The 14 Best Pasta Restaurants in Ottawa You Can't Miss

Ottawa's culinary scene boasts an incredible array of Italian restaurants, with many specializing in exquisite pasta dishes. Whether you're craving classic comfort food or innovative pasta creations, the nation's capital offers diverse options to satisfy every palate. From cozy trattorias serving homemade pasta to upscale establishments with fresh, unique ingredients, this guide highlights the top places to indulge in delicious pasta in Ottawa. Get ready to discover your next favorite Italian meal!

Table of Contents

1. North & Navy

Experience Northern Italian perfection with every bite of their superb pasta dishes.

North & Navy consistently delivers an "out of the park" dining experience, praised by patrons for its superb food and fantastic flavors. Many recommend dining family-style to sample more dishes, with the lamb pasta standing out as a notable highlight. The sophisticated, beautifully decorated Italian fine cuisine, combined with attentive service, makes every visit a truly special occasion.

  • Rating: 4.6 (1.609 google maps)
  • Address: 226 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B8
  • Phone: +1 613-232-6289
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Known for expertly crafted Northern Italian pasta, including a highly-rated lamb pasta, alongside other refined dishes perfect for sharing.

Image North & Navy Pasta in Ottawa

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2. Giovanni's Restaurant

An exquisite Italian dining experience where tradition meets unparalleled service.

Giovanni's Restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience, often described as unparalleled in Ontario and Quebec for its exceptional accommodation and attention to detail. Patrons consistently praise the outstanding service, delicious Italian food, and elegant ambiance, making it a perfect choice for special occasions like anniversaries or family gatherings. The welcoming staff and charming atmosphere ensure a memorable meal every time.

  • Rating: 4.5 (1.5 google maps)
  • Address: 362 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M7
  • Phone: +1 613-234-3156
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: A classic Italian menu featuring a variety of pasta dishes, alongside appetizers and main courses that consistently receive high praise.

Image Giovanni's Restaurant Pasta in Ottawa

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3. Tosca Ristorante

Delight in delightful pasta, where aroma and flavor create a truly pleasing culinary experience.

Tosca Ristorante consistently delights with its pure pleasure of pasta dishes, where both aroma and flavor are prominently present. Many guests rave about their carbonara and flavorful tortellini, highlighting the perfectly prepared seafood linguine. The modern, bright, and well-decorated atmosphere, coupled with excellent and attentive service, makes Tosca a highly recommended spot for Italian cuisine in downtown Ottawa.

  • Rating: 4.2 (839 google maps)
  • Address: 144 O'Connor St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2G7
  • Phone: +1 613-565-3933
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Expect a range of delicious pasta dishes like carbonara, tortellini, and seafood linguine, along with appetizers and other Italian classics.

Image Tosca Ristorante Pasta in Ottawa

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4. Joe's Italian Kitchen - Preston

Savor outstanding lasagna and limone pasta, hailed as the best Italian food in Ottawa.

Joe's Italian Kitchen on Preston Street is a fantastic spot for authentic Italian flavors. Guests frequently highlight the lasagna, with its perfect sauce, and the pasta al limone as outstanding choices. The recently renovated location offers a stunning and welcoming mock patio, creating a beautiful atmosphere for a family dinner or a quick lunch. Many consider it the best Italian restaurant in Ottawa for its consistent quality and delightful dishes.

  • Rating: 4.4 (66 google maps)
  • Address: 330 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M6
  • Phone: +1 613-233-4982
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Must-try items include their highly recommended lasagna and the refreshing pasta al limone, alongside other excellent Italian staples and pinsa.

Image Joe's Italian Kitchen - Preston Pasta in Ottawa

5. La Roma

Delight in authentic, homemade pasta, a highlight of Ottawa's Italian culinary scene.

La Roma stands out for its amazing, authentic Italian food, with a particular emphasis on homemade pasta. Reviewers rave about the delicious lobster ravioli, the "to die for" fazzoletti, and the very tasty beef ravioli. The restaurant offers a nice, cozy atmosphere with natural light and beautiful large windows, complemented by friendly and attentive staff. It's a place where every pasta dish is crafted with care, ensuring a memorable meal.

  • Rating: 4.3 (654 google maps)
  • Address: 430 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N4
  • Phone: +1 613-234-8244
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Known for their in-house made pasta, including lobster ravioli, fazzoletti, and beef ravioli, as well as classic Italian appetizers and main courses.

Image La Roma Pasta in Ottawa

6. Trattoria Caffè Italia

A true taste of Italy, offering fresh, fabulous pasta and exceptional Italian hospitality.

Trattoria Caffè Italia offers an "old school" Italian dining experience with authentic flavors and fresh, fabulous pasta. Many consider it the best Italian food in Ottawa, comparing it favorably even to Tuscany. The generous portions, combined with some of the best prices on Preston Street, make it a local favorite. The staff, including the lovely hostesses, ensure a welcoming and memorable visit, often featuring live accordion music for a charming touch.

  • Rating: 4.3 (1.005 google maps)
  • Address: 254 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R4
  • Phone: +1 613-236-1081
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Highlights include delicious and fresh pasta, such as a spicy sausage penne, alongside classic Italian dishes and an impressive wine selection.

Image Trattoria Caffè Italia Pasta in Ottawa

7. Supply and Demand

A culinary gem where perfectly cooked, fresh pasta elevates every dining experience.

Supply and Demand is consistently lauded as one of Ottawa's best restaurants, offering fine dining without pretentiousness. Their fresh pasta dishes are a highlight, with the butternut squash and goat cheese ravioli, and the incredible and unique squid ink rigatoni, receiving high praise. Guests appreciate the option of half plates to sample more of their consistently good, seasonally rotating menu. The attentive service and cozy ambiance make it ideal for a date night or a relaxed dinner.

  • Rating: 4.8 (1.146 google maps)
  • Address: 1335 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B7
  • Phone: +1 613-680-2949
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  • Menu: Features a selection of fresh, handmade pasta dishes like butternut squash ravioli and squid ink rigatoni, alongside raw bar items and seasonal mains.

Image Supply and Demand Pasta in Ottawa

8. Vittoria Trattoria

Serving generously portioned, perfect pasta with sauces so good you'll want more.

Vittoria Trattoria is a highly-rated Italian restaurant known for its generous portions of delicious pasta and perfectly crafted sauces. Patrons consistently praise the quality and quantity of their pasta, with the carbonara, described as creamy and glossy, and the Sophia pasta being particular favorites. The warm, classic atmosphere and visible kitchen add to the entertaining and relaxing dining experience. It's a perfect spot for high-quality Italian food, promising to leave you happy and satisfied.

  • Rating: 4.5 (3.055 google maps)
  • Address: 3625 Rivergate Way, Ottawa, ON K1V 2A4
  • Phone: +1 613-731-8959
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Offers a wide range of pasta dishes, including highly recommended carbonara and Sophia pasta, along with other Italian staples and popular desserts like Zuccotto.

Image Vittoria Trattoria Pasta in Ottawa

9. Ciao Italia

An authentic Italian gem where every pasta dish bursts with homemade flavor.

Ciao Italia is a true hidden gem in Ottawa's Chinatown, renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine. Many guests feel right at home with the warm, friendly service and the owner's personal touch. The food is consistently described as amazing, with the lasagna, manicotti, and carbonara singled out for their perfectly cooked pasta and delicious, flavorful sauces. It’s a quaint and intimate spot, providing an authentic Italian dining experience that transports you straight to Italy.

  • Rating: 4.8 (428 google maps)
  • Address: 641 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5J6
  • Phone: +1 613-238-3230
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Features delicious pasta dishes such as lasagna, manicotti, and carbonara, alongside seafood risotto and other Italian classics, all prepared with authentic flavors.

Image Ciao Italia Pasta in Ottawa

10. La Favorita

A charming Italian spot in Little Italy, known for its very yummy pasta and authentic vibe.

La Favorita offers a charming and authentic Italian dining experience in Little Italy. Many guests have praised the delicious pasta, with one reviewer calling their lasagna "the most delicious I have ever had." Despite occasional busyness, the food and service consistently exceed expectations, creating a very authentic vibe. The restaurant’s decor and atmosphere are also frequently highlighted as cute and inviting, making it a great choice for a pleasant meal.

  • Rating: 4.1 (1.274 google maps)
  • Address: 356 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M6
  • Phone: +1 613-749-7490
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Enjoy delicious pasta dishes like their famous lasagna, along with a selection of pizzas and other Italian specialties, all with an authentic Italian taste.

Image La Favorita Pasta in Ottawa

11. The Grand Pizzeria and Bar

A Byward Market staple offering rich and flavorful pasta alongside fantastic wood-fired pizzas.

The Grand Pizzeria and Bar is a Byward Market institution, renowned for its excellent wood-fired pizzas and its equally rich and flavorful pasta. While pizzas are a major draw, don't overlook their satisfying pasta dishes, such as the leek and mushroom ravioli or the gnocchi. The vibrant atmosphere and central location make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for authentic Italian flavors and a lively dining experience in Ottawa.

  • Rating: 4.2 (3.823 google maps)
  • Address: 74 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A3
  • Phone: +1 613-244-9995
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Offers rich and flavorful pasta options like leek and mushroom ravioli and gnocchi, complemented by a wide selection of wood-fired pizzas.

Image The Grand Pizzeria and Bar Pasta in Ottawa

12. Pub Italia

A unique pub with a vast beer selection and surprisingly good pasta dishes like their exceptional A La Rosa.

Pub Italia offers a unique and lively experience in Little Italy, known for its incredible "Beer Bible" with hundreds of options. Beyond the extensive beer list, the food is surprisingly good, with the A La Rosa pasta receiving rave reviews, described as a "12/10" and "so freaking delicious." While primarily a pub, their Italian-inspired dishes and the eclectic, church-like decor make it a memorable spot to enjoy a meal and a drink.

  • Rating: 4.4 (3.152 google maps)
  • Address: 434 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N4
  • Phone: +1 613-232-2326
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: While known for beer, they offer solid pasta options like A La Rosa pasta and popular appetizers like "Tasty Little Bastards" (deep-fried cheese ravioli).

Image Pub Italia Pasta in Ottawa

13. ZOLAS

Offering some of the best pasta in Ottawa, with a modern take on Italian flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.

ZOLAS is a long-standing Ottawa favorite, consistently serving excellent Italian food. Many declare their pasta to be "the best in the city," with specific praise for the prosciutto and mushroom pasta and the angel hair pasta. The restaurant features a modern take on Italian cuisine, and patrons appreciate the comfortable environment and friendly service, often enhanced by live music on weekends. It's a great spot for a delicious meal, with the added benefit of supporting local artists.

  • Rating: 4.3 (1.055 google maps)
  • Address: 2194 Robertson Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 9J5
  • Phone: +1 613-721-0227
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Highlights include highly-rated prosciutto and mushroom pasta, angel hair pasta, and a unique Seafood Paella made with pasta, showcasing their modern Italian approach.

Image ZOLAS Pasta in Ottawa

14. DreamLand Cafe

Home to arguably the best pasta in Ottawa, where hand-made dishes and perfect sauces create a heavenly taste.

DreamLand Cafe is often hailed for having "the best pasta ever," with its hand-made, fresh pasta and perfectly crafted sauces earning heavenly reviews. Favorites include the "Rosey & Spicy" pasta (vodka sauce), Lobster Spaghetti, and the "Shrimply the Best" pasta, all praised for their abundance of complementary flavors. Despite being a cozy, smaller spot, the excellent food, attentive service, and cute decor make it a must-visit for any pasta lover in Ottawa.

  • Rating: 4.6 (743 google maps)
  • Address: 262 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R5
  • Phone: +1 613-422-4200
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Specialties include "Rosey & Spicy" pasta, Lobster Spaghetti, "Shrimply the Best" pasta, and loaded mac & cheese, all featuring fresh, handmade pasta. Don't forget their divine garlic bread!

Image DreamLand Cafe Pasta in Ottawa

Conclusion

Ottawa offers a fantastic selection of Italian restaurants, each bringing its unique charm and delectable pasta dishes to the table. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner with exquisite Northern Italian pasta, a cozy spot for homemade ravioli, or a lively pub with surprisingly delicious macaroni, the options above will surely meet your needs. Choose a place that suits your preferences and needs, and don't forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below this article! Enjoy discovering the best pasta in Ottawa!