Gitanes
Mediterranean

Gitanes

4.5 (449 reviews)
← Sandy Hill
Dine-inTakeoutDelivery

ABOUT

This Mediterranean restaurant on Elgin Street in Sandy Hill offers French and Greek-inspired cuisine in a sophisticated setting with both indoor and outdoor seating. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, and the kitchen demonstrates skill with fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients at moderate pricing. It’s a reliable choice for dinner in the downtown core with strong reviews and a comfortable atmosphere.

HOURS

Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Wednesday 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Thursday 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Friday 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Saturday (today) 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm

RESTAURANT DETAILS

♿ Accessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating
🍽️ Service Options
✓ Dine-in ✓ Takeout ✓ Delivery
⭐ Popular For
✓ Dinner
🥗 Offerings
✓ Beer ✓ Wine ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee
🪑 Dining Options
✓ Dinner
🏠 Amenities
✓ Washroom ✓ Outdoor seating
👥 Crowd
✓ Dog-friendly
📅 Planning
✓ Accepts reservations
💳 Payments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments
🅿️ Parking
✓ Free street parking ✓ Paid street parking

REVIEWS

"
Alex
February 16, 2026
★★★★★

My girlfriend and I chose to spend Valentine’s Day at Gitanes this year, and we couldn’t have made a better decision.

February 14th can be a tough night for any restaurant to get right, but the team at Gitanes executed it flawlessly. The attention to detail was noticed and appreciated. From our names printed on the evening’s menu to the thoughtful Valentine’s cards at the table. The atmosphere was a perfect balance of romantic and welcoming.

Every staff member we interacted with; from the host and our server to the sommelier and the kitchen team, was warm, knowledgeable, and attentive. It was a set menu and we decided to add on the wine pairing. Each course was explained with care, which made the experience feel even more special.

I would recommend Gitanes for anything from a casual night out to a special occasion. You’re truly in good hands here; one of a handful of restaurants I’ve been to in Ottawa (so far) that is absolutely worth the price. We’ll definitely be back.

P.S. Whoever was in charge of the playlist for the evening, we appreciate you!

"
Ben Favrin
January 11, 2026
★★★★★

My girlfriend and I went on a date night and did the Chef’s Table. Everything was 10/10, service was amazing, the food was out of this world and the ambiance was warm and inviting. Highly recommend if you’re looking for the best date night restaurants in Ottawa!

"
Lydia L
January 5, 2026
★★★★★

We were lucky to celebrate NYE at Gitanes with their special menu. The flavour of each dish was so unique, and the service was top notch. Each course was really well thought out. It was also cool to meet the chef, who brought out desserts for every customer at the end. We hope to go back more often!

"
RIta Seaibi
January 3, 2026
★★★★☆

The beef tartare, escargots and onion soup were good. We also had the steak and frites and lamb, they were flavorful. The cheesecake was yummy. Great service as well.

"
Laura Lord Belle
December 8, 2025
★★★★★

I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday with dinner at Gitanes, and it was a reminder of why I love this restaurant.
The evening began with a delightful cocktail, Nouveau Riche for my convive and a very dirty gin martini for moi, accompanied by a half dozen oysters with a mignonette that was so fresh and another accompanying sauce that was a rich miso.
We continued with les riz de veau ( sweetbreads piccata) beautifully presented, crunchy yet moist and succulent and the tuna crudo with canary melon serrano and hazelnuts. Sheer joy en bouche.
For my main course, We shared the steak frite with bearnaise, the fries of crispy and delicious, the steak was a perfect medium rare and juicy.
Paired with a Barolo from their impressive list, which did not disappoint, robust and yet divine wine.
The service was impeccable from start to finish. I will most definitely be returning.
Excellent service goes out to our server who brought a purse table hook as I sat at our table for my evening purse. How practical and yes, attentive.

"
Nik T
December 1, 2025
★★★★★

From the moment the handwritten Chef’s Tasting Menu was placed in my hands, I knew we were in for something special…but nothing could have prepared me for just how extraordinary the evening would be. This was not merely dinner. It was a fully orchestrated celebration of craft, creativity, and hospitality, executed flawlessly by Chef Mitch, Hannah, and Bernard, who each brought their own magic to the experience.

The tasting began with a trio that immediately set the bar sky-high:

– Beef Tartare Sliders that struck the perfect balance between richness and brightness. These were life changing

– A silky Tuna Crudo full of clean, oceanic flavor with Foie Gras it has the *perfect* balance of flavours

– Coppa that was perfectly cut and selected, delivered depth and nuance in every bite

Each dish in the first course felt thoughtful and intentional, highlighting ingredients without overcomplicating them.

Then came the middle trio…arguably the heart of the meal:

– Ham Hock Croquettes that were impossibly crisp outside and meltingly tender inside. I’m a HUGE croquettes fan, and these have successful ruined all other croquettes

– Sweetbreads Marsala, a bold and confident dish executed with total finesse. The bone marrow paired incredibly well.

– Chanterelle Carbonara, which might be one of the most memorable plates I’ve had in years…luxurious, aromatic, and balanced. Carbonara is one of my fave if not fave pastas, chef homerun’d this dish

The final savory round continued the momentum effortlessly:

– A beautifully cooked Lamb Saddle, so full of flavor and had sausage mixed in which made it even more unique

– An irresistible Pork Belly Brochette with just the right amount of caramelization and grainy mustard on top. Simply yet wildly delicious

– A bright and playful Tomato Caesar with crispy chicken skins on top, every bite was an explosion of flavor

– best frites in the city, no comparison.

The evening closed with a classic Tart Tatin…but elevated. Tender fruit, flawless pastry, emulsified cheddar ice cream (had never had this or even heard of it but MAN did it ever pair well with the rest of the the tart.) A perfect finale.

What truly set the night apart? The team.

Chef Mitch is operating on another level…every dish reflected not only skill, but joy. He is the best chef in the city, and it’s not close in my opinion. You can taste when a chef loves what they’re doing, and Mitch’s passion radiated through the entire progression.

Hannah brought warmth, knowledge, and timing to the front of house. Her guidance through each course made the meal feel curated specifically for us, never rushed, never delayed, always in tune with our energy and a pretty funny human. She was on top of everything, and didn’t miss a single beat. You can tell she’s a seasoned vet

Last BUT most *certainly not* least, Bernard rounded out the experience with hospitality that felt both polished and personal. He elevated the evening with genuine charm and an expert touch. This guy is a true professional, always making sure everything ran smoothly and myself and guests felt taken care of and special every step of the way. This guy is an all star!! And also a shoutout to Lukas behind the bar, slinging delicious cocktails (one of the best espresso martinis in the city)

To Summarize…The menu was imaginative yet grounded, ambitious and wildly comforting. The execution was quite literally flawless. The hospitality was heartfelt. And the atmosphere – intimate, lively, and full of character – made it all the more memorable. Whoever is responsible for the tunes at that place has good taste. Five stars doesn’t feel like enough. If you have the chance to experience an evening crafted by Mitch, Hannah, and Bernard, don’t hesitate…just go. It will be unforgettable. Bon appétit, indeed!

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361 Elgin Street
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361 Elgin StreetOttawa, ON K2P 1M7
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🔄 Data last verified Apr 2026 ✏️ Suggest a correction
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🥗 Dietary
☪️
Halal
Serves halal meat - even if they don't advertise it
🌱
Vegan-friendly
Has solid vegan options even if it's not a vegan restaurant
🥦
Vegetarian-friendly
Good vegetarian options on the menu
🌾
Gluten-free options
Has gluten-free dishes or can accommodate
✡️
Kosher
Serves kosher food or has certified kosher options
✨ Features
🌙
Open past 10pm
Kitchen or bar stays open late - good for night owls
🍺
Happy Hour
Has a regular happy hour with drink or food deals
🍷
BYOB
You can bring your own bottle - call ahead to confirm
Confirmed Accessible
🚪
Private dining room
Has a private space for events or groups
🤫
Quiet / low noise
Good for conversation - not a loud scene
🍽️ Amenities
🌿
Confirmed Patio
🎵
Live music
Hosts live music or performances regularly
🐾
Confirmed Dog-friendly
🧒
Kids menu
Has a dedicated kids menu or child-friendly options
🍸
Confirmed Full Bar
🥡
Takeout
You can order food to go - call or walk in
🛵
Delivery
Delivers directly or through a third-party app
💵
Cash only
Doesn't accept cards - bring cash
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