Ottawa's nail scene stretches from Westboro's boutique studios to ByWard Market spas to strip-mall gems that locals swear by. To put this list together, we looked at public reviews on Google, Yelp, Fresha and TrustAnalytica, along with each salon's own site, to find ten spots that keep showing up as local favourites. Not every business publishes a public rating, so a few entries below carry less detail than others, and that's noted plainly rather than filled in with guesses.
1. La Crystal Nail & Spa
Area: Murray Street, ByWard Market · Rating: 4.8 on Fresha (1,300+ reviews) · Since: 2015
La Crystal has been a fixture in the Market since 2015 and shows up on nearly every "best of Ottawa" nail list going. Reviewers consistently mention the complimentary treats, the calm atmosphere, and staff who take their time on detail work rather than rushing appointments. It suits people who want a downtown location they can walk to on a lunch break or after work.
2. JaJa Nails & Spa
Area: Westboro Village · Rating: 4.9 on TrustAnalytica (117 reviews)
JaJa is a Westboro Village staple open seven days a week, and it was named the top-ranked nail salon business in Ottawa in the 2026 Quality Business Awards. Customers repeatedly single out the BioGel manicures and describe the pedicures, with their deep massage component, as among the best they've had. It's a good pick for anyone treating themselves to a longer spa-style visit rather than a quick polish change.
3. A's Nails and Spa
Area: Richmond Road, Westboro · Rating: 4.5 (714+ reviews)
A's has built a loyal following in Westboro for acrylics, gel and eyelash extensions alongside standard mani-pedi services. Reviewers commend the craftsmanship and the technicians' attention to detail, though a handful of reviews mention occasional issues with nail damage or discomfort, worth flagging so expectations are set fairly. It's best suited to clients after intricate acrylic or gel work rather than a bare-bones polish change.
4. Breathtaking Nail Spa
Area: Robertson Road, Bells Corners / Nepean · Rating: 4.8 on TrustAnalytica
Breathtaking Nail Spa stocks more than 400 nail products that staff mix and match for custom looks, and offers complimentary hot and cold drinks during appointments. Reviewers describe the space as clean and comfortable, with staff called out by name for being welcoming, creative and accommodating. It works well for west-end residents who'd rather not drive downtown for a regular appointment.
5. Glorious Nails & Spa
Area: Lansdowne / TD Place · Rating: 4.8 on Fresha (70 reviews)
Glorious Nails sits right by Lansdowne and TD Place, offering acrylics, dipping powder, BioGel and Gel X alongside waxing and lashes, using products the salon describes as eco-friendly. Reviewers praise the cozy, welcoming feel and the staff's patience with detail work, though a few mention inconsistent pedicure scrubs and same-day scheduling mix-ups, so it's worth confirming evening bookings directly. Good for a stop before or after a game or concert at the stadium.
6. Nail Bar Ottawa
Area: Preston Street, Little Italy · Rating: 4.2 (144 reviews, Canadian Chamber of Commerce listing)
Nail Bar Ottawa on Preston Street offers dipping powder, lash extensions, waxing and lash lift services beyond standard manicures and pedicures. Customers name specific technicians they return to and describe the atmosphere as both professional and welcoming. It's a solid option for Little Italy and Dow's Lake area residents who want a neighbourhood spot rather than a destination salon.
7. High Definition Nails & Spa
Area: Holland Avenue, Hintonburg / Wellington West
High Definition doesn't run its own standalone website, but its Facebook page and steady review activity on Yelp point to a small, well-regarded shop in Wellington West. Reviewers mention a complimentary hand scrub and cuticle oil included with services, plus intricate nail art on request, and describe appointments as reliably on time. It fits anyone in Hintonburg or Wellington West looking for a straightforward, unfussy neighbourhood option.
8. The Ten Spot Westboro
Area: Richmond Road, Westboro
The Ten Spot is a national beauty bar chain with a Westboro location that layers nail services alongside waxing, facials and laser hair removal. Reviewers describe the space as clean with a pleasant, low-key atmosphere and friendly staff. It suits people who want to bundle a manicure with other beauty errands in one visit rather than making nails a separate trip.
9. Smudge Beauty Bar
Area: Dalhousie Street, ByWard Market
Smudge operates out of a historic building in the ByWard Market and offers manicures, pedicures, Gel X extensions, lash extensions and skin treatments. The salon markets itself around a warm, fun atmosphere and eco-friendly practices at accessible prices. A good choice for anyone already spending an afternoon in the Market who wants to add a manicure to the itinerary.
10. Wow Nails Ottawa
Area: St. Laurent Boulevard
Wow Nails on St. Laurent Boulevard offers Bio Gel, Shellac and deluxe pedicure services from a team the salon describes as passionate about elegant, modern nail design. It's positioned as a straightforward, well-run option near St. Laurent Shopping Centre for east-end residents who don't want to cross the city for an appointment. As with High Definition above, we couldn't confirm a specific aggregate rating from a source we read directly, so none is listed here.
How We Built This List
This list was compiled from public web sources, including Google, Yelp, Fresha and TrustAnalytica listings, business websites and social media pages, current as of August 2026. It is not a paid placement, and ottown has not tested or visited any of the businesses listed. Ratings and review counts are attributed to the specific platform where they were found, since numbers vary by source, and any business we couldn't verify with a working link or recent review activity was left off the list rather than guessed at.
Sources: Yelp Ottawa nail salon listings, Fresha Ottawa nail salon directory, TrustAnalytica Ottawa nail salon reviews, and each salon's own website or Facebook page.
