Category · Updated 2026

Best Italian
in Ottawa

From Little Italy institutions to neighbourhood pinsa spots — the ten tables carrying Ottawa's Italian food scene.

01

La Roma

A Little Italy staple since 1962, serving scratch-made contemporary Italian in a warm, fireplace-lit room with rooftop seating — a favourite for anniversaries and long dinners alike.

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02

Joe's Italian Kitchen

Cozy, unpretentious neighbourhood Italian known for its signature pinsa — multiple locations across the city.

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03

North & Navy

Elevated Italian-leaning cooking in an intimate Centretown room, built around a tight, thoughtful menu.

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04

Vittoria Trattoria

A consistent Ottawa South favourite since the early '90s — classic Italian fare and a deep, dependable menu.

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05

Giulia

A chic Elgin Street pizzeria with a polished room and a menu built around proper Neapolitan-style pies.

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06

Town

An Elgin Street staple with a menu that leans Italian — house-made pasta and a reliably packed room.

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07

Giovanni's

A Little Italy cornerstone for over 30 years — white-tablecloth fine dining, veal marsala, and Ottawa's largest wine cellar.

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08

Retro Gusto

A lively Preston Street pizzeria and bar serving Roman-style "tonda" pizza, an all-Italian wine list, and classic amari.

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09

Mamma Teresa

A longtime downtown institution bringing traditional cuisine from the hills of Parma to the table.

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10

Cantina Gia

A lively Bank Street room serving modern Italian with an energetic, contemporary edge.

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