2 Best Restaurants in Ottawa, Ontario

Sunday-evening jazz adds flair to this popular restaurant, and the eclectic menu offers diners a melting pot of New American cuisine: a charred tomato and smoked chili sauce accompanies Brome Lake duck breast; tiger shrimp are sautéed with leeks, garlic, and tomatoes in a Pernod cream sauce; and prosciutto-wrapped Atlantic sea scallops top saffron-infused risotto. In summer you can dine on the patio and enjoy Byward Market's passing parade.

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.