Welcome to Cantina Gia
Cantina Gia, located at 749 Bank St in Ottawa, is a vibrant Italian eatery that has quickly become a favorite among locals. Celebrated for its inviting atmosphere and delicious fare, it boasts a diverse menu featuring standout dishes like homemade pasta and tantalizing risottos. Guests rave about the rich flavors and generous portions, with highlights including the renowned shrimp pasta and delightful pancakes. The bar serves exceptional cocktails, notably the espresso martini. With attentive service and a charming ambiance, Cantina Gia promises a memorable dining experience, perfect for brunch, dinner, or celebrating special occasions.
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749 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V3, Canada Hotline: +1 613-569-0464
Welcome to Cantina Gia, an enchanting culinary gem located at 749 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V3, Canada. This vibrant eatery has quickly become a local favorite, earning praise for its incredible food, inviting atmosphere, and attentive service. With a focus on Italian cuisine, Cantina Gia stands out for its innovative twists on classic dishes, making it a must-visit for food lovers in the area.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a charming ambiance that perfectly balances a lively energy with cozy elements. High ceilings and soft lighting create an intimate setting, ideal for both casual outings and special occasions. Whether you choose to enjoy a bustling brunch or a relaxed dinner, the vibe is undeniably welcoming, played out with a backdrop of great music to complement your dining experience.
Patrons rave about the diverse menu offerings, which showcase an array of flavors and textures. Dishes like the creamy mushroom pasta and homemade risotto have captured the hearts of many, with diners delighting in the expertly executed flavors and generous portions. Fans have also highlighted the arancini as a standout appetizer, and for brunch, the pancakes with pistachio cream and smoked salmon eggs benedict are not to be missed. Each dish is prepared with care, often featuring fresh, homemade ingredients that elevate the dining experience.
Beyond the delightful food, the exceptional service at Cantina Gia deserves recognition. Many reviews mention the friendly and knowledgeable staff, who contribute to a delightful dining atmosphere. Whether you're seated at the bar enjoying an espresso martini or in a cozy nook sharing plates with friends, the team here is committed to providing efficient and friendly service that enhances your overall experience.
As you explore the restaurant, don't forget to indulge in their rich cocktail selection, featuring innovative drinks like Negronis on tap, as well as a curated wine list perfect for pairing with your meal. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Cantina Gia is ready to impress with its superb offerings and charm.
In conclusion, if you’re searching for a spot that combines delightful food, personable service, and an inviting atmosphere, Cantina Gia is the ultimate destination in Ottawa. Join the local dining community and discover why this restaurant is making waves in the culinary scene.
Everyone who works here is cool and hot. Is that a requirement? Food was bomb. Espresso martini was one of the best I've ever had. Abby was incredible and so funny. Did I mention everyone who worked here is cool and hot
my favorite spot in the city. affordable prices and such amazing food. great vibe too. go for brunch and dinner. the pancakes are a must and the eggs benedict with smoked salmon is fantastic as well. then for dinner you’ll have too many amazing options. i absolutely love the shrimp pasta but you can’t go wrong with pasta and wine. must go in the city.
Service was quick, informed, and respectful. Cool to see that it was pretty busy for a Tuesday night! Very charming building & decoration. They’ve been running Cantina Gia for 5 years now! The calamari is thinly/lightly breaded and the mayo, I believe, is home made as it has a very delightful and fresh egg-taste (compared to store-bought mayo). The risotto was my favourite, and I’m looking forward to ordering this again! I had a sip of their IPA and it’s very fresh and fruity. They have a great wine selection — make sure to ask your waiter for proper pairing! Thank you for the wonderful and efficient service & thank you chefs for the delicious and timely meals!
Had an amazing experience at Cantina Gia. This restaurant is my friends favorite and now that I have tried it, I can see why. It has a nice calm ambiance to chat have drinks and enjoy good food! If you love to share plates and taste everything, it is the perfect place for you! *best aracini ever by the way
We had the most beautiful baby shower in the private dining area, a lovely brunch... We had a limited menu and everyone loved their food - the homemade pasta was simple and delicious, the pancakes with the pistachio cream too! The cocktails I am told were thoroughly enjoyed, and they even allowed me to do my own specialty mocktail. Can’t wait to go back and try the full menu. Would totally recommend this place whether for brunch, a nice dinner or your special & intimate event!
Wonderful service and fantastic food! We sat at the bar (which my only complaint would be the bar chairs aren't the best), and the bartender was great (I believe her name was Jess). We enjoyed appetizers (focaccia, Arancini and Caesar salad) and the mains (cacio e pepe and creste rigate & sausage) we ordered, and the tiramisu was great as well! Negroni's on tap were quite good! Atmosphere was good, it was lively and a good music playing lightly under the noise of the customers.
A beautiful cafe in the heart of Ottawa with a beautiful design, delicious food and large portions as well. It's a great place to go for brunch. Note that on the weekends they are very busy, so come early or make a reservation.
What took me so long! My partner loves this place and it was my first time going with her to check it out. The minute I walked in, the atmosphere was even better than I thought: high ceilings, soft lighting, great music, and comfy seating. We started with focaccia and balsamic/olive oil, delicious (and not too salty) white anchovies (the best I’ve had, in my brief foray into eating these little fish), warmed olives, and tuna crudo, topped with little grape slices and a shred of basil each to add a welcome change-up in flavour. My partner loved her espresso martini, too. For the mains, we ordered creamy mushroom pasta, and a nice (but ultimately slightly too fishy) clam and scallop risotto. The portions were huge, and certainly worth the price. The scallops were cooked perfectly, and there were little shreds of clam in the risotto that added a nice texture to the dish. We were a bit too full from the meal for dessert, but the tiramisu would have been calling our name otherwise. The service was great, with our server keeping our water glasses full and only interjecting when needed, letting us enjoy our evening fully and privately. Cheers to the best Italian I’ve had in Ottawa so far!