🇨🇦 A Wu Lu’s Ottawa Restaurant Guide | Must-Try Spots in the Capital

Let me share three fantastic Ottawa eateries that made my trip deliciously memorable—each with its own unique vibe and standout dishes! First Stop 🍽️: Fauna 📍 425 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y7 🥩 80-Day Ribeye for 2 I’d seen tons of food bloggers rave about this spot on Xiaohongshu, so I knew it had to be my first meal in Ottawa! Their signature dish is the 80-day dry-aged ribeye for two, but since I was dining solo (and they don’t do single portions), I went all in on this steak plus a cocktail 🍹. The plate arrived loaded with tender, pre-sliced steak and a mountain of amazing sides. Admittedly, the slices were a bit thin—no big, juicy mouthfuls of meat like I’d hoped 😅—but the flavor? Chef’s kiss. They didn’t ask for my preferred doneness, but the edges were cooked to a cozy medium-well, while the center stayed a gorgeous pink medium-rare 💕. Dry-aged beef really does have that concentrated, rich flavor—so much deeper than fresh steak! The meat was tender, though the edges were slightly salty (next time I’ll ask for less seasoning! 🧂). The sides stole the show too: buttery sautéed button mushrooms 🍄 that smelled like heaven, and silky mashed potatoes—so creamy, so cheesy, so buttery 🥔✨ (I could’ve eaten a bowl of just that!). The steak sauce was a tad salty, but I’ll request it on the side next visit. Roasted onions and mini bell peppers added a sweet, juicy crunch 🧅—perfect to balance the richness. Second Stop 🍽️: Cantina Gia 📍 749 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V3 🥗 Caesar Salad Warning: This Caesar salad is MASSIVE! It came piled high with crisp romaine, topped with a thick shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese 🧀—so much that every bite felt indulgent. The real star? The crispy bacon bits 🥓 sprinkled throughout—crunchy, salty, and totally addictive. You won’t leave hungry after this one! 🍝 Mafaldine E Funghi Mushroom cream wavy pasta 🍝—yes, please! The noodles were cooked to absolute perfection: al dente, chewy, and perfect for soaking up the sauce. The creamy base had a zesty twist from fresh lemon juice, which cut through the richness, and a generous sprinkle of rosemary added earthy depth 🌿. The mushrooms? Huge, meaty, and juicy—each bite was a mushroom lover’s dream 😋. Third Stop 🍽️: The Whalesbone Elgin Street 📍 231 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L6 🐙 Fried Calamari The squid itself was incredibly fresh—thick, tender, and easy to bite into (no rubbery texture here!). But the batter? A little soft for my taste—I prefer my calamari super crispy, like a satisfying crunch with every bite 🦑. Still, the freshness of the squid made up for it! 🍴 Scallops & Pork Belly This dish was a flavor party: seared scallops that were plump, sweet, and slightly crispy on the outside 🌊; pork belly with crackling, golden skin that shattered when I bit into it 🍖; plus a mix of cauliflower, corn, mushrooms, and tangy pickled cucumber sauce. The cauliflower puree was on the tart side (meant to cut grease, I think!), but I found the acidity a bit strong. Also, for all the delicious components, the portion felt a little small… but what was there tasted amazing! Ottawa’s food scene never disappoints—from dry-aged steaks to creamy pasta and fresh seafood, there’s something for every craving. Which spot would you hit first? #OttawaFood #OttawaEats #OttawaDining #FoodieGuide #Ottawa #CanadaFood