As a winter city, Ottawa is also a festive city with many ways to celebrate the holiday season. For those in search of a place to celebrate with brunch, dinner, or drinks and snacks, Ottawa has as many restaurants to offer as it does skating rinks, toboggan hills, and winter festivals.
Get into the festive spirit with the city’s various cuisine options, trying a new food, or with a huge group of people – many of these restaurants accommodate private dining with room for 8 to over 100 guests. Reservations are recommended for almost any restaurant in Ottawa as Christmas gets closer and all city restaurants get a bit busier.
Ottawa Restaurants to Order Christmas/Holiday Dinner Take-Out
Riviera
Where: 62 Sparks St.
How to book: email info@dineriviera.com for large group bookings
Cocotte Bistro
The elegant Cocotte Bistro in Ottawa provide diners a taste of authentic French cuisine through breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, with kids’ options for each meal. Plus, Cocotte Bistro are slated to host a three-course Christmas Day Dinner. These options are perfect for smaller groups looking to celebrate the holidays together, whether on the 25th or in the lead-up to Christmas. On top of those, Cocotte Bistro also offers a private dining option that fits up to 95 guests seated, perfect for a company Christmas Party.
Where: 123 Metcalfe St.
How to book: fill out form for large group bookings
Starling Restaurant & Bar
Allow the Starling Restaurant & Bar, and all of its holiday cheer, to be the next setting for a special holiday meal. The Starling offers fun events like weekend brunch accompanied by live music, specials and savings through the daily early bird happy hour and offer a full events package for holiday parties. The regular reservations at Starling Restaurant & Bar open up options to dine for brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert, while little ones also have a menu to peruse. Email the Starling Restaurant & Bar to take advantage of that holiday events package and host a memorable Christmas Party in the heart of Ottawa.
Where: 54 York St.
How to book: email events@starlingottawa.ca for large group bookings
Coconut Lagoon
The Coconut Lagoon is open for brunch and dinner with menu items and cuisine inspired by the flavours that are common to southwestern India. The rich and vibrant cuisine of Coconut Lagoon is also available to enjoy within private dining areas, while the entire restaurant is also available as a full buyout option. Even still, the regular reservations at Coconut Lagoon allow for up to 12 guests. But, to have a more intimate or private experience, they offer Main Floor rentals for 55 guests, or the full restaurant buyout for 90 people.
Where: 853 St. Laurent Blvd
How to book: call (613) 742-4444
Arlo
Ottawa’s Arlo Wine Bar is open for both regular reservations and group reservations or private dining to provide a few options for holiday party planning. Arlo is open for dinner, dessert, and cocktails each evening, with food menus that rotate seasonally. Those in need of a holiday party venue can take their pick between Arlo’s cozy dining spaces, including the Cellar, the Apartment, or opportunities to rent out the entire restaurant. Email Arlo for those larger private dinners or book a table online for smaller parties.
Where: 340 Somerset St. W
How to book: email bookings@restaurantarlo.com for large group bookings
Anabella’s Kitchen & Lounge
The stylish Anabella’s Kitchen & Lounge have a wonderful space ready for holiday parties, and a stellar menu to complement the atmosphere. Anabella’s work to make their space work for a variety of group sizes or function types, with Christmas parties as their specialty. For regular holiday meal reservations, Anabella’s Kitchen & Lounge is open for dinner and cocktails or appetizers in the evenings. Plus, they also provide catering services, making it easier to bring their great cuisine to your holiday party.
Where: 268 Preston St.
How to book: fill out form for large group bookings
Harmons Steakhouse
The premium cuts available at Ottawa’s Harmons Steakhouse offer a great way to treat someone or multiple people to a special meal this holiday season. Harmons are known for their premium cuts of steak, like ribeye, tenderloin, or tomahawk, as well as all of the savoury sides. These decadent steak meals are not the only highlight of the Harmons menu; choose between plates to share like seafood and caviar, or the various Harmons appetizers. Harmons Steakhouse also accommodate private dining events with the Sutherland Room for 10-18 people, or the Terrace for up to 50 people.
Where: 283 Elgin St.
How to book: fill out the form for large group bookings
Le Poisson Bleu
As the restaurant’s name might suggest, Le Poisson Bleu is an excellent option for holiday dinners in Ottawa which centre around fresh seafood. And as Le Poisson Bleu continues to keep their menu items fresh, the menus are always in rotation to give you something new to try with each visit. Book a table to dine in the restaurant and have the option of specials like Buck a Shuck nights, or Fish & Chip Night. Those regular restaurant reservations are perfect for couples or families, while larger groups also have the option of a large private room, or a small private dining room.
Where: 610 Somerset St. W
How to book: email info@lepoissonbleu.net for large group bookings
Rosebowl Steak & Seafood
Where: 228 Preston St.
How to book: OpenTable
North & Navy
The premium and gourmet dining from North & Navy is available through regular or private dining reservations, while their “bacaro” is also open for casual drinks. Those gourmet plates, both large and small, are created with Italian flavours and inspirations to provide options like seafood, savoury appetizers, and decadent desserts. The private dining area and regular reservations are both available online; those who reserve private dining will have access to a table d’hôte dinner based on the current menu.
Where: 226 Nepean St.
How to book: OpenTable for large group bookings
Raphael Peruvian Cuisine
Ottawa’s Raphael Peruvian Cuisine is a chance to transport you and your dinner party from the heart of Ottawa to the heart of Lima, Peru! Through regular reservations or Raphael’s private dining options, there are a few ways to celebrate the holidays. The restaurant provides an amazing atmosphere for smaller parties or Christmas cocktails over tapas, while also providing a stylish venue for Christmas parties and big groups. The group dining experience from Raphael’s Peruvian Cuisine includes access to several types of menus and a few different serving styles.
Where: 200 Elgin St.
How to book: OpenTable
Prohibition Public House
One of the best ways to celebrate and cater the holidays is with charcuterie boards! And at the Prohibition Public House, charcuterie boards, plus local craft beers, are the restaurant’s specialty. Enjoy these snacks and brews among friends for the holidays or dive into larger menu items like the savoury main entrees. The Prohibition Public House also accommodates private dining with choices between various sized rooms that fit anywhere from 8 to 100 guests.
Where: 337 Somerset St. West
How to book: call (613) 565-2704 for large group bookings
Lavender Grill & Lounge
During the week, Lavender Grill & Lounge is open in the evenings to offer an upscale setting for a festive dinner. And over the weekends, the Grill is also open for brunch. Those looking for a weekday table reservation may want to consider the live jazz nights that will pop up in November and December. For those looking to dine privately for their Christmas celebrations, The Lavender Grill & Lounge provide rooms for 100-120 guests.
Where: 47 Clarence St. Unit 101-102
How to book: OpenTable
Corner Peach
The Corner Peach doubles as a boutique shop and restaurant where you’ll be able to enjoy a festive lunch or dinner before possibly finding some Christmas gifts or gifts for yourself. Both of the Corner Peach’s menus include small plates, large plates, snacks, and sweets. The restaurant accommodates table reservations of up to 10 people, and those who book a spot for 6-10 people will be sat within a cozy private dining area.
Where: 802 Somerset St. W
How to book: Resy
Erling’s Variety
Grab a group of friends or family to gather over the small plates, cocktails, and wine of Erling’s Variety. The Ottawa restaurant serves up rotating menus to keep the cuisine fresh with the seasons. There are a few ways to enjoy these menu items, too, including Tuesday lunches, evening dinner hours, over Happy Hour, or as a private gathering. The private reservations at Erling’s Variety accommodate up to 36 seated guests, or 56 for a standing reception.
Where: 225 Strathcona Ave.
How to book: fill out form