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Dining
As you might expect of a capital city, Ottawa has a good range of restaurants, some geared firmly to the expense account, but the majority informal, reasonably priced affairs - surprisingly so considering the amount of political money floating around. Indeed, a main course and a drink should rarely cost you more than $25. Ethnic restaurants are commonplace - from Italian through Mexican, Chinese and Spanish - and although there is no distinctive Ottawa cuisine as such, the city's chefs borrow strongly from the French-Québecois tradition - Québec is, after all, just across the river. The trendiest joints are in the Byward Market area, but there are also a number of good places in the few blocks to the south of Parliament Hill, and a small Chinatown on Somerset West and Bronson. In addition, Ottawa has sprouted dozens of café-bars, some offering little more than glorified bar food, but many dipping into Asian, French and Italian cuisines to provide excellent food at very affordable prices - $10-15 should see you fixed in all but the priciest of places. These café-bars have dented Ottawa's bar and pub scene, but there is still a reasonable range of downtown drinking places with a particular concentration in and around the Byward Market, which heaves with revellers on the weekend. Finally, a word about snack and fast food. Chip vans are something of an institution here, so be sure to try their mouthwatering poutine - fries covered in gravy and cheese curds.
Casablanca Resto, 41 Clarence St (tel 789-7855). Wonderful Moroccan cuisine and delicious coffees. Byward Market area.
Chez Jean Pierre, 210 Somerset St W (tel 235-9711). The best French restaurant in town, with prices to match. Reservations essential. In the city centre near Elgin St.
Coriander Thai, 282 Kent St (tel 233-2828). The best Thai in Ottawa. Amazing satays, rich green and red curries, lemongrass tea and other classic dishes at fair prices. Not far from Parliament Hill.
Courtyard, 21 George St (tel 241-1516). In a cobblestone courtyard, this pretty place has a summer terrace and on Sundays brunch is accompanied by live classical music. Advisable to reserve at weekends. Byward Market area.
Empire Street Grill, 47 Clarence St at Parent (tel 241-1343). Smart and polished restaurant in the Byward Market area. First-rate steaks and an extensive wine list. Live jazz Thursday through Saturday till 2am.
Good Morning Vietnam, 323 Rideau St (tel 789-4080). Lively, nonsmoking Vietnamese place with plain decor and delicious food. Byward Market area.
The Green Door, 198 Main St (tel 234-9597). Organic vegetarian buffet that is sold by weight. South of the centre near St Paul University.
Havely, 39 Clarence St at Sussex (tel 241-1700). Elegant Indian restaurant of dark wood and brass. The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is one of the best buys in Ottawa. Good vegetarian food. Byward Market area.
La Pointe, 55 York St (tel 241-6221). Superb Byward Market restaurant serving wonderful seafood at reasonable prices in informal, basement premises. Recommended.
Mamma Teresa, 300 Somerset St W at O'Connor (tel 236-3023). Home-made pasta, fresh cheeses and olives and real Italian coffee. Very popular, so booking is advisable. Most pasta dishes around $10.
Mekong, 637 Somerset St W (tel 237-7717). A wide offering of Vietnamese and Chinese food in the heart of Chinatown.
Saigon, 83 Clarence St (tel 789-7934). First-rate and inexpensive Vietnamese cuisine in the Byward Market.
The Siam Kitchen, 1050 Bank St (tel 730-3954). Excellent Thai food, especially the noodle and squid dishes. On the southern edge of the centre across from Landsdowne Park.
Silk Roads Café, 47 William St (tel 241-4254). Delicious Afghan cuisine with funky art displayed. Byward Market area.
Suisha Gardens, 208 Slater St (tel 236-9602). Tasty sushi, tempura, sukiyaki and teriyaki that is cheaper at lunch time. There's also a tatami room where you can sit on rush mats and eat Japanese-style. South of Parliament Hill.
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