Don’t sleep on Aylmer restaurants. This quaint suburb is often overlooked by people who head to nearby Hull or the big city of Ottawa, but this small town has plenty of mouth-watering dishes itself in Outaouais. The best restaurants in Alymer Quebec seem to have the upscale Antonyme at the top of the list, but if you’re in the mood for something more casual, Aylmer has that, too.
You’ll meet a lot of great people here as this is a working-class community with a penchant for proper meals. The selection of cuisines is vast for such a small area, so if you’re lucky enough to visit Aylmer, bring your appetite!
1. Antonyme
Food Type: Upscale Contemporary
Atmosphere: Business Casual
Family-Friendly: No
Price: $$$$
The service at Antonyme is exceptional and is a huge reason why I listed them as the best restaurant in Aylmer, if you read all the reviews, you’ll agree too. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making everyone feel special and welcome.
But what good is service if the food they serve is no good? Well, no need to worry here; you could throw a dart blindfolded at this menu and be happier than a termite in a treehouse.
Start with the beetroot carpaccio or crispy polenta. These small plates are perfect for sharing and will set the tone for what’s to come. If you struggle with decision-making, leave it in the hands of their experienced chef and order the “Discovery Menu”. Choose either a 3 or 5-plate service and then sit back and enjoy.
2. Bistro L’Autre Œil
Food Type: Gastronomy/Pub
Atmosphere: Smart casual
Family-Friendly: Yes, for daytime, no at night
Price: $$$
From the moment you step into Bistro L’Autre Oeil, you’re greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that instantly makes you feel at home. The cozy and casual pub setting, with its exposed brick walls and soft lighting, exudes an atmosphere of comfort and small-town charm.
But what truly sets Bistro L’Autre Oeil apart from your average pub is its exquisite cuisine. From traditional French dishes to modern fusion plates, each dish is expertly crafted using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The same family has owned this establishment for decades, and they have perfected the art of gastronomy.
In addition to the exceptional food, Bistro L’Autre Oeil also boasts a carefully curated wine list and a selection of draft beers. The knowledgeable staff can help pair the perfect beverage with your meal, and if you visit in the summer, be sure to enjoy their cute sidewalk patio.
3. Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant
Food Type: Peruvian/Latin American
Atmosphere: Casual
Family-Friendly: Yes
Price: $$
Peruvian Amazonas restaurant is a gem of a dining experience that truly stands out among the other restaurants in the area. The restaurant offers a unique blend of Peruvian and Amazonian cuisine, providing customers with a taste of Latin America for a nice change from local offerings.
One of the reasons this restaurant is so great is the authentic and flavourful dishes they serve. From traditional ceviche to mouth-watering grilled meats, each dish is prepared with care and showcases the rich and vibrant flavours of Peruvian cuisine.
While I wouldn’t rank them as high based on atmosphere and ambiance, their food and service more than make up for it.
4. Bistro Mexicana 129
Food Type: Mexican
Atmosphere: Fun casual
Family-Friendly: Yes
Price: $$$
Another departure from traditional French dishes is Bistro Mexicana 129, with its authentically designed menu showcasing Mexico’s diverse and flavourful cuisine.
All the classic dishes are here, like tacos, quesadillas, and even lesser-known delicacies like mole and ceviche. Save room for dessert also because who can resist churros and deep-fried ice cream?!
In addition to its mouth-watering food, Bistro Mexicana 129 also prides itself on its warm and welcoming ambiance. The interior is adorned with vibrant colours, traditional decor, and lively music, creating a festive atmosphere that transports customers to Mexico. During summer months, their outdoor patio overlooks a parkette right in the middle of downtown Aylmer.
5. Patate Lou Lou
Food Type: Quebec
Atmosphere: Super casual
Family-Friendly: Yes
Price: $
The term “restaurant” might be a stretch for Patate Lou Lou as they only have outdoor seating. But what they lack in formalities, they make up for with traditional Quebec “street food”. Learn more about our cuisine: Foodie Bucket List: Must-Try Foods from Quebec while in Canada’s French Province.
If you’ve never had a poutine (cause, you know, this blog is called Chasing Poutine after all, ha-ha!) or are always looking for the best one, move this place to the top of your list. You know a place is good when there is always a line, and here, you can expect to wait at least 30 minutes at any time of day.
I recommend the poutine with the house gravy and add smoked meat; it’s life changing. But don’t shy away from other offerings such as steamed hot dogs, pogos, and smoked meat sandwiches. If there’s no room to sit at their picnic tables, take your food down the street to the banks of the Ottawa River for some Instagrammable views.
Summary – Best Aylmer Restaurants
For such a small town, there is a surprising amount of delicious food options. These are the top 5 best restaurants in Aylmer, but 5 more could easily be recommended. In the meantime, bon appétit!
Here are some other articles about Quebec that may interest you once you find the best restaurants in Aylmer.
- Top 6 Things to Do in Chelsea, Quebec
- Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Quebec City
- 5 Best Restaurants in Chelsea, Quebec
- Restaurants in Perce, Quebec: Choose from the Best
- Top 6 Restaurants in Wakefield, Quebec
- Top 5 Best Restaurants in Hull, Quebec
- Packing List for Quebec in Winter: What to Bring
- Best Quebec Snowmobile Resorts
- 10 Top Things to Do in Quebec Province
- 46 Ultimate Best Quebec Guided Tours You Should Book Now in the Province
What to Do in Outaouais and How to Organize Your Trip
Curious about how to spend your day in the Outaouais region? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:
- Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Canada’s National Capital Region on a helicopter tour.
- Spend the night at Hôtel V in downtown Gatineau and relax in the hotel’s spa and whirlpool, or head to Fairmont Le Château Montebello for an unforgettable experience.
- Take full advantage of winter with this nocturnal snowshoeing adventure in Gatineau Park.
- Uniquely cross the Ottawa River with the world’s first interprovincial zip line linking Quebec and Ontario.
- Try an iconic Canadian experience of dogsledding in Saint-Sixte.
- Try your hand at a thrilling outdoor experience called Via Ferrata.
- Challenge your family through a floating maze at Éco-Odyssée or explore it on a SUP.
- Go on a sunset boat ride on the Ottawa river.
Preparing For Your Trip
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa, Civitatis and sometimes even Expedia.
It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.
Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.
Looking for a cheap flight to the Outaouais through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.
Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with DiscoverCars, AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.
Wanna save this article for later? Pin it to your Pinterest board!
1 Comment
Heads Up: Tremblant savings, half-price Signatures tickets, Outaouais restaurant tips - Ottawa Road Trips
October 6, 2024 at 3:10 PM[…] (L’Orée du Bois) to humble (Patate Lou Lou). Here are Jennifer’s recommendations for Aylmer, Hull, Chelsea and […]