A casual dinner in Ottawa, ON

For those who love meat, charcuterie boards are the perfect combination of cured and thoughtfully prepared meats. From salami and prosciutto to pates and terrines, these plates are devoted to meat. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of wine or aiming to try a variety of meats and accompanying condiments, these spots in Ottawa deliver stunning charcuterie plates.

If you want to live a long and healthy life, fried chicken’s probably not a regular feature on your plate. But when that craving strikes, nothing quite hits the spot like it! At first glance it may seem like a challenge to find something in Ottawa other than the Colonel’s red and white buckets, but here are some reliable spots for fried chicken that go above and beyond.

There’s lots about Ottawa that shines, but it’s the city’s restaurant scene that really stands out, thanks to its sheer variety of great places to eat. This includes a stellar selection of fish and chips restaurants, ranging from relaxed hangouts to award-winning establishments serving everything from classic English-style to Cajun-hot varieties.

Eating out can be a challenge when you’re gluten-free, unless you know where to go. Many of Ottawa’s cafes and restaurants offer gluten-free options and some stand out for doing them particularly well. Try these options for an enjoyable lunch with your friends or a romantic dinner with that special someone, all without having to settle for just a salad. [Image credit: iStock.com/Sarah Bossert]

There is something to be said for wandering into a noodle place in the middle of an Ottawa winter and slurping up an excellent steaming bowl of noodle soup. Don't get us wrong, though, we'll take that bowl in summer too! Whether you want some simple ramen or some tasty pho, this city has a large selection of options to choose from. [Image credit: iStock.com/Lisovskaya]

Once upon a time, Ottawa foodies wanting a gourmet meal knew just the place to go – Montreal. Those days are so over! Amazing fine dining establishments have been sprouting up all over the city for years, boasting food on par with the world’s best. Here’s a list of shining examples to tempt you.

The vegan wave is turning into a tsunami: new vegan establishments pop up on a regular basis, and inventive chefs make our heads turn with original recipes and inventive taste combinations. The era of making-do with a few blocks of tofu is long past, and Ottawa is right there in the game. Immerse yourself in its enviable vegan scene.

Poutine is a glorious combination of two things that are already good on their own – cheese and fries – covered in rich gravy. Whether you like your poutine the classic way, or prefer to add pizzazz with various toppings, these poutine spots will fill that empty void in your stomach.

Whether it’s the Spanish with tapas, the Greeks with meze, the Italians with cichèti or the Indians with thali, it’s clear Canadians aren’t the only ones with a big appetite for small plates. Sometimes you’re just not that hungry, or are indecisive, or want to share. At times like these, you’ll thank the food gods for these small-plate gems.

Ottawans are crazy about their burgers, and the city's burger chefs have risen to the challenge, creating a fantastic array of can't-miss burgers for you to try. These great burger joints in Ottawa showcase the best in fresh, local beef.

Take the kids to dinner at one or all of these restaurants and feast on all the macaroni and cheese you can handle. These restaurants create mac and cheese dishes so delicious that even adults will enjoy them.

Thai cuisine is all about elaborately balancing many flavours and aromas to create dishes that truly stimulate your taste buds. Sweet, sour, spicy, bitter and salty hints are often present all in one meal. Go for the classic pad Thai or discover new exotic Thai dishes at these restaurants.