9 Authentic Ottawa Restaurants That Will Transport Your Tastebuds To Italy
Who said you need to leave the city to get a little taste of Italy? If you’ve been dreaming about getting your dose of perfect pizza and pasta, you don’t actually need to travel too far. These Italian restaurants in Ottawa will make you feel like you’re eating dinner in Europe. Perfetto!
As any Italian food lover knows, there’s nothing better than a steaming bowl of al dente pasta, or a cheese enveloped slice of doughy pizza.
Fortunately, the capital city is brimming with fabulous and authentic Italian restaurants, so it’s almost impossible to choose between them.
Thankfully, there’s no time limit on carbs and love, so you can add all of these dreamy locations to your to-do list.
While prices range from just $15 to $35, they’re all going to be cheaper than an international flight. Who needs to fly to Europe when you’ve got Little Italy on your doorstep?!
Stop daydreaming about a summer vacation abroad, and start focusing on completing this ultimate Italian food bucket list.
Grab your stretchiest pants and your favourite faux-Versarce purse. We’re going on an Ottawan foodie adventure!
North & Navy
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Northern Italian
Address: 226 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: While this is one of the city's more expensive local experiences, it's worth every penny. Each meal is like a fine piece of art, and you won't be able to stop yourself from taking pictures for Instagram!
DreamLand Cafe
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Homemade Pasta
Address: 262 Preston St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This adorable location is pretty and pink outside, and it's just as beautiful inside. Whether you bask in the sunshine on their patio, or enjoy an espresso inside, you'll be feeling like you're in Italy in no time.
DiVino Wine Studio
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 225 Preston St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: With homemade pasta from scratch, a huge outdoor patio and an even bigger wine list, it doesn't get much more European than this!
Vittoria Trattoria
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Authentic Italian
Address: Various Locations
Why You Need To Go: This gorgeous restaurant has all the romance of Italy, without you having to leave downtown Ottawa. The picturesque setting and delightful food will have you feeling far away in no time.
Tosca
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 144 O'Connor St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: With an authentic ambiance and very effective stone walls, you only have to close your eyes to be transported to Milan or Naples.
Pub Italia
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Pub
Address: 434 Preston St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This quirky bar and restaurant is a favourite among Ottawans, and a must-see for anyone new to the city. The religious-themed decor and stained glass really adds to the out-of-city vibes.
Mamma Teresa Ristorante
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Northern Italian
Address: 300 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The owners moved to Canada from Parma in 1960, and brought with them their favourite family recipes. If you're looking for authenticity, this is your spot!
La Dolce Vita
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 180 Preston St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This is the perfect place for pizza and pasta lovers who need to avoid gluten. They have a huge GF menu, and a charming little patio to enjoy it on!
Il Primo
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 371 Preston St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you find your booze bill often stacks up when you're eating out, il Primo can help you out. The restaurant is BYOB, so you can drink without worrying about budget. Even better, there's a delightful patio to "cheers" on. Perfetto!
All research done in this article is by the author. Restaurants never pay to be featured on Narcity's "Best Of" lists; furthermore, this list represents a showcase of great spots, and is not a numbered ranking.