12 Ottawa Restaurants That Your Date Secretly Wants To Go To For Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is quickly sneaking up on us, which means it’s time to start thinking about your perfect dinner date destination. The pressure to impress your S/O on this romantic holiday can be high, but don’t worry. If you live in the capital, there are plenty of romantic Ottawa restaurants that are sure to envoke the real-life equivalent of the heart-eye emoji from your love.
Of course, finding a romantic restaurant in the capital isn’t hard. In fact with so many options, deciding on just one place can be completely overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve focused on 12 hidden gems so that you don’t have to.
Whether you want to indulge in savoury pasta dishes or sip cocktails under twinkling lights, Ottawa has you more than covered.
From under-the-radar spots with secret side door entrances to restaurants tucked away inside charming art galleries, these places will inspire even the homebodies to brave those crazy V-day crowds.
And with cuisine from places like Lebanon, Italy, Japan, and more, you'll have no problem finding something to tingle your tastebuds this February.
Rabbit Hole
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Specialty cocktails & eats
Address: 208 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can dive down the rabbit hole at this simply stunning Ottawa restaurant.
Jackson
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Savoury small plates & cocktails
Address: 10 Daly Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can get two dates in one when you visit this stunning little restaurant inside the Ottawa Art Gallery. Show your date how cultured you are by touring the gallery after your meal.
Restaurant e18hteen
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Seafood & steak
Address: 18 York St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You and your date will feel like royalty when you visit this Ottawa gem that has serious castle vibes.
Sidedoor
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Internationally inspired entrees
Address: 18b York St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If the whole castle thing isn't really for you, why not pop in the side door instead? This hidden gem is totally intimate and perfect for a romantic night.
Erling's Variety
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Rotating menu
Address: 225 Strathcona Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: When it comes to date night restaurants, this spot checks all the boxes. Good atmosphere, good food, and good prices.
North & Navy
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Northern Italian
Address: 226 Nepean St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: There's nothing like some authentic Italian eats to get you feeling romantic this Valentine's Day. Here you can enjoy dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Courtyard Restaurant
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Contemporary cuisine, fine dining
Address: 21 George St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Feel like dressing up this Valentine's Day? Appropriately dubbed one of Ottawa's most romantic restaurants, you can bust out your fancy clothes and enjoy delicious locally sourced foods.
Kuidaore
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese
Address: 420 Preston St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Valentine's day is all about the noods (noodles, that is), so if your S/O loves Japanese food of all kinds, this is the spot to visit. Plus, the cherry blossom tree theme is pretty breathtaking too.
Jericho
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Lebanese
Address: 840 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The food here is both affordable and mouth-watering, perfect for those on a budget. Plus, the decor will have you both in complete awe.
Oz Kafe
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: European-inspired
Address: 10 York St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Calling all night owls! This Ottawa gem has a late-night menu that's full of delicious comfort foods. Not to mention the stunning and dimly lit interior.
The Soca Kitchen
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Spanish and Latino
Address: 93 Holland Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: The tapas here are truly something to rave about. If you fancy yourselves as a couple of foodies, then you need to add this place to your dinner bucket list ASAP.
Dreamland Cafe
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Pasta
Address: 262 Preston St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: At the end of the day, you can never really go wrong with a mug full of pasta. This place truly looks like a dream inside, as well.