.
Turns out, Kanata is a bit of a fish-and-chips paradise. So, if you’re ready to dive (pun intended) into the ultimate comfort food journey, here are the best spots for fish and chips in Kanata that you absolutely need to taste! Read on.
Halibut House
– Media credit: halibuthousefishandchips
Address: 1144 Terry Fox Dr.
Contact details: +1 613 836 8866
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Halibut House focuses on simple, satisfying seafood done right. You’ll walk into the smell of fresh fried goodness here, and while they keep the setup casual, the food does all the talking.
Their fish and chips are the real deal—a light, golden batter that doesn’t overwhelm but perfectly hugs the halibut inside. The fries are thick-cut and crispy enough to hold their own, or better yet, you can opt for onion rings if you’re into that.
If you want a little variety, they offer cod too, making sure every preference is covered with the same quality. To pair this with, their coleslaw is a no-brainer, or you can do with the breaded clams if you want a seafood side.
| Pro tip: Halibut House occasionally runs promotions for combo meals at unbeatable prices. |
Digby’s Restaurant
– Media credit: ottawahalaleats
Address: 300 Earl Grey Dr.
Contact details: +1 613 599 9800
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 11 AM to 1:30 AM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Friday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 1:30 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 1:30 AM
Cost: $$
Digby’s Restaurant is the go-to spot for fish and chips, and it’s no surprise locals keep coming back. They pride themselves on fresh, flaky halal fish, perfectly battered to be crisp without overpowering the fish itself.
Whether you opt for their famous Alaskan pollock or go for haddock, cod, or sole, each dish comes paired with lightly seasoned fries and coleslaw. Want to switch things up?
Their salmon alongside seasonal sides is another solid option if you’re staying in the seafood lane. But do yourself a favour and try pairing your fish and chips with their jalapeno poppers—it’s spicy and just “wow”!
| Pro tip: If you want an easy meal deal for two, their “Dinner for Two” menu special is a steal. With this, you’ll get fish and chips, and the option to choose between popcorn shrimp or extra fish for a feast, and easy on the wallet. |
Montana’s BBQ & Bar
– Media credit: montanasbbq
Address: 140 Earl Grey Dr.
Contact details: +1 613 270 0518
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$$
Montana’s BBQ & Bar is one of our go-to spots for hearty comfort food, especially fish and chips! Their focus has always been on bold flavours and generous portions, and their take on fish and chips is no exception.
The dish is simple but done right—crispy golden battered fish with tender, flaky meat inside paired with thick fries. What makes it special is that it’s not overly greasy, and it comes with a house-made tartar sauce and coleslaw.
While the fish and chips could stand alone, you shouldn’t miss out on trying their variety of ribs and steaks as well. And if you’re in the mood for drinks, they’ve got some great beer-on-tap options too.
| Pro tip: If you’re into pork, Montana’s has regular all-you-can-eat ribs on Wednesdays, an ultimate feast without breaking the bank. Also, they have this “Ribs to Riches” loyalty programme, which you can sign up for to have a chance to win home items. |
The Royal Oak
– Media credit: royaloakpubs
Address: 329 March Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 591 3895
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Cost: $$
The Royal Oak has a laid-back charm that’s perfect for people who want an unpretentious dining experience with reliably good food. While their menu spans a variety of classic pub fare, it’s their fish and chips that stand out as an ideal go-to dish.
The fish is prepared fresh daily and fried in their signature crispy batter. It’s served alongside coleslaw, tartar sauce, and fries to round out the meal. If you’re extra hungry, you’ve got the option to add another piece of fish for just $9.
If you’re not into haddock, their menu features alternatives like Atlantic salmon—grilled, blackened, or maple-glazed—or pub classics like Shepherd’s pie. If you’re looking for a drink pairing, go for one of their on-tap beers or a refreshing cider.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a visit, their Friday Fish Special is worth trying because it cuts a few dollars off the price—you get the same great fish and chips at a lower cost, available for dine-in only. |
3 Brasseurs
– Media credit: 3brasseursca
Address: 565 Kanata Ave.
Contact details: +1 613 380 8190
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
Cost: $
3 Brasseurs is where you’ll find one of the most satisfying takes on fish and chips. Their spin on this classic dish features cod fillets that are Ocean Wise recommended, meaning you’re not just enjoying great taste but also sustainable seafood.
The fish itself is dipped in their house-made beer batter, paired with fries, creamy coleslaw, and a side of tangy tartar sauce. While the fish and chips steal the spotlight, their craft beers brewed on-site deserve an honourable mention.
Now, if you’re ordering the dish, consider pairing it with their popular Blonde Lager or, if you prefer something with a bit more bite, the IPA’s citrusy notes work like magic. They’re also famous for their Triton—a massive 3L or 5L beer tower.
| Pro tip: 3 Brasseurs got promotions running too, like discounted pints and flamm (a French pizza-style dish) during happy hour from 3 PM to 7 PM, Monday to Friday. |
The Glen Scottish Pub & Restaurant
– Media credit: consumedbyyarnie
Address: 6081 Hazeldean Rd Unit 1010
Contact details: +1 613 836 5622
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
The Glen Scottish Pub & Restaurant might boast a lot of Scottish-inspired dishes, but their fish supper section is where they truly shine. Whether you’re a fan of beer-battered fish, lemon pepper fish, or want some extra zest with their Cajun pan-seared option, you’re covered.
Each dish comes with fresh lemon wedges and the magic of three tartar sauce flavours to pick from: traditional, spicy, or dill—they’ve truly tailored it perfectly to let you craft your own take on this beloved meal.
If you’re looking for a pairing to complete the dish, their beer menu comes in handy—you won’t go wrong with Tennent’s Lager alongside your fish supper. Alternatively, if you lean toward lighter pairings, check out their wine menu.
| Pro tip: Visit on the nights when they host live music—it’s a fantastic bonus to the already great dining experience. |
strEATS
– Media credit: streatsottawa
Address: 484 Hazeldean Rd #7
Contact details: +1 613 836 8887
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Cost: $
StrEATS knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to putting together a menu that’s both comforting and exciting. They use sustainably sourced Alaska pollock for their take on classic fish and chips, battered with a house recipe.
To make the experience better, it’s served alongside fries tossed with just the right sprinkle of sea salt, tartar sauce, and a lemon wedge. You can even scale up for the 10pc wild Alaska pollock served with three orders of fries, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Aside from that, SteEATS’ diverse menu offers tacos, burritos, bowls, smash burgers, and even coconut shrimp that’s perfect for adding a little variety.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye out for their “Make it a Combo” promotion—it’s just $7 extra to level up your meal with a mini classic poutine and drink (or take it even further with an upgrade to StrEAT fries). |
The Barley Mow Kanata
– Media credit: barleymowottawa
Address: 700 March Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 599 6098
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 11 AM 12 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
The Barley Mow Kanata is a welcoming spot that effortlessly combines hearty pub fare with a laid-back vibe. But let’s cut to the chase—what really sets this place apart is their fish and chips, and trust me, it’s worth writing home about.
The haddock is coated in 1000 Islands Stout beer batter that crisps up beautifully as it fries, locking in the tender texture of the fish beneath. They pair this with freshly cut fries—none of that frozen stuff—and serve it with their standout tartar sauce.
If you’re a fan of mixing things up, I’d highly recommend pairing your fish and chips with their draught stout—it’s a solid choice to round out the meal.
| Pro tip: Barley Mow Kanata often hosts fun drag nights and trivia nights—great events to plan your night around! Just keep an eye on their Instagram page for dates and updates. |
Buster’s Bar & Grill
– Media credit: bustersottawa
Address: 420 Hazeldean Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 836 7007
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $
Buster’s Bar & Grill is the kind of place that feels like your go-to neighbourhood spot. There’s no fuss or frills here, just the comforting vibe and a reliable bar and grill.
Their take on fish and chips turned us into regulars—they start with two big haddocks battered to crispy perfection paired with thick-cut fries.
Buster’s tartar sauce isn’t fancy but has that nice tang you want when you’re diving into a classic pub dish like this one. If you’re feeling like mixing things up, you can pair it with their plant-based chicken nuggets or burger.
| Pro tip: Buster’s runs weekly specials that are tough to pass up, but Fridays are the standout if you’re a fish and chips fan since you’ll score $5 off. |
Ad Mare Seafood Truck
– Media credit: ad_mare
Address: 2265 Robertson Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 555 5555
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: $
Ad Mare Seafood Truck is your go-to spot for fish and seafood that’s fresh, flavourful, and prepared right when you order. By the way, it’s located in front of Kichesippi Brewery, and since it’s a mobile gem, don’t expect a sit-down setup.
Now, they specialise in tasty seafood dishes that rotate daily, but, of course, their fish and chips deserve a special mention. Perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, their versions let the fish shine, paired with fries and tartar sauce.
Beyond that, Ad Mare’s shrimp tacos are fantastic for something lighter but equally delicious.
| Pro tip: Make sure to visit early, as Ad Mare operates on limited hours (usually, until sold out). |
