Best Bars in Ottawa
Canada’s 100 Best released its 2026 rankings of the country’s top 100 restaurants and 50 bars. Three establishments from the National Capital Region appear on these lists: Atelier, Arlo, and Antheia. None are bars.
The absence is familiar, but the context has shifted. Ottawa’s cocktail landscape is no longer nascent, nor is it defined by a small number of legacy establishments. Over the past five years, the city has developed a credible base of bars working with intention (across drinks, service, and interior design) without translating that progress into national visibility.
This list is not a rebuttal to national rankings. It is a narrower, more deliberate document: built on repeated visits and comparative evaluation, focused specifically on bars.
Unlike previous editions, the 2026 list is not ranked from 1 to 10. The ten establishments are presented in alphabetical order. The selection spans a range of formats and neighbourhoods, from established restaurants to more focused cocktail bars, each contributing to the shape of the city’s current drinking culture.
- Cocktail program: technical execution, originality, and coherence of the menu
- Service: attentiveness, pacing, and depth of product knowledge
- Bar design: layout, lighting, acoustics, and overall sense of place
- Consistency: performance across multiple visits
In Alphabetical Order
Located in the heart of Hintonburg, Bar Lupulus is a celebrated “Modern Gastropub and Fermentation Hall” that bridges the gap between high-end dining and a casual neighbourhood bar. While renowned for one of the city’s most extensive beer programs (featuring over 100 bottled varieties and a curated 20-tap list), the cocktail program is equally ambitious. The menu frequently utilizes complex culinary techniques, such as fat-washing and house-made cordials, to create balanced, innovative drinks. The atmosphere is vibrant, making it a destination for those looking to explore the intersection of natural wine, craft fermentation, and modern mixology.
A 2024 addition to the ByWard Market, Bar Ocelli is a masterclass in hospitality. This establishment operates as a specialized technique cocktail parlour, utilizing advanced techniques to clarify ingredients and extract hyper-pure flavours. The cocktail program is built around the concept of world flavours, while also offering a refined selection of small bites (ranging from wood-roasted olives to gunpowder fried chicken) designed to stimulate the palate. With its straight-line bar and sleek, modern design, it offers a refined, intellectual take on cocktail culture.
Ember brings a high-energy, 70’s vibe to the ByWard Market, blending a sleek aesthetic with a focus on accessible luxury. Known for having some of the most consistent Instagrammable cocktails in the city, like their signature Espresso Martinis. The atmosphere shifts seamlessly from a refined dinner spot to a late-night social hub, supported by a menu of elevated comfort food. It is a premier choice for those seeking a lively environment without sacrificing the quality of its beverage program.
Situated on Elgin Street, Gitanes is a quintessential premium restaurant bar where French brasserie elegance meets modern technical mixology. The beverage program is meticulously designed to pair with a rich menu of raw bar offerings, oysters, and classic French entrees. The space is elegant and intimate, featuring a polished brass bar that serves as a focal point for cocktail enthusiasts. Their approach centers on “inspired French” classics, often incorporating unique infusions and high-end spirits that reflect the technical precision of the kitchen.
Tucked beneath Rabbit Hole on Sparks Street, Jackalope is a high-concept cocktail boutique operating with the secrecy and charm of a modern speakeasy. This intimate, reservation-only bar prioritizes craftsmanship and customization, offering a low-light environment perfect for deep conversation. The menu highlights technical complexity, featuring clarified spirits, shrubs, and clear ice. With a limited seating capacity, Jackalope offers one of the most personalized bar experiences in the city, where the bartenders act as guides through a menu of potent and historically inspired concoctions.
Le Poisson Bleu | Chinatown
Le Poisson Bleu is a seafood-dominant concept in Central Ottawa that treats its beverage program with the same “nose-to-tail” respect it gives its fish. Co-owned by top mixologist Sophie Bertrand, the bar features a nostalgic and fun cocktail list that utilizes fine ingredients to complement the ever-changing, sustainable chalkboard menu. The space feels like a welcoming family table, yet the backbar is a heavenly collection of spirits and liqueurs. It is a destination where sustainable dining and expert mixology merge, offering a refreshing and high-conscience social experience.
Steps away from the bustle of the ByWard Market, Little Sussex offers a modern speakeasy retreat with a distinct MCM vibe. Opened in 2025, it is designed to transport the senses through a combination of light fare, curated music, and a balanced cocktail program. The space serves as a modern neighbourhood cocktail bar, providing a more relaxed and atmospheric alternative to the surrounding high-volume tourist spots. It is a premier location for a mid-week wind-down or an upscale start to a weekend evening.
Mati on Preston Street is a leading destination for those seeking a blend of Mediterranean sophistication and vibrant nightlife. As a premium restaurant bar, Mati stands out for its personalized service, where mixologists often guide guests through flavour profiles tailored to their individual preferences. The stylish interiors and charcoal-grilled menu provide a dramatic backdrop for a cocktail list that balances house innovations with expertly executed classics. It remains a top choice for celebratory gatherings where the atmosphere is as much a draw as the expertly crafted drinks.
A titan of the Ottawa scene, Riviera is housed in a stunning historic bank building on Sparks Street. As the 2025 recipient of the #1 Best Restaurant Bar in Canada, its program is defined by scale and excellence. The bar serves an extensive list that includes seasonal signatures and a dedicated Negroni menu, supported by a massive backbar. The massive brass bar area allows guests to witness the precision of the bar and kitchen team as they handle a high volume of sophisticated orders.
Stolen Goods is a high-concept cocktail bar on Sparks Street. With only twenty seats, it is one of the most intimate venues in the city, focusing on a seasonal menu of approximately 11 signature items. The small footprint allows for a high level of interaction between the guest and the artisan, making every visit a unique exploration of flavour. It is a must-visit for the cocktail purist who values minimalism, technical mastery, and a space that feels entirely disconnected from the outside world.