A Delightful dinner at Norca – One of the Best restaurants Downtown Ottawa

I long for things that are “made with love from home”. This is why when I travel, I prioritize authentic local experiences. And what better way is there to experience true local culture, than by eating local? My recent stay in Ottawa called for ease, intentional seclusion and simple, yet powerful cultural experiences. So, seamlessly connecting with the culture by dining at one of the best restaurants downtown Ottawa did that for me. 

Authentic Canadian Cuisine at One of the Best Restaurants Downtown Ottawa

The acronymized restaurant name (Norca) says it all: we eat local, grow local and support local. In other words, we won’t feed you what we won’t eat ourselves. And this is what family does: we give the best to those we love. Norca Restaurant & Bar is nestled in Le Germain Hotel (one of Ottawa’s premiere boutique hotels, an eco-certified brand and a Canadian owned hospitality group).  It’s amazing how Le Germain Hotels brand is congruent with its ideals, values and brand message from all angles. A family-owned business at the core, this hospitality group is remaining consistent in the business they offer to patrons, across the board. 

Top Notch Aesthetics in a “Homey” Environment

Having dined at the NORCA restaurant for the first time, I can see why I would rank it as one of the best restaurants downtown Ottawa. From the time I stepped in, I could feel the thoughtfulness and intentionality in every bite of this experience at one of the best restaurants in Ottawa. From the warm welcome from the reception to the invitation to sit at my table without a reservation, I felt taken care of at every single point of my “journey to the dinner table”. As I embraced my surroundings while waiting to pick what I would delight in, it was hard not to notice the upscale aesthetics of this top-notch property.

If you’re on the hunt for your next best restaurant downtown Ottawa for fine dining, take my word for it: you’ve just found it. At every twist and turn, the modern and sleek decor captivates your eye, making it hard for you to know what to focus on: and it’s a good thing.

Choosing the Right Menu Option at your New Best Restaurant Downtown Ottawa

When it comes to first dining experiences at new venues, I like to be safer than sorry: opt for something traditional, items that are really “hard to miss”. I thought I was going for a safe and simple burger, but Chef Suhel (in-house chef at the Norca restaurant) blew my mind, by making me realize that there could always be more to a burger, if you know how to mix your ingredients right! I never go for the fries, and thus opted for the salad: a surprise it was indeed, with the intentional mix of flavors and spices in the sauce. If your kid says no to eating his/her fruits and veggies, get them a burger with the salad at the NORCA restaurant, and they’ll forever eat their greens! (But only if you know the secret recipe to replicate it at home, though).

The Norca Restaurant at Le Germain Hotel is one of the best restaurants downtown Ottawa that I’d recommend if you’re in town, looking for a “feel at home” experience. The top notch decor, great service and thoughtful attention embellished my entire experience, leaving me with an even spicier taste in my palate, beautifully complementing the flavorful Canadian-grown beef burger that (to this date), I still long for.

Hope you get to visit there soon, and when you do, let me know how it goes.

Want to see more of my Canadian travel experiences? Make sure you check out the Canadian travel section. Prefer video content? I’ve got you: stay up to date with all my Canada travel adventures on Youtube!