Thinking of visiting Ottawa this summer? Known as a city full of history and museums, Canada’s capital is full of gourmet spots and places to enjoy unique culinary experiences.
To prove it to you, here are 17 little-known gastronomic treasures that are worth visiting on your next trip. roadtrip!
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17 (almost) secret places to enjoy yourself in Ottawa:
Starling is a charming restaurant nestled in the heart of Ottawa in the ByWard Market, offering a warm ambiance and a delicious selection of food depending on the time of day. The cocktail options, dinner and lunch menus are a treat for the taste buds. The place is decorated with colorful birds and wrought iron cages, which adds a touch of uniqueness.
This restaurant offers traditional dishes that will conquer all brunch lovers. The gourmet plates, with a modern touch, present appetizing products. Customers love its hearty breakfasts and varied sandwiches.
This summer terrace offers a magnificent view of the Rideau Falls and the Ottawa River, creating an enchanting setting for outdoor meals and aperitifs, in 5 to 7 mode. The menu offers delicious pub cuisine and a variety of local beers to discover.
Located in the ByWard Market, Fairouz Café offers a contemporary take on Middle Eastern cuisine. Available for dine-in or take-out, the dishes are prepared with quality ingredients that reveal spicy flavours. With bespoke cocktails and a specially selected wine list, it’s the perfect spot for a night out.
This place is the favorite place for lovers of milkshakes. The first milkshake bar opened in Ottawa, it offers a range of milkshakes personalized with surprising flavors to satisfy sweet tooths. Adorned with garnishes, each glass will make even the most gourmet salivate!
Carmelito Café is a little corner of paradise for coffee lovers. Located in the heart of Ottawa, this establishment offers a selection of teas and coffees, as well as fresh pastries and delicious snacks. The retro and colorful decoration recalls the era and settings of the series Bridgerton on Netflix. The warm atmosphere makes it the ideal place for a peaceful break or to work in complete serenity.
Kettlemans Bagel is an Ottawa institution little known to tourists, renowned for its fresh and delicious bagels. Unlike Saint-Viateur in Montreal, the place offers a wide selection of toppings to enjoy a hand-rolled bagel sandwich. (For those who can’t wait any longer, a branch is also located in Montreal!)
Farinella is an Italian bakery offering a delicious range of authentic pastries, pizzas and sandwiches, whilst providing a friendly atmosphere. Among the must-haves at this counter: the meter-long pizza is causing a lot of talk – and with good reason! In summer, you should also try the excellent homemade gelatos.
This takeout counter offers irresistible artisanal doughnuts. The soft and fluffy creations are available in a variety of flavors, changing with the seasons. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, these colorful doughnuts are a sight to behold and a taste to taste!
SconeWitch is a small cafe specializing in scones. They serve fresh and delicious scones, accompanied by various toppings and drinks for a breakfast or snack experience that is out of the ordinary.
Aiming to be at the junction of Parisian bakeries and Brooklyn cafés, the Art-Is-In bakery is an Ottawa café that attracts all pastry lovers in the neighborhood. Here you will find a variety of rustic breads, exquisite pastries and delicious dishes served in a trendy industrial setting.
Dating back to 1849, making it the oldest establishment in the city, Bar Laf is a relaxed, unpretentious place to sip a cocktail or a pint at the end of the evening. Every week it offers 10 free shows. With its friendly atmosphere, this tavern is the perfect place to relax with a drink and a snack while enjoying the music.
Cocotte Bistro is a charming French restaurant that, with its flavors and specialties, transports you directly to Paris! Classic French dishes, sometimes reinvented, are prepared with care and the warm atmosphere makes it an ideal place for a romantic moment. The place offers seasonal creations to appease hunger whatever the time of day.
L’Atelier is a gourmet restaurant where each dish is a work of art. With its 44 courses (!), the tasting menu offers a variety of creative and innovative dishes that will delight lovers of refined cuisine. Don’t forget to reserve your table to ensure you can enjoy this unusual culinary experience.
Alice is a vegan restaurant offering healthy and inventive cuisine focused on vegetables and fermentation. The dishes are carefully prepared with local and seasonal ingredients, creating dishes that are both light and balanced.
Gongfu Bao is a Chinese restaurant offering an authentic dining experience. The prepared dishes demonstrate a mastery of flavors, offering a culinary journey for the taste buds. Try among other things their specialty, bao, a kind of stuffed and steamed brioche bun.
Riviera is a chic and friendly restaurant offering an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. The menu features French cuisine with an international twist. With its craft cocktails and seafood, this restaurant is perfect for a special night out or a gourmet outing.
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