Guidebook for Ottawa

Renée
Guidebook for Ottawa

Food Scene

Amazing ramen bowl! Favourite in Ottawa. About $15 for a large portion Get the regular or spicy :)
Ginza Ramen Sushi and Sake Bar
280 Elgin St
Amazing ramen bowl! Favourite in Ottawa. About $15 for a large portion Get the regular or spicy :)
Best green chicken curry I've ever had. Atmosphere is ok - small dining room which makes this an excellent takeout or delivery option.
Coriander Thai Cuisine
282 Kent Street
Best green chicken curry I've ever had. Atmosphere is ok - small dining room which makes this an excellent takeout or delivery option.
Favourite tacos I've tried thus far. Go for: #1 - Eggplant, #2 Ox - Tongue, #3 - Tuna tartare. Top 10 new restaurant in Canada the year it opened. More expensive but really cool urban vibe.
168 locals recommend
El Camino
380 Elgin St
168 locals recommend
Favourite tacos I've tried thus far. Go for: #1 - Eggplant, #2 Ox - Tongue, #3 - Tuna tartare. Top 10 new restaurant in Canada the year it opened. More expensive but really cool urban vibe.
Awesome breakfast/brunch spot featuring freshly baked sweet ad savoury scones. Budget friendly.
20 locals recommend
The SconeWitch (Elgin)
150 Elgin St
20 locals recommend
Awesome breakfast/brunch spot featuring freshly baked sweet ad savoury scones. Budget friendly.
Ottawa's local coffee shop: quality coffee, lattes & snacks served in a laid-back, earthy atmosphere.
210 locals recommend
Bridgehead
131 Beechwood Ave.
210 locals recommend
Ottawa's local coffee shop: quality coffee, lattes & snacks served in a laid-back, earthy atmosphere.
This is a real treat! Galley style restaurant serving small plates inspired by Italian cooking. Always delicious. Young & urban feel. $$$
53 locals recommend
Town
296 Elgin St
53 locals recommend
This is a real treat! Galley style restaurant serving small plates inspired by Italian cooking. Always delicious. Young & urban feel. $$$
Well-known Ottawa franchise. All you can eat or a la carte sushi (& karaoke bar upstairs)!
Sushi Kan 3
228 Albert St
Well-known Ottawa franchise. All you can eat or a la carte sushi (& karaoke bar upstairs)!
Greek small plates fine dining. Delicious & great prices. Plenty of gluten-free options. Another cool restaurant in a heritage home. Order the flaming cheese!
14 locals recommend
Aroma Meze
239 Nepean St
14 locals recommend
Greek small plates fine dining. Delicious & great prices. Plenty of gluten-free options. Another cool restaurant in a heritage home. Order the flaming cheese!
Authentic Spanish tapas restaurant in an old brick home. Scrumptious small plates and a cozy atmosphere. Save or splurge - you choose how many courses you'd like.
222 Lyon St N
222 Lyon Street North
Authentic Spanish tapas restaurant in an old brick home. Scrumptious small plates and a cozy atmosphere. Save or splurge - you choose how many courses you'd like.
Long-time authentic Canadian pizza place franchise in Ottawa. Perfect for take-out since it's only a few blocks away. Thick crust and pretty cheesy!
17 locals recommend
Colonnade Pizza
280 Metcalfe St
17 locals recommend
Long-time authentic Canadian pizza place franchise in Ottawa. Perfect for take-out since it's only a few blocks away. Thick crust and pretty cheesy!
Go early for weekend brunch because this place gets packed with hipsters! God love'em. They have board games and it's not uncommon to order a beer as of 11 a.m. Try the Huevos Rancheros (spicy eggs).
95 locals recommend
The Manx Pub
370 Elgin St
95 locals recommend
Go early for weekend brunch because this place gets packed with hipsters! God love'em. They have board games and it's not uncommon to order a beer as of 11 a.m. Try the Huevos Rancheros (spicy eggs).
Massive weekend brunch menu! One of my favs in Ottawa. So many choices and a huge dining hall so you shouldn't have to line-up. Go before the 10 a.m. post-church rush and you'll be laughing.
72 locals recommend
The Lieutenant's Pump
361 Elgin St
72 locals recommend
Massive weekend brunch menu! One of my favs in Ottawa. So many choices and a huge dining hall so you shouldn't have to line-up. Go before the 10 a.m. post-church rush and you'll be laughing.
Quality local ingredients, urban fine dining, modern decor with rustic touches. One of Ottawa's newest trendy restaurants. Can't go wrong with anything on the changing menu. $$$
56 locals recommend
Fauna
425 Bank St
56 locals recommend
Quality local ingredients, urban fine dining, modern decor with rustic touches. One of Ottawa's newest trendy restaurants. Can't go wrong with anything on the changing menu. $$$
Timmy's one block from apartment :) Makes my dad happy when he visits.
49 locals recommend
Tim Hortons
99 Rideau St
49 locals recommend
Timmy's one block from apartment :) Makes my dad happy when he visits.
Seeing as Ottawa is the Shawarma capital of the world, you should get a sandwich in the city. Meat is super moist here. I like the falafel salad as a vegetarian - huge portion.
14 locals recommend
Shawarma King
395 Bank St
14 locals recommend
Seeing as Ottawa is the Shawarma capital of the world, you should get a sandwich in the city. Meat is super moist here. I like the falafel salad as a vegetarian - huge portion.
Local coffee shop if you prefer over a chain.
34 locals recommend
The Ministry of Coffee
274 Elgin St
34 locals recommend
Local coffee shop if you prefer over a chain.
Amazing vegetarian spot! Open late (has liquor license or alcohol-free kombucha on tap).
64 locals recommend
Pure Kitchen Elgin
340 Elgin St
64 locals recommend
Amazing vegetarian spot! Open late (has liquor license or alcohol-free kombucha on tap).
The darkest poutine gravy in town! 24-7 diner busy for breakfast or late-night munchies.
56 locals recommend
Elgin Street Diner
374 Elgin St
56 locals recommend
The darkest poutine gravy in town! 24-7 diner busy for breakfast or late-night munchies.
Amazing new spot for healthy fast (but quality) greek food (with tons of vegetarian and vegan options).
Pi·Rho Grill-Elgin St
346 Elgin St
Amazing new spot for healthy fast (but quality) greek food (with tons of vegetarian and vegan options).

Drinks & Nightlife

This is a full service 5-star dining restaurant so if you want to spend the big bucks, go for dinner. Otherwise, ask to sit at the wine bar, have some red, white or bubbly and share an appetizer.
26 locals recommend
Beckta Dining & Wine
150 Elgin St
26 locals recommend
This is a full service 5-star dining restaurant so if you want to spend the big bucks, go for dinner. Otherwise, ask to sit at the wine bar, have some red, white or bubbly and share an appetizer.
Incredible cocktails! Plus it's only a block from my place. Dress up your outfit a tad. The menu is pretty exotic and constantly changing. Best feature: a Speakeasy behind a bookcase open Wed. - Sat.!
78 locals recommend
Union Local 613
315 Somerset St W
78 locals recommend
Incredible cocktails! Plus it's only a block from my place. Dress up your outfit a tad. The menu is pretty exotic and constantly changing. Best feature: a Speakeasy behind a bookcase open Wed. - Sat.!
Good spot for legit wings, sports watching and cold beer. Nothing fancy.
10 locals recommend
St. Louis Bar & Grill
399 Elgin St
10 locals recommend
Good spot for legit wings, sports watching and cold beer. Nothing fancy.
Belgian beerhouse and restaurant: 100s of beers to choose from! Live music on weekends. Delicious moules & frites. Check out the Spark St. shopping while you're there.
6 locals recommend
Bier Markt
156 Queen St
6 locals recommend
Belgian beerhouse and restaurant: 100s of beers to choose from! Live music on weekends. Delicious moules & frites. Check out the Spark St. shopping while you're there.
Modern English pub: busy atmosphere for after-work drinks and plenty of pub fare. Nothing fancy but if you're single or meeting friends, it's a happening place, especially on the patio in the summer.
12 locals recommend
Sir John A Pub
284 Elgin St
12 locals recommend
Modern English pub: busy atmosphere for after-work drinks and plenty of pub fare. Nothing fancy but if you're single or meeting friends, it's a happening place, especially on the patio in the summer.
Bar is like hanging out in one of many differently themed living rooms. Upstairs above Pure Kitchen. Cocktails, loungy, DJ and healthy appetizers served. Good place to go before or after a meal at Pure Kitchen downstairs.
13 locals recommend
Charlotte
340b Elgin St
13 locals recommend
Bar is like hanging out in one of many differently themed living rooms. Upstairs above Pure Kitchen. Cocktails, loungy, DJ and healthy appetizers served. Good place to go before or after a meal at Pure Kitchen downstairs.

Essentials

Great spot for a baguette or loaf of bread! Coffee, breakfast and lunch items too.
37 locals recommend
Bread & Sons
195 Bank St
37 locals recommend
Great spot for a baguette or loaf of bread! Coffee, breakfast and lunch items too.
Grocery store 2 blocks away.
119 locals recommend
Hartman's Your Independent Grocer
296 Bank St
119 locals recommend
Grocery store 2 blocks away.
Cute local grocer with hippie organic vibe :) <3 I love the Rinag baked veggie simosas - cheap and quick snack or lunch. Check out their wellness shop across the street.
29 locals recommend
Herb & Spice Food Shop
375 Bank St
29 locals recommend
Cute local grocer with hippie organic vibe :) <3 I love the Rinag baked veggie simosas - cheap and quick snack or lunch. Check out their wellness shop across the street.

Getting Around

Nearest gas station.
28 locals recommend
Petro-Canada
292 Rideau St
28 locals recommend
Nearest gas station.
Closest Enterprise rental spot.
18 locals recommend
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
1615 Laperriere Ave
18 locals recommend
Closest Enterprise rental spot.

Parks & Nature

Great park for young kids. Many benches, grass, trees. Think frisbee or grab a coffee at Tim Horton's or Art House Café across the street and sit on a bench. You might see people doing Tai chi or drinking beers, eclectic crowd.
14 locals recommend
Dundonald Park
516 Somerset St W
14 locals recommend
Great park for young kids. Many benches, grass, trees. Think frisbee or grab a coffee at Tim Horton's or Art House Café across the street and sit on a bench. You might see people doing Tai chi or drinking beers, eclectic crowd.
Hiking, biking, snowshoeing or skiing in Gatineau Provincial Park and checking out the quaint restaurants in Chelsea (homemade ice cream, candle factory, Chelsea pub, Mama Theresa italian restaurant, etc.) is a lovely day in the countryside.
522 locals recommend
Gatineau Park
33 Chem. Scott
522 locals recommend
Hiking, biking, snowshoeing or skiing in Gatineau Provincial Park and checking out the quaint restaurants in Chelsea (homemade ice cream, candle factory, Chelsea pub, Mama Theresa italian restaurant, etc.) is a lovely day in the countryside.
This is where many activities happen including Winterlude, Jazzfest and Lights Across Canada. When no events are being held here, there are benches and grass to relax. Also a water fountain and historical statues.
33 locals recommend
Confederation Park
Elgin Street
33 locals recommend
This is where many activities happen including Winterlude, Jazzfest and Lights Across Canada. When no events are being held here, there are benches and grass to relax. Also a water fountain and historical statues.
This is the most beautiful park in downtown Ottawa. You can see the Rideau Canal, its locks, the Ottawa River, Quebec, Parliament and in April-May, the beautiful tulips. Lots of space to sit or play.
90 locals recommend
Major's Hill Park
Mackenzie Avenue
90 locals recommend
This is the most beautiful park in downtown Ottawa. You can see the Rideau Canal, its locks, the Ottawa River, Quebec, Parliament and in April-May, the beautiful tulips. Lots of space to sit or play.

Entertainment & Activities

This is an awesome new development with shops, restaurants, bars, a movie theatre (including VIP & 3D cinemas), a park, a skate park, a skating rink, outdoor yoga classes in the summer, flea markets, fresh farmers' markets, special events, concerts and much more! It is next to TD Place where our CFL team plays, the Ottawa Redblacks. Walk 35 minutes or drive and park underground for a fee.
196 locals recommend
Lansdowne Park
Marché Way
196 locals recommend
This is an awesome new development with shops, restaurants, bars, a movie theatre (including VIP & 3D cinemas), a park, a skate park, a skating rink, outdoor yoga classes in the summer, flea markets, fresh farmers' markets, special events, concerts and much more! It is next to TD Place where our CFL team plays, the Ottawa Redblacks. Walk 35 minutes or drive and park underground for a fee.
Indie theatre for cinephiles.
87 locals recommend
ByTowne Cinema
325 Rideau St
87 locals recommend
Indie theatre for cinephiles.
Indie theatre for cinephiles.
44 locals recommend
Mayfair Theatre
1074 Bank St
44 locals recommend
Indie theatre for cinephiles.

Arts & Culture

Mixed arts space for local talent. Open mic every Tuesday, Near daily events such as plays, stand-up comedy, bands, fundraisers, etc. Above Dunn's on Elgin St. (Dunn's food served through LIVE on Elgin bar).
LIVE! on Elgin
220 Elgin St
Mixed arts space for local talent. Open mic every Tuesday, Near daily events such as plays, stand-up comedy, bands, fundraisers, etc. Above Dunn's on Elgin St. (Dunn's food served through LIVE on Elgin bar).
Brand new art gallery. Open the latest of all the museums/galleries in Ottawa (until 9pm most nights). Free entry. Great café/restaurant inside. Must-see.
57 locals recommend
Ottawa Art Gallery
50 Mackenzie King Bridge
57 locals recommend
Brand new art gallery. Open the latest of all the museums/galleries in Ottawa (until 9pm most nights). Free entry. Great café/restaurant inside. Must-see.
Come here for symphonies, English or French theatre, concerts, musicals and more.
346 locals recommend
National Arts Centre
1 Elgin St
346 locals recommend
Come here for symphonies, English or French theatre, concerts, musicals and more.
Permanent and temporary exhibits. Huge mother spider statue outside entrance.
552 locals recommend
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Dr
552 locals recommend
Permanent and temporary exhibits. Huge mother spider statue outside entrance.