Best Steak in Ottawa

Ottawa's steakhouse scene spans classic institutions dating back to the 1960s, modern luxury experiences with Wagyu programs, and reliable chains that deliver consistent quality. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a perfectly cooked cut, here are 5 spots worth knowing.

1. Al's Steakhouse — The Original

Al's Steakhouse has been an Ottawa institution since 1967. Founded by Lebanese immigrant Halim Al Saikali, this family-owned restaurant remains the city's premiere destination for classic steakhouse fare.

What sets Al's apart: they're the first and only restaurant in Ottawa to cook beef on live charcoal. All beef is aged a minimum of 40 days. The Australian A9 Wagyu offers extraordinary marbling, juiciness, and rich taste.

What to order: Australian A9 Wagyu, Prime Rib, Classic Martini.

Good to know: Free parking on site. Sun-Mon 11am-10pm, Tue-Sat 11am-11pm.

Neighbourhood: Downtown (Elgin Street)

2. Harmons Steakhouse — The Luxury One

Harmons Steakhouse represents Ottawa's most luxurious contemporary steak experience. The restaurant occupies a beautifully transformed 130-year-old building — originally Miss Harmon's School for Young Ladies in the 1890s.

The space blends historic architecture with modern elegance. USA Wagyu Gold Grade delivers intense marbling and incomparable taste. It's a fusion of steakhouse, wine bar, and on-site butchery.

What to order: USA Wagyu Gold Grade, Dry-Aged Steaks, wine pairings.

Good to know: Tue-Sat 5pm-10:30pm only. Reservations strongly recommended.

Neighbourhood: Downtown (Elgin Street)

3. Rosebowl Steak & Seafood — The Little Italy Classic

Rosebowl Steak & Seafood has been a Little Italy landmark since 1976. Located on Preston Street, it brings laid-back yet classy steakhouse energy to one of Ottawa's most beloved dining neighborhoods.

Executive Chef Danny Skaff leads the kitchen. The lounge atmosphere makes it perfect for both special occasions and casual evenings. The 18oz Prime Rib is the house signature.

What to order: 18oz Prime Rib Steak, New York Striploin, Surf & Turf.

Good to know: Tue-Sun 4pm-close. Parking at Preston Hardware after 4pm.

Neighbourhood: Little Italy (Preston Street)

4. The Shore Club — The One with Views

The Shore Club is located within the Westin Hotel, steps from the iconic Rideau Canal and ByWard Market. The waterfront setting provides stunning views alongside premium dining.

True to its name, the Shore Club excels at both steak and seafood — ideal for dining parties with mixed preferences. Premium cuts include bone-in rib steak, short rib, and sirloin, expertly aged and grilled.

What to order: Bone-In Rib Steak, NY Striploin, Seafood Tower.

Good to know: Variable hours by day. Hotel parking available.

Neighbourhood: Downtown (Westin Hotel, Rideau Canal)

5. The Keg Ottawa Market — The Reliable One

The Keg Ottawa Market brings consistent quality to a charming 19th-century stone house in the heart of ByWard Market. Walking distance from Parliament Hill, with a beautiful outdoor patio for summer.

The Keg has delivered memorable steak nights since 1971. This isn't the place for Wagyu adventures, but for reliably good steaks at reasonable prices, it delivers every time.

What to order: Prime Rib, Top Sirloin, Billy Miner Pie.

Good to know: Outdoor patio in summer. Reservations via OpenTable.

Neighbourhood: ByWard Market

The Quick Comparison

Restaurant	Style	Best For	Price
Al's Steakhouse	Classic	Live charcoal, 40-day aged	$$$
Harmons	Luxury	Wagyu Gold Grade, special occasion	$$$$
Rosebowl	Traditional	Little Italy vibes, surf & turf	$$$
The Shore Club	Hotel Fine Dining	Canal views, mixed groups	$$$
The Keg	Casual Chain	Consistent quality, value	$$

Steak Cuts Explained

Prime Rib — Slow-roasted, well-marbled, juicy. Al's, The Keg.
Ribeye — Rich flavour from fat marbling. Harmons, Shore Club.
NY Striploin — Bold beefy flavour, firm texture. Rosebowl.
Filet Mignon — Tender, lean, elegant. Available everywhere.
Wagyu — Intense marbling, melt-in-mouth. Al's (Australian), Harmons (USA Gold).

Tips

For a classic experience — Al's has been doing it since 1967 with live charcoal.
For special occasions — Harmons in the historic building with Wagyu program.
For Little Italy vibes — Rosebowl on Preston Street.
For views — The Shore Club overlooks the Rideau Canal.
For reliability — The Keg delivers consistent quality at fair prices.
Budget consideration — Expect $50-150+ at upscale spots, $35-60 at casual ones.

FAQ

What is the best steakhouse in Ottawa?

Top steakhouses include Al's Steakhouse (live charcoal since 1967, 40-day aged beef), Harmons Steakhouse (USA Wagyu Gold Grade in historic building), Rosebowl (Little Italy landmark since 1976), The Shore Club (Rideau Canal views), and The Keg (reliable quality in ByWard Market).

Where can I find Wagyu beef in Ottawa?

Al's Steakhouse on Elgin Street serves Australian A9 Wagyu with extraordinary marbling. Harmons Steakhouse, also on Elgin Street, offers USA Wagyu Gold Grade — the most luxurious option with intense marbling and incomparable taste.

What is the oldest steakhouse in Ottawa?

Al's Steakhouse has been an Ottawa institution since 1967. Founded by Lebanese immigrant Halim Al Saikali, it remains family-owned and is the first and only restaurant in Ottawa to cook beef on live charcoal. All beef is aged a minimum of 40 days.

Where is Harmons Steakhouse located?

Harmons Steakhouse is located on Elgin Street downtown in a beautifully transformed 130-year-old building that was originally Miss Harmon's School for Young Ladies in the 1890s. Open Tue-Sat 5pm-10:30pm. Reservations strongly recommended.

What steakhouse has views of the Rideau Canal?

The Shore Club is located within the Westin Hotel, steps from the Rideau Canal and ByWard Market. The waterfront setting provides stunning views alongside premium steak and seafood dining.