SINCE 2016, THIS GRAND, SPACIOUS RESTAURANT a stone’s throw from Parliament Hill has attracted politicos, business types, visiting NHL teams and locals alike. All come for the gorgeous big-city setting in which to celebrate, indulge in classic dishes and enjoy some of Ottawa’s best cocktails. From the gleaming open kitchen, Jordan Holley and his brigade dispense eye-catching fare, ranging from tartares and crudos that show plenty of finesse to freshly extruded pastas, like spaghetti with lobster. You’ll find elevated versions of mushrooms on toast with shaved black truffle, wedge salad with bagna càuda and Nordic shrimp, and dry-aged striploin steak frites with bordelaise sauce. Seats at the long and alluring bar are hot tickets, not just to watch the cooking but also to focus on star mixologist Stephen Flood’s sophisticated creations, which include 10 inspired variations on the Negroni.

This is the type of restaurant every Canadian needs in their neighbourhood. Jason Noel