In a delightful nod to our city’s evolving culinary landscape, four Ottawa restaurants have secured coveted spots among Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants for 2023. This recognition reflects the capital’s growing reputation as a serious dining destination beyond government cafeterias and tourist-friendly BeaverTails.
The prestigious annual list, revealed earlier this week at a ceremony in Toronto, celebrates culinary excellence across the country. Our Ottawa establishments stood proudly alongside renowned dining spots from Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto.
Leading the local contingent at number 26 nationally is Atelier, Chef Marc Lepine’s innovative restaurant on Rochester Street. Known for its multi-course tasting menus and molecular gastronomy techniques, Atelier has been a consistent presence on the list for years.
“We’re honored to represent Ottawa’s dynamic food scene,” Lepine told me during a recent conversation at his restaurant. “Our team works incredibly hard to create unique dining experiences that showcase both technique and local ingredients.”
Not far behind at number 32 is Supply and Demand on Wellington Street West, where Chef Steve Wall continues to impress with his seafood-focused Italian-inspired cuisine. The restaurant’s handmade pasta and carefully curated wine list have made it a neighborhood favorite since opening in 2013.
“Ottawa diners have become much more adventurous over the past decade,” Wall explained. “We’ve seen a real shift in people willing to try new things and support independent restaurants.”
Riviera, the elegant Art Deco-styled establishment on Sparks Street, secured the 43rd position. The restaurant, housed in a former bank building, offers sophisticated comfort food in one of the city’s most striking dining rooms.
Chef Jordan Holley of Riviera points to Ottawa’s changing demographics as a factor in the city’s culinary evolution. “We’re seeing more young professionals and families choosing Ottawa not just for government jobs but for quality of life. That’s created demand for more diverse dining options.”
Rounding out Ottawa’s representation at number 82 is North & Navy on Nepean Street. The restaurant draws inspiration from Northern Italian cuisine while incorporating seasonal Canadian ingredients.
“Being recognized alongside restaurants from much larger cities validates what we’ve known for years – Ottawa has incredible culinary talent,” said Adam Vettorel, chef and co-owner of North & Navy. “The food scene here has quietly been building momentum for a decade.”
The recognition comes at a crucial time for our restaurant industry, which continues to navigate post-pandemic challenges including staffing shortages and rising food costs.
According to Statistics Canada, restaurant prices in Ontario increased 7.3% year-over-year in March, reflecting ongoing inflationary pressures affecting the industry. Despite these challenges, Ottawa’s dining scene has shown remarkable resilience.
Caroline Gosselin, Executive Director of the Ottawa Culinary Tourism Alliance, sees the national recognition as well-deserved. “These restaurants represent the exceptional quality and creativity happening in Ottawa kitchens. They’re helping put us on the culinary map while supporting local producers and food systems.”
The Canada’s 100 Best list is compiled through votes from food critics, chefs, restaurateurs, and industry experts across the country. This year’s top spot went to Published on Main in Vancouver.
For longtime Ottawa residents, the national recognition validates what locals have observed in recent years – a vibrant restaurant culture emerging from what was once considered a conservative dining city.
“When I started covering the food scene fifteen years ago, Ottawa had a handful of truly exceptional restaurants,” I reflected with Gosselin. “Today, you could dine somewhere remarkable every night for weeks without repeating.”
Beyond the four restaurants making the top 100, Ottawa’s culinary landscape now includes everything from innovative food halls like Queen St. Fare to specialized establishments focusing on particular cuisines or techniques.
This broader dining ecosystem has created opportunities for chefs and restaurant workers to build careers in Ottawa rather than feeling the need to relocate to larger centers.
“The recognition isn’t just good for these four restaurants – it brings attention to our entire food community,” noted Vettorel. “When diners come to try one place on the list, they often discover other great spots while they’re here.”
For residents looking to celebrate this achievement by dining at one of the honored establishments, reservations are recommended well in advance. Atelier typically books months ahead for its tasting menu experience, while the others generally require planning several weeks out for prime weekend slots.
As Ottawa continues to develop its culinary identity, these four restaurants represent important anchors in our food landscape – places that push boundaries while mentoring the next generation of chefs who may one day appear on future lists.
That’s something worth raising a glass to celebrate, preferably paired with one of the exceptional dishes that earned these restaurants their well-deserved national recognition.
