I don’t care about the view — I care about the food
Divan Turkish Cuisine opened in Fall 2025 and has already made a strong impression in the Kanata dining scene. Located in Kanata Centrum, it benefits from one of the biggest practical advantages in Ottawa dining — plenty of free parking. There’s no stress about circling residential streets or hunting for meters. You park, walk in, and that’s it.
Feifung Kitchen is a Vietnamese restaurant located in Ottawa’s Chinatown, and for many longtime locals, this place carries far more meaning than just another spot to eat pho. The restaurant opened in 2022, and what makes it special is the story behind it: the owners are the original owners of New Mee Fung, a restaurant that was a true staple in Ottawa for over 30 years. After selling New Mee Fung in 2020, many assumed that chapter had closed for good. So when the owners came out of retirement to open Feifung Kitchen, it was met with genuine excitement — and for good reason.
Gezellig is an upscale restaurant in Ottawa known for its refined atmosphere and polished menu. From the moment you walk in, it feels elevated. The dim lighting and quiet ambiance create a calm dining environment that’s well suited for date nights or more intimate dinners. It’s not loud or chaotic — conversations stay at your table.
Elgin Street Diner is one of those places that most people in Ottawa know about, even if they don’t actively seek it out for great food. Located right on Elgin Street, it sits in a busy area with no dedicated parking, so if you’re driving, you’ll need to rely on street parking, which can be hit or miss depending on the time of day.
District Deli is one of my favourite sandwich shops in Ottawa and a place I genuinely look forward to visiting. It opened relatively recently compared to many long-standing delis in the city, but it has quickly built a strong reputation for doing one thing very well: big, flavourful sandwiches that feel worth the price.
Susu Siam Thai Kitchen is a very pleasant surprise in Scarborough. From the moment you walk in, it feels more elevated than the typical casual Thai restaurant. The space has a low-light ambiance, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere that works well for both date nights and small group dinners. It’s refined without being intimidating.
Marathon Souvlaki is a Greek restaurant located in Montreal, in an area that’s easy to reach and very convenient if you’re driving. One of the immediate positives is the large parking lot, which makes parking completely stress-free — something that’s not always easy to find in Montreal.
Chop Steakhouse is a well-known Canadian steakhouse brand that is often located inside or attached to Sandman Hotels, and the Hunt Club location follows that same model. From a convenience standpoint alone, this is one of the easier steakhouses in Ottawa to visit. There is plenty of free parking thanks to its own large parking lot, which already gives it an advantage over many central Ottawa restaurants.
BanhMiYes is a small, focused shop located on Wellington Street in Ottawa that specializes in one thing: banh mi. And honestly, that’s refreshing.
Captain’s Boil is one of those places you go to when you’re in the mood for a hands-on, slightly messy, seafood-focused meal. Located on West Hunt Club, it benefits from a large shared parking lot, making it easy to access without worrying about street parking or tight urban spaces.