10 Must-Visit Ottawa Restaurants with Algonquin College Flair
Posted on Wednesday, May 15th, 2019
You gotta eat here! What better way to spend the summer than to check out amazing restaurants in your own community. Check out this list below to see which restaurants in Ottawa are worth visiting over the next couple months, and make sure you say hi to the Algonquin College grad at each one!
1. Strawberry Blonde Bakery
Photo: Futurpreneur
If you’re in the heart of Wellington West and looking for a delicious sweet treat, look no further than Strawberry Blonde Bakery. Go visit Claire Tomchishen, co-owner of Strawberry Blonde Bakery, who graduated from Algonquin College’s Baking and Pastry Arts program.
“The underlying philosophy behind Strawberry Blonde Bakery is to ensure that no person should have to compromise delicious food regardless of dietary choices or allergies.”
All of Strawberry Blonde Bakery’s items are vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free!
http://www.strawberryblondebakery.com/
2. OCCO Kitchen
Photo: Ottawa Citizen
Mark Steele, former Executive Chef and Professor at Algonquin College has taken a gourmet artisinal approach to everyday street food favourites.
OCCO Kitchen uses local premium ingredients that are prepared from scratch in their kitchen. From the bread to the ketchup, everything is made daily using perfected recipes.
If you’re in Orleans, make sure to stop by!
3. Soif
Photo: ICI Radio Canada
This one is actually just across the river from Ottawa in Gatineau, and is certainly worth the trip! Soif, which means thirst in French, is a wine bar that finished second at the 2013 World’s Best Sommelier Competition and is equipped with young, bilingual servers who also happen to be trained sommeliers themselves!
Make sure to stop by and say hi to Veronique Rivest, Algonquin College grad and owner, but make sure to stay for the fantastic selection of wine and the food that is created to pair uniquely and individually with each one.
4. Gezellig
Photo: Ottawa Business Journal
Gezellig is a Dutch adjective for convivial, cozy, or nice atmosphere, but also belonging, general togetherness, or time spent with loved ones.
If that is something you are interested in, paired with world-class food and service make sure to drop into Gezelling next time you’re in Westboro. Run by Stephen Beckta and Michael Moffatt, both of whom attended Algonquin College, this restaurant screams date night- and at lunch time you can even get two plates for $22!
5. Fairouz
Photo: Ottawa Citizen
Next time you’re strolling down Somerset West, stop into Fairouz. Say hi to Walid El-Tawel, former Executive Chef at Restaurant E18hteen, and Algonquin College graduate.
Fairouz is a Middle East inspired upscale casual restaurant that showcases the ingredients, flavours, and recipes of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in a service-focused environment with modern touches.
With the addition of our Urban Cultivator, they grow all of their herbs and micro-greens in-house. The pita bread is also made fresh to order. They pride themselves on their relationship with local farms and purveyors.
6. Feast + Revel / Copper Spirits and Sights
Photo: Ottawa Citizen
Stephen La Salle, graduate of Algonquin College, is Executive Chef, and Director of Food and Beverage at one of the coolest spots in the Byward Market!
La Salle represented The Albion Rooms when he took part in Ottawa’s Gold Medal Plates competition in 2014.
At Feast + Revel, La Salle applies “sophisticated techniques to familiar Canadian flavours.” Copper Sights and Spirits overlooks the historic Byward Market and has an outstanding patio that sits on the rooftop of this Hyatt Hotel. It has some of the best drinks that might outdo the view!
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/canada/andaz-ottawa-byward-market/yowaz/dining
Did you know?
Four Ottawa restaurants – Atelier, Riviera, Stofa, and Fauna – not only have ties to Algonquin College, but were recently listed among Canada’s Top 100 restaurants.
7. Atelier
Don’t be fooled by the plain grey door just off Carling, marked only by street address, if you’re in the market for a 12-course tasting menu look no further than Atelier.
Chef Marc Lepine opened Atelier in 2008, and was named “Canada’s Most Innovative Chef” in 2015, and again in 2018 by Canada’s 100 Best. Lepine is also a graduate of Algonquin’s Sommelier program.
http://www.atelierrestaurant.ca/
8. Riviera
“From the décor to the desserts, Riviera will make your taste buds Insta famous.” The restaurant is tucked away on Sparks Street, and is located in an old bank vault. The décor is retro and provides multiple opportunities for the perfect Instagram shot. The presentation of the food might even make the meals too pretty to eat!
Spencer Proulx, the bartender at Riviera on Sparks Street, graduated from the Bartending program in 2018. One of the places in Ottawa famous for their cocktails, as they have an extensive drink menu, and a wonderful atmosphere. Definitely a must see spot!
9. Stofa
Photo: Ottawa Tourism
“Stofa is built on a passion for food, traditional and modern cooking methods, and creativity. The name, Stofa, represents a place of warmth and comfort where people can gather to eat, drink and be amongst friends.”
The restaurant, on Wellington Street West, offers contemporary Canadian cuisine using local and sustainable products, and participates in the farm and food community. Jason Sawision, chef and owner of Stofa, has worked as a chef instructor at Algonquin College for years.
If you’re looking for a vibrant, engaging, and innovative experience, with approachable food, visit Stofa.
https://www.stofarestaurant.com/
10. Fauna Food + Bar
What is fauna? Fauna refers to the animals of a particular region or habitat. It also happens to be a seasonally driven restaurant on the hustling and bustling Bank Street that supports local farmers and producers whenever possible.
Chef Jon Svazas, the owner and operator of Fauna, studied culinary arts at Algonquin College in 2004.
So next time you’re looking for a top flight meal in Centretown make sure to visit Fauna, and tell Chef Jon Svazas hello!
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