This charming French country-style restaurant serves the finest classic French cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute Master Chefs. Intimate nooks, impeccable service, perfect wine and food pairings, and an experience in exquisite taste and food artistry are unforgettable.

This hotly anticipated new restaurant opened in July 2016 and has more than lived up to the hype. It's an elegant, art deco-style diner that combines an a la carte menu with a relaxed vibe – you could turn up in jeans and not feel out of place. The inventive, flavourful dishes are hard to categorise under a particular cuisine but tend to revolve around pasta, fish and vegetables.

This smart gastropub is a major hit with locals and has expanded its menu in recent years to broaden its appeal. Sample dishes include slow roasted pork belly, scallops with gnocchi and 60-hour beef shortrib. A perennial favourite, though, is the signature dessert – a whole pint of ice cream to take home and share.

Another recent addition to Ottawa's foodie scene, this Basque-influenced eatery is named after the famous Calle del Laurel in Rioja. Its offering of charcoal-cooked vegetables, slow roasted meats and sherry-based cocktails has proved a hit with the locals. Prices range from C$4 for small tapas dishes to C$75 for a giant family-style sharing plate.

This is an elegant, yet casual restaurant in a heritage stone building in the ByWard Market area. It is an excellent choice for Sunday brunch, with delectable French cuisine, mimosa cocktails and wicked desserts.

Since 1993, The Manx claims to have been at the centre of Ottawa's arts scene, showcasing the works of local artists, hosting DJ nights and proving to be popular haunt for lovers of good food and beer, with its fine selection of craft beer. Alcohol aside, the food is also worth sampling, whether it's spicy crab cakes or a salmon burger. Good pub fare.

With plenty of tasty mains for under C$10 from tacos to quesadillas to burritos, this Mexican eaterie is great for thrifty tourists wishing to fill up on good, hearty food. Inspired by a traditional cantina, it offers colourful, lively decor with a free salsa bar to spice up your dish - now that's great value.

Smoke's Poutinerie specialises in the Quebec classic poutine dish, consisting of fries, curd and gravy. This heavyweight dish comes with the option of extra fresh toppings so you can create your own; from pork, chicken and beef to vegetarian options. Many locals claim this place serves the best poutine in town. Check it out for yourself to see what all the fuss is about.

This place serves what are quite likely the world's best gourmet burgers, made with locally sourced fresh ingredients, imaginative combinations of delicate flavours and sustenance fit for a rugby team. There are seven outlets across Ottawa – and they'll deliver straight to your living room as well.