Olivia TaylorSometimes, all you need is a plate of savory pasta to feel full and satisfied. Fortunately, there are several pasta joints in Ottawa, and they serve a wide variety of pasta dishes.
Some restaurants specialize in the classics like alfredo, lasagna, carbonara, and bolognese, but there are also others that try innovative recipes that fuse different flavors together. Because of this, you’ll always be in for a treat!
If you’re looking for amazing recommendations, here are some of the restaurants with the best pasta in Ottawa.
- Giovanni’s
- Vittoria Trattoria
- Pub Italia
- Napoli’s
- Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go
- La Dolce Vita’s Summer Patio
- Trattoria Caffè Italia
- Caffe Mio
- Kara Mia
- Johnny Farina
- DreamLand Cafe
- The Grand Pizzeria and Bar
- Fratelli Westboro
- La Favorita
- La Roma
- Biagio’s Kitchen + Catering
- Cantina Gia
- Mr. B’s Osteria
- Mamma Teresa Ristorante
Giovanni’s
Address: 362 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—5 to 11 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +16132343156
Nestled at the heart of Ottawa’s Little Italy, Giovanni’s aims to bring the flavors of Italy to Canada’s capital city. They’ve also made a conscious effort to only use freshly handpicked ingredients from local sources.
Lunch and dinner have their own menus, but both have a great selection of pasta dishes. One dish you should try is the linguine pescatore, which is jam-packed with jumbo sea scallops and other seafood in a sauce made from tomato and white wine.
Other options that might pique your interest include the classic carbonara or lasagna, penne mare e monti (wheat penne with artichokes and shrimp in a creamy pesto sauce), and piatto assortito (made with veal, manicotti, and lasagna).
| Pro Tips: You might want to pair your dish with a glass (or bottle) of wine. Giovanni’s has an extensive wine menu, so you have a lot of options. This is a great restaurant to go to if you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner. There’s a separate menu for this event, and it’s filled with gourmet dishes. |
Vittoria Trattoria
Address: 3625 Rivergate Way, Ottawa, ON K1V 2A4, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +16137318959
Vittoria Trattoria is an open-concept dining room, which means you can literally see the chefs working on your dishes no matter where you are in the room!
Additionally, this restaurant boasts an impressive menu with various options for each course.
The alcoholic drink list is also extensive. There are over 600 wines and alcoholic beverages available!
For pasta, you can’t go wrong with the Alla Nonna, which is penne with chicken breast, green onions, and baby spinach in an herb cream sauce. There’s also the Funghi e Pancetta, made with penne, pancetta ham, and mushrooms in a brandy sauce.
If you prefer something spicy, Picante should pique your interest. It’s linguine with shrimp, red onions, zucchini, and wild mushrooms, but the sauce is the highlight; its base is rosé, and chilis are added for extra heat.
| Pro Tip: Looking for a great gift for your loved ones? You might want to purchase a gift certificate from Vittoria Trattoria for them. |
Pub Italia
Address: 434 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N4, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday—4 pm to 1 am
- Tuesday to Saturday—11 am to 1 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16132322326
Technically, Pub Italia is more known as a bar, but it also serves great pasta dishes, so it’s still worth checking out.
This pub has classic pasta dishes like meatball pasta, pesto pasta, and lasagna, but there are also lesser-known pasta dishes. One example is A La Rosa, which is made with fettuccine, chicken, sundried tomatoes, and spinach in a rosé sauce.
Since this is a pub, you should at least try any drinks from the Beer Bible menu. Canadian draft beers are popular, but there are other draft and bottle beers from other countries.
| Pro Tip: While waiting for your order, you might want to check out the on-site museum, which houses several vintage items like old-school vehicles. |
Napoli’s
Address: 81 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6V8, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday—11 am to 9 pm
- Tuesday to Friday—11 am to 10 pm
- Saturday—5 to 10 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +16137281973
Napoli’s is mostly known for its pizza, which is understandable because the pizza offerings here are quite good (the Napoli Special, in particular, is worth checking out). But this restaurant serves amazing pasta dishes as well.
All pasta noodles are homemade, and the sauces are an explosion of flavors. The Napoli baked lasagna and the Napoli spaghetti are the most popular, but you should also try the spaghetti with Italian sausages or fettuccine primavera with alfredo sauce.
To balance out all the carbs of your meal, you might want to order a salad (the Mediterranean salad is highly recommended) for some fresh greens.
| Pro Tip: Struggling to choose your pasta? You might want to try the pasta combo dish! With this dish, you can have lasagna and cannelloni or manicotti. |
Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go
Address: 8 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 9B8, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—12 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16136802019
Located in ByWard Market, Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta to Go is a pasta heaven. As the name suggests, this restaurant serves freshly made pasta in all kinds of sauces.
The pesto pasta is one of the bestsellers because of its addictive nutty and savory flavors. Another great dish you can try is the Mamma Rosa Pasta, which is smothered in slightly tangy tomato cause or creamy white sauce.
There are even halal options for Muslim pasta lovers! These halal pasta dishes are the bolognese pasta, chicken alfredo pasta, and aglio olio and peperoncino pasta.
| Pro Tip: You can actually buy packaged artisan pasta here. Get yours and create your favorite pasta dishes at home! |
La Dolce Vita’s Summer Patio
Address: 180 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7P9, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—5 to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16132336239
If you’re looking for a restaurant with a cozy, homey atmosphere, you’ll like La Dolce Vita’s Summer Patio. This dining spot is known for serving Italian staples, such as calzones, pizza, and pasta.
For pasta, try the butter sage gnocchi. The sauce is perfectly garlicky and creamy, the sage adds an earthiness to the flavor profile, and the gnocchi is soft and chewy.
You might also like the frutti di mare (linguini and seafood in a garlic cream sauce).
If you’re vegetarian, the vegetable linguine aglio e olio is for you. It’s filled with many tasty vegetables, such as Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, artichokes, and mushrooms.
| Pro Tip: If you have celiac disease or you’re sensitive to gluten, you’ll be delighted to know there’s a separate gluten-free menu. Here’s the link if you want to see the options. |
Trattoria Caffè Italia
Address: 254 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R4, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—3 to 11 pm
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Contact Number: +16132361081
Trattoria Caffè Italia is a family-owned restaurant that’s been around for several decades now. The fact that it has stood the test of time is proof that you can expect to find fine Italian cuisine here.
The cannelloni della casa is a must-try. It’s made with homemade pasta sheets that are rolled with minced veal, spinach, and Parmigiano cheese filling and then baked in tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella. Such a flavorful treat!
Other pasta dishes you might like are the penne carrozza (Arrabiata sauce with spicy Italian sausage) or the rigatoni giuliana (rosé sauce with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and chicken).
| Pro Tip: You can request substitutions for some ingredients in the pasta dishes, but take note that you might be required to pay an additional charge. |
Caffe Mio
Address: 1379 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3C2, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday—12 to 3 pm, 5 to 9 pm
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Contact Number: +16137615510
Whether you want a spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxing gathering with loved ones, Caffe Mio is a restaurant worth considering.
If you’re a cheese lover, you should try the manicotti, which is pasta stuffed with a cheese blend and spinach and then baked in tomato sauce. Linguine calabrese is also delicious with its garlicky tomato sauce and savory Italian sausage.
To complement your pasta dish, you might want to order garlic cheese bread or bruschetta. A bowl of caprese or Caesar salad sounds good as well.
| Pro Tip: For an extra fee, you can substitute the pasta noodles for whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta. |
Kara Mia
Address: 1910 St. Laurent Blvd Unit 7, Ottawa, ON K1G 1A4, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—4 to 9:30 pm
- Friday—4 to 10:30 pm
- Saturday—2 to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—2 to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +16132480500
For Muslims who love pasta, Kara Mia is a must-visit because it’s an Italian halal restaurant. The setting is also quite fancy, making it a great place for people to come on dates with their partners.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all your pasta options, try pasta di carne. It comes with 6 oz of grilled strip loin steak with mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, and the fettuccine is smothered in a saffron cream sauce.
If you have a high spice tolerance, be sure to try the penne piccante rosé.
The rosé sauce is mixed with chili peppers, adding a kick of heat. This pasta also comes with diced chicken breast, onions, and bell peppers.
| Pro Tip: Kara Mia offers catering services with special party menus. If you’re interested, you should send an email to [email protected]. |
Johnny Farina
Address: 216 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 9 pm
- Thursday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—4 to 9 pm
Contact Number: +16135655155
Enjoy a casual dining experience at Johnny Farina. This restaurant is housed inside a former movie theatre in a trendy neighborhood, so the interior is very warm and inviting.
It’s also quite spacious thanks to the 35-foot ceilings.
You have a decent selection of pasta dishes here as well. The prosciutto rigatoni is a must-try (the rigatoni noodles soak up the brandy rosé sauce well, and the prosciutto is perfectly savory), but you might also like the classic lasagna or linguini and meatballs.
There are also vegetarian options for people who don’t eat meat. The Stella is a highlight (agnolotti stuffed with spinach and cheese and cooked in a goat cheese cream sauce), and the penne primavera is refreshing (it has olives, broccoli, and tomatoes).
| Pro Tips: Some pasta dishes can be modified to be gluten-free if you’re interested. When ordering your pasta, let the waiter know if you have any food allergies so that the kitchen staff can replace those ingredients with something else. |
DreamLand Cafe
Address: 262 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R5, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday—5 to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 4 to 10 pm
- Closed from Sunday to Tuesday
Contact Number: +16134224200
Located in Little Italy, DreamLand Cafe is all about serving the best pasta dishes to the customers. That’s why they’ve committed to creating pasta noodles fresh every time—and with love and finesse.
The creamy pesto is the bestselling dish here because of its addictive and creamy sauce. It’s also nut-free and vegetarian!
You might also like the beef ragu, which is made from a short rib that’s been braised in a red wine and tomato sauce for 12 hours!
To make your meal even more satisfying, you should order add-ons like cheesy garlic bread or meatballs on the side.
Caesar salad might also sound good. The leafy greens will add more nourishment to your body.
| Pro Tip: DreamLand Cafe often hosts jewelry-making workshops from time to time. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, be sure to attend one when you can. Check this page for more information. |
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar
Address: 74 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5W1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 10 pm
- Thursday—11 am to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16132449995
Constructed on the site of the original Grand Hotel, The Grand Pizzeria and Bar is all about paying homage to history. That’s why their wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta dishes are made from traditional Neapolitan recipes.
You can’t go wrong with the spaghetti and meatballs, and the pappardelle alla grand, with its truffle oil, is perfect if you’re feeling fancy.
For vegetarians, try the plant-based leek and mushroom ravioli. The sauce is made from creamy cashew coconut!
To wash everything down, order a glass of a sweet cocktail like berry limonata or Italian mule.
If you don’t like cocktails, there are also options for wine, beer, sangria, and seltzers. There are even non-alcoholic beverages available here.
| Pro Tip: If you like the marinara sauce or the hot sauce used here, you can actually buy a jar of it in the restaurant’s shop. |
Fratelli Westboro
Address: 275 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 9 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16137226772
A family-owned restaurant in the Westboro district, Fratelli is a cozy restaurant that’s perfect for dinner dates and relaxing gatherings for people you love.
The menu is pretty extensive with many options for pasta.
Try their spaghetti dish is made up of smoked salmon, crispy capers, and onions in a lemon and goat cheese cream sauce. If you prefer meatballs with your spaghetti, there’s also that option.
Don’t miss out on the other courses offered here. You might want to start with a salad or an antipasto (the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal) like calamari fritti, pacchetto (sausage and rapini-filled pasta), and warm mixed olives.
| Pro Tip: You can substitute the pasta noodles for gluten-free corn pasta if you want. Keep in mind you’ll have to pay an extra fee for this. |
La Favorita
Address: 356 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M6, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16137497490
La Favorita started as a small takeout restaurant in the 1980s, but now, it’s a staple in Ottawa. Over the years, it’s garnered positive reviews published in several reputable papers like The Ottawa Citizen, The Toronto Star, and even The New York Times!
When it comes to pasta, treat yourself to the classic fettuccine carbonara with bacon or linguine and meatballs. Tortellini is also worth trying, and you can choose to have it with veal or cheese; for seafood lovers, there are various seafood linguine options.
La Favorita is also widely known for its calzones. Be sure to try one when you can (there are calzones with various meat fillings and others with vegetables).
| Pro Tip: Looking for a venue for your event? You can book a private dining room here. Check this page for more information. |
La Roma
Address: 430 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N4, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—5 to 9 pm
- Thursday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 9 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 10 pm
- Saturday—5 to 10 pm
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Contact Number: +16132348244
You don’t have to go to Rome to enjoy the fine cuisine there. Instead, you can just stop by La Roma and try any of the amazing pasta dishes.
You can’t miss out on the gnocchi alla vodka. It has potato dumplings cooked in a vodka rosé sauce and topped with crispy prosciutto.
The strozzapreti al pesto is another one you should try. The pesto sauce is creamy, and it pairs well with the olives.
If you want to have side dishes to eat with your pasta, you can order carpaccio (lemon-cured AAA beef that’s thinly sliced and topped with Parmigiano cheese), marinated spicy olives, or burrata with cherry tomatoes.
| Pro Tip: La Roma has a shop with prepared to-go meals. You can buy lasagna for two, Margherita pizza, rosé sauce, and more. Check the shop page for more details. |
Biagio’s Kitchen + Catering
Address: 1394 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2B 6R8, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Saturday, Tuesday to Thursday—5 to 9 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 9 pm
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Contact Number: +16138280770
Enjoy Italian-inspired dishes inside the warm interior of Biagio’s Kitchen + Catering!
The pasta selection here is impressive. There are the pasta dishes you know and love (e.g., bolognese and chicken alfredo), but there are others that are new.
A perfect example of something new is Biagio’s signature pasta. It’s linguine with black tiger shrimp, oyster mushrooms, and roasted red peppers cooked in a brandy cream sauce. Such a decadent and savory treat!
If you’re vegetarian, you might like the Mediterranea pasta, which consists of fettuccine, zucchini, eggplant, artichoke hearts, and olives smothered in a creamy tomato sauce and topped with goat cheese.
| Pro Tip: Do you enjoy comedy? Sometimes, there are stand-up shows that happen during dinner! Check this page for more information. |
Cantina Gia
Address: 749 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V3, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16135690464
The best way to describe Cantina Gia is that it’s the classic neighborhood family restaurant. For this reason, you can expect to find a comforting atmosphere here.
As for the food, you have different menus depending on when you come here (brunch, lunch, or dinner). Each menu has a pasta option, but if you want to have several options, you should come during dinner.
The pasta dish you should try here is the shrimp and vodka rosé, which has the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy thanks to the grilled shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and vodka sauce. The classic spaghetti with meatballs is also a hit.
| Pro Tip: Cantina Gia has an extensive menu for alcoholic drinks. You might want to order a cocktail or wine to accompany your meal. The restaurant also sells gift cards. You can buy one as a gift for your family or friends! |
Mr. B’s Osteria
Address: 2446 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 8R9, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, and Saturday, Sunday—4 to 9 pm
- Wednesday to Friday—11:30 am to 9 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +16137316800
Intimate and casual, Mr. B’s Osteria is the bistro to go to if you just want a lazy lunch or dinner.
Since there are many pasta options here, you might feel overwhelmed. If so, you might want to try the bestsellers, such as the ravioli bolognese or the baked lasagna.
If you’re a seafood lover, you can’t pass up on the linguine clam pasta.
To complete your meal, order a glass—or a bottle—of wine (red and white wines are available).
| Pro Tip: If you like the pasta dishes served here and want to make them at home, the restaurant sells a few packaged dishes and sauces. Check this page to see what products they’re offering. |
Mamma Teresa Ristorante
Address(es):
- 300 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 2C2, Canada
- 254 Chem. Old Chelsea, Chelsea, QC J9B 1R5, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Somerset St W: 4:30 to 9:30 pm (Sunday to Thursday), 4:30 to 10:30 pm (Friday and Saturday)
- Chem. Old Chelsea: 4:30 to 9 pm (Wednesday), 12 to 9 pm (Thursday to Saturday), 12 to 8 pm (Sunday), closed on Monday and Tuesday
Contact Number(s):
- Somerset St W: +16132363023
- Chem. Old Chelsea: +18198273020
Mamma Teresa Ristorante is operated by the Boselli family who came from the hills of Parma in northern Italy before coming to Ottawa and making their new home here! To honor their heritage, this restaurant celebrates the best of North Italian cuisine.
There’s a good variety of pasta options here. The bestselling one is the Chef’s Special Seafood Pasta, but other highlights include cannelloni al forno and lobster ravioli.
If you’re a vegetarian, the linguine al pesto is worth trying.
Aside from pasta, you might be interested in ordering bruschetta, fried calamari, or a salad to complement your dish. If it’s cold outside, a bowl of their steaming minestrone is a good idea.
| Pro Tip: The restaurant’s menu comes with wine suggestions for each pasta dish. You should try these suggestions to see why these wines and pasta dishes are paired together. |
