List: 2025 Ottawa Hospitality Must-Tries
These Ottawa restaurants are at the top of my list.
Although it seemed like a never ending list of hospitality endeavours for me in 2024, 2025 brings a whole group of restaurants (new and old) that I never had the chance to try. With that being said, the spots on this list are one of three things: Already critically acclaimed, brand new and interesting, or I walked by them and something about it caught my eye.
Despite my goal to create a buzz for the whole hospitality scene in Ottawa, I, like any of us, have a handful of favourite places that continue to draw me in again and again. Places like Ward 14, The Elmdale Tavern, The Senate Tavern, and others saw my face frequently (and will continue to).
However I realized that my comforting habits kept me from a number of amazing places and it was time to break that pattern. Here is my definitive list of the must try Ottawa restaurants and bars for 2025.
1. Elise
Elise is the new kid on the block in Westboro and has caught my attention from day one of it’s opening. This modern, dim-lit, and creatively designed restaurant blends classic French techniques, local Canadian ingredients, and a New York City aesthetic to create a dining experience that is both familiar and unique to the city of Ottawa.
The commitment at Elise is simple. Great food, a great beverage program, and an intrigue that draws you in from the moment you step through the doors. Elise has shot up my list of restaurants to try in 2025 and I can’t wait to experience what they’re all about first hand. - Stay tuned for a follow up article on my time there.
2. Parlour
Unlike Elise, Parlour has been well represented in the city for quite some time, and I somehow slacked on making my way in. I’ve now made my way to Parlour for a casual drink or two as of the date this article is live, however I’ve yet to explore their interesting menu. From small plates and snacks to eye-catching mains, the Parlour food menu takes familiar dishes and punches them up to a level that is only outdone by its aesthetic and service. Since the day I read about their Octopus dish I’ve been thinking about it and I will be trying it soon.
Now we can’t just gloss over the space itself, as it’s one of the main draws of Parlour. As soon as you step into the building you are hit with an overwhelming sense of awe. The lighting, design choices, and overall aesthetic of their dining room has to be one of the most beautiful hospitality structures in the city of Ottawa. So much so that I’ve committed to stealing some of their ideas for my next apartment design. Its open concept, bright fixtures, and warm lighting pair perfectly with 2 - 6 extra dirty martinis and an excuse to get dressed up.
Thanks to their happier hour, it becomes a very attainable goal for your weekly cocktail endeavours. In fact for two hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays you can enjoy a negroni, espresso martini, or classic martini for just $10.
3. Natural History
Natural History is both the spot I’m most excited for and the spot I know the least about. Let me explain.
Here is what I do know:
Natural History is the newest endeavour by the wonderful people at Ward 14 Consignment bar. It is based on a - you guessed it - natural history museum and will have a museum inspired retail space during the day. It looks gorgeous. It is located on Somerset in Chinatown, just up the road from Ward and next to Ten Toes Coffee Shop (another favourite of mine).
Here is what I don’t know: Anything else.
Rumour has it that Natural History will also be a regular late night spot, that perhaps provides even more of a “come and mingle” atmosphere than its sister bar. I can’t say for sure what it’s going to bring but I am confident it’s going to be incredible and I cannot wait for it to open.
4. Dante
Dante is a restaurant I may not have even heard of if they hadn’t reached out to me on Instagram. I admittedly don’t find a ton of time to venture out to the Beechwood/New Edinburgh area of town unless given a reason to. Most recently that reason was Schoolhouse Pizza, but this new fine dining Italian venture seems to be my next good reason.
Let me preface by saying something I’ve said before. I grew up in an Italian household and am always incredibly weary of spending my money on Italian restaurants because I often end up disappointed and missing my Nonna. However after doing a bit of a deeper dive into the concept and individuals behind Dante, I’m more than willing to take the risk.
Owners Massimo and Karim seemingly have a deep passion for (and roots in) Italian culture. Italian food is simple but difficult at the same time and the missing ingredient between a good and great Italian restaurant is more often than not, passion.
I'm truly excited to see what Dante brings to the table (no pun intended) and will definitely report back with my findings.
2025 is going to be an amazing year for Ottawa hospitality and nightlife. The emergence of new restaurants and bars, and the growth of long standing staples are going to be a benefit to all of us who love food and beverage in the 613. I hope you are as excited as I am.
Let me know which spots you’re excited to try this year over on my Instagram at @Pizzuti22