FOOD SCENE: Restaurant E18hteen
- johnathan95
- Oct 9, 2024
- 3 min read
It is rare when a restaurant is just as elegant as the historic building it resides in. Ottawa’s Original Downtown is home many heritage buildings that contribute to the rich culture of Rideau St. and the neighbouring ByWard Market. Located at 18 York St., Restaurant E18hteen is inside a heritage building that was constructed more than 100 years ago by James R. Bowes. The building features ornate detail, such as cornice, quoins, drip moulds, and a mansard style roof. The craftsmanship related to the Second Empire style. The building has a 700-person capacity and is home to two restaurants; one of which being E18hteen.
The historic details of the building are the perfect backdrop for the contemporary elegance of Restaurant E18hteen. The space is the premier destination for French fine dining in the nation’s capital. Specializing in seafood and steaks, their menu is indulgent, and a celebration of the finest ingredients available.

No Limits to Luxury
Restaurant E18hteen believes in offering affordable luxury, where fine dining is accessible without compromising on quality. Their menu balances the freshest ingredients with thoughtful preparation, creating a high-end dining experience that is approachable and rewarding. In order to get a well-rounded experience, Restaurant E18hteen offers a Tasting Menu, that is carefully crafted by their team of Chef’s to provide diners with a unique Michelin-level experience. This menu is a journey through flavours and techniques that showcases the best of their menu and offers an unforgettable culinary adventure. If you want to bask in the luxury further, you can add the wine package and have the perfect wine pairing for every course. The restaurant has been recognized for its consistency and excellence. They received a celebrated 4-Diamond fine dining restaurant; a high honour in the industry.
In addition to their a la carte menu, E18hteen also invites you celebrate special events with them. The space is available for rent for weddings and other gatherings. They have a variety of Prix fixe menus available, and you can work with the event staff to make your special event perfect.

A Tenured Team
The expertise of the staff at Restaurant E18hteen is unmatched. Many of them have been with the restaurant for over 20 years. Their dedication and passion for hospitality are at the heart of what makes E18hteen special, ensuring that every guest receives the highest level of service and care. Opening in 2001, E18hteen is a well-respected establishment where many Ottawa chefs have worked and built their skill set.
Executive chef David Godsoe is a young, proud Canadian, putting his stamp on the food at E18hteen. Godsoe worked as an intern in the restaurant years ago, under chef Matthew Carmicheal (chef and co-owner of El Camino, Datsun and Riviera) before honing his craft at different restaurants. He returned to E18hteen in 2016 and has led their food and beverage program ever since. His goal is to retain the extremely high standards at E18hteen while defining what Canadian cuisine is and finding creative ways of transforming ingredients and creating flavour profiles and components, pulling inspiration from around the world.
If you are craving a taste of luxurious seafood, steak and other creative dishes, treat yourself to the indulgence of Restaurant E18hteen. Discover some of the top food and service that Ottawa has to offer; it will be an experience you never forget.

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