Three Ottawa restaurants, two hotels named amongst “best of the best” in North America by CAA/AAA’s prestigious Four Diamond Awards

OTTAWA, ON (October 18, 2022) – The ballots are in and three Ottawa restaurants plus two hotels have been ranked amongst the most distinctive in North American for service, exceptional experience, creativity and cleanliness by CAA/AAA.

The annual Four Diamond Awards are held by some of the most renowned fine dining restaurants and upscale hotels across North America. Awardees are determined by anonymous inspections and the only rating system using comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant inspections guided by member priorities. CAA/AAA’s rating system covers Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.

For 2022, three restaurants and two hotels received the awards.

“The restaurants and hotels named to the 2022 Four Diamond Awards are amongst the most distinctive in North America and truly showcase Ottawa as an international city,” said Jeff Walker, President and CEO of CAA North & East Ontario.

“The incredible standards that must be met to earn these awards is an outstanding achievement that deserves our support and recognition, especially after the past few years. We are proud to recognize these establishments as amongst the best of the best in North America,” he added.

Atelier, 540 Rochester St.

Inspector’s Notes: “Prepare for a multi-course culinary journey through a wonderland of edible creations masterminded by this eatery. Don't be alarmed by lack of signage on the building. It's all part of the ambience. Inside, your every need will be catered to and you will enjoy surprise dishes beyond your wildest dreams. A wine pairing is optional. Plan for around 4 hours of dining time.”

Beckta Dining & Wine Bar, 150 Elgin St.

Inspector’s Notes: “Set in a grand, historic building in the heart of downtown, this restaurant welcomes visitors into its warm interior for a refined, chic dining experience. The decor is reminiscent of a former time mixed with touches of modern elegance. Guests to the formal dining room are invited to enjoy the à la carte menu or five-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing for dinner. Dishes are handsomely plated and prepared with fine ingredients. Guests looking for a more casual yet still refined experience are welcomed into the wine bar.”

e18hteen, 18 York St.

Inspector’s Notes: “Historic. This 18th-century heritage building with exposed gray stone walls, flowing draperies and contemporary art creates an inviting atmosphere in which to dine. The service staff is both astute and polished in the table service. Remember, the menu changes with the season as the chef wants to present the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. I recommend the tasting menu, which will enable you to experience a larger variety of the food the chef so capably prepares.”

Two notable Ottawa hotels were also given Four Diamond status:

Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St.

Inspector’s Notes: “The grand, circa 1912 hotel features a permanent photography exhibit in the lobby. The guest rooms vary in size, but all feature elegant beds and gorgeous headboards with convenient reading lights. In a distinctive location immediately beside the locks of the Rideau Canal, the landmark hotel exudes Canadian historical ambience. The lobby and other common areas display Old World detail and charm. “

Hotel Le Germain, 30 Daly Ave.

Inspector’s Notes: “This new addition to the downtown area has a ‘light and shadows’ theme to the décor. Guest rooms are stylish and offer outstanding bedding. Heated bathroom floors will keep your toes warm in winter.”

To view the complete list, visit magazine.caaneo.ca.