Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Ottawa

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Ottawa? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Anthony's Pizza

4.9

4.9 (209)

CAN$30 and under

Pizzeria

Westboro

About the restaurant

Anthony's Pizza is Ottawa's original Pizza Napoletana using old world dough making techniques and baked in a hand built stone oven, fired by local hardwoods. We offer pastas and appetizers as well as homemade desserts and a great cocktail program. Try our "Wood fired Wings" as a signature appetizer.

We look forward to serving you.

Top review

Tom

Dined 5 days ago

We had invited our good friends for their first Anthony’s experience! We had enjoyed an amazing dinner! Thank you to the amazing staff for the awesome experience! We all cannot wait to our next visit!!

Bistro Ristoro

4.9

4.9 (34)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Pizzeria

ByWard Market

About the restaurant

Our strong commitment to make a distinctive offer of excellence available has been validated by our customers with consistent 5-star reviews on Google and TripAdvisor.

The food offer is inspired by the fascinating Western and Eastern Mediterranean culinary traditions-French, Greek, Italian, Macedonian and Spanish. For instance, our pizza is made of "Green" dough (antioxidants, minerals and vitamins infused) in a brick oven according to a recipe older than one century. We also offer authentic appetizers, tapas, flat breads, salads and iconic mains from the multicultural heritage of the Mediterranean civilization.

For a more refined and sophisticated experience, our meals are accompanied by selected, elegant and affordable wines including Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and others.

The symphony of flavors of our food and wine is complemented by the inviting interior of wood and stone, informal seating arrangements, arts and warm atmosphere.

Top review

Sasa

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

I love this restaurant! The overall experience is amazing, it has a great ambience and a cool vibe. But the food speaks for itself, top notch quality. From a variety of choices, including wood burning pizza, European style burger and many more. Service is great, very hospitable and welcoming staff. Definitely one of my go to. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!

Biagio’s Kitchen + Catering

4.8

4.8 (177)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Nepean

About the restaurant

Great meals are about more than food. They're about memorable experiences!
We're creating moments to remember with feel-great food, mood, company — and a spark of the unexpected. Our Ways to Eat offer more ways to enjoy fresh experiences with our locally sourced menus. From Italian-inspired classics with a twist to specialty creations, try them tonight!

Top review

BettyAnn

Dined 1 day ago

This was a perfect venue to have dinner for my ladies night. We easily chatted with no issues of noise levels. Food and service was excellent.

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Paper Tiger Noodle Bar

4.8

4.8 (89)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Fusion / Eclectic

The Glebe

About the restaurant

"Paper Tiger"
Someone or something that seems intimidating and all powerful, but in reality, is not. Don't judge a book by its cover.
In the heart of Old Ottawa South, Paper Tiger Noodle Bar is where fusion meets local. With a seasonal food and drink menu, you are guaranteed to find your new favourite dining experience.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

The server was great and very patient with our chatty group that didn't want to leave. Every dish and cocktail was amazing. Prices reasonable given the quality. The tuna crudo was the highlight! Will be back

Belmont

4.7

4.7 (728)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Tapas / Small Plates

Downtown

About the restaurant

Old Ottawa South for Inventive tasty small plates, Great Cocktails, Beautiful All Natural Wines in a Cozy, Inviting atmosphere
Open since 2014, we are very excited to host you and your guests

Top review

Kevin

Dined 3 days ago

We would recommend the Belmont to anyone as it is a favourite in our neighborhood. The food is excellent and by looking at their menu it has a variety that will work with different diets and tastes. Enjoy!!

Fratelli - Westboro

4.6

4.6 (1011)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Downtown

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

David

Dined 2 days ago

It's our go to place! Always fun, great food, great service.

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Popular dish

Spaghetti

Cantina Gia

4.6

4.6 (1005)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

The Glebe

About the restaurant

Welcome to Cantina Gia
We look forward to seeing you soon.

Top review

Jorge

Dined 2 days ago

One of my favourite restaurants in Ottawa, the foccacia and pastas, especially the rigatoni carbonara are amazing!

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Joe's Italian Kitchen - Wellington

4.6

4.6 (52)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Westboro

About the restaurant

Weaving old world traditions with new world creativity. Our goal is to bring you a diverse menu that not only preserves, but elevates hearty dishes that showcase the essence of Italian cuisine.

Top review

OLGA

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

The atmosphere, service and food were all amazing and beyond expectations. We ordered a variety of dishes and shared among the table. Sooooo scrumptious and fresh.

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar

4.5

4.5 (55)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

French

Downtown

About the restaurant

Established in 2003, Absinthe is renowned for its commitment to fine food. The restaurant is a modern bistro, using locally sourced ingredients, prepared in an inventive and sophisticated manner. Enjoy the richness of Absinthe cuisine which features meats, cheeses and produce from eastern Ontario and western Quebec, prepared with classical French culinary techniques.

Top review

Charlotte

Dined 5 days ago

Such a wonderful part of neighbourhood. Great food, warm atmosphere, excellent value. It’s lasted 20 years for a reason. They never disappoint.

Crust & Crate - Kanata

4.5

4.5 (91)

CAN$30 and under

Pizza Bar

Kanata

About the restaurant

Welcome to Crust & Crate Kanata, where culinary craftsmanship meets a lively pub atmosphere!

At Crust & Crate, we're passionate about delivering a dining experience that combines the artistry of al forno style pizza and the comfort of your local gastropub.

Our trendy pub atmosphere is designed to be the perfect backdrop for memorable moments with friends and family. Whether you're joining us for a casual dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or catching the big game on our big screen, you'll always find a warm and inviting space at Crust & Crate.

Now offering a weekend brunch menu featuring strawberry shortcake waffle stacks, Nashville chicken and waffle sandwich, Caprese eggs benny, avocado toast, mixed berry pancakes, banana bread french toast, and our signature breakfast pizza.

Top review

Doe

Dined on Dec 29, 2024

Great server who recognized we were also going to a hockey game and made sure we didn’t feel rushed. Pizza was very flavourful.

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