As employees head back to the office, hungry professionals return to restaurants in search of a fantastic lunch to make the day feel that much better. But sometimes a sandwich or takeout meal won’t do and you need a dining experience that is a touch more elevated.
Thankfully, Ottawa has a multitude of options for a higher-end lunch and they’re all delicious.
Cantina Gia
(Sponsored)
Family-owned Coke Canada Bottling investing to grow in Ottawa-Gatineau
Have you ever wondered where your favourite Coca-Cola products come from? Few people in know that over 300 popular beverages products, like Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Fuze, Fanta, Monster Energy, A&W
In a tough economy, investing in community is more important than ever
When finances are tight, it might seem counterintuitive to give back, but supporting our most vulnerable neighbours this holiday season can actually help businesses weather their own challenges. At United
Cantina Gia has been serving elevated lunches seven days a week for as long as I can remember. Although Gia sits in the Glebe, it continues to be a destination for work lunches. But why?
Well, for starters, Cantina Gia has a commitment to quality, house-made ingredients. Being the sister restaurant of North & Navy means big shoes to fill, but Gia excels. From classics like carbonara (basically a breakfast food) to unique lunches using seasonal ingredients, Cantina Gia is constantly raising the bar for what a lunch can look like on a workday.
More recently, Cantina Gia hired the former head chef of Giulia, Chris Cooke, to be its new chef. Those of you who know “Pasta Chris” know how huge this is. What was already one of Ottawa’s most elite venues for pasta added a creative mind who loves to innovate and execute in new and exciting ways on a regular basis. Chef Cooke’s ability to conceptualize dishes with what’s in-season only adds to the list of reasons Gia should be toward the top of your list for your next higher-end workday lunch.
Bodega
A new player in the elevated lunch world is Bodega by Drip House. The owners of what was formerly a Drip House decided to make a change to their establishment across from Tunney’s Pasture. The new concept is serving up bodega/bottega-style beverages and food, including house-made pastas, meatball sandwiches and an all-day breakfast sandwich that would make any New Yorker proud. Since the concept is by Drip House, you can rest assured that a cafe program is still in order. So your lunch can come with a side of a cappuccino, glass of rosé or both.
Full disclosure: I work here, was part of the opening team and created the wine list. But in saying that, I chose to be a part of this team because I believe in the concept and I feel it’s being delivered on expertly. Head chef Jo Hyunsoo, who has a fine-dining background in Toronto, is leading the kitchen team and conceptualizing a menu that marries quality with approachability. The food is simple but done well and makes a lunch for the Tunney’s Pasture crowd feel special, without putting a heavy dent in the wallet. Don’t skip the pesto cavatelli or the dollar-an-ounce wine deals at happy hour – take it from me.
Mati
When I was scrolling through my Instagram recently, I was reminded that Mati does lunch every Wednesday to Friday, and I knew it had to be on this list. From its beautiful dining room to its elevated plates, Mati’s lunch program is a reminder that the finer things don’t need to wait until the sun goes down. The lunch menu offers variety, because why should I not be able to get a light fish dish with a side of a thick-patty burger and a dirty martini?
Personally, I’d go for the salmon every time. Look at the picture. Take in how beautiful the colour is on that piece of fish. Does that not make your weekday better just looking at it? Now imagine what it would do for you when it’s 12:30 on a Thursday afternoon and that dish is sitting in front of you. Life doesn’t get much better.
Aiana Restaurant Collective
The business crowd downtown has been keeping Aiana to itself for far too long, and it’s time the rest of us experienced the wonders of its lunch. My first time trying Aiana was at the most recent Taste in the Glebe event and I was genuinely blown away. I was almost mad at myself for not having experienced it sooner and not knowing why Aiana had never been on my radar before. The pasta dish (that I still vividly remember the taste of) was next-level. The fact that Aiana is open for lunch just provides more opportunities to make your week better.
There has been a lot of pasta on this list (and Aiana does it for lunch), but that’s not why we are here this time. We are going one of two routes at Aiana today:
Route 1: Anything seafood-related. There is shellfish throughout this menu. Nordic shrimp, scallop and crab, lobster bisque – it’s truly an ode to the sea. I don’t know about you, but that is exactly what I think of when I think of an elevated lunch.
Route 2: The classic, the legendary, the indulgent croque monsieur. This is for those of you who need a flavour bomb that will fill you up for the rest of your workday. It’s powerful and messy in all the best ways and is a must-have for your work lunch this week.
Lunch in Ottawa, even during the week, can be more than just lunch. It can be an event, an opportunity to experience the elevated dining that the city has to offer right in the middle of your workday. These are just a few of the places that are doing it right. It’s time to make your week better. See you for lunch!
Jordan Pizzuti has been a local Ottawa food writer, content creator, and hospitality professional for over 10 years. Through his “best of” series, Jordan has cemented himself as an expert in Ottawa hospitality and nightlife. He continues to promote the Ottawa hospitality scene through his “Are We Having Fun Yet?” brand and his work with the Ottawa Business Journal.
