Searching for an ideal outdoor date spot in Ottawa? Look no further. With ample outdoor seating, a beautiful atmosphere, and delicious food, these top Ottawa restaurants will ensure an impressively delicious date. 

Sidedoor Restaurant

Sidedoor restaurant is a fancy yet hip gathering spot with a spacious modern patio. Known for their delicious international tapas, tacos, and Asian cuisine, they offer a wide range of healthy and delicious options that are easily adaptable to any dining style (even vegan!). The patio is bright and airy, with beautiful plant life for privacy, large umbrellas for shade, and simple tables that have a minimalistic LA vibe. Sidedoor also boasts a delicious and expansive cocktail menu with a variety of standard bar drinks and many custom creations! 

Visit Sidedoor Restaurant at 18b York Street in Ottawa, Ontario. https://Sidedoorrestaurant.com 

Cornerstone Bar and Grill

Cornerstone Bar and Grill is a delicious and upscale casual dining spot in the heart of Byward Market. They have multiple outdoor dining areas; one facing the bustling streets of Byward, and a more private patio on the side with a second bar and casual standing tables. Cornerstone offers a variety of shareable plates, delicious wood fire pizzas, and classic Canadian cuisine. They are best known for their classic cocktails and pitchers of sangria. Cornerstone is the perfect place for a classy yet casual date and is close by a variety of after-date attractions like a walk to parliament, a beavertail downtown, or a host of locations for after-dinner drinks. 

You can visit Cornerstone Bar and Grill at 92 Clarence Street in Ottawa, Ontario. https://Cornerstoneottawa.com 

Pancho Villa

If your dream date is authentic Mexican cuisine on a gorgeous patio, Pancho Villa is the place to be. Equipped with a variety of authentic Mexican dishes and delicious cocktails to accompany them, Pancho Villa leaves little to be desired. Their menu is large, so there is a variety of options for everyone. They have a more casual atmosphere than the other locations on this list, but their food is a staple in Ottawa cuisine. Pancho Villa is located right in downtown Elgin. You can spend the day exploring the local boutiques, and after dinner, end the night at one of the numerous late-night drink spots or get gelato. Pancho Villa is highly reviewed for great cleanliness standards during COVID and attentive waitstaff. 

You can visit Pancho Villa at 361 Elgin Street in Ottawa, Ontario. https://Panchovilla.ca 

Courtyard Restaurant

Courtyard Restaurant is a fancy outdoor space that is hosted, you guessed it… in a courtyard. Located in the heart of Byward Market, the private backdoor patio is in the beautiful cobblestone alleyways away from the hustle and bustle of the main downtown streets. Surrounded by a beautiful selection of greenery, the patio is spacious and welcoming with comfortable seating. Courtyard Restaurant is known for its fine-dining experience, serving classics like charcuterie, gnocchi, duck poutine, and Crème brûlée for dessert. They have an expansive wine list with suggested pairings. Courtyard Restaurant specializes in events and weddings, so you can rest assured that their space is both classic and exciting, and will be impressive to any date! 

Visit Courtyard Restaurant at 21 George Street in Ottawa, Ontario. https://Courtyardrestaurant.com 

Perspectives at Brookstreet Hotel

Perspectives is Brookstreet Hotel’s award-winning restaurant. Executive Chef Clifford Lynes creates a variety of dishes signature to the restaurant based on foods that are fresh and in season. This is a top choice if you are looking to impress your date with your knowledge of fine-dining. The outdoor patio has a beautiful view of the pool and golf course, with comfortable padded seating and a shady overhang to protect you from the sun. They offer a 4-course dinner option for an easy and well-reviewed meal choice. Perspectives is highly reviewed for high standards and COVID policy. 

Visit Perspectives at The Brookstreet Hotel. 525 Legget Drive, Ottawa, Ontario. https://brookstreethotel.com/perspectives-restaurant 

JOEY Lansdowne

One of two JOEY restaurants in the downtown Ottawa area, JOEY Lansdowne boasts a quieter atmosphere than JOEY Rideau and an older crowd than its downtown equivalent. The outdoor patio is large, with a variety of seating choices including tables, booths, and casual seating areas. There are outdoor heaters and fireplaces, as well as plants separating the tables and adding to the ambiance. JOEY serves a great variety of Asian-inspired dishes, tapas, and classic plates – there is a variety of choices for everyone. Their cocktail menu is expansive and delicious, and the servers are knowledgeable on wine pairings. Located in the heart of Lansdowne, JOEY is nearby a variety of dessert venues, small boutiques, and other attractions to keep your date night going. 

Visit JOEY Lansdowne at 825 Exhibition Way Unit 103 in Ottawa, Ontario. https://Joeyrestaurants.com