The holidays are right around the corner and the holiday party season is in full swing. However, given how busy things can be this time of year, we know that booking your holiday party may have become an afterthought.
Lucky for you there are still some amazing restaurants taking holiday party bookings, even into the early new year.
When you look for a holiday party venue, what do you look for? Great food and service are a must, but so is a cozy space that can accommodate your staff and make them feel thanked for all their hard work. You also probably want a spot that can keep the drinks flowing in a timely manner and with a professional touch. Lastly, finding a spot that is willing to adjust to the needs of your business can make or break a good holiday party.
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So, the question then becomes: Where should you go?
There are a number of amazing spots for your holiday party in Ottawa. Here are three of my favourites (with honourable mentions to Erlings Variety and The Elmdale Tavern).
Anabella’s Kitchen & Lounge
Anabella’s at 268 Preston St. might not yet be on your radar as a top Ottawa restaurant, but it should be, especially if you’re looking for a group booking. The former home of two six (ate) is now the living space of a one-year-old Mediterranean restaurant that is surprising a lot of new guests. The attention to detail in the food and cocktails is slowly creating a buzz among foodies across the city and the sleek atmosphere is perfect for any dinner date or celebration.
As far as booking your holiday party here, it doesn’t get much better. The private room upstairs (which turns into a unique vintage cocktail bar once per week) is the ideal space. It’s separate from the rest of the restaurant, meaning you don’t need to rely on booking out the entire space for availability. This also makes it an affordable option compared to trying to pay a restaurant to fully close its doors to make your party work. Anabella’s is also extremely accommodating. From adjusting menu items to bringing in off-menu treats like charcuterie boards to decorating the space to fit your needs, Anabella’s is committed to accommodation.
This space is great for anywhere from 10-30 people, but anything more than that may start to get tight so keep that in mind when reaching out to book here.
Cantina Gia
A tried-and-true classic, the sister restaurant of North and Navy, and a wonderful option for your last-minute holiday party is the always wonderful Cantina Gia at 749 Bank St. Similar to Anabella’s, the private room at Gia provides options. Cantina Gia is a veteran in the private booking game and can be relied on to hit all the notes.
Great food? Check.
Awesome service? Some of the best.
A diverse beverage menu? Of course!
And the space is as beautiful as any.
Cantina Gia prides itself on providing a memorable experience that will have you bragging to all your other corporate friends about how outstanding your staff holiday party was. It brings a certain level of elevation to the table (no pun intended) that reassures your team that they can feel confident and comfortable enjoying themselves for the evening. Plus … who doesn’t want to celebrate the holidays with a Negroni on tap?
Gezellig
Unless you live in or frequent Westboro, Gezellig at 337 Richmond Rd. may not be on your immediate radar. But the sister to both Beckta and Play can stand on its own as a heavy hitter in Ottawa’s hospitality scene. Whether it’s lunch, dinner or a weekend brunch, Gezellig’s approach to providing an elevated version of cozy comfort dining is impressive. It’s a space that is meant to bring people together and that is exactly what it accomplishes during the holiday party season.
The holidays are about sharing and the Gezellig menu leads you down a path of shareable small plates that are perfect for coming together and experiencing food and wine the way it should be experienced … as a community.
In my few visits to Gezellig, I’ve noticed the attention to service is impeccable. The staff are experts when it comes to making sure you are feeling happy and accommodated throughout your stay. From the moment you walk through the door to the moment you walk back out, you will never feel neglected.
Gezellig provides both private dining and restaurant buy-out experiences, so no matter your last-minute holiday needs, the staff have got you covered.
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.
