Steak dinners have long been regarded as a great special occasion meal for Canadians. Whether youโre toasting to a new job, graduation, wedding reception, Christmas Eve, or anniversary dinner; a steak party is always on. And even though you can always fire the grill and cook your Steak at home, it is always a pleasant experience to go out with your loved ones and enjoy a relaxed meal.
The good news is that there are many amazing steakhouses around the city. So, you can have a wonderful meal, seafood, mouthwatering sides, and a great experience. A selected few have mastered the art of creating amazing steak utilizing their recipes and local ingredients to provide you with a fantastic dining experience that you will never forget. These steakhouses, which range from the nice dining area to upscale fusion eateries, will have you craving more. I have listed below some of the most popular ones you shouldnโt skip.
1. Alโs Steakhouse
I must tell this to every steak lover if you have not visited AIโs Steakhouse, you missed a lot. I am saying this because Alโs was the first and only eatery in Ottawa to use live charcoal for cooking its meat, giving steak its particular flavour.
Since then, the owner has kept the steakhouse near his heart and maintained the standards of their menu. You will find various steak varieties there
Alโs Steakhouseโs legendary garlic salad dressing is popular all over the city. It has plenty of free parking and offers a menu that appeals to all palates. Additionally, it contains a dining area that can hold up to 130 people. It is open daily for evening dining and a nice afternoon lunch.
Location:ย 327 Elgin S
2. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
My next favourite pick is none other than The Keg Steakhouse. Itโs second to none and delivers great steak cuts seasoned for softness and cooked to absolute perfection. Here, you can have well-cooked great Rib Steak. I must tell you their specialty dishes: great Prime Rib Roast, Blue Cheese Filet, Vegetarian Meatloaf, Chicken & BBQ Pork Ribs, Blackened Chicken, and fillet steaks.
It offers kid-friendly excellent food, including chicken strips, cheesy noodles, and kid-sized sirloin Oscar. This steakhouse is a fantastic choice for great food and a nice dinner because it provides a family-friendly atmosphere and attentive service.
This place is easily accessible by any mode of transportation due to its convenient location. Youโll love the affordable costs because it charges regular, standard, and fair prices.
Locations:ย
- 376 Hunt Club Road
- 15 Huntmar Drive
- 529 Richmond Road
- 75 York Street
The Canada Hustle team talked to Amira Irfan, Founder and CEO of A Self Guru, about the key aspects that make a steakhouse experience memorable. Here is what she said:

โFor me, a good steakhouse experience goes beyond just the food. While the quality and taste of the steak are certainly important factors, excellent service and ambiance play a big role in how my dining experience will be.
A great steakhouse should have attentive and knowledgeable waitstaff who can guide me through the menu and make recommendations based on my preferences.
From taking my order to refilling my water glass, I appreciate when the staff is prompt and efficient without being overbearing.
The ambiance of a steakhouse sets the mood for the entire dining experience. Whether itโs a cozy and intimate setting or a lively atmosphere with live music, I enjoy a restaurant that has thoughtfully curated its interior design to match its menu.
The lighting, music, and overall decor can greatly enhance my enjoyment of the meal.โ
3. The Shore Club
Are you around Parliament Hill, then just hold on. You canโt skip this amazing steakhouse there. I am talking about the Shore Club. I am sure you will like its tasteful decor created by soaring ceilings, amazing original artwork, and cool green and blue tones. So whether youโre looking for a quick, casual get-together in a nice afternoon, a great breakfast, or a sophisticated romantic night dinner, this fine seafood and steakhouse restaurant is ideal. It serves scrumptious Steak and the freshest seafood in understatedly luxurious surroundings. You will also love other delicious dishes from their extensive menu.
Whatโs more, every Canadian will find something in the bar area from popular Ottawa categories of vast wine selection that appeals to them. People from all over places are always warmly welcomed by the kind staff as one of this placeโs greatest advantages is the uncompromising service.
Location: 11 Colonel By Dr
4. Rosebowl Steak & Seafood
My next recommendation is the Rosebowl Steakhouse. The entire crew is committed to providing you with the most luscious dishes. I will tell you some popular ones. They serve meat cuts, delicious steak, seafood, Filet Mignon, Warm Spinach and mushroom Salad, Lobster Ravioli, great Rib Steak, and freshly baked desserts in an unmatched environment
You can also choose from a wide selection of classic cocktails at this place. One more thing that I like is itโs perfect for any event, such as a spectacular surprise, wedding reception, or anniversary dinner, no matter how big or little.
Location: 228 Preston St
5. Restaurant e18hteen
Restaurant e18hteen offers upscale takeout wings and evening dining. It has lofty ceilings, stone walls, and a beautiful fireplace that will grab your attention. The talented kitchen staff at e18hteen serves French cuisine with unique Canadian flavours, all of which are made with the finest ingredients.
Restaurant e18hteen has many popular dishes, such as Steak Tartare, Salmon Gravlax, Caesar, and Grilled Octopus, which you must try.
Moreover, its great steak and seafood, combined with itsย experienced staff, award-winning wine selection, and creative Canadian food, makes it the perfect place for events. It is ideal for holding a wedding reception, VIP dinners, product launches, morning meetings with great breakfast, and cocktail parties.
Location: 18 York St
Aseem Jha, Founder of Legal Consulting Pro, talked to the Canada Hustle team about aspects that make a steakhouse truly memorable. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

โFor me, what makes a steakhouse truly memorable is the overall dining experience, which extends far beyond just the quality of the steak itself. One particular steakhouse experience stands out vividly in my memory.
It was an intimate family celebration at a renowned steakhouse, where every detail, from the warm ambiance to the impeccable service, contributed to an unforgettable evening.
The attentive staff anticipated our needs without being intrusive, creating a sense of comfort and relaxation.
The steak, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor, was undoubtedly a highlight, but it was the personalized touches, such as a handwritten note from the chef and thoughtful recommendations from the sommelier, that elevated the experience to something truly exceptional.
This experience taught me that while the steak may be the star of the show, itโs the attention to detail, atmosphere, and personalized service that leave a lasting impression and make a steakhouse truly memorable.โ
6. The Crazy Horse Steakhouse and Saloon
I also like the comfy setting at Crazy Horse Stone Grill Steakhouse & Saloon. You feel at ease and enjoy. Its main advantages are quick service and kind employees. You must taste expertly Grilled Salmon, Steaks, Prime ribs, Fish Tacos, and Nachos.
This steakhouse, which serves as a gathering place for many, presents some incredible live concerts throughout the West. It is the most popular and favourite place for unwinding with friends while listening to weekend music.
Location: 115 Roland Michener Drive Kanata
7. Baton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar
For those around Constitution Square in Ottawa. I recommend you visit Bรขton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar. Their drop-down menu comprises dishes with distinctive and delicious flavours. You must tasteย their legendary great ribs and top-notch Thai Steak, Crispy Shrimp, and Prime Rib Sandwich.
It is a favourite place for celebrating family day with meals for the whole family because the menu includes Burger Fest, Ribs and Chicken Family Combo, Family Ribs Fest, and Family Package Tenders. They offer big portions of high-quality, delicious food dishes in a standard fair range. Seasonal vegetables, French fries, a mixed orย Caesar salad, and other side dishes are included with every meal for the children.
Location: 360 Albert St Unit 110
We interviewed Staci Anderson, Director of Marketing at Raynor Garage Doors, who shared her opinion on elements that make a steakhouse experience memorable. Here is what she had to say:

โThe biggest factor is the quality of the meat itself. The best steakhouses serve the very best available beef, usually from respected farms that are known for their commitment to humane and sustainable farming practices.ย
The texture and fat marbling, as well as the flavor profile of the steakโregardless of whether itโs a ribeye, filet mignon, or New York stripโprovide the foundation for an unforgettable dining experience.
We cannot overlook the mastery of the chefs in getting that steak cooked to perfection; juicy, tender, and precisely as the diner requested it to be cooked.
Also important is the feel, vibe, and environment of the steakhouse. Good steakhouses convert ambiance with soft lighting or open kitchens, showcasing culinary skills in the dining environment.ย
Ample linen tablecloths/dinner paper napkins (which I hate) are equally off-putting, as is service that is so fussy that frequent trips to the table disrupt the meal; likewise, a garnish that requires explaining is superfluous.
The ambiance should be one that is elegant but comfortableโone that allows guests to feel taken care of, yet at home. The experience is also improved by the minute aspects such as the table settings, the acoustics, and even the fragrance.
Another crucial point is the quality of service. It might be something as simple as having attentive, knowledgeable, and personable staff that can make a big difference in the dining experience.
Top-tier steakhouses are well-known for their exceptional serviceโfrom well-informed recommendations on how to pair wines with each cut of meat and what complements the primary entrรฉes to ensuring that every potential customer is consistently provided for without exception.
Hospitality is all about the little thingsโrecalling a guestโs favorite meal or being able to honor an extra-special request with ease.โ
8. Chop Steakhouse & Bar
Lastly, I must tell you about the Chop Steakhouse & Bar. Whatโs its specialty? You might ask. I like this because it combines the qualities of great dining with an emphasis on excellent food, an extensive wine list, premium spirits, and excellent service, together with tremendous energy and a contemporary atmosphere. Its tasteful decor blends the timeless elegance of a typical steakhouse with the rich nightlife of Las Vegas.
It provides a menu that reflects itsย dedication to ethical beef sourcing and serves big portions of 100% original Canadian beef. This excellence is accompanied by warm, professional service and vibrant surroundings.
Location: 250 W Hunt Club Rd
Steakhouses are the perfect option for giving a spectacular surprise with a nice dinner. Be it celebrating family day, Christmas Eve, or any achievement. These are the listings of the amazing steakhouses in Ottawa that I recommend you visit on your special day to remember forever.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on August 14, 2024 by Saket