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 Mexicana spice |
307, Dalhousie Ottawa, ON K1N 7E8 Canada +1 613 562 2081 http://www.ahora.ca/ |
Grab a bite at this friendly, charming Mexican restaurant and you are guaranteed to come back for more. None of the usual Americanized grub can be spotted at this ground-level eatery, which is decorated in bright hues to cheer the spirits. Hot, satisfying portions of burritos and tortillas arrive with a host of sauces that you can use liberally to dress up your meal. The service is prompt, quite living up to the name, 'Ahora', which means right away. A little salsa bar provides an interesting range of the celebrated dish, in various preparations. Start off with the Santa Margarita or the Virgen Colada and enjoy the pleasant chatter of the multi-lingual, pretty waitresses. Entrées can be accompanied with huge helpings of sides and salads that will ensure the use of a doggie bag at the end of the meal. Don't forget to sample some of the scrumptious desserts—the Banana with Chocolate Sauce is a big hit among regulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: paulshannon  |
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Funky dining experience |
11 George St (near Sussex) Ottawa, ON K1N 8W5 Canada +1 613 789 8123 |
This funky restaurant in the Byward Market is married to a record store and the result is a perfect blend of eclectic cuisine and music. Browse through the music selection and listen at CD stations while enjoying a cocktail or single malt scotch. In the summer months, slurp the Chilled Melon Soup or nibble the Strawberry Spinach Salad while soaking up the sun out on the expansive patio. Appetizers range from CAD 7.95 to CAD 9.95 while main dishes will set you back anywhere from CAD 13.95 to CAD 29.99. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Gifford |
 Photo: Candice Eisner |
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Upbeat Tex-Mex |
2 Byward Market Ottawa, ON K1N 7A1 Canada +1 613 241 7061 http://www.bluecactusbarandgri... |
Located on the excellent people-watching corner of Byward and Clarence, in the Byward Market, this Tex-Mex restaurant's large windows offer a great view. The Mexican and southwestern United States menu features large portions of standards like nachos, fajitas and particularly tasty quesadillas, as well as pastas, ribs, Santa Fe pizzas and homemade desserts. Popular with a young, casually dressed crowd, and billing itself as "Ottawa's most popular restaurant," it also has a small bar at the entrance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Fine Italian cuisine |
297 Dalhousie St Ottawa, ON K1N 7E5 Canada +1 613 241 2224 http://www.cafebaci.ca/ |
This restaurant is situated on one of the busiest corners of the Byward Market. Candles and linen tablecloths set a romantic mood—making the name of this establishment seem clear—baci means kiss in Italian. The chef's creations focus on fine Italian cuisine, accompanied by an extensive wine list. A bottle of the house wine a main course will set you back CAD21-CAD30. The restaurant also serves pizza and starters such as Bruschetta and Antipasto. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Curry in the market |
308 Dalhousie St Ottawa, ON K1N 7E7 Canada +1 613 789 9188 http://www.shafali.com/ |
If you are a curry lover, this restaurant will have you drooling. The decor is cozy and trendy, with an atmosphere that encourages relaxed conversation. The kitchen boasts a tandoori oven where specialties including lamb, chicken and shrimp are cooked to perfection. The house specialties are tender Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken and Lamb Pasanda. The restaurant is located in the heart of the Byward Market. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Best Italian Food in Ottawa |
271 Dalhousie St (At Murray) Ottawa, ON K1N 7E5 Canada +1 613 241 4381 http://www.cafespiga.ca/ |
Serving a satisfying brand of Italian comfort food prepared with modern flare, this old standby never disappoints. The black and grey, somewhat formal interior is a product of the same impeccable skill with which owners Joao Botelho and Maria Moscatel prepare the cuisine. Daily specials start at CAD15, appetizers at CAD7, and the table d'hôte is an impressive bargain: appetizer, soup or salad, main course and desert for CAD18.99-22.99. Drawing consistent rave reviews in Ottawa for its charm and impressive wine list, this Byward Market stalwart is a good bet for an upscale night out. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Authentic Cajun |
594 Rideau Street Ottawa, ON K1N 6A2 Canada +1 613 789 1185 |
This small establishment, located on the east end of Rideau Street, was the first Cajun restaurant in Ottawa. The menu features many recipes native to Louisiana, including Blackened Catfish and Blackened Alligator. A house specialty is The Big Mamou: two boneless breasts of chicken sprinkled with house seasoning, simmered and then served in a cream sauce with dumplings. There is also a lunch menu, as well as one featuring many traditional Mexican dishes. The restaurant is fully licensed and there is a bar upstairs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of Ottawa's finest |
81B Clarence Street At William Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5 Canada +1 613 241 2200 http://www.clairdelune.ca/ |
Widely considered one of Ottawa's finest restaurants, this venerable and handsome restaurant is located near the Chateau Laurier. Its attractive façade, with an awning and wood accent, opens to the street in the summer months, providing an even more charming dining experience. Pasta and seafood predominate, with many of the classic French dishes featuring Asian overtones and local ingredients. Main courses range from Wild Mushroom and Shiitake Risotto with Spicy Pancetta to Hand-Shaved Atlantic Salmon Tartar with caperberries and cilantro. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Heritage cobblestone courtyard |
21 George St (Near Sussex) Ottawa, ON K1N 8W5 Canada +1 613 241 1516 http://www.courtyardrestaurant... |
Private rooms are available in this massive stone restaurant, but in warmer weather most patrons prefer dining in the cobblestone courtyard. The creative outdoor tables have stencils of city scenes. Appetizers range from CAD4.50 for garlic bread with cheese to CAD9.95 for the Seafood Selection Plate. Main courses range from the Grilled Grain-Fed Breast of Chicken with a Peach and Ginger Chutney (CAD15.95) to the house specialty Rack of Lamb with Dijon Mustard (CAD27.50). The desserts, all simply divine, are also reasonably priced. The Maple Sugar Pie, a real taste of French Canada, is a steal at CAD5.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Timothy Lo |
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Innovative menu |
87 Murray St (At Parent) Ottawa, ON K1N 5M5 Canada +1 613 241 6007 http://www.domuscafe.ca/ |
This combination kitchen store and restaurant is well worth a visit. Located in the heart of the Byward Market, Domus brings the garden to the city as the chef boasts fresh, regional and seasonal ingredients and strives to include as much organic produce as possible. The decor is crisp and stark with lots of natural light. There is a funky store attached, which sells high quality kitchenware and cookbooks. You can browse while you wait for your meal to be prepared. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pam Quinn |
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Trendy and hip eatery |
47 Clarence St (Byward Market) Ottawa, ON K1N 9K1 Canada +1 613 241 1343 http://www.empiregrill.com/ |
Located in the heart of the Byward Market, this hip martini bar and restaurant is an ideal place for a drink or a relaxing meal. Owned and operated by Ottawa restaurateurs Dave Mangano and Dave Leif, the Grill's slogan is "Get a Nightlife." Main courses include a Mixed Grill Platter to share (mango and chipotle beef, balsamic lemon-herb lamb, tandoori chicken and others, Seafood Spinach Linguine and the dreamy 8-ounce Gourmet Empire Burger with caramelized onions. Live jazz lifts the mood on Sunday nights and the outdoor patio is a great place for people watching. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Fresh fish and lobster |
54 York St (At William) Ottawa, ON K1N 5T1 Canada +1 613 241 3474 http://www.fishmarket.ca/ |
Popular with local seafood lovers, this semi-casual restaurant in the heart of the Byward Market offers exactly what the name implies: one of Ottawa's largest selections of fresh fish. The dimly lit and tightly packed restaurant features giant lobster tanks and 10 to 15 types of fresh fish brought in daily from around the world. Main courses range from barbequed swordfish to the Whole Stuffed Rainbow Trout. An extensive wine selection includes both traditional and newer wines (Sutter Home Sauvignon Blanc). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Canadian Lady |
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Best Croissants in Town |
119 Murray St (Byward Market) Ottawa, ON K1N 5M5 Canada +1 613 789 7941 |
French baker Jerome Mantel's philosophy is simple: use the finest ingredients and bake fresh every morning. His formula has been a roaring success. Close to the Byward Market, this spacious bakery has a colourful eat-in area at the back, making it a perfect lunch stop. Prices range from CAD6.95-9.95 for such dishes as lemon chicken, braised duck or chickpea crepes. Check out the art on sale at the coffee bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Candice Eisner |
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Sub-continent delight |
39 Clarence St (Byward Market) Ottawa, ON K1N 5P4 Canada +1 613 241 1700 http://www.haveli.com |
Step through the ornate front door of this Byward Market restaurant and luxuriate in rich wood paneling, antiques, brass hanging lamps and comfortable chairs. Try Beef Vindaloo (CAD10.50) or Jheenga Mumtaz (jumbo shrimp sauteed in a rich fennel sauce tempered with raisins and onions) for CAD13.75. A buffet is offered on Mondays and Tuesdays. You just might spot a celebrity or two while you are dining—Bryan Adams frequents Haveli when in town and B-2 has also made an appearance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Irish Watering Hole |
67 Clarence Street (Byward Market) Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5 Canada +1 613 562 0674 http://www.irishvillage.ca/ |
The warmth of Irish spirits flows through this roomy Irish pub. Have a nip of Bushmills whiskey or a pint of Guinness. It's hard to choose where to enjoy your beverage: at the glossy hardwood bar, in the Snug Pub near the big screen TV, in the cobblestone courtyard or on the outdoor patio. When you do get comfortable, order the fish and chips (CAD8.50), a tasty dish and good value. There is live Celtic music Wednesday through Saturday nights, and a non-smoking room is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: A.J. KASSAM |
 Photo: Matthew Hoskin |
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Delicious snack food |
Williams & George Streets Byward Market Ottawa, ON K1N 5T2 Canada +1 613 241 1230 |
Beavertails are scrumptious, deep-fried, flat pastries in the shape of, you guessed it, beaver tails. Pam and Grant Hooker opened their Byward Market flagship stall in 1980 and haven't looked back since. Made with whole-wheat flour and cooked in 100 percent soya oil, plain beavertails are actually a relatively healthy snack. For the more adventurous, toppings include cinnamon and sugar or grated cheese. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robbie Sproule |
 Photo: Kim Meier |
 Photo: Stephen Peltz |
 Photo: Azusa Nakamura |
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Ethiopian eatery |
364 Rideau St (At Nelson) Ottawa, ON K1N 5Y8 Canada +1 613 789 0025 |
This small, family-run restaurant in a rustic converted house on the edge of Sandy Hill offers authentic Ethiopian dining and a peaceful, casual atmosphere. Fans of African food come here to enjoy a meal in the soothing green dining room or on the tiny street-side veranda. The menu is strong on vegetarian food and large platters offer an excellent sampling of Ethiopian cuisine. Those new to Ethiopian dining should note that the restaurant's thick white dipping breads can be extremely filling. The restaurant also offers traditional Ethiopian coffee and requires large groups to reserve their coffee a day in advance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Award-winning French cuisine |
127 York St (At Dalhousie) Ottawa, ON K1N 5T4 Canada +1 613 241 1424 http://www.lejardin.biz/ |
This elegant and extremely prestigious French restaurant is located in a magnificently restored 19th-century Victorian home in the heart of the Byward Market. The restaurant has won numerous awards and has received international acclaim. Elegantly dressed diners can be found enjoying a host of fine seafood (Swordfish with Lemon Butter), meat and poultry dishes (Rack of Lamb with mustard and fine herbs in a champagne vinegar sauce; Breast of Duck with kumquats and lime sauce, or sampling from the superb wine list (1985 Château Bel Air Haute Medoc). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marine Armstrong |
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Contemporary Italian fare |
25 George St Ottawa, ON K1N 8W5 Canada +1 613 241 8656 http://www.mammagrazzis.com |
Come home to Mamma's for a real Italian meal, and wait while Mamma's helpers cook it. Sauces--including tomato, cream, extra virgin olive oil or roasted garlic--are freshly prepared to order, as are the pizzas. Although the extra care takes time, the results are well worth the wait--Mamma's was awarded the Xpress newspaper's Reader's Choice Award for best Italian food. The homestyle feel is created by warm wooden furnishings, set in an 1827 stone building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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European flair |
121 Clarence St (At Dalhousie) Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5 Canada +1 613 562 4725 http://www.mangia.ca/ |
This restaurant sits proudly on the corner of Clarence and Dalhousie streets in the heart of the Byward Market. It is distinctly European in style, with wonderful wooden furniture and gourmet olive oil on the table. In the summer, the patio is welcoming with checked tablecloths and a great view of the nearby street life. Enjoy their scallop, pesto and sesame seed pizza, or construct a meal from a calamari appetizer and a Veal Marsala main course. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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All Canadian eatery |
101 York St at Dalhousie Ottawa, ON K1N 5T4 Canada +1 613 562 2611 http://www.minglewoods.com/ind... |
This all-Canadian tap and grill is a happening place to grab a pint and burger. You'll enjoy a great patio in the summer where you can check out the passing multitudes in the Byward Market. At night, this bar comes alive with pool tables and a small but lively dance floor. When the sun sets this is definitely a place for the young at heart. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Ottawa institution |
316 Rideau Street Ottawa, ON K1N 5Y5 Canada +1 613 789 9191 |
This Rideau Street deli, owned by restaurateur and impresario Dave Smith, has been an Ottawa institution for almost 40 years. As you enter you pass the take-out counter, where you can get a pound of Smoked Meat, a loaf of Rye Bread and a large jar of Kosher Dills. Once inside, Nate's menu is pure deli, featuring traditional smoked meat sandwiches, potato latkes and combination sandwiches with names like "The Liberace," "The Ginger Rogers" and Ottawa's native son, "The Paul Anka." Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Casual atmosphere |
74 George Street Near William Ottawa, ON K1N 5W1 Canada +1 613 241 5100 |
In the heart of the lively Byward Market sits this large, casual Italian restaurant, complete with red chequered tablecloths and a large patio. Referring to itself as a "pasta market," the eatery, with its bare brick walls and pasta pictures, is known for its large pizza and pasta buffet offered for both lunch and dinner. A full menu including a variety of veal, pasta and salad choices, as well as a children's menu, is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: remino.net |
 Photo: Steve Brandon |
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Market Mexican |
111 Parent Avenue Ottawa, ON K1N 7B3 Canada +1 613 241 3738 |
This authentic Mexican restaurant was the first such eatery in the Byward Market, arriving on the scene in 1981. Since then, thousands have enjoyed the traditional Mexican fare served in a colourful courtyard setting complete with a central fountain. Among other things, the restaurant is famous for its sizzling fajitas, jumbo margaritas and friendly staff. Patrons can also enjoy live Mariachi music on Friday and Saturday nights, and in the summer the outdoor patio is nearly always packed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Italian ice cream |
55 Murray St Ottawa, ON K1N 5M3 Canada +1 613 241 2909 http://www.piccologrande.com |
This is a happening place to be on a hot summer night in the Byward Market, and you will be screaming for two scoops when you have a taste of the homemade Italian gelato. Neuhaus (the best in Belgium chocolates) are available from September to May each year. You can also get soups, salads and piled-high sandwiches on crusty Italian bread for a light summer meal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A step back in time |
384 Rideau St (Near Nelson) Ottawa, ON K1N 5Y8 Canada +1 613 789 1019 |
Walking into the Rideau Bakery is like walking into a time warp. To the left, chrome stools with powder-blue leather covers line up along a silver coffee bar. To the right is a lengthy counter displaying fresh baked goods, including everything from poppy seed cookies to pumpernickel bread. The back wall offers a limited selection of groceries. Whether they eat in or take out, people just keep coming back for more baked goodies. Party platters with fresh vegetables are now available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: terraheather1 |
 Photo: David Reevely |
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Creative fusion cuisine |
45 Rideau Street Near Sussex Drive Ottawa, ON K1N 5W8 Canada +1 613 241 7113 http://www.santerestaurant.com/ |
This elegant restaurant overlooking busy Rideau Street, at the south corner of the Byward Market across from the Rideau Centre, combines creative fusion cuisine with a gallery of local artwork. Popular with both couples and business diners, the menu includes a variety of multicultural flavour combinations, including Carribean and Mediterranean. The cuisine is particularly rich in Pacific Rim influences, with Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and Malaysian food all contributing to the medley. The menu also features a number of chicken and seafood dishes, as well as some vegetarian selections. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Karen Kirk |
