Plane tickets aren't exactly in everyone's budget, but there's plenty of spots here in Ottawa that can satisfy your appetite for adventure. Literally.
READ MORE: 7 Food Festivals You Need To Attend In Ottawa This Summer
The international culinary scene is wide and diverse in Canada's capital, with restaurants offering food from almost all seven continents. Whether you may be planning a future trip to Europe or maybe reminiscing on a backpacking trip in Asia, Ottawa's got authentic taste that will make you nostalgic or maybe introduce you to something new.
So, where are you travelling to?
Europe
The Americas and the Caribbean
Africa
East Asia
Southeast Asia
Click the 'Next' button below to look for European...
St. Martha's Brasserie D'Orleans // France
La vie est belle when you're delving into French classics, like onion soup and tartare, at this authentic French restaurant out in Orleans.
Caravela // Portugal
Part of Orleans' booming restaurant scene, this relatively new Portuguese restaurant has some delicious, well-seasoned piri-piri chicken amongst other national culinary classics like flambeed chorizo (imported sausages) and paella.
The Soca Kitchen // Spain
At Soca, it's all about the small plates. If you're looking to explore the popular tradition of Spanish tapas, the dinner menu has a wide range of finger foods that you can sample and share for a diverse culinary experience.
Pilos Restaurant // Greece
You might not be on the black sandy beaches of Santorini, but the chicken or beef souvlaki plates and the lamb should at least satisfy your longing for genuine Greek cuisine. Some house-made Greek salad and Tzatziki won't be too bad on the sad, either.
La Bottega // Italy
La Bottega is one of many celebrated Italian restaurants in the city and is centrally located in the heart of the ByWard Market. With its delicious, fresh affordable take-out sandwiches that are popular amongst 9-5ers, its gained a firm reputation in the city. At lunch time, if you'd rather sit down, La Bottega also serves up genuine pasta and pizza using ingredients imported directly from the motherland.
For food from the Americas and the Caribbean, hit 'Next' below...
Havana Cafe // Cuba
Rest assured, this is more authentic than you'll ever get in a Cuban resort. The chef, Oslaide Guerra, was born and raised in Cuba, where he finessed his culinary craft. Today, he makes up many delicious and hearty Cuban sandwiches as well as other dishes you won't find at resort buffets.
Corazon de Maiz // Mexico
A cozy and colourful little spot tucked in the ByWard Market that offers simple Mexican fare, like tacos and quesadillas, in a casual, laid-back atmosphere.
Caribbean Sizzler // Jamaica
Home to some of the best comfort food, this little Jamaican/caribbean joint has some of the finest jerk chicken in the city and some hearty authentic beans and rice to go with it. They also serve up affordable ($1.75) Jamaican patties, which are popular as well.
For food from Africa, hit 'Next' below...
Le Casablanca // Morocco
You can easily pass by this restaurant in the Market, which makes it one of the more hidden gems of Ottawa that are in plain sight. Named after the famous Moroccan city, this restaurant offers flavourful Moroccan at an inexpensive price with generous portions.
Habesha // Ethiopia
Celebrate the finest food from the Horn of Africa at this intimate establishment that offers incredibly tasteful cuisine. Try the famous national dish, the Doro Wat, with hard boiled eggs and chicken, as well as a sharing platter.
For food from East Asia, hit 'Next' below...
The Fry // South Korea
One of the most popular of traditions in South Korea is the tradition of fried chicken and beer, and The Fry certainly delivers it well in Ottawa. This long overdue fried chicken restaurant is a blessing, offering genuine Korean beer and even delectable creamy cheese corn (guaranteed to become your new favourite side).
Royal Treasure // China
It's a given fact that the best Chinese restaurants are the ones where Chinese people go to. Royal Treasure has been serving Ottawa since 1993 and is just one of many genuine Chinese restaurants located in the heart of Chinatown. The prices are also very affordable in comparison to the portions.
Soul Stone Restaurant // Japan
This fairly recent upscale sushi bar operates out of Orleans and excels both in crafting its sushi and presenting it. Being a fusion restaurant, Soul Stone also offers up Chinese and Thai food, which can all be enjoyed during their affordable lunch buffets.
For food from Southeast Asia, hit 'Next' below...
Pho Thu Do // Vietnam
It ain't easy picking the best pho in Ottawa. Having one of the largest Vietnamese communities in Canada and a number of authentic Vietnamese restaurants located around Somerset, the choices are endless. Nonetheless, Pho Thu Do is acclaimed for its quality service, broth and spring rolls and is an excellent starting point for your culinary pho adventure.
Tamis Cafe // Phillipines
Owned and run by a Filipino family, this unprecedented restaurant offers some of our favourite south-east Asian dishes, like pork chops and a sweet halo-halo to take it all down.
Siam Bistro // Thailand
Backpackers know well and true that Thai food is some of the best in SE Asia, and Siam Bistro doesn't fall short on delivering. You'll find some terrific pad thai here made from genuine Thai chefs.
CPKC Holiday Train.