5 Best Restaurants in Ottawa, Ontario

With its ever-changing menu and nearly flawless execution, this contemporary Canadian restaurant consistently ranks among Ottawa's top dining spots. It's little wonder it draws everyone from the Rolling Stones to Diana Krall. Begin with sweet-butter poached shrimp on corn cake or tender foie gras topped with black plum caviar and served on cornmeal pancakes. Entrées might include succulent chicken breast on corn risotto, grilled lamb with roasted organic carrots and turnips, and seared scallops with summer succotash, tomato confit, and Serrano ham. Despite its lofty reputation, Beckta has formal but friendly service.

This large pink-painted restaurant with a wall of windows overlooking Chinatown draws so many dim sum devotees that on weekends and holidays the lines can go down the stairs to the first floor. Waitresses parade with carts bearing everything from shrimp done innumerable ways to sesame balls. Or you can select from the regular Cantonese menu, including shark fin soup with crab (C$30) and Peking duck (C$32). There are also some Szechuan dishes, such as Yu Hsiang scallops in spicy sauce.

The bubbling fountain and potted trees reduce the noise of people passing around this vegetarian restaurant in the center of Time Square, a Byward Market office building. For breakfast try waffles with fruit. Later you can opt for an Indian Thali plate of samosa, bottomless dahl, homemade yogurt, and salad. Or pick up a snack such as roll-ups of marinated Italian eggplant or vegan pizza. To wash it all down, try delicious steamed coconut milk or chai tea.

An 1874 Tudor-style mansion is the showcase for this branch of France's famous Cordon Bleu cooking school. Winning awards for its modern interpretation of French classical cuisine, the restaurant's menu includes lobster medallions with fresh mint oil and venison loin in a spiced bread crust with gratin of fig. Set menus include a four-course Vegetarian Menu (C$48), a three-course Taste of Canada Menu (C$62), a five-course Menu Dégustation (C$81), and a six-course Grand Market Menu (C$101).

One of more than 15 restaurants in Little Italy, this café with crimson-color walls, ceilings, and tablecloths is known for its more than 5,000-bottle wine cellar and traditional Italian dishes. Chicken Princess, a tender piece of chicken accompanied by asparagus and mozzarella cheese, comes in a white wine sauce. Pasta accompanies every dish or you can opt for potatoes and vegetables. An accordionist plays Friday and Saturday evenings.