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From the blog · Personal Picks

Less Famous Eateries In Canada That Offered Me An Amazing Dining Experience

Much of the picking of the places we go to has to do with the information we read. Advertising is one of the pillars of consuming — and most of us gastronomy consumers have our favourite pages for checking what's the hottest new place in town.

That being said, the good old word of mouth is still alive and kicking. You can really find new spots when you start hanging out with new friends — food junkies or not.

This is my list of the lesser-known places in Canada that you should really go to for an excellent meal.

Somerset Street, part one

So Good Restaurant

The chicken breast with peanut sauce and roasted veggies is just as amazing as the Indonesian shrimp.

I heard about it because a friend of mine lives nearby, over Somerset Street; he went with his girlfriend and had a blast. The price range is way more than adequate for the type of food they sell — and the best of it all is the vibe you get once you are inside.

A must if you live in the neighborhood, and a great option for passers-by.

Chicken with peanut sauce and roasted vegetables
A must if you live in the neighborhood — and a great option for passers-by.

Somerset Street, part two

Prohibition Public House

Another recommendation from the same friend, also on Somerset Street — just four blocks away from So Good Restaurant. This place is a great discovery.

The first thing that hit me right from the start was how cozy the environment is. It is a little more expensive than the previous one, but the preparation of the meals is something else.

You can have a great serving of buffalo crab dip, pulled pork sliders, charcuterie or poutine tacos to share — and it won't break the bank.

They also offer a wide variety of craft beer, which is always a plus — and the staff are as kind and helpful as they can be.

We spent a little more when we were there, but the food was delicious, so it was well worth it. I recommend it for a nice night out with friends.

Date night

North And Navy

This is my favourite dating spot. Yes — it is the 21st century, and girls like me ask men out very often.

I don't have to explain the new role of women in the world to you; it's a new millennium, a new era, and we are not going to sit and wait for the phone to ring anymore. That being said: the dim light around the place and the candle on the table start the night one step higher than usual.

If there's one thing I can recommend, it's the home-made pasta with those amazing sauces. You can't make a mistake there — it always comes out al dente, and the flavours are deliciously complex. I'm a beer girl, but I do enjoy some red wine from time to time, and this place has the best selection.

Just ask the staff — they will offer the perfect one for your meal. Not so well known, but a great discovery, especially with that special someone.
Homemade pasta and red wine by candlelight
Dim light, a candle on the table, and pasta that always comes out al dente.

Worth the detour

Bowman's Bar & Grill

The location of this place might be its biggest challenge in terms of popularity. It's not that it's so far from downtown Ottawa — but it is very close to the highway.

The good thing about that distance is that they managed to have their own parking lot.

The vegetarian options on the menu are awesome — and I am a meat-eating person. There is a burger made of nuts that is absolutely magical.

Also, for dessert, there is no way on Earth to avoid the churro with Nutella that they make. It is not oily, and the presentation is glorious — it's almost as if a choir of angels sang “ahhh” as it comes to the table.

One last thing

The staff deserve a mention: knowledgeable, friendly and always ready to go the extra mile. Thumbs up for this place!

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