Best Seafood in Ottawa
From premium oyster bars to fish market grills and fine dining, Ottawa's seafood scene offers fresh catches and sustainable choices. Here are 5 top spots.
Ottawa's seafood restaurants range from casual fish market grills to upscale raw bars and award-winning fine dining. Whether you're craving fresh oysters, sustainable catches, or seafood towers, these 5 spots deliver quality from coast to table.
1. The Whalesbone — The Oyster Authority
The Whalesbone on Elgin Street is Ottawa's premier oyster bar and sustainable seafood restaurant. Executive Chef Michael Radford's expertise shines through in every dish, showcasing top-quality fish with environmental consciousness.
With seating for 140 guests, a backyard patio, and an extensive oyster selection from Canadian coasts, The Whalesbone delivers both casual and refined seafood experiences. The restaurant features a dedicated beef aging room and carefully curated wine list.
What to order: Fresh Oysters (daily selection), Fish & Chips, Seared Scallops, Seafood Tower.
Good to know: Reservations recommended. Multiple oyster varieties from Newfoundland and PEI.
Neighbourhood: Downtown (231 Elgin St)
2. Pelican Seafood Market & Grill — The Market Fresh Choice
Pelican Seafood Market & Grill combines a fresh fish market with a casual bistro, offering Ottawa's best catch for over 40 years. This family-owned institution lets you select fish from the market and have it prepared fresh in the restaurant.
The Centurion happy hour offers an incredible deal: 100 oysters for $185 (2-5pm). With no-frills service and market-direct quality, Pelican delivers exceptional value alongside exceptional seafood.
What to order: Fresh Oysters (happy hour deal), Fish & Chips, Grilled Fish (market selection), Seafood Platter.
Good to know: Happy hour 2-5pm daily. Fish market on-site. Free parking.
Neighbourhood: The Glebe (1500 Bank St)
3. Aiāna Restaurant Collective — The Fine Dining Experience
Aiāna Restaurant Collective brings award-winning Canadian cuisine to downtown Ottawa under Chef Raghav Chaudhary. While not exclusively seafood, their farm-to-table approach includes exquisite fish preparations that have earned Wine Spectator recognition.
The refined atmosphere, seasonal tasting menu, and carefully curated wine list make Aiāna ideal for special occasions. Diners praise the "exquisite halibut" and "succulent scallops" for their beautiful presentation and flavour.
What to order: Exquisite Halibut, Succulent Scallops, Chef's Tasting Menu, Seasonal Seafood Plates.
Good to know: Reservations highly recommended. Social Hour Tue-Fri 3-6pm.
Neighbourhood: Downtown (50 O'Connor St)
4. Mati — The Mediterranean Tower
Mati on Preston Street specializes in modern Mediterranean cuisine with a strong seafood focus. Their signature seafood towers are show-stopping centerpieces featuring oysters, tuna sashimi, hamachi, lobster tail, scallops, and more.
The restaurant combines refined crudo preparations with charcoal-grilled dishes, offering both raw and cooked seafood options. The sophisticated cocktail bar and Little Italy location add to the elevated dining experience.
What to order: Seafood Tower, Tuna Crudo, Charcoal-Grilled Octopus, Lobster Tacos.
Good to know: Reservations recommended. Book via OpenTable or call.
Neighbourhood: Little Italy (428 Preston St)
5. Supply and Demand — The Award-Winning Raw Bar
Supply and Demand earned 75th place on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants in 2024. This family-owned Wellington West restaurant focuses on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients with emphasis on vibrant raw bar dishes.
The stylish venue showcases pristine oysters, albacore tuna crudo, and carpaccio alongside inventive vegetable-forward small plates. The constantly evolving seasonal menu keeps regulars coming back to discover new preparations.
What to order: Oysters on the Half Shell, Albacore Tuna Crudo, Carpaccio, Seasonal Small Plates.
Good to know: Open 5-10pm daily. Canada's 100 Best Restaurants #75 (2024).
Neighbourhood: Westboro (1335 Wellington St W)
The Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Style | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Whalesbone | Oyster Bar | Sustainable seafood, variety | $$$ |
| Pelican | Market + Grill | Market-fresh, value, oyster deals | $$ |
| Aiāna | Fine Dining | Special occasions, tasting menus | $$$$ |
| Mati | Mediterranean | Seafood towers, crudo, upscale | $$$ |
| Supply and Demand | Raw Bar | Innovative small plates, raw bar | $$$ |
Seafood Terms to Know
- Oysters on the Half Shell — Fresh raw oysters served chilled with lemon and mignonette sauce.
- Crudo — Italian-style raw fish preparation, similar to sashimi but with Mediterranean influences.
- Carpaccio — Paper-thin sliced raw fish or beef, often with olive oil and lemon.
- Seafood Tower — Multi-tiered display of shellfish, raw fish, and cooked seafood for sharing.
- Sustainable Seafood — Fish and shellfish harvested using methods that maintain healthy ocean ecosystems.
- Mignonette — Classic oyster accompaniment made with vinegar, shallots, and pepper.
Tips
- For oyster lovers — The Whalesbone and Pelican offer daily selections; Pelican's Centurion deal (100 for $185) is incredible value.
- For market-fresh fish — Pelican lets you choose from their fish market and have it cooked to order.
- For special occasions — Aiāna's tasting menu or Mati's seafood tower deliver memorable experiences.
- For raw bar — Supply and Demand's innovative preparations showcase seasonal, sustainable catches.
- For sustainable choices — The Whalesbone and Supply and Demand prioritize ocean-friendly sourcing.
- For value — Pelican's happy hour (2-5pm) offers oyster deals and market-direct pricing.
🍴Featured Restaurants
The Whalesbone
Premier oyster bar and sustainable seafood restaurant on Elgin Street. Known for fresh daily oysters and Executive Chef Michael Radford's expertly prepared fish.
Pelican Seafood Market & Grill
Family-owned seafood market and restaurant serving Ottawa for over 40 years. Famous for incredibly fresh fish and the Centurion oyster happy hour deal.
Aiāna Restaurant Collective
Award-winning fine dining restaurant led by Chef Raghav Chaudhary. Celebrates Canadian cuisine with farm-to-table approach and Wine Spectator recognition.
Mati
Modern Mediterranean fine dining on Preston Street. Famous for show-stopping seafood towers and refined crudo dishes alongside charcoal-grilled steaks.
Supply and Demand
Award-winning family-owned restaurant on Wellington West. Ranked 75th on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants, specializing in vibrant raw bar and vegetable-focused plates.
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