Since it first opening on Boxing Day 2016, Caravela Restaurante and its owner Fernando Diniz, have earned a reputation for delivering healthy, hearty Portuguese cuisine that has earned the establishment a long list of repeat customers for which they are truly grateful.
“We have made a lot of good friends since we first opened,” says Diniz. “Many of our customers come back two or three times a month.”
The long list of regular clients is a tribute to the food and family-friendly service delivered by Diniz and his staff starting with Chef Tom Moore, formerly of El Meson who creates the magic in the kitchen and manager Henrique “Rico” Sousa who also worked at El Meson for many years.
Diniz hails from Teceira located in the Azores, which is known for their reliance on the sea and everything in it.
Among the many specialties on Caravela’s menu are Shrimp and Scallops, Grilled Octopus, Sea Bass, Seafood Cataplana and Fernando’s Platter which includes lobster, Tiger shrimp, baby clams and 20 mussels. They also have a number of seafood appetizers including Grilled Squid, Cod Cakes and Garlic Shrimp. Caravela has also become famous for its Seafood Chowder which is arguably among the best in Ottawa.
Caravela is currently ranked as the sixth best seafood restaurant in Ottawa even though it is not primarily a seafood establishment. For non-seafood lovers, Caravela serves up an outstanding Lamb Shank, Braised Rabbit, sumptuous Chicken Piri-Piri, and Alcatra, which is a Portuguese pot roast. They even serve Rack of Lamb and Paella, but they have to be ordered ahead of time. Most of the items on the menu can either be ordered with no spice, medium spice, or hot and spicy.
Enjoying a meal from Restaurante Caravela is like dining at any quality restaurant in Porto, Lisbon, Algarve or the Azores.
“We often get compliments from people who have been to Portugal and they tell us that when they eat our food they are immediately transported back in time. It’s like reliving their memories all over again,” says Diniz.
You can check out Caravela’s latest menu at caravelarestaurante.ca. Because of the restaurant’s popularity, reservations for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night are a must. Caravela Restaurante is located at 3712 Innes Rd. next to Food Basics.
CANADA DAY AT THE LEGION – Canadian Legion Branch 632 on Taylor Creek Road will be hosting a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities with music and food starting at 11 am. FREE FOR EVERYONE 
ORLEANS FARMERS MARKET every Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road. Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with 85 local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION 
STRAY DOG BREWING COMPANY presents Crroked Creek live and in concert in their taproom. From Montreal, Crooked Creek effortlessly blends bluegrass and country music genres. Tickets $15 available at 
