What is Capital City Bites?
Capital City Bites is Ottawa's premier restaurant week celebration, a chance for locals and visitors to discover and celebrate the city's vibrant and diverse food scene. Organized in partnership with Ottawa Tourism, this special event brings together the city's finest dining establishments for a week of exceptional culinary experiences. During Capital City Bites, participating restaurants across Ottawa offer exclusive prix fixe menus at fixed prices, making it easier to enjoy high-quality dining throughout the city, from casual neighbourhood gems to upscale fine dining destinations.
How It Works
Restaurants participating in Capital City Bites offer specially curated menus at set price points, typically allowing diners to sample multi-course experiences at exceptional value. This format is a win-win: diners get to taste what these restaurants do best at a special price point, while restaurants get to showcase their culinary talents and creativity to new and loyal customers alike. It's a wonderful opportunity for chefs to demonstrate their skills and innovation through thoughtfully designed menus.
Why You Should Participate
Whether you're a longtime Ottawa foodie or discovering the local food scene for the first time, Capital City Bites offers an incredible opportunity to explore new restaurants without the usual price barrier. It's especially great for:
- Trying that restaurant you've always been curious about but hesitated to visit
- Supporting Ottawa's independent chefs and culinary teams
- Discovering hidden gems in neighbourhoods you don't usually venture into
- Experiencing the remarkable range of cuisines across the city
- Enjoying gourmet meals at accessible prices during a special week
What to Expect
Ottawa's participating restaurants showcase diverse cuisines—from traditional Canadian comfort food to international influences reflecting the city's multicultural community. You'll find everything from casual neighbourhood bistros to upscale fine dining establishments, ensuring there's something for every palate and budget. Many restaurants use this as an opportunity to shine, putting their best foot forward with creative menus that highlight their signature dishes alongside new creations.
Planning Your Week
Make sure to:
- Check the Capital City Bites website for the full list of participating restaurants
- Make reservations early, as popular spots typically book quickly during the week
- Follow participating restaurants' social media for sneak peeks of special menus
- Consider trying restaurants in different Ottawa neighbourhoods—Byward Market, the Glebe, Westboro, Hintonburg, and other areas all feature amazing venues
- Keep an eye out for any special wine pairing or beverage options offered
Supporting Ottawa's Food Scene
Capital City Bites is more than just a dining event—it's a celebration of Ottawa's culinary community. By participating, you're directly supporting local restaurants, many of which are independently owned and deeply rooted in the community. It's a chance to show appreciation for the chefs, servers, and kitchen staff who work tirelessly to make Ottawa's food scene thrive year-round.
Source: Ottawa Tourism
