At the last Capital Eats dinner, guests asked me for tips on restaurants in Ottawa. It gave me the idea to share with you the places I frequent when I’m not on the job.
These are the places that have dishes I crave and that represent real value for money when you’re on a budget. Writers certainly fall into this category.
So let’s whet our appetites with some delicious dishes around town and subscribers needn’t worry, there will be a second edition of favourites coming.
Yang Sheng
Yang Sheng black pepper beef. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Yang Sheng at 662 Somerset St. W. is rightly famous for quality and generous dim sum. I always indulge but it really is their sizzling black pepper beef that I crave. It’s unbelievably tender and you’ll find yourself eating that sauce with a spoon.
At the moment it’s my favourite beef dish in Ottawa.
Metropolitain Brasserie
Metropolitain Lyonnaise salad. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Metropolitain Brasserie at 700 Sussex Dr. needs no introduction but perhaps some readers have not yet been.
They do a bang up job with French classics such as the Lyonnaise salad. A snappy dressing that marries so well with the bitterness of the frisée and the saltiness of the rendered lardon, keeps you savouring every bite.
The kitchen is expert but don’t forget that they have one of the best deals in Ottawa when on Thursdays they offer buck-a-shuck oysters.
Thali
Thali shrimp thali. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Readers will know Thali at 136 O’Connor St. as another no-brainer destination. Joe Thottungal’s talented kitchen faithfully puts out quality dishes and the daily crowds attest to the fact.
A thali platter is a lovely way to eat affordably. The small dishes served with perfectly cooked basmati rice and piping hot roti, are varied, providing for exciting new directions with every bite.
Best yet, these thalis can be customized to accommodate vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians and meat eaters.
Saigon Boy
Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Saigon Boy at 648 Somerset St. W. stands out for one of the nicest bowls of Pho you’ll find in Ottawa. I typically order Pho Tai Bo Vien (rare beef and meatballs) and that broth is a fragrant ambrosia for a bruised soul.
It’s long been a favourite and yet I’ve never done a full review and that may very well have a selfish reason. That aside, the place is not hurting for lack of customers as locals know it very well.
It appears they’ve recently updated the interior and that’s a good thing as during winter months, dining in could be a frosty affair.
When you go, don’t forget to also order their excellent pork spring rolls. They’re amongst the best in Ottawa.
Nagi Sushi
Nagi sashimi. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Nagi at 2208 St. Joseph Blvd. opened its doors in the winter of 2024. Chef/owner Moriyuki Hiroha (aka Shu) slung his blade for 30 years at the legendary Suisha Gardens, later renamed C’est Japon a Suisha on Slater.
Fans of his food soon flooded Nagi and I recommend reservations for both lunch and dinner. It’s a space that seats about 22 and you don’t want to be disappointed.
There is an increasing number of expensive Japanese restaurants in Ottawa and while quality fish is never cheap, Nagi offers a true value for money proposition in the new landscape.
As a master, Shu can’t help but select the finest fish and Nagi is a frequent go-to for a fine dine-in Japanese meal.
Orchird Sushi
Orchid Sushi takeaway selection. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
If you, like me, have regular sushi cravings, Orchid Sushi at 445 Laurier Ave. W. may just become your favourite takeaway. It’s certainly my go-to.
It’s reasonably priced and the freshness is always paramount with both cooked and raw dishes prepared by experienced and qualified cooks.
I always enjoy the shrimp salad roll (top left) which involves enoki mushrooms, cooked shrimp, pickled radish, cucumber and surimi. It’s a delicious combination and a regular item for me. The sauce of Japanese mayonnaise, soy sauce, mirin and sesame is an imaginative and ideal match for this roll.
Chez Lionel
Chez Lionel seafood risotto. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Chez Lionel at 101 Kanata Ave (Inside the Holiday Inn) has established itself as one of the finer destinations for traditional bistro dining. The prices are also more than fair.
A three-course weekday lunch will set you back $42 and be warned, you may not be able to finish it all. The portions are generous and the cooking is at a much higher level than you typically see in many hotel restaurants. Of course you can always opt for the á la carte menu.
The menu changes several times a year but if you get there soon you can enjoy the seafood risotto before it’s replaced. The rice was perfect and moist with a deeply pleasurable stock made with crustacean shells and white wine. The amount of bay scallops used was appreciated and I began laughing when there didn’t seem to be an end to them.
Kuma Takumi
Kuma Takumi Takoyaki. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Kuma Takumi (484 Hazeldean Rd.) straight out of the gate proved their credentials. Of course I was so impressed by that first bowl of ramen that I went back often to go through the menu.
Eventually I got around to the Hellfire Ramen and in one newsletter wrote that this was the best spicy ramen I’ve had. Yes, better than anything in all my years in Toronto or Vancouver.
While all their ramen makes my list in the top 4 of ramen shops in Ottawa, you cannot forego their takoyaki. These savoury dough balls stuffed with tender octopus and topped with katsuoboshi (bonito flakes), are, strange as it sounds, almost sensual in texture.
Del Piacere
Caprese Salad. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Del Piacere at 416 Preston is easily one of the best, underrated Italian eateries in Ottawa. I’m sure however that regulars are not happy with me saying this.
Everything is on point and their 15” Neapolitan pizzas are so good they may very well represent the best value pies in Ottawa.
As prices rise everywhere, Del Piacere holds the line and continues to be a welcoming space for serious foodies who want great food on a budget.
The gnocchi in four cheese sauce is a dream but if you’re here for pizza, have your mind blown by the prosciutto e funghi. So very good. It’s also under $20.
Caravela
Caravela chicken. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Caravela (3172 Innes Rd.) in Orléans is one of two Portuguese restaurants in Ottawa and based on my experiences, it’s the one you should consider.
Time and again the execution of seafood dishes is on point: never dry, overcooked or substandard in freshness.
For Ottawa, they do a good Piri Piri chicken but it’s with seafood that they shine. Prices have gone up since COVID but owner Fernando Diniz holds the line on excessive pricing and his dishes still represent some of the best seafood value in Ottawa.
For example the seafood fettuccine is enough for two to share. Have that with an appetizer of sweet and tender grilled calamari and a salad and all is right with the world.
If you go at lunch, have the pork and clams Alentejana for a true taste of Portugal. You’ll thank me. Also make a reservation ALWAYS for either lunch or dinner.
50 Two Sandwiches
50 Two Sandwiches. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Ottawa has no shortage of good sandwich places but the one that occupies my imagination frequently is 50 Two Sandwiches at 52 Antares Dr.
Sure their signature candied bacon club is imitated but it’s the quality, taste and freshness of their daily baked breads that causes people to stand in long lines each and every day.
Everything, from roast chicken to soups to their excellent chocolate chip cookies is made in-house.
Have this food once and you’ll understand the fans.
Kitchen Maroo
Kitchen Maroo (281 Kent St.) is a go-to Korean restaurant with a world-travelled, experienced chef at the helm.
The food is always fresh, sometimes fusion and well presented at reasonable prices. Try one of Yuchang’s Korean “schnitzels” with demi-glace and fail to be impressed by this Euro-Korean fusion.
Of course being a fan of Korean BBQ I go for the galbi shortribs and his shrimp spring rolls are the most memorable in Ottawa.
