Arlo on Somerset becomes first Ottawa restaurant in exclusive 50 Best Discovery guide
The natural-wine-focused restaurant, which opened in 2020, was selected from 210 new additions to the global database curated by the prestigious 50 Best brand.
Sources · local media reports
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Arlo on Somerset Street West has become the first and only Ottawa restaurant to earn a listing in the 50 Best Discovery guide, the global database released this month by the prestigious 50 Best brand.
The restaurant was selected from 210 additions to the discovery database, which now features more than 3,500 restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards across more than 800 cities worldwide. The 50 Best brand, known for its annual World's 50 Best Restaurants ranking (launched in 2002), does not accept applications for the Discovery database — selections are made based on votes from the panels that create its flagship lists and regional rankings including North America's 50 Best Restaurants.
Arlo opened in summer 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, founded by chef Jamie Stunt and sommelier Alex McMahon. The 50 Best listing highlights its "playful, anything-goes vibe," friendly welcome, and commitment to natural wines — unfiltered and unmanipulated wines made without pesticides, chemicals, or additives. Signature dishes cited include anchovy-topped lardo toast, schnitzels, and ribeye steaks to share. The guide specifically recommends the duck frites with green garlic aioli.
Arlo currently ranks 49th on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants list. This year, just three Ottawa restaurants made the national ranking: Arlo at 49th, tasting-menu restaurant Atelier at 54th, and Antheia at 76th.
The restaurant operates Friday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting. Wines by the glass run $13 to $15, with dishes ranging from $8 to $29. The patio features rustic tables sheltered under a large tree, with a leafy back terrace housing the wine selection. Tables are also available on the closed Somerset Street itself.
Good to know
Where is Arlo located?
Arlo is located at 340 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J9, Canada.
What kind of food does Arlo serve?
Arlo is a natural-wine-focused restaurant known for dishes like anchovy-topped lardo toast, schnitzels, ribeye steaks to share, and duck frites with green garlic aioli.
What are the prices at Arlo?
Wines by the glass at Arlo range from $13 to $15, and dishes range from $8 to $29.
