Ottawa celebrates as four local restaurants earn spots on the 2025 Canada’s 100 Best list, highlighting the city’s evolving culinary excellence.
Ottawa’s Culinary Stars Shine on Canada’s 100 Best List
Ottawa’s dining scene is savoring the spotlight, with four local restaurants earning coveted places on the 2025 Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list. While the city saw a slight dip from last year’s six entries, the capital’s top eateries continue to impress food lovers and critics nationwide.
Atelier Leads Ottawa’s Pack
Atelier, chef Marc Lepine’s acclaimed tasting-menu destination on Rochester Street, climbed to 41st place, up from 43rd last year. Its inventive approach and sophisticated flavors keep it at the forefront of Ottawa’s fine dining.
Rising and Returning Favorites
Arlo, a Centretown favorite, jumped to 49th from 71st, while Perch, chef Justin Champagne-Lagarde’s intimate Preston Street spot, returned at 95th after a brief absence. Riviera, known for its big-city vibe and stellar bar on Sparks Street, landed at 88th-down from 28th last year, but is still celebrated for having Canada’s best restaurant bar.
Notable Absences and Shifting Rankings
Some Ottawa favorites, including North & Navy, Supply and Demand, and Buvette Daphnée, dropped off the list this year. The annual ranking, based on votes from 177 culinary experts across Canada, saw significant changes, with 31 new restaurants making the cut and regional representation fine-tuned for fairness.
National Dining Trends: Toronto and Montreal Dominate
Toronto and Montreal continued to dominate the list, with 29 and 24 restaurants respectively. Vancouver followed with 14, while Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, and Quebec City also made appearances. Ontario’s Restaurant Pearl Morissette took the top spot, with Montreal’s Mon Lapin and Toronto’s Alo, Edulis, and 20 Victoria rounding out the top five.
A Guide for Canadian Foodies
As more Canadians consider exploring their own country, this year’s list arrives at the perfect time. Editor Jacob Richler hopes it inspires locals and travelers alike to discover the best of Canadian cuisine-whether in Ottawa or beyond.
From creative tasting menus to world-class wine lists, Ottawa’s top restaurants continue to elevate the city’s reputation as a must-visit culinary destination. Where will your next reservation be?
