Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Ottawa

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Ottawa? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Perch

4.9

4.9 (329)

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary Canadian

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Perch is an intimate fine dining restaurant focusing on Canadian ingredients, ethical and sustainable products.
Awarded as the 4th Best New Canadian Restaurant 2022 by Enroute, Three diamonds by AAA and placing on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants 2023 and 2025. With the dining room facing into the wide open kitchen offering a nine course tasting menu and a bar focusing on unique cocktails and natural wines.

Nine Course tasting menu is $180 for food menu
Beverage Pairing is $100 per person (optional)
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Pairing is $100 per person (optional)

We release reservations 60 days in advance.

Please be sure to specify any dietary restrictions when making a reservation.

Please note that for reservations of 5 or more people, please call us at 613-515-0535 or email amanda@perchottawa.ca

Top review

Abigail

Dined on Oct 24, 2026

I went to Perch for my birthday with my boyfriend and it was so amazing. The staff were so sweet and had a card on the table when we entered wishing me Happy Birthday. All the courses were creative and delicious. The pacing of the meal was good and we left satisfied. I 10/10 recommend going to Perch at any time but especially for special occasions!

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Experience

Tasting Menu - 9 Course Meal

Black Tartan Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (362)

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary Canadian

Downtown

About the restaurant

From day one, we have wanted this little restaurant to be a space where anyone can feel comfortable & welcomed. Classic French cuisine is the root of this ethos - consistent, familiar and even nostalgic flavours from the tried & true feel good classics, yet slightly elevated with a touch of whimsy. Whether you are up for a curated culinary experience with our 4 & 7 Course tasting menus (Fri & Sat evenings), or prefer to choose your own adventure with our 3-course Table D’hote menu (Wed & Thurs evenings), or are in search of an upscale lunch à la carte menu (Thur - Sat); we have you covered! Our menus are composed entirely to showcase the best local products in Lanark County & the Ottawa Valley and are tailored monthly to best celebrate the tastes of the season. What’s more is that we tie it all together with the best small town, friendly, warm and courteous service around. Just like at a good friend’s house; we look forward to welcoming you to our kitchen! Ian Carswell (Chef/Owner)

Top review

Matthew

Dined 7 days ago

Amazing evening at Black Tartan!!! Service was fantastic and food was delicious

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Experience

10 Courses to Celebrate 10 Years! ($149/pers)

Experience

Milkhouse Farm & Dairy - Our November Supper Club

Experience

7-Course Tasting Menu ($149/person)

Rosebowl Steaks & Seafood

4.9

4.9 (676)

CAN$51 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown

About the restaurant

Since 1976, the Rosebowl Steakhouse has prided itself in its exceptional meals and serve to each and every guest. Owner and Chef Danny Skaff demands the very best from every plate with his years of culinary experience and our exciting lunch and dinner menu. The entire staff is dedicated to bringing you the very best cuts of succulent meat, delectable entrées and freshly made desserts in an atmosphere second to none. The Rosebowl Steakhouse is the perfect place to relax and enjoy one of the signature beverages with your friends. Our wines are an excellent addition to any lunch, dinner or lounge experience. Now located in Little Italy, the Rosebowl Steakhouse is the ideal venue for all occasions – big or small. Built on a foundation of extraordinary service, great food, and brilliant staff, the Rosebowl Steakhouse is the perfect venue for any event. Let us assist you in planning and customizing your next visit.

Top review

Fern

Dined 6 days ago

This is our “treat night” restaurant. Never have a bad meal. Service is fantastic, food is fabulous.

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4.9

4.9 (252)

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary Canadian

Hintonburg

About the restaurant

Stofa is built on a passion for food, traditional and modern cooking methods, and creativity. We look to the ingredients to bridge the gap between time-honoured techniques and modern progression, producing a comfortable, inventive, and evocative dining experience.

Stofa's name represents a place of warmth and comfort where people can gather to eat, drink and be with friends. We proudly support local and sustainable products, and participate in the farm and food community, all while providing guests with vibrant and engaging food presented in an approachable yet innovative dining setting.

Located in the vibrant Wellington West area of Ottawa, Stofa offers a 3 or 5 course table d'hote menu which changes regularly. We offer patio dining (weather dependent) and have a private room available for large groups or professional meetings.

Top review

LynnGold

Dined 7 days ago

Great meal, great service. Very enjoyable evening!

Belmont

4.8

4.8 (893)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Tapas / Small Plates

Downtown

About the restaurant

Old Ottawa South for Inventive tasty small plates, Great Cocktails, Beautiful All Natural Wines in a Cozy, Inviting atmosphere
Open since 2014, we are very excited to host you and your guests

Top review

Daniel

Dined on Oct 21, 2026

Amazing food and service.? Can’t wait to try the brunch.

Gezellig

4.9

4.9 (864)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Downtown

About the restaurant

With a name that means "cozy or nice atmosphere, but also belonging and general togetherness," gezellig invites guests to experience an elegant menu of local, seasonal cuisine using french techniques in a casual and welcoming environment. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, gezellig prepares each menu item using high-quality ingredients purchased locally. On the menu are items such as seared scallops, braised beef shortibs, potato gnocchi, beef tartare, duck breast, and wild-caught lingcod. Our classic butterfinger for dessert is a staple that has been on our menu since opening in 2012

Top review

Dannielle

Dined 2 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.

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Popular dish

Beef Tartare

Popular dish

Maple & Miso Crème Brûlée

Popular dish

PEI Mussels & Fries

Lexington Smokehouse & Bar in Westboro

4.8

4.8 (1106)

CAN$30 and under

Barbecue

Nepean

About the restaurant

Southern-Style kitchen and smokehouse offering hand-crafted cocktails, local beers and amazing wine.

Top review

Suzanne

Dined on Oct 28, 2026

Always a great experience, local restaurants are the best!

Stolen Goods Cocktail Bar

4.9

4.9 (343)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

Turning words into action.
An unconventional cocktail bar born from the desire that ideas are meant to be changed.
Amorphous in nature.

For all changes to reservations please contact us through instagram, email or message through OpenTable. We do not have a phone line during business hours.

A gratuity of 20% will be included on all groups of 5+.

Top review

Alexander

Dined on Oct 23, 2026

Excellent spot for innovative cocktails as always! Sorry to see they will be closing for a while but excited to hear about their next project!

Torta Boyz

4.9

4.9 (85)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Mexican

Centretown West

About the restaurant

From food truck fame to Ottawa’s favorite brick-and-mortar sandwich spot, Torta Boyz has arrived at 60a Lebreton St N. We’re serving up the city’s most authentic Mexican tortas, loaded asada fries, and a premium selection of tequila and mezcal. Whether you’re here for our legendary monthly Birria nights or a spicy margarita on a Friday evening, expect a high-energy atmosphere where tradition meets street-style innovation. Come hungry, leave happy.

Top review

Robert

Dined on Oct 29, 2026

The Pastor Torta sandwich was fabulous and brought the taste of home cooked meals in Mexico to Ottawa. Will be back soon to try other menu selections!

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Experience

BIRRIA

Bar Lupulus

4.8

4.8 (1610)

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary Canadian

Hintonburg

About the restaurant

Cozy Craft Beer and Natural Wine Bar with a Backyard Patio Oasis. Serving locally sourced & seasonally inspired comfort focused plates by Chef James Bratsberg. 22 rotating taps, Craft Cocktails & over 500 Natural wine cuvees available for dine in and takeout through our online bottle shop!

Top review

Christine

Dined on Oct 26, 2026

Great spot! The ambiance, impeccable food, and menu were all fantastic. Definitely a future go-to! 🤍

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