North & Navy : A Northern Italian Experience

Tucked away in a quiet side street of Centertown Ottawa sits North & Navy, which is every bit as elegant as it sounds. A converted century home creates a parallel between Northern Italian cuisine and Eastern Ontario fare; conveying a sense of excitement that lies somewhere between the discovery of something original and simply coming home.

The ivory walls are enriched with carnelian leather; rich dark oak, Venetian gold frames, mis-matched antique silverware and notes of Navy. The charm is effortless, understated, and lively. Cozy up in the dining room conducive to small intimate gatherings and the sharing of food.

Cascading plates arrive at your table on colorful, antique chinaware- fresh handmade pastas, polpette, fresh cheese with basil and tomatoes, and sardele are purposefully and carefully prepared. Follow with a rich Venetian liver and onions, warm octopus and Ling Cod Livronese; all traditional Venetian dishes with plating that is elevated, graceful and authentic.

Move to the Bacaro, where shelves painted with grappa, malts and brandy offer casual after-work warmth. Cicheti circulates, every plate dressed with classics; salted cod with caramelized fennel, blue cheese stuffed cherry tomatoes, Grissini and salami – every one as beautiful as the next.

It has been many years that North & Navy has been conceptualized, and now, full of life and love – we see first hand that creativity matters. That sticking to the classics never goes out of style, but most importantly, doing both the way you precisely envision makes it all your own, and all the better.