Ottawa's restaurant community is marking the end of an era this May, as chef David Godsoe — one of the most familiar faces behind multiple ByWard Market kitchens — announces his departure from Eighteen Hospitality Group after ten years with the company.
Godsoe, 35, has spent his entire professional prime building Eighteen Hospitality Group's culinary identity in Ottawa's most storied neighbourhood. A decade is a long tenure in an industry notorious for its high turnover, and his run with the group has seen him grow from a young talent into one of the capital's more seasoned kitchen leaders.
A Decade in the Market
ByWard Market is the beating heart of Ottawa's food scene — a neighbourhood that has launched careers, birthed beloved institutions, and weathered the storms of pandemic closures and rising costs. For Godsoe, it's been home base for the better part of his career. Working across multiple concepts under the Eighteen umbrella gave him rare exposure to different service styles, cuisines, and the relentless pace that comes with running a busy hospitality operation in one of the city's most foot-trafficked areas.
That kind of experience — leading kitchens at multiple locations simultaneously — is exactly what separates a line cook from an executive chef, and Godsoe has clearly done the work.
What This Means for Eighteen Hospitality Group
Losing a chef with ten years of institutional knowledge is never seamless. Eighteen Hospitality Group has built a solid reputation in Ottawa's dining landscape, and Godsoe has been a key part of that story. The group will now face the challenge of backfilling not just one kitchen, but a presence that has shaped the menus and culture across their ByWard Market footprint.
For diners who have followed Godsoe's cooking over the years, the mid-May departure marks a natural moment to reflect on the meals and menus he's crafted during his tenure.
What's Next?
Details about Godsoe's next move haven't been made public yet, but a chef with his experience and local profile rarely stays out of a kitchen for long. Ottawa's food scene has been evolving rapidly — new openings, shifting neighbourhoods, and a growing appetite for homegrown culinary talent — which means there will be no shortage of opportunities, whether that means a new group, an independent venture, or something else entirely.
Ottawa food watchers will be keeping a close eye on where he lands.
A Moment to Appreciate Local Talent
Godsoe's departure is also a reminder of how much the Ottawa restaurant scene depends on the chefs who commit to it long-term. It's easy to take for granted the people who show up day after day to cook for a city — especially in a neighbourhood as busy and demanding as ByWard Market. Ten years is a real statement of dedication.
Whatever comes next for David Godsoe, his run with Eighteen Hospitality Group has left a mark on Ottawa's culinary landscape.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
