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Best Contemporary Canadian Restaurants in Downtown

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34 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Feast + Revel restaurant
4.2
Awesome(334)
$$$$
• Contemporary Canadian • ByWard Market
Booked 4 times today
Server was amazing. Very attentive but not over bearing
A photo of Beckta restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(588)
$$$$
• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
The last few times I've gone to Beckta I've reserved a table in their Wine Bar for a more relaxed, although still a very luxe, atmosphere. The service is always excellent, the food is always delicious and I always leave happier than when I arrived. They also have a fabulous wine and cocktail list (non alcoholic drinks as well) and if you're unsure what to get they will help pair your drink perfectly to your meal. Top of my list for places to go in Ottawa for a higher-end meal. Note - their happy hour this year was very reasonable if you're looking to try them out.
A photo of Milestones Grill + Bar - Ottawa - Sussex restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1263)
$$$$
• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
Overall great experience - our server was amazing - friendly, efficient and helpful. Food was served fast and very good - great location when downtown
A photo of JOEY Rideau restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(770)
$$$$
• Contemporary Canadian • ByWard Market
Booked 129 times today
★★★★★ Another fantastic night at JOEY Rideau! The food was amazing, and Serena made the evening. She’s warm, personable, and has a way of making everyone at the table feel welcome. If you’ve never been to a JOEY, I highly recommend stopping in for a bite. And if you want to make it a memorable night out, ask for Serena!
A photo of Fauna restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1477)
$$$$
• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
Excellent food and excellent service , everything was perfect and the prices were good considering the quality of the food
A photo of North and Navy restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2032)
$$$$
• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown
Booked 19 times today
The service was very good.The appetizers were excellent.
A photo of Copper Spirits & Sights restaurant
4.0
Excellent(504)
$$$$
• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
Fantastic service The view was unbeatable The food was perfect
A photo of Lavender Grill & Lounge restaurant
4.3
Awesome(185)
$$$$
• Contemporary Canadian • ByWard Market
Booked 27 times today
I had a truly amazing experience visiting lavender earlier this week. I had heard a lot of wonderful things about it from friends and family and was curious so I decided to book a reservation for my date. Upon arrival I was greeted and seated very quickly. They had a wide range of options that I'm looking forward to exploring but upon the waiters suggestion we tried the calamari the gnocchi and the ravioli and all of the above were truly spectacular. The service was fast and they took care to Make sure we weren't lacking anything. Additionally I wanted to say if you are in need of planning an event the venue seems perfect they have multiple areas with lavender flowers hanging from the ceiling which create an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.
A photo of Gezellig restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(864)
$$$$
• Contemporary Canadian • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
Excellent lunch sharing menu. The fishcake and shrimp tacos were delicious - an interesting blend of flavours in every bite. Our server Ash was knowledgeable, kind and attentive. And peanut butter butterfinger for desert still tracks - yum.
A photo of Restaurant e18hteen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1674)
$$$$
• Contemporary Canadian • ByWard Market
Booked 7 times today
Excellent food choices. Beautifully presented. Service is very attentive.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • RICK
    Vancouver / British Columbia •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Overall great experience - our server was amazing - friendly, efficient and helpful. Food was served fast and very good - great location when downtown
    More info
    Milestones Grill + Bar - Ottawa - Sussex$$$$• Contemporary Canadian• Downtown
    •
    4.3
  • Dannielle
    Toronto / Ontario •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Excellent lunch sharing menu. The fishcake and shrimp tacos were delicious - an interesting blend of flavours in every bite. Our server Ash was knowledgeable, kind and attentive. And peanut butter butterfinger for desert still tracks - yum.
    More info
    Gezellig$$$$• Contemporary Canadian• Downtown
    •
    4.9
  • Katrinka
    Ottawa •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The last few times I've gone to Beckta I've reserved a table in their Wine Bar for a more relaxed, although still a very luxe, atmosphere. The service is always excellent, the food is always delicious and I always leave happier than when I arrived. They also have a fabulous wine and cocktail list (non alcoholic drinks as well) and if you're unsure what to get they will help pair your drink perfectly to your meal. Top of my list for places to go in Ottawa for a higher-end meal. Note - their happy hour this year was very reasonable if you're looking to try them out.
    More info
    Beckta$$$$• Contemporary Canadian• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • Christine
    Ottawa •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 26, 2026
    Great spot! The ambiance, impeccable food, and menu were all fantastic. Definitely a future go-to! 🤍
    More info
    Bar Lupulus$$$$• Contemporary Canadian• Hintonburg
    •
    4.8
  • Jon
    Ottawa •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 24, 2026
    My wife and I have returned several times and Fauna never disappoints. The menu is seasonal - there's always something new on offer and it's always excellent. One mainstay on the starter menu is the bison tartare - I get it every time and if it were possible I would order it as a main. Service is the perfect balance of casual and professional. Ambience and decor is perfect. 100% recommend Fauna.
    More info
    Fauna$$$$• Contemporary Canadian• Downtown
    •
    4.8

Discover best Contemporary Canadian restaurants in Downtown

Downtown Ottawa is a vibrant hub for those seeking Contemporary Canadian cuisine, offering a rich tapestry of dining experiences that blend classic Canadian traditions with modern culinary techniques. Restaurants in this area are celebrated for their use of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, ensuring each dish reflects the freshness and quality expected by discerning diners. Whether it's the innovative fusion of flavors, the revival of forgotten cooking traditions, or the commitment to excellent hospitality, each establishment provides a unique perspective on Canadian culinary arts. These dining spots are not only known for their exceptional food but also for their inviting ambiance, combining fine dining quality with a casual, welcoming environment. From historic breweries offering locally crafted beers to award-winning restaurants with a penchant for culinary excellence, downtown Ottawa is truly a destination for food lovers seeking an authentic and memorable dining experience.

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