My Top 3 Restaurants in Ottawa | A Student's Food Diary 📝

Here are my absolute favorite places to eat in Ottawa 🥇 1. North & Navy 📍 226 Nepean Street | Ontario x Northern Italian fusion Vibe: Sophisticated "old money" energy (lots of well-dressed older patrons). Must-Try: Antipasti/Primi/Secondi (their menu changes often, but everything is stellar). Tiramisu (didn’t get to try it, but it’s gorgeously plated). Note: Open kitchen lets you watch chefs taste-test sauces (✨ fancy ✨). Skip the lamb if you’re sensitive to gaminess. Price: ~$150/person (after tax & 18% tip). 🥈 2. Pelican Seafood Market & Grill 📍 1500 Bank Street | Ottawa’s seafood heaven Pro Tip: Go during Happy Hour (2:00-4:30 PM daily) for discounted oysters & cocktails! Must-Order: Shrimp Cocktail (plump and fresh). Oysters (PEI & Nova Scotia varieties). Lobster (split one with friends—locals will stare in envy). Fish & Chowder (classic, but go big with seafood towers!). Bonus: You can buy sashimi to-go from their market! Price: ~$120/person. 🥉 3. Gyubee Japanese Grill 📍 DT location | All-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ Why I Love It: The ultimate post-exam reward meal 🥹. Tips: Dinner menu ($$ but worth it—more meat options!). Yelp waitlist or arrive right at opening (or wait 2+ hours). What to Eat: Premium cuts (beef belly, short rib). Cold noodles & bibimbap (yes, I’m that person who fills up on carbs at AYCE 🤡). Price: ~$60/person (after tax/tip). 💡 Final Notes North & Navy = Splurge-worthy date night. Pelican = Seafood feast (happy hour = best deal). Gyubee = Cheat-day glory (with a side of meat sweats). #OttawaEats #FoodieFaves #StudentLife #Gyubee #PelicanGrill #OttawaFoodGuide