10 Ottawa restaurants to rediscover this weekend

Now that the trucks are all gone, and Covid restrictions are lifting, why not head downtown this weekend and support a local restaurant. Our eating establishments lend so much to our city's culture and vibrancy, and the restaurants in our core took a double-hit. They could use all of our help to recover.

So whether it is a Valentine’s redo or lunch with mom, here is a list of some Ottawa restaurants that will be happy to serve you.

Metropolitan Brasserie

Located at 700 Sussex (across the street from Chapters), the Metropolitan serves up French classics like "moule-frite" and high-end dishes such as lobster ravioli, with a raw bar great drinks; their sandwiches are also fantastic. Make reservations at metropolitainbrassierie.com.

Photo: Little Miss Ottawa

Thali

Located at 136 O'Connor Street, Thali serves its namesake platters along with a large selection of excellent Indian dishes. Chef Joe has weathered a couple of bad years. His award-winning restaurant, Coconut Lagoon, sadly burnt to the ground in May 2020. Book your table at Thaliottawa.ca.

Photo: Thali via Facebook

iPho

155 Parent Avenue's iPho makes some of the best of this Vietnamese modern classic soup dish. Warm up from the cold at iPho, and check out their menu at Iphoottawa.com.

Photo: iPho via Google

Beckta

An Elgin Street institution, Beckta serves up fine dining with an inspired seasonal menu and exceptional hospitality. Beckta also has a wine bar and pairing menus. Located at 150 Elgin Street, you can make reservations at Beckta.com. If you are looking for a sharing-plates menu, head to sister restaurant, Play Food & Wine at 1 York Street in the ByWard Market.

Photo: Beckta via Facebook

Lowertown Brewery

For a casual meal or to hook up with friends, head to the Lowertown Brewery at 73 York Street in the ByWard Market. Lowertown makes great beer, has tasty burgers and sandwiches, and offers excellent dishes from their smoker—we can say enough about the smoke ribs, chicken, and brisket that make up the "Butcher's Experience." Check out their menu at Lowertownberwery.ca.

Photo: OLM Staff

Ahora

Who doesn’t love fresh tacos or a tasty enchilada? Ahora serves up Mexican classics done right with some of the best frozen margaritas in town. Located at 307 Dalhousie Street, a full menu is available at ahora.ca.

Photo: Ahora via Facebook

Joey Rideau

The always-trendy Joey Rideau is known for its excellent wine selection, a versatile menu of fantastic dishes, and incredibly chic interior design. Head to their 50 Rideau Street location for lunch or dinner. Check out their full menu at joeyrestaurants.com/location/joey-rideau.

Photo: Joey's Rideau via Facebook

Fairouz Cafe

With all the closure and confusion, you might have missed Fairouz’s relocation to 15 Clarence Street in the ByWard Market. Rebranded as Fairouz Cafe, you’ll find modern takes on middle eastern classics and a full-service bar. Check out their menu and make reservations at fairouz.ca.

Photo: Fairouz via Facebook

Aiana

Ottawa’s Aiana restaurant collective serves up season specialties and high-end Canadian-sourced cuisine. This new-ish Ottawa restaurant opened its door right before the pandemic closed everything down. Located at 50 O'Connor Street, reservations can be made at aiana.ca.

Photo: Courtesy Aiana 

Khao Thai 

This 103 Murray Street Thai restaurant makes some of the best Pad Thai and Pad Sew in Ottawa and has dozens of options to satisfy any appetite. Be sure to book a reservation at KhaoThai.ca.

Photo: Khao Thai via Facebook