best-tartare-ottawa

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

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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.

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.

3. Restaurant e18hteen

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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.

4. Town

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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. 

5. Play Food & Wine

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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.

6. Bar Lupulus

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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.

7. Luxe Bistro

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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.

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.