The 20 Best Bar Restaurants in Ottawa, Ontario

Trio Bistro and Lounge is a cozy wine bar offering a broad selection of wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails. The kitchen focuses on inventive small plates and shareable bites, such as sliders and vegetable dishes. Local artwork on the walls and staff-selected music create a cultured, intimate setting, complemented by attentive, knowledgeable service.

Mill Street Brew Pub Ottawa pairs its house beers with approachable, flavor-forward pub dishes in a characterful riverside setting. Guests enjoy options ranging from seafood starters to hearty burgers, with dietary preferences accommodated without fuss. Attentive, personable service and views over the water create a relaxed backdrop for lingering over beer flights or a casual meal.

Prohibition Public House serves shareable plates and charcuterie-style boards with distinctive flavors, fresh ingredients, and notable house pickling. Housed in a historic mansion with wood-paneled, saloon-like decor, it offers cozy booths and an upper level for larger groups. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and unobtrusive music support relaxed conversation.

Located within the Novotel Ottawa, The Albion Rooms Restaurant offers a welcoming setting for hotel guests and locals alike. An extensive breakfast buffet features made-to-order omelettes, fresh pastries, and a range of accompaniments. The lounge provides a comfortable space for drinks, complemented by attentive, personable service from both the dining room and bar staff.

CRAFT Beer Market Ottawa offers a broad selection of beers, featuring both emerging and established breweries, in a vibrant, well-kept setting. Guests praise the attentive, professional service and consistently well-prepared dishes, from hearty steaks to comforting sides, making it a popular choice for groups and social gatherings.

Ironstone Grill at The Marshes Golf Club offers approachable grill and pub-style dishes, from fresh salads and hearty sandwiches to shareable snacks like nachos. Guests highlight consistently well-prepared food and attentive service, even on busy nights. A key draw is the lively dueling pianos show, which creates an energetic, convivial atmosphere tailored to audience requests.

Tucked above a vegetarian food and juice bar, Charlotte is a contemporary lounge focused on well-crafted cocktails, wine, and beer, including local selections. Intimate “living room” spaces create a sense of privacy for couples or groups, while curated music adds to the lively mood. Relaxed, attentive service and striking decor, even in the individual bathrooms, complete the experience.

Jack's Kanata offers a lively casual-dining experience with classic bar-and-grill favorites like steaks, chicken bowls, and shareable starters. The bustling interior contrasts with a quieter patio that suits more relaxed meals. Attentive staff are noted for friendly, prompt service and considerate handling of any issues, creating a comfortable setting for both adults and families.

Kelseys Original Roadhouse offers classic North American comfort food in a relaxed, familiar setting. Guests highlight the flavorful wings, well-prepared burgers, salads with fresh ingredients, and hearty chicken dishes. Service is described as efficient and timely, with a welcoming host and quick delivery of food and drinks.

Copper Spirits and Sights is a rooftop bar and lounge known for its impressive views of Ottawa’s skyline. Guests enjoy crafted cocktails alongside well-executed small plates, such as baked brie and Brussels sprouts. Comfortable seating and fire tables contribute to the atmosphere, while attentive staff help create an easygoing, polished experience.

Level One Game Pub combines casual pub dining with a large library of board games and occasional video game tournaments. Guests enjoy a rotating draft beer selection, comforting bar snacks, and hot drinks while they play. Service is described as attentive and welcoming, making it a popular spot for groups and social gatherings.

Hunter's Public House offers hearty, pub-style comfort food with a few modern touches, from chowder and fish and chips to tacos and poke. An extensive beer and whiskey selection, along with a considered wine list, complements the menu. Attentive, personable service and thoughtful kids’ options make it inviting for families, while live music on some evenings adds to the lively atmosphere.

The Brig Pub offers elevated pub fare with dishes such as fish tacos, hearty salads, and creative chicken plates, noted for careful seasoning and well-executed cooking. Guests highlight the inviting, energetic atmosphere inside and a leafy courtyard patio that feels tucked away from the street. Attentive, upbeat service rounds out the experience.

Crust & Crate Fast Fired Pizza Pub offers casual dining centered on fast-fired pizzas, burgers, and pub-style appetizers like calamari and duck wings. Guests highlight flavorful food and a notable Trinidadian doubles dish. The atmosphere suits a laid-back meal or watching a game, supported by attentive, knowledgeable staff and a solid selection of craft beer.

Bowman's Bar & Grill offers classic bar and grill favorites alongside creative comfort food, from loaded nachos and burgers to fried chicken, poutine, and chicken and waffles. A rotating selection of local beers complements the menu. Vegan choices, such as a nut-based burger and vegetable-focused sandwiches, broaden the appeal. Attentive, upbeat service contributes to the welcoming, casual atmosphere.

The Glen Scottish Pub & Restaurant offers hearty Scottish-inspired comfort food in a casual, family-friendly setting. Guests highlight traditional fish and chips with hand-cut fries, Cajun-style breaded fish, and classic sides such as buttery mashed root vegetables. Service is described as efficient and attentive, complemented by a selection of Scottish and Irish-style pints.

The Clarendon Tavern is a historic ByWard Market pub set in one of the area’s oldest buildings, with an updated interior and inviting ambiance. Guests enjoy a solid selection of beers, including some international options, and a menu built around artisan-inspired pub dishes such as poutine, fish and chips, and Scotch eggs. Attentive, welcoming service and a pleasant courtyard setting contribute to a relaxed, enjoyable experience.

Danbys Roadhouse offers classic pub-style comfort food, including well-liked burgers, fish and chips, and hearty salads. Guests describe the servers as friendly and down to earth, creating an easygoing, welcoming vibe. An unassuming setting with roots in the local community, it also features live music and open mic sessions showcasing local musicians.