The best French cuisine restaurants Ottawa

A must see on the map of Ottawa's trendy restaurants, with a beautiful room open to the kitchen where the cooks are busy. The decoration, rather refined, is adorned with mirrors of all sizes, beautiful leather benches and wooden furniture. Simple and effective! We recommend without hesitation the oyster platter, the beef tartar or the tasty homemade fresh pasta every day (classes are even given to learn how to make pasta). Definitely a place to be discovered outside the tourist areas.

If your culinary experience encompasses much more than the content of the plate, if you need to excite other senses than taste and smell, then you will need to reconsider your sense of priorities. Because behind this unattractive building is one of the best French restaurants in the city. The kitchen is very refined and courteous service. A classic address in Ottawa.

The brainchild of Stephen Beckta, who is also at the helm of Beckta Dining & Wine and Gezellig, Play Food & Wine offers a slate of small dishes with a penchant for cheeses and charcuterie. The inspiration in the kitchen is undeniably European, but everything is concocted with very Canadian products, whenever possible. To accompany these little delights, a very extensive wine list completes the experience (a nice selection of wines by the glass), and for each dish, a wine is suggested for the pairing.

Established in 2019 just a stone's throw from Parliament, Aiana is a high-flying address under the leadership of chef Raghav Chaudhary. And this is not his first try, as he has worked in renowned restaurants in San Francisco and Europe. Here, he draws inspiration from Nordic, European and West Coast cuisines, all with a distinctly Canadian twist in a "farm-to-table" spirit. For those who can afford it, the 10-course menu is a must, and it's worth the extra cost for the wine pairing.

Nestled in a lovely house in Wellington Village, Stofa is the gourmet address of Chef Jason Sawision, who has worked at such high-profile restaurants as Atelier (Ottawa) and Canoe (Toronto), and won gold at the Canadian Culinary Championships in 2012 and 2016. Here, he offers a constantly changing five-course menu that draws from a variety of culinary traditions. Canadian products are in the spotlight, especially game, with ingredients from all over the world sprinkled in.

Ranked as one of enRoute's 2022 Best New Canadian Restaurants finalists, Perch is in a league of its own. Not only is it a high-flying dining experience without the attitude that usually goes with it, but it also relies on ethical and sustainable practices to showcase Canada's tasty gourmet products and avoid food waste. The open kitchen allows you to see Chef Justin Champagne and his brigade at work. A great experience!

First of all, what a beautiful place: beautiful stone walls, a huge fireplace, the tables with their white tablecloths and a small bouquet of flowers placed on each one, the artworks, the subdued light... It's chic and classic. The chef and his brigade prepare a high-class cuisine that includes oysters, foie gras, lobster and AAA Angus Reserve beef. For a treat, the tasting menu is a must, varying according to the seasons and the arrivals. It goes without saying that the accompanying wine list is a pure gem.

Little brother of the Fraser Cafe (located in New Edinburgh), The Rowan plays the neighborhood gastro-pub card. Small and large dishes to share, world flavors and veggie options on the slate, with something for everyone. On weekends, the place is very popular for its gourmet lunch/brunch. We recommend the smoked trout, the frittata with green onions and goat cheese, or the Breakfast BLT sandwich with fried egg, cheese and mayo. There is also a nice selection of cocktails, not to mention the local craft beers.