There’s something about Ottawa’s food scene that just makes you want to wander. Maybe it’s the blend of classic Canadian flavors and comfort dishes, or the way the city’s old neighborhoods hide top-notch bakeries and creative dining spots.
From indie coffee shops to bustling markets and a tight-knit collection of truly great restaurants, Ottawa’s got everything a traveling foodie could want. You’ll find lots of simple, hearty eats, but also plenty of places that go out of their way to be fun and inventive.
If you’re coming hungry—great plan. Ottawa’s ready for you.
What to Eat in Ottawa
BeaverTails – If you’re around ByWard Market, these sweet, fried pastries are a must. They’re doughy and crispy, usually topped with cinnamon sugar, Nutella, or maple syrup. Don’t overthink it—just get one and eat it warm.
The BeaverTails stand in ByWard is the classic, but keep an eye out at festivals, too.
Shawarma – Ottawa doesn’t mess around when it comes to shawarma. You’ll see spots everywhere, and the portions are generous. Lebanese flavors, fluffy rice, garlicky sauce, pita that isn’t dry—just perfect for lunch on the run.
Bank Street and ByWard Market both have cult favorites. Try Shawarma Palace or Three Brothers for the real deal.
Poutine – There’s poutine all over Canada, but Ottawa’s versions are classic: crisp fries, house-made gravy, and big melty cheese curds. Elgin Street’s hangouts usually have it on the menu, and some bars serve it until close.
Chesterfield’s has a solid take, but even late-night diners make it well.
Butter Tarts – These gooey, sugary tarts are a dessert staple here. Some places go classic, some get super inventive. Bakeries like Art-Is-In and Bread & Sons do them right—flaky, messy, sweet, and very Canadian.
Mushroom Chowder en Croute – A cult favorite at several Ottawa restaurants, this is a creamy mushroom soup baked under a flaky pastry lid. If you see it as a special, order it—you won’t regret it.
Foodie Neighbourhoods in Ottawa
ByWard Market – This area is kind of the OG for foodies. There’s endless street food, produce stands, bakeries, and a rotating lineup of restaurants and stalls. ByWard has a lively vibe, especially on weekends. You can snack your way through the day or hit fancier restaurants come dinner. It’s also not weird to eat dessert here first.
Check out the main building, then wander the side streets for indie finds.
Little Italy – Pasta lovers, this is where you want to be. There’s loads of Italian spots (both red-sauce and modern), plus espresso bars and gelato places that actually know what they’re doing. Head here for dinner, but drop by for lunch, too—lots of options under $20.
Preston Street is the main strip, and you can walk out with homemade cannoli in hand.
Hintonburg & Wellington West – If it’s brunch or indie bakery vibes you’re after, park yourself in these connected neighborhoods. Cozy, creative, and full of character, they’re home to some of Ottawa’s best new-school restaurants and coffee shops. More veggie and vegan choices here, too.
Go for a lazy morning stroll, hit a café, and end up at a chill spot for dinner.
Centretown – Smack in the middle of downtown, this area mixes business lunch crowds and after-work scene. It’s easy to walk between great ramen joints, cocktail bars, and international restaurants. Elgin and Bank streets have lots to choose from.
Finish with ice cream from a window counter in summer.
The Glebe – Relaxed, local, slightly boho. The Glebe is full of easy-going lunch places, quirky dessert spots, and spots to grab a coffee while you wander. Bank Street is the main drag, but side streets are worth exploring. Saturdays, check for pop-up markets and food stalls.
Budget Restaurants in Ottawa
Bowman’s Bar & Grill
This family-run spot is all about familiar, comforting food done right. The menu covers classics like burgers and fish and chips, and the vibe is friendly for groups or a casual dinner out.
Prices are easy on the budget, and their nachos are pretty legendary around town.
Korean House Restaurant
Go here for authentic Korean food—bibimbap with a crispy bottom, comforting soups, and generous banchan. Portions are solid, everything feels fresh, and you’re rarely spending more than $20 a person.
Super friendly staff, too. Great for groups or solo diners.
Napoli’s Westboro
A family institution serving homemade pasta and pizzas in the Westboro neighborhood since the ‘70s. The pizza gets a lot of local love for its classic toppings and crispy crust.
Pasta servings are big, everything’s made fresh, and prices are reasonable.
The Green Door
Vegetarian, pay-by-weight, and absolutely packed at lunch for good reason. Salads and mains feature organic, seasonal veggies. There’s vegan and gluten-free options, too.
The desserts (like their carrot cake) are worth grabbing even if you’re not usually into “health food.”
Bread & Sons
This indie bakery and café does killer pizza by the slice, loaded focaccia, and sweet rolls in a super laid-back space. Good coffee, good prices, big local following.
Drop in for a quick lunch or grab cinnamon rolls for the road.
Mid-Range Restaurants in Ottawa
Union 613
A modern southern-style restaurant with great cocktails, house-made pickles, and a chill, wood-lined space. Try the fried chicken or shrimp and grits—portions are big and it’s just loud enough to feel like a party without being overwhelming.
Good for catching up with friends or casual date nights. Veggie options, too.
North & Navy
Fine northern Italian cooking in a cozy, stylish setting. There are lots of plates for sharing, and the menu isn’t afraid to throw in something unexpected.
Start with an aperitivo, stay for the homemade pasta and local wine.
El Camino
If you’re craving tacos, this place nails it. The menu’s short but creative, with Mexican street food favorites and margaritas to match. The vibe is casual, always busy, and the prices aren’t wild.
Their fish taco is easily one of the best in the city.
Supply and Demand
Small, creative, and seafood-focused, this spot is a local favorite for a reason. House-pulled mozzarella, fresh pastas, and an oyster bar show off what Ottawa can do with simple quality ingredients.
Great service, too. Reserve ahead if you can.
Gezellig
Modern Canadian cuisine in a bright, relaxed space—think brunch dishes with a twist, house cocktails, and a lot of locally-sourced ingredients. The room feels spacious but never cold.
Also, amazing desserts. Don’t skip the carrot cake if it’s on the menu.
Luxury Restaurants in Ottawa
Riviera
Housed in a historic bank building, Riviera is a stunner—tall ceilings, art deco bar, and one of the best cocktail programs in Ottawa. The menu changes with the season, but don’t skip their pasta or whatever fish is on special. Good spot if you want something a little glamorous without being fussy.
The space is iconic, and bookings are highly recommended.
Atelier
This is a “treat yourself” spot—think 40-course tasting menus, molecular gastronomy, and dishes that look like art. The experience is creative but not stuffy, with a focus on Canadian flavors and lots of surprises along the way.
Plan on spending a few hours. Reservations fill up fast.
Beckta Dining & Wine
Canadian cuisine with a twist—a classic for special occasions. The service is top-tier, and the menu covers elevated comfort food alongside seasonal chef’s tasting menus. The wine list is huge, and the room has a cozy, elegant charm.
Try their signature tasting menu if you can. It’s worth it.
Alice
Plant-based tasting menus, fermentation-forward dishes, and a cool, minimalist vibe. Alice is one of Ottawa’s most creative restaurants, led by Chef Briana Kim—the flavors here are unique, and everything is beautifully presented.
Go for the full tasting menu to experience why it keeps earning awards.
Cocotte Bistro
French bistro classics with a stylish, modern twist. Expect perfect soufflés, duck confit, and a wine list full of gems. It’s elegant but welcoming, great for celebrating something big or just treating yourself.
Don’t skip dessert—their take on the Paris-Brest is top notch.
Best Coffee Shops in Ottawa
Happy Goat Coffee Company
Local roaster with quirky, cozy shops. The beans are roasted right in Ottawa, and they always have a few special pours on. Good for working or just people-watching.
Bonus: lots of vegan snacks at most locations.
528 Creative Coffee Collective
A small café run by creative minds—excellent espresso, funky decor, and fun specialty drinks. It feels more like a little local hang than a chain, and their pastries are always fresh.
They host community events pretty often, too.
The Ministry of Coffee
Serving serious coffee since 2013, this indie spot has two Ottawa locations. They rotate beans from top Canadian and US roasters, and the baristas are always up for making something off-menu if you ask nicely.
Cappuccino fans will be happy here.
Bluebird Coffee Ottawa
A bright, art-filled space in Hintonburg. The focus is on small-batch roasts and creative seasonal drinks—plus, they make a mean grilled cheese if you want a bite.
Not huge, but always welcoming.
Little Victories Coffee
Banks Street, Queen Street, and Elgin locations all serve their carefully roasted beans and perfect espresso drinks. Hip but not pretentious, with clean design and big windows for people-watching.
Grab a pourover and a seat by the window.
Markets in Ottawa
ByWard Market
Ottawa’s oldest and most famous public market. You’ll find seasonal produce, local artisans, street food stalls, and some of the best classic eats in the city. Open seven days a week in the heart of downtown.
Get there early for the best pastries and enjoy people-watching year round.
Parkdale Public Market
This friendly neighborhood market brings in local vegetables, plants, and tons of snacks from May through October. It’s always got a neighborly, “hang out awhile” kind of vibe.
Look for fresh flowers and don’t miss the summer night market events.
Ottawa Farmers’ Market
With locations popping up on weekends in different neighborhoods, this is where you’ll meet local growers and food makers. The Aberdeen Pavilion (Lansdowne Park) hosts year-round, but there are pop-ups all over town.
It’s the place to discover fresh bread, preserves, and seasonal produce. Go hungry.
Budget Accommodation in Ottawa
Econo Lodge Downtown
Affordable, clean, and central—Econo Lodge is a solid, no-frills option within walking distance of the ByWard Market and Parliament.
Free Wi-Fi and basic breakfast included.
The Business Inn & Suites
Well-rated suites close to all Ottawa’s downtown highlights. It’s comfy for longer stays and has kitchenettes, plus breakfast is free.
Good value for business travelers or families.
Ottawa Embassy Hotel & Suites
Spacious rooms with kitchen facilities in downtown Ottawa. On-site laundry and gym are handy for longer trips.
Popular with groups and budget-minded families.
Residence Inn Ottawa Airport
Good if you need to stay near the airport. Suites have small kitchens and there’s an indoor pool. Free parking, too.
Complimentary hot breakfast makes it easy to start your day.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown East
Close to the Rideau Centre and Parliament, with clean, modern rooms that don’t cost a fortune. Includes breakfast and Wi-Fi.
Consistent quality, even if you book last minute.
Mid-Range Accommodation in Ottawa
Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
Modern, boutique hotel with panoramic views of Ottawa’s skyline. Centrally located at the ByWard Market—perfect if food is your priority.
Chic rooms, friendly service, and a fun rooftop bar.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa Downtown East
Affordable, well-equipped rooms near lots of main attractions. The breakfast spread is better than most comparable hotels. Good for families.
Parking’s a plus, especially in this part of town.
Arc The Hotel
Sleek and calm, with a boutique vibe. Walk to Parliament Hill and the Canal. Rooms are modern and the on-site restaurant is a surprise standout.
Nice spot for a low-key, stylish stay without breaking the bank.
LIV Extended Stay
Great for longer visits—rooms have kitchenettes and there’s a gym. In Centretown, it’s close to Chinatown and Hintonburg food hotspots.
Lots of shops and food within walking distance.
Alt Hotel Ottawa
Minimalist in the right way: modern, bright, and no extra clutter. In heart of downtown, with super comfy beds and helpful staff.
“Grab and go” snacks in the lobby are handy for breakfast runs.
Luxury Accommodation in Ottawa
Fairmont Château Laurier
Historic castle right by the Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Canal. Dramatic architecture and luxury rooms make it feel special from the second you check in.
The breakfast buffet is a rite of passage. Book early!
Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
Ultra-modern, boutique luxury just steps from Rideau Centre. Rooms are spacious with thoughtful touches, while the hotel’s design has an artistic flair.
On-site gym and great city views, plus easy walk to everything downtown.
The Westin Ottawa
Large rooms, comfy beds, indoor pool, and unbeatable location attached to the Rideau Centre shopping. The city view rooms are worth the slight upcharge.
Stay here if you want convenience with a luxury touch.
The Metcalfe Hotel
Boutique property with bold modern interiors, just a quick walk from the Parliament and Elgin Street restaurants. The lobby’s a cool spot to hang out in its own right.
Get a room with a balcony if you can.
reStays Ottawa
All-suite luxury hotel right downtown. Spacious, apartment-style rooms with full kitchens are a nice break if you want a bit of home while traveling. There’s a fitness centre and self-serve laundry, plus a quiet rooftop terrace.
Perfect if you’re looking for more space or a longer stay in the city.
