Top 8 Tartare Spots in Ottawa for a Raw Culinary Adventure
I’ll admit it – I used to be a little skeptical about tartare. Raw meat? It felt like a culinary dare.
But then I had one bite of perfectly seasoned beef tartare at a little French bistro, and suddenly, I got it. The texture, the balance of flavors, the way it all came together with the right crisp on the side – it was perfection.
Since then, I’ve been on a mission to find the best tartare in Ottawa. Whether you’re all about classic beef with capers and Dijon or you like a more creative twist, these are the spots that do it right.
1. Riviera Ottawa
Media credit: dineriviera
Address: 62 Sparks Street
Phone: +1 613-233-6262
Business hours:
- Saturday: 5–11 PM
- Sunday: 5–10 PM
- Monday to Thursday: 5–10 PM
- Friday: 5–11 PM
Website: https://dineriviera.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dineriviera
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dineriviera
Must-order: Beef Tartare Classique with Shaved Truffle
Riviera Ottawa is the kind of place that makes you feel fancy without being over the top. The vibe balances cozy comfort with a touch of upscale charm, making it a great choice for date nights or a relaxed night out with friends.
Their beef tartare? A total winner – fresh, full of flavor, and plated so beautifully you’ll want to take a picture first.
But the food isn’t the only thing worth talking about. Their wine list is basically a dream come true for wine lovers, and the staff are absolute experts at helping you find the perfect pairing.
Whether you’re stopping in for a full meal or just the tartare, you’re in for something special.
Pro Tip:
Try out their Pavlova for dessert. They’re a great palate cleanser after a big meal.
2. Gezellig
Media credit: gezelligwestboro
Address: 337 Richmond Road
Phone: +1 613-680-9086
Business hours:
- Saturday: 10 AM–2 PM, 5–10 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM
Website: https://www.gezelligdining.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gezelligwestboro
Must-order: Beef Tartare with Calabrian Chili
Gezellig is one of those places where you know you’re in for something memorable the second you step inside.
Their beef tartare steals the show here. Made with Calabrian chili for a touch of heat, quail egg yolk for richness, and sherry vinegar for a tangy kick, it’s all perfectly balanced.
The restaurant itself has an elegant, old-world charm with modern touches, making it perfect for special occasions or just a fancy night out. The dim lighting and attention to detail in the decor create an upscale yet relaxed vibe.
And don’t even get me started on their wine list – it’s carefully curated to make every bite and sip unforgettable.
Pro Tip:
Pair the beef tartare with their recommended Pinot Noir for an unbeatable combo.
3. Restaurant e18hteen
Media credit: restaurante18hteen
Address: 18 York Street
Phone: +1 343-333-1944
Business hours:
- Sunday: 4:30–10 PM
- Monday to Thursday: 4:30–10 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 4:30–10:30 PM
Website: https://www.restaurant18.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurante18hteen
Must-order: Angus Certified Beef Tartare
Restaurant e18hteen brings a sophisticated dining experience to the heart of Ottawa, and their beef tartare is no exception.
Made with the finest ingredients, this dish features tender beef topped with fresh herbs, complemented by crispy crostini and a rich egg yolk. The perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a must-try for any tartare enthusiast.
The modern, upscale ambiance at e18hteen makes it a fantastic choice for a special night out. Whether you’re celebrating or simply indulging in top-tier cuisine, this restaurant delivers on every level.
Pro Tip:
Reserve in advance. This place can get booked up on weekends.
4. Town
Media credit: townlovesyou
Address: 296 Elgin Street
Phone: +1 613-695-8695
Business hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5–10 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 5–11 PM
Website: https://towncitizen.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/townlovesyou
Must-order: Beef Tartare Tartine
If you’re in the mood for a vibrant, casual spot with excellent food, Town is the place to be. Town’s attention to detail in every dish makes them stand out as a top choice for foodies.
The menu features a variety of creative dishes that complement the tartare perfectly, ensuring a satisfying experience every time.
Their beef tartare tartine itself is a crowd favorite, made with fresh, high-quality beef and served with a perfectly balanced combination of flavors.
The laid-back yet trendy vibe is ideal for catching up with friends or enjoying a meal after a busy day.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a fan of texture, ask for extra crostini. They’re perfect for scooping up that delicious tartare!
5. Play Food & Wine
Media credit: playfoodwine
Address: 1 York Street
Phone: +1 613-667-9207
Business hours:
- Saturday: 5–10 PM
- Sunday: 5–9 PM
- Monday: 5–8 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM
Website: https://www.playfood.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playfoodwine
Must-order: Trout Crudo
At Play Food & Wine, they know how to elevate fresh, raw dishes to an entirely new level.
The rainbow trout crudo is a perfect example – delicate and fresh fish paired with smoked yogurt, cucumber kimchi, and a touch of nori and black sesame for an added crunch.
This dish is light yet full of flavor, making it a standout choice for any raw food lover.
The restaurant itself has a lively, modern atmosphere, ideal for casual dining or a night out with friends. The small plates are perfect for sharing, and the menu is full of creative twists on familiar favorites.
Pro Tip:
The trout crudo pairs beautifully with their Grüner Veltliner wine. Ask the staff to bring you a glass for the perfect match!
6. Bar Lupulus
Media credit: bar_lupulus
Address: 1242 Wellington Street West
Phone: +1 613-759-4677
Business hours:
- Saturday: 11:30 AM–11 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Monday to Thursday: 5–10:30 PM
- Friday: 5–11 PM
Website: https://www.barlupulus.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bar_lupulus
Must-order: Myers Beef Tartare
Bar Lupulus serves up a beef tartare like no other, featuring Myers beef, smoked oyster, and a rich beef garum emulsion.
The roasted poblano adds a nice smoky kick, while capers and pinenuts bring a balance of crunch and sharpness. Topping it off with fired purple potato and a sprinkle of mushroom dust, this tartare is a flavor-packed experience that hits all the right notes.
The cozy yet sophisticated ambiance at Bar Lupulus makes it the perfect spot for a laid-back evening with friends or a special occasion.
The staff is knowledgeable about the menu, making sure each dish is paired just right with one of their craft beers or cocktails.
Pro Tip:
Don’t skip the fired purple potato. Its smoky flavor perfectly complements the richness of the tartare.
7. Luxe Bistro
Media credit: luxe.ottawa
Address: 47 York Street
Phone: +1 613-241-8805
Business hours:
- Saturday: 10:30 AM–1 AM
- Sunday to Monday: 10:30 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–12 AM
Website: https://www.luxebistro.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxe.ottawa
Must-order: Classic Beef Tartare
Luxe Bistro is one of those places where every dish feels like a little celebration.
Their beef tartare is a classic done right. They use finely minced raw tenderloin, seasoned with Dijon and shallots for a little tang, and balanced perfectly with capers and parmesan.
The dish is served with crispy chips that add the perfect crunch to every bite. It’s simple, yet incredibly satisfying – ideal for anyone craving an authentic tartare experience.
Meanwhile, the restaurant’s sleek interior and intimate vibe create the perfect setting for a special night out. Whether you’re here for the tartare or exploring the full menu, Luxe Bistro is sure to impress with both its food and atmosphere.
Pro Tip:
Ask for an extra serving of crispy chips. You use them to scoop up every last bit of that delicious tartare.
8. Fauna
Media credit: faunaottawa
Address: 425 Bank Street
Phone: +1 613-563-2682
Business hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 5:30 PM–9:30 PM
- Thursday: 5:30 PM–10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 5:30 PM–11 AM
Website: https://www.faunaottawa.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faunaottawa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faunaottawa
Must-order: Venison Tartare
Fauna offers an adventurous take on tartare with its venison option, which features a unique combination of prosciutto floss, caramelized onion puree, chives, egg yolk, pickled shallots, and crispy shrimp chips.
The flavors are beautifully balanced, with the richness of the venison paired perfectly with the sweetness of the caramelized onion and the crunch from the shrimp chips. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and refined, making it a standout choice on the menu.
The restaurant’s rustic yet modern vibe provides the perfect backdrop for a laid-back dining experience.
Pro Tip:
For a little extra depth of flavor, ask for a splash of their house hot sauce to drizzle over the tartare. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.