Italian cuisine: the best places to taste it in Ottawa

Town

94/100 (1670 ratings)

Restaurants

Gluten Free Options

Italian

Vegetarian Friendly

Italian

Vegan Options

Gluten Free Options

Vegetarian Friendly

Vegan Options

Dinner

Lunch

Fish

Salmon

Pork

Ragu

Crostino

Wild boar

Halibut

Beef

Agnolotti

Ribs

Eggplant

Toasts

Meatballs

Pasta

Octopus

Salad

Bolognese

Crab

Focaccia

Scallops

Crostini

Duck

Lamb

Risotto

Pesto

Tuna

Sit down

Italian

Serves Alcohol

Full Bar

Accepts Credit Cards

Accepts Mastercard

Accepts Visa

Accepts American Express

Reservations

Seating

Table Service

Dinner

Lunch

Mid-range

"I was here while in town on business about 3 weeks back. It’s an upscale local place just a few blocks from City Hall, and located within..."

Derek

"Excellent food and service. Each item we ordered was delicious and fresh. Highly recommend the smoked trout deviled eggs and the eggplant..."

Chief

"Delicious food!! Excellent service. Great ambiance. The only reason I didn't give a 5 is because the music was very loud leading people to..."

Josée

"Fabulous place! We have been there several times. The food has always proven to be delicious, well presented and very fresh! Even providing..."

Anyès Babillon

"Town was a great place to drink wine and eat dishes prepared from fresh ingredients. The asparagus was perfectly cooked and the scallop crudo was..."

Noname

"Great quality food. Way too small plate size. Confusing menu. Maybe great for some but not the place for me. Probably meant for really picky, fancy,..."

FUNFOODREVIEWS

"Phenomenal experience! Made reservations for 6 last week for last night, and came for dinner and drinks.Service was awesome, they..."

KoalaKouple

"Was here on a Friday night and the experience was a pleasure. Not that I condone the practice, but I made last minute reservations for myself and..."

Jennyran

"One of THE best meals I have EVER had in Ottawa. Was absolutely incredible! The service was friendly and all servers were on top of it and relaxed...."

Sabes

"Not enough can be said about Town. Came for a celebratory dinner with a date and we were blown away by the food and service. Extremely knowledgeable..."

Pancho

"Love locally source ingredients restaurant and Town (@townlovesyou) was no exception, we just had to squeeze in a last meal for our Ottawa trip and..."

Vickie Cheung

"Quality, Consistency and Atmosphere - Town Takes the Crown. Dinner for two on a Saturday evening. Happy we made reservations as its small interior..."

Love Grub

"The first time I went to Town I had the eggplant dish as i am not a supercarnivore. Each time I went there since I ended up taking the same dish...."

Winston

"First off I'd like to start by saying we are visitors to Ottawa (from Edmonton) and we had been eating all day. So when it came to dinner we weren't..."

Victor Tran

"Tasty town. We started with the Bone Marrow which i came to know is an acquired taste. I disliked it, and my girlfriend tolerated it. Its very fatty..."

Kevin8se7en

"Excellent service! You know you're at a good place when you drop a fork on the floor with no waiter in sight but within seconds a waiter arrives with..."

Daniel H

"YUP !. I'm disappointed that I took so long to visit Towne. Had wanted to..but finally Thursday night worked. Happy to find our friendly and..."

Mike Smith

"Dinner Date. Been wanting to try Town for forever now and finally did and I must say, I wasn't disappointed. It has a nice and cozy atmosphere, dim..."

Hungry87

"Elgin highlight. Great food, great location, great service. Loved the octopus plate! Unfortunately they have a short menu and have had the same menu..."

Tallfoodie7

"Always amazing. Service, food, drinks and atmosphere are always great! Town is always a great..."

Jakespencer165

"Town Ricotta Stuffed Meatballs. Great dish to share before the main. Mealy in your mouth..."

Dannyrags

"Try the "nongroni" - bartender knows what he's doing,..."

Jaclynn W.

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMeatballs.. Ordered the small with a zucchini salad, perfect portion for dinner. But, took large order home to have tonight for dinner...."

Carol Weeks

"One word. Incredible. Our reso was for 8 o'clock on Saturday September 27th. After a couple of cocktails at Oz Kafe, We made our way up and were..."

MikeyMarbles

"One of the best meals we've had in Ottawa. I had the tagletelli duck ragout which was full of flavour and quite filling. My wife had the eggplant..."

Craig Heward

"Great Italian. A little to "hipster" for me but the food was fabulous we had the tuna, and the octopus carpaccio to start then duck ragu and stuffed..."

Moltofoodo

"Amazing. Ate here a few weeks ago for the 3rd time. Absolutely love this place!Had the NOTORIOUS P.I.G (pork tenderloin). Very..."

DustinandSam

"Worth a visit. We went to TOWN for their meatballs- and I'd have to admit I was a little surprised when my dinner order of meatballs was just that-..."

Redbellybird

"Really enjoyed our evening. Sitting at the bar. Nice atmosphere. Original music. Unassuming service. House made with care. From the bread (home made)..."

Bob And Kittie

"Wow!. Went there for lunch yesterday and I had the beef cheek pasta and it was so good. The handmade pasta was perfectly cooked and the beef was very..."

Golf Chick

"Delicious Octopus. The octopus is cooked to perfection. The cheese boards are very diverse featuring fantastic cheeses. The steelhead- trout was okay..."

Julia.no.1

"Superb!. Some friends and I had the pleasure of dining at Town tor the first time this evening and it was one of the best meals we have had in Ottawa..."

Adele M

"Sharing is caring.... Town is the place to go if you like sharing and tasting. Went with a couple of friends and tried the lamb belly, crab cakes,..."

Jennymilton6

"Pricey but delicious. I would go again when there is a menu change..."

Goiles

"Refreshing but needs a little tweaking. The small little gem tucked in on Elgin was a nice surprise. The place was crowded & loud. The humidity and..."

Karine

"Delicious!. This restaurant is on the pricey side, but food is delicious. The restaurant is cozy and service is fast and friendly. Portions are a..."

Emily Mays

"Good but Expensive. The food was really good, the ambiance was ok the price is too much. There are many really great places to eat in Ottawa and I..."

Chanelle

"Extremely good food, been multiple times and the food was always very good. Service is extremely friendly and chef Marc is a great guy. I would..."

Kevin Comeau

"Went for dinner and started with a cheese plate. Absolutely delicious - the fruit and honey were so good as compliments with the cheese. Had the..."

Molly Hyde

"The service was phenomenal and the wine list was wonderful. The food was... Alright. It was all very Hipster and Foodie but a little too much. There..."

Bella

"Stuff yourself. You should go here as soon as you can and stuff yourself silly with meatballs and a cheese platter and the romaine lettuce starter...."

Asdf

"I love this place. The ricotta meatballs are always a great choice. A very nice establishment that will never let you..."

Gastro.Man

"Just go! Its amazing. One of the best in Ottawa. I was back in town in May and had dinner there and wish I didn't live so far away. I had the..."

Kiowa Martin

"I usually sit at the bar every Sunday night so I know and love the food, the vibe and the people but tonight was special. I had .. the SPECiALS ......"

Robert

"I keep going back!. I go to Town just about every time I'm back in Ottawa - it's fantastic. Great food, relaxed atmosphere, and the prices are..."

Caitlin

"This place is awesome! Love the vibe- it's really busy all the time so if you don't like sitting close to other tables it might not be for you. The..."

GoldiPrincess

"Wonderful Restaurant. We had one of the best meals ever at Town. The staff is wonderful too. We highly recommend..."

Kate

"Delightful!. The menu is fairly priced and quite delicious. From the appetizers to the salad (pickled grapes, walnuts, goat cheese, pear, heaven,..."

Bri9890

"I went to Town this weekend and was really impressed. The service was friendly, knowledgable and quick. The food was also great. Throughout the..."

Foodie Girl

"Not Bad. I was sooo ready to be wowed by the food, service and experience at Town. The food was..good. I ordered the trout, my dinner..."

NickyG

"A-MAZING!. I have been to Town about 4 times now and every time I go there I am not disappointed. Even with the hype from friends and the #3 on..."

ChazzFresh

"Hempsa so lame. If you you think that Ottawa doesn't have a lot to offer in terms of food, you must have been living under a rock. Wake up, man, the..."

Power6

"Good food but a little over priced. I liked the meatball, the morel mushroom pasta. The so-so is the cheese plate and chicken dish. I would come back..."

Mimu

"Good. Highly recommend to make a reservation before you go . I liked the environment as..."

Sophia

"Pretty good. I keep hearing about this place so I decided to try it out. I had the spaghetti and it was great. Fresh pasta and fresh sauce with REAL..."

Wissi

"Great meal and experience. Sat at the chefs box overlooking the kitchen and cold plates/dessert prep area, and enjoyed every minute of our..."

Sorefeettoproveit

"Best Dinner in Ottawa. I have been so many times and never disappointed. My Fav is the beef carpaccio and the meat ball of course. For dessert the..."

PANDA123

"Had dinner there the other night and it was as great as ever! Excellent service and food -- well priced. It is crowded but not uncomfortable -- do..."

Stanley Matthews

"DISREGARD the negative reviews. We tried almost all of the small plate options and were blown away. I highly recommend the carpaccio and the..."

Michael W. Pal

"A Memorable Evening. While visiting Ottawa recently, my wife and I had the very good fortune of being invited, by friends, to dinner at Town. What a..."

Ban

"They mean serious business!!. We stayed there for a good 3.5 hours last night. From the pecorino potatoes, gnudi, prawn and tuna crudo, cavatelli,..."

Yca P

"Went to Town a couple of weeks back and enjoyed my evening tremendously! Ricotta meatballs are amazing! Great cheese board, an amazing Nagano pork..."

Vanny

"Love it!. Although the food at Town is quite pricey, I still love going there for martinis with the girls! The wait staff is incredible!!! Go out of..."

Sara

"Excellent food & service!. Everything I ate at this lovely little restaurant was excellent! We started with simply titlted "salad" - arugula, toasted..."

Harpchick

"Amazing selection of appetizers and mains. No point in suggesting items because it will change before you come. Get a selection and..."

Sean Flanigan

"Great food and great service! We were well taken care of and we have an amazing meal. My only sads is the beer prices. Working in the beer industry -..."

Amanda Redway

"Town is a forever favourite. They offer amazing food without any of the pretense - amazing friendly service, great vibes, and you’ll always bump..."

katie frappier

"Citizen and Town are my favourite restaurants in Ottawa! Every time my partner and I go our meals are beyond delicious and we have the best time. You..."

Kelly Dixon

"Had the most amazing dinner at Town. Yummy little gem lettuce salad and tuna tartare, focaccia. Great wine selection and friendly service. Will be..."

L C

"Always delicious and great service! Love the Italian sodas they offer for non-drinkers, with homemade syrups! All the food dishes are unique and..."

Jess M.

"seriously some of the best food in Ottawa. We ordered 5 or 6 plates to share and they were all to die for. Would recommend the falafel (the snap peas..."

Scott E

"OMG!!!! Too bad we don't have 6 stars :) this place is insane. Friend and I set at the chef table which is a small table facing the kitchen. It was..."

Maor Levy

"Delicious plates for sharing with a menu divided in small and large plates. We shared as appetizers the eggplant and whipped burrata. The whipped..."

Allanah

Di Rienzo Deli

94/100 (2905 ratings)

Restaurants

Fast Food

Vegetarian Friendly

Fast food

Italian

Vegetarian Friendly

Lunch

Breakfast

Sandwiches

Eggplant

Pasta

Cannoli

Pesto

Sit down

Italian

Fast food

Gift Cards Available

Takeout

Breakfast

Lunch

Cheap Eats

"Amazing sandwiches. Very generous portions of toppings and they always use fresh and delicious ingredients. The bread is incredible: nice and crispy..."

Joelle Henri

"The amazing sandwiches are well worth their very affordable price. I highly recommend this place! Cash only last I was there, they do help out a bit..."

Rabbitstew45

"The best quality for the best price on a sandwich or pasta. You need it quick and tasty, you have to go to Di Rienzo. I had pasta and sandwiches, I..."

Jason Mallette

"Awesome spot for a delicious sandwich! The portions are quite generous for what you pay for. The staff is prompt and friendly! Highly..."

Chief

"This place is a gem in the city of Ottawa. My boyfriend happened to find it and we decided to check it out on our way home. We were not disappointed,..."

Jenn Shamo

"Absolutely amazing. The owner is very kind and you feel right at home when you enter. It is a small convenience store (not sit down), but they have..."

Lily Hwang

"Best Italian sandwhiches in town!!! This place is a little gem tucked away between little Italy and the Civic hospital. These sandwiches are to die..."

Chunny

"Came here on a recommendation. Sandwich was alright (turkey & havarti), maybe I should go try a different one. The cannoli was amazing,..."

Amy

"Awesome Italian deli. Amazing sandwiches. Desserts are delicious as well. A must when you're in Little Italy. You will not be disappointed. ..."

Brian R.

"Warning: They only take cash.On the bright side, you probably have the only five dollars and change required to get one of these ridiculous..."

Douglas Kutt

"Amazing sandwiches!! First off, they are huge, it's almost like an entire loaf of bread. Second, the toppings are really well selected and very fresh..."

Caitlin Murphy

"They only bad thing about the place is that it only exists in Ottawa... I've been in Montreal since 2007 and I haven't found something..."

Sebastien Preseault-Cere

"I've been hearing about this place for a while now (like 3 years) and finally decided to check it out. I got the #14 Soppressata Calabrese, Extra-Hot..."

LeeAnne

"This little gem is probably one of the best sandwich places in Ottawa, in terms of value per dollar. They use quality cold cuts, excellent variety of..."

Jessica Parent

"My goto place for an authentic hole in the wall type sandwich made to whichever way I want it. The mob goes here, the tax man goes here, the cops..."

Hoang Do

"Exactly what I expected... I found them to be generous with the meats, but less so with the other vegetable toppings. Really, you can't go..."

Chris

"For $6 I expect. Being told no onions is a joke at a Sandwhich shop. Paying $6 for thin sliced deli meat and having to beg for any toppings is a real..."

Food Baby

"Great place for lunch!. My kids love it there. From choosing your own fresh baked Italian bun, the sandwich selection and condiments and then..."

Stvfcy

"Perfect for home events. This is our friends go-to place to pick up a large order of deli sandwich platters and absolutely amazing meatballs. We've..."

Jenncharr23

"Sandwich. Hands down the VERY BEST deli in the region. Both hot and cold dishes. All made with..."

Ian

"Prosciutto-licious. My go-to place for consistently great Italian-style deli sandwiches. I've brought their famous Alexi's Diavolo (best sandwich,..."

Mr. Fugu

"Double the meat!. Surprisingly fast, simply delicious. I doubled up the meat, which was a generous extra serving of meat. I can't believe it took me..."

Yumyum

"WOW!! How have I not found this gem before now? Looks like an old time sandwich shop from New Orleans French Quarter back in the 80's and the prices..."

Kelly Archer

"Best Sandwiches for the Best Price. The most affordable place in Ottawa. This is a sandwich that is well worth your money--lots of meat and fun..."

GoodFood

"Ottawa Foodie Goes to Dirienzos. We've been here many times before. This time we got a behind the scenes look at the people who work here, the food..."

Ottawa Foodie TV

"Best Sandwich in Town - If you go right at lunch expect to wait in a line - The wait is well worth..."

MD

"Best cheap eat in Ottawa!. Great sandwiches for $5... Good selection with a decent amount of meat! Their ready made $5 pasta dishes are also quite..."

FoodAficionado

"I abolutely LOVE this place!!! The sandwiches are amazing and taste like the homemade sandwiches back in Europe! People who havent tried are..."

Foodie1989

"Simple but delicious. Great sandwiches, pasta and pastries. Very fast and friendly staff. Amazing prices. A MUST go to place in Ottawa..."

Ottawa-food

"Amazing, fresh and affordable. Fresh Sandwiches. Amazing pastries. The service is very fast and very polite. Great Prices. A definite..."

Lemony17

"Amazing :) never disappointed !!! If you love the sandwiches , you must try the pasta !!!!! Homemade , Always fresh !!! The staff always friendly ...."

Tracy

"My favourite sandwich shop in Ottawa, hands down.. There's a reason the line-up is out the door every weekday. I've also had the egg-roll wrapper..."

Food4thought

"Haven't been since 2011 because i was living out of town. finally went back today and it did not disappoint! I got my classic number 18 (pork, Swiss,..."

JamesFood613

"I'm from the US and my girlfriend took me there for a sandwich. I insisted we go back several times before going home. Best sandwich I've ever had...."

Jeff

"The coolest little hole-in-the-wall place, ever with amazing food, fast and friendly service and low prices. A..."

Sarah

"Been going for almost a decade, and hope to be a patron for another decade. Great sandwiches. Nice people. Deserts on Saturdays are..."

J. Anderson

"Best Value. No contest, it's the best sandwich in town. You have to get the spicy eggplant and Giardiniera on your sandwich. The price is unbeatable...."

Shawn

"Delicious, freshly made to order sandwiches for $5! And fast, friendly service too. Only downside is that the place is busy -- but that is completely..."

Mark

"Super good sandwiches!!!. Came from toronto to visit family and stumbled upon this grocery/deli place....had one of the BEST sandwiches ever!!!! will..."

Kim Dao-Butt

"Awsome sandwiches always fresh , Canoli is a pure delish . The service is very fast polite and very friendly . Di Rienzo's is the best place in..."

Emilie

"Excellent. Great pasta and sandwiches what's also good are there samosas, pizza and pastries especially there honey crueller type donuts filled with..."

Matt V

"Great Value. The sandwiches are prices at $5!! Friendly staff and fast..."

Sam

"U KiDDING ME?. MASSIVE sandwiches, FRESH hearty sub buns, your choice of the finest italian meats and cheeses, and made-to-order anyway you like it...."

Mike O'Shea

"What an amazing sandwich deal. Tried this sandwich because of the overwhelming positive review at urbanspoon... and i wasn't disappointed! Sandwiches..."

Jessica Park

"Went there today for the first time! Wow, I am going back tomorrow and the next day and the next! It's the best sandwich I have ever..."

Conor

"Great..."

Ashley C

"Simply put, these are the best $5 sandwiches you can buy in Ottawa. Great place to buy a sandwich and enjoy the park across the street, whether you..."

Rage

"By far the best sandwiches in town. I've been going here for about 12 years and no other Italian sandwich can or will ever top it. Paul, Jerry,..."

Brian Larsen

"Awesome!. Great place. Doesn't look like much when you walk in, but the sandwiches are amazing. Great value!I will be back! FInally found a good..."

Eric

"I miss this place more than my dead Nana. Oh there is very little of Ottawa that I miss. So many overpriced eateries, so many people who think Ottawa..."

Dildo Baggins

"Awsome!. Top notch Italian sandwiches for a great..."

Therealdeal

"Love DiRienzo's!. I used to eat these sandwiches weekly. I miss those days. Love the guy always calling me 'signorina' too. You rock..."

Bowballie

"How refreshing to visit a purveyor of good, honest and straightforward delicious food at a very reasonable price. Very friendly service to boot --..."

SirEatzaLot

"Don't look for anything fancy, but everything is awesome! The guys are incredibly friendly, patient and helpful. You gotta try this take-out..."

Sandra Ricci

"SOOOOOO..."

Dre Bourbon

"So Yum. Best little sandwich place, ever. I go again and again, consistently amazing and fresh every time!CASH ONLY!!..."

JJ

"A+ for dirienzos. The absolute best place you can get a sandwich in the city. Always the best lunch option. LOVE it..."

Britney

"Awesome sammies. Like other reviewers, I've gone here since high school over 10 years ago, and it remains a great place. The sandwiches have..."

Jabber Wock

"Absolutely the best place ever, sandwiches and canoles and pastas are amazing! Awesome owners as well with great customer..."

Eva

"Great lunch. Been heading here since High school - Amazing ... great memories - and it always tastes as amazing as the first..."

Judy

"Just Great Food. My dad always told me the most rundown places always serve the best food and this place meets that criteria to a tee. Skip the..."

Pat

"I have been going here since I was five years old, I have never had such great, honest service like this. There is nowhere else in Ottawa where you..."

Anon

"I happened to be in the neighborhood a few weeks back and decided to see what Dirienzo's had to offer for vegetarians. They were friendly and..."

Helvetica Bold

"Di Rienzo's fantastic!. I go there very often to get a sandwich of my choice. The cold pizza is good too. The mille feuille pastries are to die for...."

Morningstar

"Quick service, inexpensive, but delicious and filling sandwiches, and way better than getting a sub! Very..."

James Adam

"Do yourself a favour!. The sandwiches are..."

Diner_007

"Best sandwich shop in..."

DMJB

"Now thats a big Sandwich. Random place my work friends took me too. Lined up out the door for the best most ginormous made to order sandwiches ive..."

Just Julie

"Love sandwiches. I simply love their..."

D.J

"The Best Sandwiches. Period.. Brought my husband here for the first time last week. My father introduced me to these sandwiches years ago. If you..."

Jojo

"What's all the fuss about?. Ate here for the first time about 2 weeks ago. I had the no-pork sandwich, wife had the vegetarian one. Mine was good -..."

Omer

"The Right Vibe. This place is extremely well known in Ottawa. Great sandwiches and good service. Pastries and Pastas provide some extra flavour to..."

Better IS Better

"Amazing sandwich. I really love this place, great price and great sandwich! The only problem is the bread. There is two amazing sandwich places, this..."

Norco806

"After one of the warmest greeting I asked for the Parma chicken but they were out but offered to make us a sandwich which we took then I asked for..."

Michelune

"AMAZING!. Sooo good, such good prices and I love the family vibe of the place. It's always the most run down places that end up being the best...."

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Italian cuisine: the best places to taste it in Ottawa

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