Maksym KuzaievWhen our anniversary was right around the corner, I knew it had to be extra special—I just love celebrating milestones. A romantic dinner by the lake seemed perfect, but finding the right spot in Ottawa is quite tricky, given the number of options.
And so, I spent weeks researching online, asking friends for recommendations, and scouring social media for the perfect waterfront restaurant. Well, I’m glad to say that our celebration was a huge success—and now I’m sharing my secret with you!
The stunning views, exceptional service, and delectable menus of these restaurants are too good to gatekeep—I’ve been back to several of them for various occasions with my team and we just couldn’t get enough. Read on to see which waterfront restaurants should be on your list!
Umbrella Bar
– Media credit: umbrellaottawa
Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway
Contact details: +1 613 231 3443
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM (Closed for this season)
Cost: £££
If you’re all about laid-back vibes and killer views, Umbrella Bar is your spot. This is where you can chill and eat while watching boats drift by on Dows Lake.
Here, you’re in for a treat with their wide selection of delicious food and drinks. The usual prospects here are their burgers and sandwiches—their house especially, Umbrella Burger, is a must-order for its juiciness!
We also loved their starters, especially the calamari and nachos, which came in big portions. They also have a varied drink menu that’ll make sure you have something to pair with whatever food you order.
| Pro tip: Umbrella Bar doesn’t accept reservations, so get there early to grab a spot on their beautiful patio. |
1 Elgin Restaurant
– Media credit: smallhallsfest
Address: 1 Elgin St.
Contact details: +1 613 594 5127
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 9 PM
Cost: ££
Right on the Rideau Canal, 1 Elgin has this elegant yet relaxed ambiance, where you get these amazing vistas of the river, especially if you score a window seat.
Now, we recommend starting with their delicious starters such as mushroom on toast, 1 Elgin Caesar salad, or the crowd-favourite curry crab and lobster ravioli. For the mains, the Jerk salmon and the boneless short rib perfectly pair with the cabbage roll and curry vegetable.
The drink menu also stands out, offering a range of cocktails, select wines, and craft beers. Of course, you need to cap the meal with some sweets and, you won’t go wrong with their mango cheesecake, cheese plate, or the chocolate hazelnut mille feuille!
| Pro tip: 1 Elgin also offers an exceptional venue that can be hired for any party or special event. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering, a wedding, or a corporate event, 1 Elgin can happily cater to your specific needs. |
Mill Street Brew Pub Ottawa
– Media credit: tag_hr
Address: 555 Wellington St.
Contact details: +1 613 567 2337
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: £££
Mill Street Brew Pub Ottawa has this rustic charm and killer river views and is the place to be for mouthwatering pub classics. Here, we can’t get enough of their loaded nachos, juicy burgers, wings, and fish and chips—best paired with beer!
If you’re a vegetarian or plant-based, you’ll also find plenty to love here. Health-conscious crowd favourites include the roasted squash salad, taco jerk mushroom, pan-fried vegetable gyoza, and the massive pretzel.
Of course, choose a table by the window for the best views of the river—it’s stunning!
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their brewery tours and tasting sessions for an inside scoop on their brewing process and to taste some exclusive beers not found on the regular menu. |
Rockcliffe Boathouse Restaurant & Marina
– Media credit: dontyoukalemyvibe
Address: Sir George-Étienne Cartier Pkwy
Contact details: +1 613 744 5253
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Cost: ££
Tucked away by the marina, Rockcliffe’s vibe is low-key and tranquil, with serene river views and good food. When you’re just looking to nibble, their appetisers like cheese sticks, wings, onion rings, and fries hit the spot.
Got a bigger crew? You can dive into their pizzas and nachos—they’re perfect for sharing. For mains, while the list may seem modest, their fish and chips and chicken fingers really had us feeling satisfied.
But don’t let the food steal all the thunder; their cocktail game is strong. With offerings aplenty, you’ll want to try their best-sellers, the Ocean Gin and the Strawberry Daiquiri.
| Pro tip: Before you go, check out their social media pages for announcements. Their opening times can sometimes change suddenly due to high tide. |
Tavern on the Falls
– Media credit: tavernonthefalls
Address: 1 John St.
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM (Closed for this season)
Cost: £££
Casual yet scenic, Tavern on the Falls is all about the views, and since it’s situated right by the falls (duh), it’s got this cool, almost magical feel to it.
Many regulars here love ordering their loaded nachos and tacos for sharing (plus beers, of course!)—these have us coming back, too, especially the tacos that come with a variety of toppings.
If you’re more of a rice person, you gotta give their bowls selection a try, specifically the marinated tuna (trust us, it’s a best-seller for good reason).
For something lighter, they’ve got a killer Caesar salad and a charcuterie board that’s simply fantastic. The latter is perfect with their drinks that add a unique twist to the classics—the Maple Old Fashioned and Berry Basil Smash are must-tries!
| Pro tip: Keep an eye out for the daily specials that often feature seasonal ingredients. Also, if you’re unsure which cocktail to try, just ask the bartender. |
NCC Bistro at Remic Rapids Park
– Media credit: ncc_ccn
Address: Kichi Zībī Mīkan
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM (closed for the season)
Cost: ££
NCC Bistro at Remic Rapids Park is all about al fresco dining in a beautiful park setting—with idyllic river views! Sunset is amazing here, with the setup giving you a full view of the pink-tinged skies.
As for the menu, it boasts an assortment of wraps, all-beef and veggie dogs, baked beans, and both beef and vegetarian chilli. And if you’re in the mood for something comforting, they have hot soups and sandwiches.
What sets this place apart, though, is its inclusion of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Their hummus, pita chips, and garlic potatoes are even loved by the meat eaters in our team.
Pair your meal with either IPA, lager, or canned sodas—it’ll round up the entire experience nicely.
| Pro tip: Since NCC Patterson Creek Park Bistro is a pop-up venue, their menu frequently changes. Opening times are dependent on the weather, so check their social media pages before heading there. |
The Bridge Public House
– Media credit: rideausportscentre
Address: 1 Donald St.
Contact details: +1 613 741 9219
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 2 PM
Cost: ££
The Bridge Public House isn’t directly located near the waters, but it still offers an overlooking view of the river. Regulars rave about the Koreatown chicken and wings, along with their beet and Mandarin salad.
And if flatbreads are your jam, their chicken and pesto or Margherita variants are sure to make you satisfied. And you can’t go wrong with their juicy burgers, whether it’s their specialty Bridge Burger or even the veggie burger.
They’re also known for their generous portions of tacos, fish and chips, and spaghetti and meatballs—perfect for sharing and guaranteed to satisfy.
| Pro tip: The Bridge Public House is located at the Rideau Sports Centre, which means you can combine dining with some fun activities. It’s the perfect place for recovery food after a bout of tennis or a yoga session. |
NCC Patterson Creek Park Bistro
– Media credit: jason_from_ontario
Address: Linden Terrace
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM (closed for the season)
Cost: ££
NCC Patterson Creek Park Bistro is nestled in a quaint park with gorgeous creek views—super serene and ideal for a relaxed afternoon bite.
Here, whether you’re in the mood for a light bite or a more substantial meal, NCC Patterson Creek Park Bistro has you covered. Must-tries are their hot dog sandwiches, which you can turn into Italian sausage, and the crowd’s favourite, ham and cheese croissants.
The Bistro also has refreshing strawberry lemonade, perfect for when the sun shows up, and the Sangria cocktail, ‘cause why not?
| Pro tip: Weekends can get busy, so if you’re planning to visit, try to get there early to snag a good spot. |
Canal Ritz
– Media credit: canalritz
Address: 375 Queen Elizabeth Driveway
Contact details: +1 613 238 8998
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Cost: ££
Canal Ritz has these awesome panoramic views of the Rideau Canal, and trust me, it’s a sight to see. Now, it’s known for its thin-crust pizzas. We gotta mention their irresistible flavours like Mediterranean pizza, BBQ chicken, and smoked salmon pizza.
When it comes to mains and pasta, you can’t go wrong with our regular orders, like the grilled Atlantic salmon, chicken piccata, and Jambalaya Penne. Kids will love the Canal Ritz burger or cranberry chicken sandwich here.
Don’t overlook their extensive variety of drinks that range from coffee and beers to mocktails and cocktails. If you’re a coffee person, their Monte Cristo and Irish coffee will have you coming back!
| Pro tip: Planning a party? Canal Ritz offers a fantastic cocktail party menu, making it an excellent venue for hosting special events right by the canal. |
The Waterfront Gastropub
– Media credit: thewaterfrontgatropub_cp
Address: 12 Bell St, Carleton Place
Contact details: +1 613 257 5755
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 12 AM
Cost: ££
A bit outside the city, but so worth it, the Waterfront Gastropub has a cosy, casual charm right on the Mississippi River. Their patio is the place to be, with relaxing river views and a great selection of gastropub favourites.
If burgers are your thing, then The Waterfront Gastropub has some you can’t miss. With choices like the Hawaiian burger, Humpty Dumpty burger, and Nashville hot chicken sandwich, there’s plenty to savour.
Aside from that, they also offer snacks like Devil’s calamari and bruschetta which are great to enjoy with Heineken and Absolut mango mule.
| Pro tip: Not only do they have amazing live music that adds to the lively atmosphere, but they also offer catering services for your events. |
Kelly’s Landing
– Media credit: uniquevolpi
Address: 1980 River Rd, Manotick
Contact details: +1 613 692 1243
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Cost: ££
Located by the Rideau River Kelly’s Landing offers those quintessential waterfront dining vibes, complete with a relaxed, almost beachy feel.
Kelly’s burgers and sandwiches are really the talk of town. The bestsellers include the sirloin burger, Kelly’s Landing chicken wrap, and the Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
Their appetisers are a highlight, too. These were so filling, we think they should be listed on the mains! The PEI cultured mussels and Sambuca shrimp are a crowd-favourite!
| Pro tip: If you happen to visit in winter, no worries since you can still enjoy your meal by their fireplace. |
Swan on the Rideau
– Media credit: sosborba
Address: 2730 River Rd, Manotick
Contact details: +1 613 692 4550
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Cost: £££
Swan on the Rideau is all about cosy charm and its outdoor seating is a major win, especially on a sunny day, with stunning views of the Rideau River. Here, they keep things interesting with their creative menu.
First off, they’ve got the lamb lollipops and zucchini fingers as tempting starters. Following that, there’s the creatively named Crispy Swan-ton featuring grilled chicken and wontons, and the delightful Three Little Pigs Burger.
Their drink lineup is solid with local brews and vintage cocktails. The Davis’s ‘Perfect’ Manhattan and tequila Paloma have us immediately reordering them.
| Pro tip: Their themed events are a hoot, so keep an eye out for those—you wouldn’t want to miss them on your visit! |
