There’s lots about Ottawa that shines, but it’s the city’s restaurant scene that really stands out, thanks to its sheer variety of great places to eat. This includes a stellar selection of fish and chips restaurants, ranging from relaxed hangouts to award-winning establishments serving everything from classic English-style to Cajun-hot varieties.
Lapointe has been operating in the Ottawa and Gatineau area for more than 140 years, bringing the best catches from North America and around the world to chefs and customers in the nation’s capital. Their downtown location on York St. features pleasing décor with a colour scheme reminiscent of the ocean. When the weather warms up, you can also head to their patio to enjoy your choice of halibut, pickerel, cod or haddock fish and chips, as well as a catch-of-the-day variety.
With exposed brick and classic Scottish décor that features tartan-patterned seating, this venue exudes classic Scottish hospitality. It also boasts awards for the best fish and chips in Ottawa, including plaudits from the People’s Choice Business Awards and CTV news. In addition to being the largest independent distributor of haddock, resulting in a fresh product, The Glen also gives guests a choice between batters such as classic, poached, breaded, Cajun, coconut curry, lemon citrus & pepper and other delicious preparations.
Similar to other great fish and chip places in Ottawa, the Pelican gathers their own catch while running a restaurant that prepares their fresh stock to perfection. Their fish and chip offerings include wild haddock and wild halibut, prepared in beer batter and served with homemade slaw, fries and tartar sauce. The eatery has a bright, cheery atmosphere that lets you check out the catch of the day for yourself.
The Whalesbone Oyster House is a lively restaurant that serves sustainably sourced seafood in a hip, trendy space with exposed brick and roof beams, adorned with old wooden flooring, chairs, tables and countertops. Fish and chips is offered exclusively for lunch. The Whalesbone uses Pacific cod for their fish and chips, served with lemon, pickled onion and slaw.
Cat’s Fish and Chips specializes in providing an old-school twist on this favourite. The fish and chips are served on newspaper in a basket, just like they have been in England for decades. A bright blue place with a dancing fish mascot that makes an occasional roadside appearance, Cat’s is a fun, casual joint where you can indulge your cravings. Their fish and chips menu includes beer-battered or breaded halibut and haddock, with an available gluten-free option.
Fish Market Restaurant has been serving some of the best seafood in Ottawa since 1979 in a classy, elegant environment where diners can enjoy all the classics. This establishment has been a 19-year winner of the Consumer Choice Award in Ottawa, including in 2015. For fish and chips, their lunch menu gives guests the choice between tilapia and halibut, both battered in the classic English style and plated with fries and tartar sauce. The dinner menu features only the halibut variety.