Best Restaurants in Chelsea & Wakefield — 9 Spots Worth the Drive from Ottawa

Two of the best dining destinations near Ottawa aren't in Ottawa at all. They're north of the river in Quebec — Chelsea at the gates of Gatineau Park, and Wakefield on the Gatineau River.

Chelsea is 25 minutes from Downtown Ottawa. Wakefield is 45. Both are worth the drive — especially if you pair dinner with a hike, a spa visit, or a fall colours drive up Route 105.

Chelsea — 25 Minutes from Ottawa

Chelsea sits at the entrance to Gatineau Park. The village of Old Chelsea has a handful of restaurants that punch well above their weight — two of the best French restaurants in the entire National Capital Region are here, alongside a gastropub that's been fuelling hikers for years.

1. Les Fougères — Farm-to-Table Fine Dining (Google 4.6)

Les Fougères is the restaurant that put Chelsea on the culinary map. Chef Charles Part and Jennifer Warren have been running this farm-to-table fine dining destination since 1996, sourcing from their own gardens and local farms. The adjacent gourmet shop sells house-made preserves, sauces, and prepared foods.

What to expect: Seasonal tasting menus, impeccable wine pairings, a beautiful stone-and-wood dining room. This is the special occasion restaurant for Ottawa's food scene — the kind of place people drive 25 minutes for without thinking twice.

Good to know: Reservations essential, especially weekends. The shop is worth a visit even if you're not dining.

2. L'Orée du Bois — French-Québécois Since 1978 (Google 4.8)

L'Orée du Bois has been serving French-Québécois cuisine near the Kingsmere entrance to Gatineau Park since 1978 — nearly half a century. The seasonal table d'hôte menu uses locally sourced farm ingredients, blending French tradition with Québécois character. TripAdvisor's #1 restaurant in Chelsea with a 4.8 Google rating from 1,893 reviews.

What to expect: Intimate country setting, seasonal prix fixe menu, a proper wine list. The kind of evening that feels like a mini-vacation.

Good to know: Dinner only (Wed–Sun, 5–8:30 PM). Reservations strongly recommended.

3. Chelsea Pub — Post-Hike Craft Beer & Comfort Food (Google 4.3)

Chelsea Pub is the default stop after a Gatineau Park hike or ski. Right in Old Chelsea village, it's got local craft beer on tap, burgers, poutine, wings, and a terrace for summer days. Over 3,700 Google reviews — it's the most-reviewed restaurant on this list.

What to expect: Casual pub atmosphere, generous portions, cold beer. Not trying to be fancy — just consistently good for what it is.

Good to know: Open daily. Happy hour Mon–Fri 3–5 PM. Groups of 9+ should call ahead.

4. Oiseau Bleu at Motel Chelsea — Farm-to-Table Brunch (Google 4.5)

Oiseau Bleu is a farm-to-table restaurant inside the Motel Chelsea complex — a hipster-adjacent cultural space on Route 105. The menu is globally inspired with a strong local focus. Brunch is the main draw — grain bowls, bread pudding, seasonal plates. The adjacent Marché Café sells gourmet grocery items.

What to expect: The kind of place that feels more like a Montreal neighbourhood spot than a rural Quebec restaurant.

Good to know: Open Thu–Sun only. Closed Mon–Wed.

5. Mamma Teresa — Italian in Old Chelsea (Google 4.1)

Mamma Teresa is the Italian option in Old Chelsea village. Handmade pasta, seafood, and classic Italian dishes. The antipasto Casalinga (shrimp, scallops, calamari, copa, parmesan) is a signature starter.

What to expect: Familiar Italian comfort food in a village setting. Dine-in, takeout, or delivery.

Good to know: Closed Mon–Tue. Wed dinner only, Thu–Sat lunch and dinner.

Wakefield — 45 Minutes from Ottawa

Wakefield is a small artsy village on the Gatineau River, about 20 minutes past Chelsea on Route 105. It's a popular day trip — covered bridge, antique shops, galleries, and a concentration of restaurants along Chemin Riverside that rivals towns ten times its size.

6. The Village House — Wakefield's Best (Google 4.8)

The Village House is the #1-rated restaurant in Wakefield — a couple-run, 25-seat space on Chemin Riverside with an outdoor patio overlooking the Gatineau River and mountains. The 4.8 Google rating (331 reviews) speaks for itself. Upscale comfort food with Canadian wines and local craft beer.

What to expect: Intimate fine dining with river views. The kind of restaurant where you know the chef cares.

Good to know: Reservations via Resy. Wed–Sun dinner, Sat–Sun lunch. Only 25 seats — book early.

7. La Muse at Wakefield Mill — Fine Dining with a Waterfall View (Google 4.1)

La Muse is the fine dining restaurant inside Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa. The setting is the star — a glass solarium overlooking MacLaren Falls, stone walls, and a fireplace. The menu is French-Canadian with a discovery tasting course and à la carte options. Sunday brunch ($45+tax) is a draw.

What to expect: The most dramatic dining room on this list. Pair dinner with a spa visit for the full Wakefield Mill experience.

Good to know: Dinner daily 5:30–9 PM. Sunday brunch 11 AM–1:15 PM. OpenTable reservations.

8. Café Le Hibou — Casual Riverside Dining (Google 4.5)

Café Le Hibou is the casual counterpart to The Village House — literally next door on Chemin Riverside. Globally inspired menu, riverside terrace, no reservations needed. Over 1,500 Google reviews with a 4.5 rating. Walk in anytime.

What to expect: The easier Wakefield option — no booking stress, varied menu, river views. Great for families or spontaneous visits.

Good to know: Open daily. Sun–Thu until 8:30 PM, Fri–Sat until 9:30 PM.

9. Jean Burger — The Road Trip Legend (Google 4.5)

Jean Burger has been feeding road-trippers since 1978. Smash-style thin patties, crispy fries, and homemade gravy poutine from $6.50. New owners took over in 2023 but kept the formula. This isn't fine dining — it's the mandatory poutine stop on any Wakefield drive.

What to expect: Walk up, order, eat. Simple, cheap, and exactly what you want after 45 minutes of driving.

Good to know: Daily ~10 AM–9 PM. Seasonal hours may vary.

Getting There

Both Chelsea and Wakefield are north of Ottawa via Route 105 through Gatineau:

Destination	From Downtown Ottawa	Route
Old Chelsea	~25 min	Portage Bridge → Autoroute 5 N → Old Chelsea exit
Wakefield	~45 min	Same route, continue north on Route 105

The Day Trip Formula:

Morning: Hike in Gatineau Park (Chelsea entrance)
Lunch: Chelsea Pub, Oiseau Bleu, or Mamma Teresa
Afternoon: Drive to Wakefield, explore the village
Dinner: The Village House or Café Le Hibou
Poutine stop: Jean Burger on the way back

Tips

Summer is the best time — terraces, river views, outdoor dining. Book ahead for Les Fougères, L'Orée du Bois, and The Village House.
Fall colours (late September–mid October) make the drive up Route 105 spectacular. Restaurants fill up fast — reserve.
Winter — Chelsea restaurants stay busy thanks to Camp Fortune and Gatineau Park skiing. Some Wakefield spots reduce hours.
Many restaurants close Mon–Tue — check hours before driving.
Quebec tax applies (GST + QST ≈ 14.975%).

FAQ

How far is Chelsea from Ottawa?

Chelsea is about 25 minutes from Downtown Ottawa. Take the Portage Bridge to Autoroute 5 North, then exit at Old Chelsea. Wakefield is about 45 minutes, continuing north on Route 105.

What are the best restaurants near Gatineau Park?

The best restaurants near Gatineau Park are in Chelsea village: Les Fougères and L'Orée du Bois for fine dining, Chelsea Pub for post-hike craft beer and poutine, and Oiseau Bleu for farm-to-table brunch.

Is Wakefield worth the drive from Ottawa for dinner?

Yes. The Village House (Google 4.8, #1 in Wakefield) is worth the 45-minute drive. Combine dinner with a village walk, Café Le Hibou for a casual meal, and a stop at Jean Burger for poutine.

Do I need reservations for Chelsea and Wakefield restaurants?

For Les Fougères, L'Orée du Bois, The Village House, and La Muse at Wakefield Mill — yes, reservations are essential. Chelsea Pub, Café Le Hibou, and Jean Burger are walk-in friendly.

What is the best day trip food itinerary from Ottawa to Chelsea and Wakefield?

Morning hike in Gatineau Park, lunch at Chelsea Pub or Oiseau Bleu, drive to Wakefield in the afternoon, dinner at The Village House or La Muse at Wakefield Mill, and a poutine stop at Jean Burger on the way home.