Best Pasta in (and Around) Ottawa
- natashazinkie
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
If you’re anything like me, there is no better meal than a perfect bowl of pasta. It is simply one of my greatest pleasures (surely I am not alone ...right?). I am picky with my pasta, not many places can impress me, after all I have dedicated my entire life to savouring it.
Trust me when I say there are lots of great options in Ottawa, but I wanted to narrow down the best of the best. My priorities for this list were; ✔️handmade pasta only, ✔️consistency and ✔️best flavours.
Here are my top picks, for the best quality pasta in (and around) Ottawa.
1. Dreamland Café 🎯
📍 Location: Little Italy, Ottawa (262 Preston Street)
🍽 Cozy, quirky, café-meets-Italian (Link)
Dreamland is all about the pasta. Their fresh pasta (made in-house) is the star, with classics like Cacio e Pepe and Creamy Pesto alongside seasonal hits like pumpkin gnocchi that feel like a warm hug. They are so consistent it hurts, I have gone around the block on this menu and each one hits Every. Single. Time 👏. At this price point? With portions this big?? You can't beat it.
Beyond their pasta, they have fun cocktails, a quirky vibe, great dessert and sometimes special event nights (like Bingo) for peak comfort meals.
Perfect for: Lunch or dinner with literally anyone, truly anyone craving pasta and great atmosphere.
2. Supply & Demand
📍 Location: Wellington West, Ottawa (1335 Wellington St. W, Ottawa)
🍽 Elegant yet unpretentious modern Italian (Link)
Everything here is made by hand and freshly extruded daily. The menu changes fairly frequently but they keep four pasta options (plus some exceptional appetizers and mains). And the best part? You can order half size pastas so you can try more than one!
I have taken a few pasta making classes here and can confirm: the chef is both wildly talented and dedicated to his craft. See the evidence below, done by yours truly with their guidance, professional looking am I right?! This place never quits amazing me with their impeccable pastas.
Beyond their pasta, they have cocktails that slap, atmosphere that is buzzing even on weeknights and that "special dinner/" but not stuffy vibe.
Perfect for: Date nights, celebratory dinners, or proudly visiting one of Canada's Best Restaurants (from 2024's top 100) 🍾
3. Caméline (Across the River)
📍 Location: 51 St-Jacques St, Gatineau (Old Hull)
🍽 Warm with emphasis on technique (Link)
Yes, I am taking you into over the bridge on this one and into Gatineau because Caméline is absolutely worth the visit. They make their pasta fresh on-site and the dishes are unique and comforting. They combine Italian influences with local Québec ingredients in a thoughtful and beautifully executed way. Think big flavours, well sized portions and a great setting that feels relaxed and refined at the same time.
During one of my visits (that may have gone right up until they closed) the staff gave us extra raviolo (as seen in the photo above) to take home since. Definitely not the norm, but it was a fun surprise and speaks to how generous and homey it can feel there.
Beyond their pasta, the drinks are fabulous and staff/atmosphere make it you feel like you've been invited into a friend's kitchen for dinner.
Perfect for: A cozy date night, catch-up with friends, or those looking to explore beyond Ottawa (maybe practice some French) 🔍
Note: It's Québec, so expect to hear French but I promise bilingual service is available and they have English menus, just ask!
4. North & Navy
📍 Location: Downtown Ottawa (226 Nepean Street)
🍽 Refined, Northern-Italian inspired (Link)
North & Navy isn’t strictly a “pasta restaurant”, it's a Northern Italian focused restaurant. BUT the pastas they do serve? Shockingly good. These are not giant rustic bowls but rather beautifully crafted (made-in house) primi courses designed to shine before you enjoy your main meal. The pastas are elevated and very flavourful.
💡Pro tip: order a few pastas for the table to share so everyone can try as many as possible.
Beyond their pasta, they offer exceptional cocktails, food that is always delicious and service that is exceptional. You will not get bored of this menu since it changes frequently based on seasonal ingredients. The price may be high but the quality is there.
Perfect for: A date night, classy groups, work dinners, or anyone seeking an elevated Italian meal and a stylish ambiance. 🇮🇹
5. Mr. Bs Osteria
📍 Location: Hunt Club (2446 Bank Street)
🍽 Traditional family-owned Italian charm (Link)
If you want comforting, nostalgic, classic rustic Italian vibes than this place is the one for you. Mr. B's is family owned and rustic in all the ways you crave. It is approachable and their menu has a huge range of pastas (made-in house). Think classics. This place has been on the list since before I could drive, very close to 20 years, and it still holds up. We are talking seasoned vets at the rustic pasta game.
Beyond their pasta they feature the classic Italian mains (like Chicken Parm), big portions, and a family vibe! Plus it's perfect for anyone in the south end who doesn't want to trek downtown.
Perfect for: Classic pasta nights, family dinners, events or take out that will feed you lunch the next day too. 🍝
Why These Spots Made My List
☑️Freshness & Technique: All the places above are known for making their pasta in-house with skill and care worth celebrating. Whether it's hand-cut, extruded daily, or made on-site, it is FRESH.
☑️Variety: From classic rustic pasta (Mr. Bs) to innovative (Dreamland/Caméline) to refined local-Italian fusion (North & Navy/Supply & Demand), there’s something for every mood.
☑️Ambience: These restaurants aren’t just about food. They each offer their own dining vibe that makes ordering pasta night feel special.
If I missed your favourite home-made pasta spot, let me know. Truly, I mean it I have endless free time to try pasta. 🙌
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