Griffin's, Ottawa

A large wrought iron patio and a cozy interior with brick walls, brightly coloured loveseats and old-fashioned wingback chairs, make this a popular after-work stop for the downtown crowd. The menu combines pizza, pasta, fish and barbecue dishes with an upscale appetizer menu. Later in the evenings this restaurant, which is located in the lively Elgin Street district, turns into a fashionable nightclub frequented by well-dressed 25- to 40-year-old professionals.