This city is more than just Parliament Hill and old buildings. It's also a great place for people who love oysters!
If you’re curious about where to find the freshest and most delicious oysters around, you’re in the right place. This article will show you the 9 best spots in Ottawa where you can enjoy these tasty treats from the sea.
You can go to a fun, lively place like Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern or a fancier spot like Riviera Ottawa, there’s something for everyone. Each of these places was chosen to highlight the special tastes and experiences that Ottawa has to offer. So let's get started!
1. Pelican Seafood Market & Grill
If you’re looking for fresh oysters and tasty seafood in Ottawa, check out Pelican Seafood Market & Grill.
This trendy place is famous for its classic seafood dishes with a modern twist, all served in a stylish, industrial-style setting.
Pelican Seafood Market & Grill has a fantastic menu. Fresh oysters are just the start, you can also enjoy Korean shrimp, mussels, calamari, and the popular lobster rolls.
People love how fresh everything is and the big portions, plus they offer gluten-free and dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
The staff here are friendly and know their stuff, always ready to help you pick something delicious. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
In addition to the restaurant, there’s a seafood market filled with fresh options like smoked salmon, perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy great seafood at home.
The menu changes often, so there’s always something new to try, keeping seafood lovers coming back.
Pelican Seafood Market & Grill is a must-visit if you love seafood. From their impressive seafood tower to mouthwatering lobster poutine and classic fish and chips, there’s something for everyone.
2. Riviera Ottawa
Located in a historic building that used to be a bank on Sparks Street, Riviera Ottawa has been a standout restaurant since 2016, and it's just a short walk from Parliament Hill.
This spacious and stylish restaurant attracts everyone from politicians to NHL teams and locals, all looking to enjoy its friendly yet fancy vibe.
With its garden-like entrance and classy interior, Riviera beautifully combines the building's old charm with modern dining.
When you walk in, you'll notice the open kitchen where chef Jordan Holley and his skilled team are hard at work.
The menu features a tasty selection of high-end Canadian food, with starters like oysters served with mignonette, horseradish, and lemon.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try the beef tartare classique with truffle and potato chips or the tuna crudo, which goes well with tomato, chili, and argan oil.
Riviera is famous for its well-prepared meals that come in big portions, like the seafood tower with a variety of fresh, high-quality options.
Other popular dishes include lobster spaghetti, smoked duck breast, and steak frites, all made to perfection.
The cocktail menu is impressive, featuring fun drinks like "Red Right Hand" and "Lie to Me," and the wine list has many great choices, including some from organic producers.
3. Supply and Demand
Located in the center of Ottawa, Supply and Demand is a go-to spot for anyone who enjoys fresh and innovative food.
One of the best things about Supply and Demand is its commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The menu changes frequently, featuring a variety of seafood and non-seafood options. If you love oysters, you’re in for a treat with their fresh selections.
The cocktail menu is impressive, particularly the gin-based drinks that have received a lot of praise. With a wide variety of drinks available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The service at Supply and Demand is exceptional. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, ready to give you recommendations and insights about the menu.
They also add nice touches, like providing bread to soak up those amazing sauces, ensuring every visit feels special.
Also, their pasta dishes are popular, especially the squid ink rigatoni and tuna crudo. They even offer half-portion sizes, allowing you to sample several dishes without going overboard.
The vibe is lively and trendy, with a cool, hipster feel that adds to its appeal. It’s no surprise that people recommend it for birthdays and anniversaries.
And if you’re into desserts, don’t skip their unique offerings, like the cream cheese gelato with elderberry liqueur on top.
4. Restaurant E18hteen
Located in the lively ByWard Market, Restaurant e18hteen is a standout spot for food lovers in Ottawa.
Since it opened in 2001, it has been recognized as one of Canada’s best restaurants, thanks to its amazing dishes and excellent service.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice the cool mix of old and new styles in the historic building, making it a great choice for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or weddings.
Restaurant e18hteen offers a unique Canadian menu that also takes inspiration from traditional French cooking.
The food, which includes delicious steaks and perfectly grilled octopus, is made with great care and creativity, impressing guests with both its taste and looks.
The portions are generous, so you won’t leave feeling hungry. If you want to treat yourself, definitely check out the Chef's tasting menu and the carefully chosen wines, which are a big part of their appeal.
The atmosphere, with its cozy fireplace and stylish decor, creates a perfect setting for a relaxing meal.
The friendly staff goes out of their way to ensure you have a great experience, accommodating any dietary needs or personal preferences.
Besides being a fantastic restaurant, e18hteen is also a popular choice for events. Their wine room provides a cozy space for gatherings.
5. Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern
Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern is a cool place in Ottawa where you can enjoy tasty oysters and a friendly tavern feel.
It has a rich history that goes back to 1934, giving it a special charm with a mix of old-time decorations and a 1950s vibe. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy some of the best seafood around.
If you love seafood, the menu at Elmdale is perfect for you. They have a wide range of delicious options, from shrimp tacos to lobster rolls that are hard to resist.
There are also tasty choices like steak, fried chicken, and pork belly to fill you up.
But the oysters really steal the show here! They come with different sauces that make each bite extra tasty.
The bar at Elmdale is another highlight, offering a great selection of craft beers and cocktails. It’s an awesome place to hang out with friends or have a fun night out.
With its bright setting, amazing food, and great service, Elmdale Oyster House & Tavern is a must-visit spot in Ottawa if you want to have a memorable night out.
6. The Whalesbone Elgin Street
Located in the center of Ottawa, The Whalesbone on Elgin Street is a must-visit for anyone who loves seafood, especially oysters.
This place offers an amazing variety of six different types of oysters that come from both the east and west coasts, and they are served with tasty sauces that will excite your taste buds.
When you walk in, you'll feel right at home in the cozy and unique atmosphere. The decor is warm and inviting, making it a great spot to enjoy some fresh and delicious food.
Along their oysters, their menu has a wide range of seafood and non-seafood dishes. You can try everything from crispy calamari and hearty seafood chowder to tangy ceviche and flavorful pan-roasted mushrooms.
The lively bar area is also a highlight. You can sip on a nice glass of wine while watching the staff shuck oysters, which is entertaining and adds to the fun vibe of the place.
If you prefer to eat outside, they have outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal while feeling the energy of the street. And if you’re not into seafood, there are vegetarian options available too.
7. Le Poisson Bleu
If you're looking for an awesome seafood spot in Ottawa, Le Poisson Bleu is a hidden gem filled with fresh ocean flavors right in the city center.
Upon entering, you will find a menu that changes frequently, ensuring there is always something new and exciting to try each time you visit. They use a chalkboard menu that keeps it fresh and a bit intriguing.
This restaurant was created by a team inspired by family meals and the stories we share while eating together.
Each dish is made with care and creativity, focusing on sustainability and using the freshest ingredients. You can start your meal with some tasty tuna carpaccio and then enjoy a big sea bream perfect for sharing.
It’s about the whole experience. The vibe is cozy yet classy, making it great for celebrating a special occasion or just having a chill night out.
They also have a great selection of wines and expertly made cocktails thanks to their skilled mixologist.
The service here is top-notch. The staff is super friendly and always ready to explain the menu and daily specials, ensuring you know what to pick for your meal.
And, if you enjoy watching chefs at work, there’s a chef's counter where you can see all the action.
8. Erling's Variety
If you find yourself in Ottawa and want to try something really tasty, Erling's Variety could be the perfect place for you.
The menu changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new and exciting to try each time you go.
They use fresh, local ingredients to make meals that not only taste great but also look amazing. Don’t miss their oyster bar, especially during happy hour when you can snag some great deals on oysters and charcuterie boards.
One of the coolest things about Erling's is their bar-cuterie, which is served on a unique wood bar top, giving it a really cool, rustic feel.
The bar offers a variety of creative cocktails, carefully chosen wines, and a selection of craft beers. It’s a cozy place where you can relax, enjoying a casual yet classy atmosphere.
You can choose to sit inside or outside, making it a great choice for any occasion.
The staff at Erling's Variety are known for being friendly and helpful. Some even suggest the perfect wine to go with your food.
Customers love dishes like scallops, duck tartar, and arctic char flatbread, which are just a few of the highlights.
9. Arlo Wine & Restaurant
Arlo Wine & Restaurant in Ottawa is a special place that brings a bit of Paris to the city. During the day, the restaurant is bright and airy, making it a great spot for everything from business meetings to fun celebrations.
When the evening comes, Arlo changes into a warm, candle-lit space that feels like a cozy Parisian apartment.
This makes it a perfect spot for all kinds of gatherings, it can be a birthday party, a small wedding, or a nice dinner for two.
One thing that makes Arlo really stand out is how much they care about the little things. Each table has fresh flowers, and they even create personalized menus to make every meal feel unique.
The back patio is a lovely place to eat under the stars. The service is excellent, and the staff makes everyone feel welcome.
They are also known for their creative cocktails, which visitors really enjoy. For private events, "The Apartment" is a stylish room with its own bar and bathrooms that can fit up to 50 guests.
Dining at Arlo is both exciting and delicious. While the menu isn't huge, it is filled with imaginative dishes. People love meals like beef tataki, duck frittes, and halibut.
The atmosphere at Arlo is modern and stylish, making it a popular choice for special occasions and date nights.
It's been recognized as one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants, offering a carefully designed menu that's both unique and tasty.
To Sum It All Up
If you're in Ottawa and love oysters, you're in for a real treat! There are tons of great places to try. For fresh oysters, you can head to Pelican Seafood Market & Grill, or if you want something a bit fancier, check out Riviera Ottawa. Each place have their own cool atmospheres and delicious options.
These spots were picked because they offer different styles and flavors, so everyone can find something they like.
And if you're looking for more fun things to do, be sure to check out ActiviFinder Ottawa. Trying new things is always exciting, and you might discover some tasty surprises!