Best Waterfront Dining in Ottawa — Restaurants on the Water

Ottawa is built around water — the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal, and Dow's Lake all run through the city. That means there are several spots where you can eat with the water right beside you.

This guide covers the best waterfront dining options in Ottawa, organized by which body of water you'll be looking at.

Quick summary:

• Rideau Canal: Canal Ritz
• Dow's Lake: Umbrella Bar
• Ottawa River: NCC River House, Tavern on the Island

Rideau Canal

Canal Ritz

The Glebe · Italian · $$

Canal Ritz has been a Glebe institution for years, sitting right on the bank of the Rideau Canal at 375 Queen Elizabeth Drive. The large patio puts you at the water's edge — you can watch boats pass in summer and skaters glide by in winter.

The menu is modern Italian: pasta, pizza, seafood, mussels, and their popular burger. Most mains run $11–$25. Free parking is available across the street.

Why it's worth it: One of the few Ottawa restaurants where you can dine directly on the Rideau Canal year-round. In winter, you're watching the world's largest skating rink from your table.

Tip: Reserve a patio table facing the canal. Summer evenings fill up fast.

Dow's Lake

Umbrella Bar

Dow's Lake Pavilion · Bar & grill · $$

Umbrella Bar sits inside the Dow's Lake Pavilion with a spacious waterfront patio overlooking Dow's Lake — a wide, scenic section of the Rideau Canal near Little Italy. The drink menu rotates seasonally: house cocktails, tiki drinks, spritzes, sangria, and local craft beers.

Food is comfort-focused — sweet potato fries, shrimp rolls, fish tacos, fried chicken sandwiches, and burgers. The bar is open year-round, which is rare for a waterfront spot in Ottawa.

Why it's worth it: The combination of water views, creative cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere makes this one of Ottawa's best waterfront bars. Weekend hours run until 2 AM.

Tip: During the Tulip Festival in May, Commissioner's Park next door is in full bloom — pair a drink with a walk through the tulips.

Ottawa River

NCC River House

Rockcliffe · Café & bistro · $$

This is Ottawa's most unique waterfront dining spot — a café built entirely on stilts above the Ottawa River. Reopened in 2023 after a major NCC renovation, the River House has sweeping views of the river and the Gatineau Hills from its perched patio.

The menu is café-style: sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, and seasonal dishes. Full dining runs May through October (11 AM–9 PM). In summer, supervised swimming docks are open right beside the restaurant — you can literally swim and then eat lunch.

Why it's worth it: There's nothing else like it in Ottawa. You're dining above the river, not beside it. Google rating: 4.7/5 (504 reviews).

Tip: Hours are weather-dependent. Combine a swim and lunch for a full afternoon.

Tavern on the Island

Bate Island · Casual · $

Opened in 2024, Tavern on the Island is on an actual island in the Ottawa River — Bate Island, accessible from the Champlain Bridge. You're surrounded by water on all sides with views of both the Ottawa and Gatineau skylines.

The vibe is casual: wooden deck, red patio umbrellas, picnic tables. The menu matches — burgers, hot dogs, poutine, gourmet fries, ice cream sandwiches. Draft beer and other drinks available. Part of The Tavern family (Tavern on the Hill, Tavern on the Falls).

Why it's worth it: You're dining on an island in the middle of the Ottawa River. The panoramic views are unbeatable, and prices are affordable.

Tip: Seasonal (summer only). Free parking on the island. Bike in via the Capital Pathway for a scenic ride.

When to Go

• Best season: Mid-May through September for all waterfront patios
• Best time of day: Sunset — most of these spots face west for golden hour views
• Reservations: Canal Ritz and NCC River House accept reservations. Tavern on the Island and Umbrella Bar are first-come, first-served
• Rainy days: Umbrella Bar is the only year-round option with covered indoor space

Getting Around

All of these spots are on or near the Capital Pathway, making them accessible by bike. If you're driving, all have free or nearby parking. OC Transpo routes serve the general areas, but most waterfront spots require a short walk from the nearest stop.