In households across Ottawa, the holiday season will be marked with tree decorating, present wrapping, and of course, plenty of good eating. For those of you who love a good Christmas dinner, but aren’t in the mood to cook, we’ve compiled a list of some great restaurants serving up festive fare on December 25th. Save yourself the hours of potato peeling and the mountain of dishes, and check out these 5 great places to get a turkey dinner in the capital on Christmas Day.
Treat yourself and your family on Christmas with an epic dinner at the majestic Fairmont Château Laurier. Enjoy the festive holiday ambiance of Wilfrid’s Restaurant as you devour a decadent 4 course meal based around traditional holiday favourites, but with a contemporary, Canadian spin. The tasty items awaiting you include maple roasted pumpkin bisque, prime rib with roasted shallot mash, and a sinful chocolate caramel tart with delicate marshmallow fluff.
Address: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa
Cost: $85 for adults $42 for kids
If you’re looking for a traditional Christmas dinner, but a relaxed vibe is more your style, then head over to the Elgin St diner, open all day December 25th. Feast on one of their delicious diner staples like the Chubby Checker Burger or Old Fashioned Pot Roast, or opt for the festive Turkey Dinner Special. Get all the Christmas classics piled high on one giant plate including roast turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, buttery herbed baby carrots, corn-on-the-cob, and a choice of mashed potatoes or fresh-cut fries. You’ll also get a pick of appetizers to start, so be sure to come hungry! If you have room for dessert, try the chocolate peanut butter pie or fluffy red velvet cake.
Address: 374 Elgin St, Ottawa
Cost: $16.99
In the city’s west end, the Brookstreet Hotel has developed a hybrid option for those who want a homemade turkey feast, but without all the hours of kitchen prep. Available on the 24th and 25th (pickup on Christmas day is now sold out) grab a delicious premade Christmas feast for 10 with all the bells and whistles. The Festive Takeaway Turkey Dinners include a full roasted turkey (15-19 lbs.), thyme and confit garlic bread stuffing, buttermilk and rustic new potato mash, steamed green beans, glazed carrots, cranberry compote and a full litre of turkey giblet gravy. What about dessert you ask? Add on a pecan pie, New York style cheesecake or Praline Yule log to satisfy the after-dinner craving.
Address: 525 Legget Dr, Ottawa
Cost: $210 (serves 10)
Lost weight during the frenzy of Christmas shopping? Then gain it all back on Christmas Day at the Banco Bistro holiday buffet dinner at Casino du Lac-Leamy. Located just over the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge in Gatineau, Quebec, Banco Bistro (one of the casino’s three great dining options) offers up a spread sure to satisfy all your holiday cravings. With the buffet running from 4:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. it’s a perfect stop for a late dinner after a busy Christmas Day..
Address: 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau
Cost: $33
In the heart of downtown Ottawa, the historic Lord Elgin Hotel offers up a scrumptious prix fixe Christmas Day at cozy Grill 41. For $49 per person, enjoy a fabulous 3 course meal with Christmas classics like tender roast beef and succulent roast Ontario turkey. Top it off with a tasty dessert like Nutella Bread pudding or Chocolate soufflé to complete the trifecta. With its central location, it’s the ideal location for a Christmas dinner out, followed by a stroll downtown to view the Christmas light show on Parliament Hill.
Address: 100 Elgin St, Ottawa
Cost: $49
All prices exclude taxes and gratuity
