Photo Credit: @zoes.ottawa
When you’re wining and dining your date, you want to impress them with a local restaurant that goes above and beyond delicious food. Whether it’s beautiful architecture, delightful ambiance, or impressive mood lighting, a date night restaurant needs to have a little special something to help set the tone for the night. To help pick the perfect spot, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite Ottawa restaurants with gorgeous interiors.
Check out our favourite spots below to start planning your next foodie date!
Riviera
Riviera offers high-end, creative Canadian cuisine and drinks in the refined interior of a former bank building. The high ceilings, cozy leather seating, and dim lighting make it the perfect spot for celebrating a special occasion.
Location: 62 Sparks St., Ottawa
North & Navy
Take a trip to Northern Italy at this beautiful restaurant in a converted house. North & Navy’s menu is inspired by tradition – they play off the similarities between the climates of Eastern Ontario and Northeast Italy, creating a unique take on classic dishes. Their incredible food and elegant interior will make your date night one to remember.
Location: 226 Nepean St., Ottawa
Fairouz Cafe
Fairouz Cafe is a contemporary Middle Eastern inspired cafe and restaurant located in the heart of Ottawa’s historic Byward Market. During the day, the cafe serves a delicious selection of fast and fresh meals but the evening is where the restaurant really sparkles! Plan a dinner date to enjoy an upscale dining experience, with bespoke cocktails, a uniquely curated wine list, and delicious flavours from across the Middle East. Cozy up by the fireplace in their main dining room for a truly romantic date night!
Location: 15 Clarence St., Ottawa
ParLe by Viet Fresh
Viet Fresh offers a new take on Vietnamese cuisine with their hand-crafted family recipes. The gorgeous pink lighting, neon sign, and colourful umbrellas on the ceiling are perfect for an insta-worthy shot on your next foodie date.
Location: 313 Dalhousie St., Ottawa
Zoe’s
Zoe’s, located within the walls of the Fairmont Château Laurier, offers a captivating bar experience while serving up a side of local history. Named after Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s wife, Lady Zoe, this space was transformed from a concert hall and reintroduced as a Bar in the late 1980’s. It quickly became one of Ottawa’s most popular gathering places. Today, the room is contemporary chic and remains equally impressive with its big bold chandeliers, unique details and original artwork, including six Karsh photographs in the Reading Lounge leading to the bar.
The menu, inspired by ingredients from the region, includes share plates and hearty entrées. The cocktail list presents reimagined classics, as well as show stopping creations. Try their signature Statesman for an IG moment.
Location: 1 Rideau St., Ottawa
Supply and Demand
This stylish venue with an open kitchen is a great setting for your next date night. Supply and Demand’s creative and locally-sourced cuisine (especially their vibrant raw dishes!) might just turn you into a regular here.
Location: 1335 Wellington St. W, Ottawa
Restaurant E18hteen
Restaurant E18hteen is a popular contemporary fine dining spot in the Byward Market that offers traditional French cuisine with seasonal Canadian influences. Their delicious menu is backed with an extensive wine selection and their beautiful architecture makes it hard to miss. The aesthetic here is everything!
Location: 18 York St., Ottawa
BiBi’s – Hintonburg
This next spot is the perfect place for an afternoon lunch date in one of Ottawa’s most stylish neighbourhoods! Established in 2020 in the great community of Beechwood, with its second location recently opened up in Hintonburg, BiBi’s is a quick-service restaurant dedicated to providing the residents of Ottawa fresh and flavourful Middle Eastern food. Both locations are beautiful but we especially love the light and airy ambiance of their Hintonburg spot.
Location: 1087 Wellington St. W, Ottawa
Giovanni’s Restaurant
This celebrity hotspot is just as delicious as it is glamorous! Nestled in the heart of Ottawa’s little Italy, Giovanni’s has been the go-to Italian restaurant for over three decades. They offer one of the most robust menus in the city that is crafted with freshly handpicked ingredients. Enjoy succulent carvings of the finest cuts of meat, fresh seafood, mouth-watering pastas, and heavenly desserts.
Location: 362 Preston St., Ottawa
Stofa Restaurant
If you’re a true fan of interior design, Stofa Restaurant is calling your name! A mixture of warm tones and natural elements creates a romantic setting for your next date night. Plus the cuisine and cocktails will blow you away!
Location: 1356 Wellington St. W, Ottawa
