What makes living in Ottawa, Canada so appealing? Several factors, including affordable housing and living costs, high earnings, low crime rates and yummy food. If you’re used to the high cost of living in Toronto, you’ll be surprised at how much less Ottawa homes for sale will cost you. Obviously, the closer you get to downtown, the more costly housing becomes, but you can still get a better house for less money than you would in any of Canada’s other big cities (excluding Montréal).
The gastronomic scene in Ottawa is as varied as the country itself. It’s quite amazing to see how Canadian cuisine coexists with ethnic cuisines, how food trucks are almost as popular as fine dining, and how historic markets and modern chefs collaborate. Below are some of Ottawa’s best restaurants.
Allium
Allium, a long-time favorite in Ottawa’s West Wellington/Hintonburg neighborhood, was created with the goal of providing locals with a modern, elegant bistro in a cozy setting. Chef Arupa Jana created the restaurant’s menu by taking traditional Canadian food and modernizing it with French techniques. Customers return to Allium because of the calm ambiance and charm, as well as the seasonal menu that varies every month.
Fraser Cafe
Visit Fraser Café, a local hangout with a distinctive décor and a laid-back vibe ideal for lingering with friends. With exposed metal, colorful furnishings, and portraits decorating the brick walls, the décor is basic. Roasted fish, poached lobster, and seared duck breast are just a few of the dishes on the menu. Make a reservation at this bustling spot, or rent a private room at Fraser Cafe’s Table 40 next door.
Urban Pear
The Urban Pear, a farm-to-table restaurant, is dedicated to obtaining ingredients only from local farms, guaranteeing that the food is always fresh and the flavors are vibrant. The Urban Pear’s cellar also houses the best in Canadian wine and beer, in an effort to support local and national manufacturers.
Atelier
Looking to sample one of the top fine-dining establishments? Guests at Atelier must partake in the 12-course fixed tasting menu; nonetheless, this is not a dreadful dining experience. Each meal is created by Chef and owner Marc Lepine and is a reflection of his culinary mastery – with fantastic flavor combinations, exquisite presentation, and perfectly matching wines for each dish. This is a place not to be missed.
Union 613
Union 613 is a one-of-a-kind eatery with communal seating and a unique Southern food menu including uncommon, yet locally produced, ingredients. Dark wood ceilings, creative murals, and a set of weird banjos on one wall are just a few of the features of this unusual venue. The bar serves a wide range of specialty cocktails, some of which are created with the restaurant’s own house-made soda and served in vintage mason jars. Downstairs, there’s a modern-day speakeasy-style “bootleg” of artisan beers and an excellent selection of whiskies and spirits.
