Olivia TaylorSo last year, I packed up and moved to Orleans as my job relocated from downtown Ottawa. Naturally, as a foodie, my first mission was to discover the best restaurants in the area.
Thankfully, my team is supportive (or they may just be looking for an excuse to chow—like me. So, we made it our mission to explore the local food scene, and we ate our way through some incredible places!
Lucky for you, we’re not here to gatekeep. Below, we’re listing down the best Orleans that won’t disappoint your tastebuds and dining style, so read on!
Mandarin Restaurant
– Media credit: themandarinrestaurants
Address: 2055 Tenth Line Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 834 7000
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 4:45 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 4:45 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £££
Mandarin Restaurant is the quintessential buffet experience you never knew you needed. This buffet restaurant boasts an expansive and vibrant setup, with various food stations perfect for family gatherings or celebratory meals with friends.
Their buffet spread features classic Mandarin dishes like beef with broccoli, General Tao chicken, and sweet and sour pork. But the variety doesn’t stop there—you’ll also find a selection of salads, chilled seafood, over-baked pizza, and an array of noodles and rice dishes.
They have premium options like grilled rib-eye steak, fried dumplings, and even freshly made sushi—a delightful addition to the buffet offerings. For dessert, make sure you grab a slice of coconut pie or lemon meringue pie.
| Pro tip: If you prefer to enjoy all these fantastic dishes at home, Mandarin offers take-out services too, so you call ahead and order to avoid any wait times. |
St. Martha’s Brasserie d’Orleans
– Media credit: nicolas_chevallier_photography
Address: 305, 3095 St Joseph Blvd.
Contact details: +1 613 424 9199
Operating hours:
- Monday and Friday – 12 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday – 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday – 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 6 PM, 7 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 2 PM, 3 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 2 PM, 3 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: £££
St. Martha’s Brasserie d’Orleans offers a cosy yet elegant setting that transports you straight to a French bistro. Their breakfast menu is a delight, featuring items like croissant sandwiches and brioche French toast, both of which pair perfectly with their mimosa.
Moving onto lunch, don’t miss appetisers like French onion soup and haggis roll. For mains, the sweet soy salmon and 12 oz dry-aged ribeye are standouts.
Dinner here is equally impressive with dishes like crab cakes, lamb rack, and Katsu Kare (thick-cut pork cutlet). Their desserts, particularly the banana tart and white wine pear with brownie are what have us coming back!
| Pro tip: St. Martha’s also offers catering services, making them a fantastic choice for your next event. |
Rayan Poissonnerie & Restaurant
– Media credit: mtl.munchies
Address: 2020 Lanthier Dr #10
Contact details: +1 613 837 6363
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 2 PM to 8 PM
- Friday – 2 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Cost: £££
Rayan Poissonnerie & Restaurant is the go-to spot for seafood aficionados. The restaurant’s setup is focused on a fresh seafood display, allowing you to choose your catch of the day, which is then prepared to your liking.
Now, their menu features must-try seafood dishes like the salmon plate, grilled scallops, and the chef’s special marinated lobster and grilled octopus. For those who prefer the classics, their fish and chips and calamari plates are excellent choices.
Another unique highlight is their popcorn shrimp poutine, an invent twist on the traditional poutine. I’ve got to say, we ordered a second round of this!
| Pro tip: Rayan offers catering services, so if you’re hosting an event, their fresh and delicious seafood can be the star of your party. |
Occo Kitchen
– Media credit: occokitchen
Address: 4240 Innes Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 834 1200
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: ££
Occo Kitchen doesn’t disappoint if you’re after a casual, fun dining experience. The pub-style ambience is complemented by their extensive selection of beers and cocktails.
To start your meal, you better go with the popular appetisers like cauliflower wings and maple bacon baked brie (by the way, this brie pairs great with their beers!). If you’re in the mood for pub classics, their fish burger, East Coast donair or chicken club are spot on.
For those with bigger appetites, you’ll find hearty mains such as the Ahi tuna poke bowl, rigatoni bolognese, and steak frites as top picks. Plus, their happy hour on weekdays is a fantastic opportunity to wind down after a long day.
| Pro tip: You can make a reservation through their website to choose your preferred seating spot—a great feature especially if you want the best seat in the house. |
Moxies Orleans Restaurant
– Media credit: moxies
Address: 3818 Innes Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 830 7200
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Cost: ££
Moxies Orleans Restaurant is the kind of place where you can pop in for a quick bite or linger over a meal with friends. The menu here is a delightful journey across different cuisines, with highlights like the tuna sushi stack, potstickers, and nachos.
In the mains department, Moxies delivers heartily offerings such as the Blackened Chicken burger and black bean tacos, both packed with flavours. Meat lovers will have their cravings met too, with Moxies’ certified Angus beef and AAA steaks.
For those looking to embrace plant-based choices, the dedicated vegetarian menu is the way to go. Desserts are where Moxies shines even brighter—their sticky toffee pudding and white chocolate brownie are well worth saving room for.
| Pro tip: When visiting with a group, head straight for their large patio or extensive lounge for ample space and a great atmosphere for catching up sessions. |
Bite Burger House
– Media credit: biteburgerhouse
Address: 1675 Tenth Line Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 824 2483
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £
When you step into Bite Burger House, you’ll be met with a warm and lively atmosphere that’s all about celebrating the art of a good burger.
Each burger here is playfully named, like the Bite Me with smoked bacon or the Burning Love that brings a spicy kick with Cajun-dusted chuck.
Beyond their burgers, the menu holds its own with eclectic offerings like the Hot Diggity Dawg (a foot-long), schnitzel, and fish and chips. For a lighter fare nothing beats pairing a cold brew with their spinach dip or Snap Crackle Pop—this one is a mozzarella stick.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their daily happy hour, a great opportunity to enjoy their robust flavours on a budget while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. |
Thai Bite
– Media credit: thaibite_ottawa
Address: 2010 Trim Rd Unit#6
Contact details: +1 613 424 7979
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Saturday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 4 PM to 9 PM
Cost: £
When you’re in the mood for something full of flavour with authentic roots, Thai Bite should be your destination. Familiar dishes such as spring rolls and chicken satay serve as a comforting introduction before moving on to the main dishes.
Curries and noodles are in abundance here, with the Pad Thai and Pad Kee Mao standing out as must-try classics. Their soups are a close second in the lineup of must-tries, with the Tom Yum Soup offering a spicy kick, while the wonton soup provides comfort on a chilly day.
No meal here is complete without trying the mango sticky rice for dessert—a sweet, addictive finish we did not regret choosing!
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a gathering or event, be sure to check out their catering option. |
Delicious Steak House
– Media credit: onelove.foodie
Address: 2080 St Joseph Blvd.
Contact details: +1 613 830 3366
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 9 PM
Cost: £££
For the steak aficionados and those seeking an intimate dining experience, Delicious Steak House is an unmissable destination. With choices like ribeye, New Yorker, and fillet mignon on their menu, each comes perfectly seared to your preferred doneness.
Before diving into these meaty delights, start with their appetisers, like the escargot or lobster-crab cakes. While the steak is the star here, their menu doesn’t shy away from diversity with offerings like honey ginger glazed salmon and crusted chicken.
For those sharing with friends, the Seafood Oscar—a mix of salmon, shrimp, and scallops—is an option to consider. As with any fine dining experience, pairing your main with the right wine is essential, and their extensive wine list does not disappoint.
| Pro tip: Remember to make a reservation here since it’s a small setting, which makes it perfect for intimate meals. |
Chili Thai Takeout
– Media credit: chili_thai_orleans
Address: 3018 St Joseph Blvd.
Contact details: +1 613 424 7700
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday, Saturday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 12 PM to 2 PM, 4 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 8 PM
Cost: £
For the perfect spot to grab some delicious Thai cuisine on the go, Chilli Thai Takeout should be at the top of your list! This little gem is all about delivering high-quality Thai flavours in a convenient takeout format.
Whether you’re craving something light like their vegetarian or shrimp spring rolls and satay chicken, or something with a bit more kick, this place has got you covered. Their curries are great too, with options like pineapple shrimp curry and Panang curry—and it’s awesome knowing they’re all made gluten-free!
Chilli Thai also shines with their mains; the lemongrass beef and house signature crispy beef are crowd favourites (ours too!). If you’re a fan of spicy dishes, you can’t miss the basil stir fry and red curry stir fry, both of which bring the heat in the best way possible.
| Pro tip: If you love to stock up on amazing Thai sauces, don’t forget to grab a bottle of their hot sauce to spice up your home-cooked meals. |
Taproom260
– Media credit: taproom260
Address: 260 Centrum Blvd Unit 101
Contact details: +1 613 424 2260
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: ££
Taproom260 is where you need to be for those laid-back, casual nights out with friends or family. The menu here is filled with pub classics that are sure to please anyone, such as nachos, fish tacos, or their incredible smoked cheddar and cider burger.
If you’re all about wings, they’ve got you covered with options varying from a little spicy to the notorious ghost pepper wings. And the variety doesn’t end there. Taproom260 offers mouthwatering mains like Guinness-braised beef and lemon maple salmon.
Kids aren’t left out either, because Taproom260 has a kids menu featuring fish and chips, burgers, and chicken strips.
By the way, the cocktail selection here is fantastic, featuring crowd favourites like Call Me Maybe and Viva Paloma!
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their annual bashes, trivia night, and weekend live music. These events bring extra fun and excitement to your visit! |
Caravela Restaurante
– Media credit: rainachenr
Address: 3712 Innes Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 424 9200
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Cost: ££
Caravela Restaurante is the go-to spot in Orleans for anyone who craves authentic Portuguese cuisine. This cosy, inviting restaurant serves up delicious Portuguese traditional chicken soup and flambeed sausage which we enjoyed alongside their wine.
If seafood is your thing, you’re in for a treat with options like seafood pasta, seafood rice, or the elaborate Fernando’s platter (it’s a mix of lobster, tiger shrimp, clams, and mussels). Their meat options, such as the succulent beef pot roast and braised rabbit stew are equally impressive.
What’s unique is that you can choose the spice level of your dish, from mild to oh-so-spicy. By the way, don’t miss their lunch specials—the cod in bechamel sauce and the chicken skewers are simple crowd-pleasers.
| Pro tip: Caravela highly recommends reservations, as they want to make advance preparations for your chosen meals. |
Cucina da Vito
– Media credit: bia_s_kitchen
Address: 2701 St Joseph Blvd.
Contact details: +1 613 834 8486
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £££
If Italian cuisine calls your name, Cucina da Vito is a must-visit, boasting a cosy and warm atmosphere that makes every meal feel special. Start with their antipasti, like calamari fritti and carpaccio di manzo, both of which are crowd favourites.
Cucina da Vito’s pasta dishes are standout stars on the menu, with special mentions to Tortellini Alla Panna and Penne Primavera that’ll surely satisfy your cravings. Seafood lovers can delight in the best-selling grilled salmon and basa loin topped with shrimp.
And of course, you can’t leave without trying their desserts. Do yourself a favour and order the tiramisu or crème brûlée, both of which are beloved by us locals!
| Pro tip: Cucina da Vito often posts special menus and deals on their Facebook page, so don’t forget to check it out before heading over. You might just discover something new and delicious to try! |
