Best Restaurants in Hull (Vieux-Hull) — 10 Places Worth Crossing the Bridge

Vieux-Hull is the dining neighbourhood Ottawa doesn't talk about enough. Cross the Portage Bridge — 5 minutes on foot from Downtown — and you're on Rue Laval, a single street with more interesting restaurants per block than most of Ottawa. French bistros, creative fusion, Moroccan, gourmet pizza, wine bars. Here are 10 places worth the walk.

1. Clandestin, Cuisine Créative — Creative Fusion (Google 4.8)

Clandestin is a tiny creative fusion spot on Rue Laval with the highest Google rating in this list (4.8, 569 reviews). The menu blends French and Asian influences and rotates seasonally — beef carpaccio, tuna poke bowl, and inventive mains. Small space, so book ahead.

Why cross the bridge: Creative, affordable food in an intimate setting. The kind of place that would cost 30% more in Ottawa.

2. Le Cellier — French Bistro in a Heritage House (Google 4.6)

Le Cellier occupies a heritage Victorian house on Rue Saint-Jacques. The wine list is the star — over 150 private import selections. The menu is seasonal French bistro: oysters, tartare, burrata, lamb gnocchi. Two terraces open in summer.

Why cross the bridge: The heritage building ambiance and 150+ wine list are hard to match in Ottawa at this price point.

3. Bistro CoqLicorne — Gastropub & Rib Poutine (Google 4.6)

Bistro CoqLicorne is a 32-seat gastropub on Rue Laval, ranked #4 in all of Gatineau on TripAdvisor (1,045 Google reviews). The signature rib poutine is what most people come for. Also: duck dishes, tartare, burgers, tacos, and a Portuguese wine list at fair prices.

Why cross the bridge: The rib poutine alone is worth the trip. English-friendly service.

4. Chez Fatima — Moroccan (Google 4.5)

Chez Fatima is the #1-rated restaurant in all of Gatineau on TripAdvisor. Family-owned Moroccan on Promenade du Portage serving authentic tagine, merguez, pastilla, lamb couscous. Both buffet and à la carte. Small, welcoming space.

Why cross the bridge: Authentic Moroccan food is rare in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The buffet is a deal.

5. Le 138 — Café by Day, Italian by Night (Google 4.6)

Le 138 on Rue Wellington is two restaurants in one. Weekday mornings and lunch: sandwiches, salads, breakfast, poutine. Thursday through Saturday evenings: Italian fine dining. The chicken parmesan and Italian sandwiches are popular. Generous portions at fair prices.

Why cross the bridge: The dual concept means you can visit twice and have two completely different experiences.

6. Mousse Buvette — European Wine Bar (Google 4.8)

Mousse Buvette opened in 2025 on Rue Laval and already has a 4.8 Google rating. European-inspired sharing plates from Chef Stephanie Saumur (formerly of Sans Façon), 32 wines, 8 champagnes, and signature cocktails. Intimate and polished.

Why cross the bridge: The hottest new opening in Vieux-Hull. If you like natural wine bars, this is the one.

7. Caméline — Seasonal Fine Dining (Google 4.7)

Caméline on Rue Saint-Jacques is one of Hull's most refined restaurants. Seasonal tasting menus with local ingredients, wine pairings, and a focus on Québécois terroir. A special occasion spot.

Why cross the bridge: Fine dining at Quebec prices with seasonal, local ingredients.

8. Soif Bar à vin — Wine Bar (Google 4.6)

Soif Bar à vin on Rue Montcalm is Hull's go-to wine bar. Private import wines by the glass, charcuterie, cheese, and small plates. The kind of place where you stay longer than planned.

Why cross the bridge: The private import wine selection is better and cheaper than most Ottawa wine bars.

9. Piz'za-za — Gourmet Pizza & Wine (Google 4.2)

Piz'za-za has been on Rue Laval for over 30 years. Wood-fired gourmet pizza with local ingredients, paired with private import wines. They host regular wine tasting events. Gluten-free options available.

Why cross the bridge: A Vieux-Hull institution. Pizza + wine in a neighbourhood setting that's been consistent for three decades.

10. Le Troquet — Bistro & Live Music (Google 4.1)

Le Troquet has been a Vieux-Hull staple since 1997. Part café, part bistro, part bar — the kind of neighbourhood spot where locals gather. Burgers, nachos, pasta, poutine, plus live music and entertainment. The most casual option on this list.

Why cross the bridge: If you want the Vieux-Hull vibe without the fine dining price tag. Live music on weekends.

Getting There

Vieux-Hull is directly across the Portage Bridge from Downtown Ottawa. Most restaurants are on or near Rue Laval — about 5 minutes on foot from the bridge.

• Walking: 10–15 minutes from Parliament Hill
• Driving: 5 minutes, street parking available on Rue Laval and surrounding streets
• Transit: STO buses cross the bridge; OC Transpo routes stop near the Portage Bridge on the Ottawa side
• Note: Hull is in Quebec — different tax structure (GST + QST ≈ 14.975%)

Tips

• Reservations — Book ahead at Le Cellier, Clandestin, Bistro CoqLicorne, and Mousse Buvette. Small spaces fill up fast.
• Rue Laval — Many of these restaurants are on this single street. Walk up and down to check menus before committing.
• Summer terraces — Most restaurants open terraces from May through September. The best time to visit.
• BYOB — Some Gatineau restaurants are BYOB (Apportez Votre Vin). Check individual policies.
• Language — All these restaurants serve in both English and French.