Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Best Seafood Restaurants in Ottawa! If you’re a seafood enthusiast seeking a delectable culinary experience, look no further. Ottawa, known for its vibrant food scene, boasts a plethora of outstanding establishments that specialize in the ocean’s bounty. Whether you’re craving succulent lobster, perfectly seared salmon, or freshly shucked oysters, this article will unveil the top seafood spots in Ottawa, ensuring an unforgettable dining adventure. Get ready to dive into the city’s finest seafood offerings and embark on a tantalizing journey of flavors and textures.
Pelican Seafood Market And Grill
Address: 1500 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1H 7Z2, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 526-5229
Website: pelicanseafood.ca
Details: $$, Seafood restaurant
Pelican Seafood Market And Grill, located in an unassuming suburban mall, is a hidden gem and the ultimate go-to place for seafood enthusiasts in Ottawa. The menu boasts an array of mouthwatering dishes that showcase the freshness and expertise of their seafood preparations. From the delectable lobster hot appetizer to the satisfying fish and chips, pasta with lobster, and lobster and shrimp rolls, every choice is met with absolute delight. Pelican’s commitment to freshness is evident, as the menu changes seasonally, offering exciting twists on their popular dishes.
The unpretentious atmosphere of Pelican adds to its charm, with simple decor and panels installed for COVID-19 safety. The attentive and friendly staff ensure a memorable dining experience without being intrusive, making you feel right at home. The oyster selection is exceptional, and their ability to shuck them to perfection is a testament to their dedication to quality.
Despite being located away from the city center, Pelican Seafood Market And Grill has established itself as Ottawa’s best seafood destination. With free parking on-site, it’s worth the journey to indulge in their fabulous meals. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or simply looking for a delightful dining experience, Pelican Seafood Market And Grill will surpass your expectations with its excellent protocol, great food, and attentive service.
The Whalesbone Oyster House
Address: 430 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y8, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 231-8569
Website: thewhalesbone.com/oysterhouse/contact
Details: $$$, Seafood restaurant
Nestled in Ottawa’s ‘centre town,’ The Whalesbone Oyster House is a seafood lover’s haven that never fails to impress. The menu showcases a delightful array of dishes, including standout items like the outstanding mussels and fresh Arctic Char. Surprisingly, even the steak rivals the seafood in terms of quality and taste. The restaurant exudes an intimate and inviting atmosphere, with a clean and well-designed space that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.
One of the remarkable aspects of The Whalesbone is its knowledgeable and friendly staff who go above and beyond to provide exceptional service. They anticipate guests’ needs, offer helpful recommendations, and create an interactive yet unobtrusive dining environment. Whether it’s splitting the delicious seafood chowder into two bowls or suggesting the perfect oyster pairing with the scotch bonnet sauce, the attentive service adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal.
In addition to the superb cuisine and staff, The Whalesbone is also praised for its commitment to sustainable sourcing. The limited yet carefully crafted menu features a variety of seafood options, catering to both seafood lovers and those who prefer meat dishes. The restaurant’s dedication to maintaining a good price-quality-experience ratio further enhances the dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts in Ottawa and beyond.
The Whalesbone
Address: 231 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L6, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 505-4300
Website: thewhalesbone.com/the-whalesbone-elgin-st
Details: $$$, Restaurant
The Whalesbone, located in Ottawa, is a seafood restaurant that captivates diners with its exceptional staff, inviting atmosphere, and diverse menu. The Seafood Chowder, a delightful blend of New England and Manhattan styles, is brimming with generous portions of meat and other savory ingredients. For a memorable experience, patrons can enjoy a seat at the bar, where they can witness the skilled barman preparing signature oysters. The restaurant offers a wide range of options, including a hot seafood platter that impresses seafood enthusiasts and mouthwatering burgers for meat lovers. The attentive service and extensive drink menu, featuring both foreign and domestic selections, further enhance the dining experience.
The Whalesbone continues to leave a lasting impression with its delectable dishes. The seafood gnocchi, exquisitely prepared and bursting with flavor, showcases the chef’s mastery of taste. Oyster lovers will be delighted by the superb selection available. The restaurant’s commitment to sourcing fresh and sustainable ingredients is evident in every bite. The ambiance is elevated by great music, adding to the overall enjoyment of the dining experience.
Visiting The Whalesbone is an opportunity to indulge in fresh, beautifully prepared fish and seafood. The upscale decor at the Elgin St location creates a sophisticated atmosphere, while the excellent service ensures a memorable meal. Despite the road construction on Elgin, the restaurant remains a popular choice, recommended by locals and appreciated by visitors alike. Whether enjoying a business lunch or a romantic evening, The Whalesbone offers an extraordinary culinary journey with its outstanding seafood dishes, wide wine selection, and impeccable service.
The Shore Club
Address: 11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 569-5050
Website: theshoreclub.ca
Details: $$$, Steak house
Located in the Westin Hotel, The Shore Club in Ottawa offers an outstanding dining experience with its delectable menu, impeccable staff, and elegant ambiance. The seafood towers, featuring a variety of fresh and flavorful options, are a standout choice for groups. The steaks and salmon dishes are equally impressive, leaving guests delighted with the exceptional flavors. The staff members go above and beyond to provide top-notch service, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
The restaurant’s beautiful ambiance creates an inviting atmosphere, and the professionalism of the staff adds to the overall charm. Whether you’re attending a concert or simply enjoying a leisurely meal, The Shore Club offers timely service without making you feel rushed. The extensive wine list perfectly complements the menu, enhancing the culinary experience.
The Shore Club’s commitment to quality is evident in every dish. The oysters are supremely fresh and served in a classic manner, accompanied by delightful condiment choices. The seafood tower is a feast for the senses, while the tartare and calamari dishes showcase the culinary expertise of the kitchen. Despite the prices being on the higher side, the superb execution of the dishes justifies the cost, making it a worthwhile dining destination.
Merivale Fish Market
Address: 1480 Merivale Rd, Nepean, ON K2E 6Z5, Canada
Phone: 613-723-2476
Website: merivalefish.com
Details: $$, Seafood restaurant
Nestled in Ottawa, Merivale Fish Market is a hidden gem that offers the best quality and preparation of seafood in the city. The menu boasts an array of delectable dishes, with standout options such as the irresistible calamari and the amazing clam chowder. Despite the restaurant’s no-reservation policy, it is rarely crowded during lunchtime, ensuring a prompt seating experience. Each dish is prepared to perfection, with larger-than-usual mussels and an array of delicious sauces to choose from. The bouillabaisse is exceptionally satisfying, and the trout is a delight to the taste buds.
The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff contribute to the overall dining experience at Merivale Fish Market. From prompt seating to attentive service, the restaurant ensures that guests feel well taken care of. The flavorful food is enjoyed by both seafood enthusiasts and those who are not typically fond of fish. The calamari, with its well-seasoned breading, is a popular starter, while the daily specials showcase the restaurant’s innovative culinary creations. With generous portions and fresh ingredients sourced from their own market next door, Merivale Fish Market is a hidden culinary gem.
While the restaurant’s location may not stand out, the quality of the seafood served at Merivale Fish Market is second to none. The menu offers a wide range of options, including gluten-free dishes and grilled calamari, satisfying various dietary preferences. With delectable fish and chips, flavorful chowder, and fabulous mussels, there is something for everyone. The friendly and fast service, along with a great selection of beer and wines, enhances the overall dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying their Bouillabaisse or indulging in their famous French fries, Merivale Fish Market is a must-visit for seafood lovers in Ottawa.
Petit Bill’s Bistro
Address: 1293 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B1, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 729-2500
Website: petitbillsbistro.com
Details: $$$, Bistro
Situated on Wellington Street, Petit Bill’s Bistro in Ottawa offers a warm and welcoming environment reminiscent of a gourmet chef’s home. With a passion for seafood and good wine, the restaurant provides a comfortable dining experience. The mussels in coconut milk are simply amazing, and the seafood chowder is filled with delightful flavors. The attentive service and reasonable prices make it an ideal choice for a filling lunch or a memorable dinner.
Petit Bill’s Bistro is renowned for its well-prepared seafood dishes that are sure to please any palate. Despite being a busy establishment, the restaurant’s attentive service ensures that every guest is well taken care of. Highly recommended dishes include the scallops with maple syrup reduction and the salmon with prosciutto and tortellini. While the prices may be steep, the quality of the food makes it well worth the cost.
Known for its exceptional seafood chowder, Petit Bill’s Bistro is a must-visit destination. The hearty and flavorful chowder is perfect for lunch or dinner. The homemade dishes, made with fresh ingredients, create a truly satisfying dining experience. The menu features a great selection of seafood options, and the friendly staff adds to the enjoyable atmosphere. Whether dining indoors or on the sidewalk patio, Petit Bill’s Bistro provides a memorable culinary experience.
Mati
Address: 428 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N2, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 680-3860
Website: matiottawa.ca
Details: $$$, Modern European restaurant
Nestled in Ottawa, Mati is a delightful seafood restaurant that offers a pleasant surprise to diners. The standout dish is the seafood tower, filled with delicious flavors and beautifully presented. The exceptional service adds to the overall dining experience, making Mati a highly recommended spot for seafood enthusiasts. The lovely atmosphere creates a perfect setting to enjoy a delectable meal.
The menu at Mati offers a range of Mediterranean-influenced dishes that showcase the fantastic flavors of the sea. The seafood tower is a must-try, featuring a variety of hot and cold options, including grilled lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, sushi, crudo, lobster tacos, oysters, and cocktail shrimp. For those craving a hearty main, the rib eye steak cooked on an Argentinian charcoal grill is a tempting choice. The Seafood Pasta for Two is another delightful dish, with perfectly grilled seafood and wonderful flavors.
Mati impresses with its imaginative and well-prepared dishes. The generous portions, affordable prices, and diverse wine selection make dining here a true pleasure. Whether indulging in the seafood tower, savoring the steaks, or exploring other options on the menu, guests are sure to have a memorable culinary experience. Mati is a recommended destination for celebrations, double dates, or simply a delightful night out.
Lapointe Fish
Address: 1831 Robertson Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 8X3, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 596-9654
Website: lapointefish.ca
Details: $$, Seafood restaurant
Lapointe Fish, a long-standing seafood restaurant in Ottawa, continues to impress its regulars with consistently high-quality dishes prepared with utmost care. The sumptuous seafood offerings never disappoint, leaving patrons satisfied and coming back for more. The attentive service adds to the warm and friendly atmosphere, where guests are treated like cherished friends. With a diverse menu that includes delectable sushi options, tasty daily specials, and mouthwatering fish and chips, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When it comes to seafood, Lapointe Fish excels in delivering excellence. The Asian Calamari Salad, Seared Scallop, and Tiger Shrimp appetizers are highly recommended choices that showcase the chef’s passion and skill. The fish and chips, a classic favorite, are also prepared to perfection. While the focus is on seafood, the menu offers other options like salads, soups, and pasta dishes to cater to various preferences.
Lapointe Fish takes pride in sourcing the freshest seafood available, as they are one of the largest seafood importers and distributors in the Ottawa area. This ensures that every bite is of the highest quality and bursting with flavor. The restaurant’s commitment to excellence extends to the service, with knowledgeable and attentive wait staff providing a memorable dining experience. The relaxing atmosphere adds to the overall enjoyment of the meal, making Lapointe Fish a go-to destination for seafood lovers in Ottawa.
In conclusion, Ottawa boasts a remarkable selection of seafood restaurants that cater to the discerning palates of seafood lovers. From the exceptional culinary skills exhibited at Lapointe Fish to the consistently high-quality offerings at Mati, seafood enthusiasts have a range of options to indulge in. The delightful combination of fresh ingredients, expert preparation, and attentive service ensures that patrons have memorable dining experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for an elegant dining atmosphere or a cozy seafood bistro, Ottawa’s seafood scene has something to offer everyone. Explore these establishments and embark on a culinary journey filled with delectable seafood delights in the heart of Canada’s capital.
