Places in Downtown, Ottawa
Explore places in Downtown, Ottawa. Discover local businesses, restaurants, cafes, parks, and attractions.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Canada's national natural history museum, housed in a landmark Victorian sandstone building. Features dinosaur fossils, a blue whale skeleton, the world's largest display of Canadian birds, and an Arctic gallery. Free Thursday evenings 5-8 PM for all.
Canadian War Museum
Canada's national museum of military history, featuring four chronological galleries, a massive vehicle hall, and the architecturally striking Memorial Hall. Free admission every Thursday 5-7 PM.
Canadian Museum of History
Canada's national museum of human history, located across the river in Gatineau with sweeping views of Parliament Hill. Features the Canadian History Hall, an immersive Canadian Children's Museum, and the Grand Hall with the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles. Free Thursday evenings 5-7 PM.
National Gallery of Canada
Canada's premier art museum, housed in a landmark Moshe Safdie glass-and-granite building on Sussex Drive. Home to the world's most comprehensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, plus European masterworks and contemporary pieces — over 93,000 works in total. Free every Thursday evening 5–8 PM.
JOEY Rideau
Modern restaurant at CF Rideau Centre with double happy hour — afternoon and late-night — featuring $5 highballs, sushi, and Adult Snack Packs.
CF Rideau Centre
Ottawa's largest downtown shopping centre with 175+ stores on three levels, directly connected to the O-Train's Rideau Station. Features anchor stores Simons and Hudson's Bay, an 850-seat dining hall, and indoor walkways to the ByWard Market, Westin Ottawa, and Shaw Centre.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Ottawa's oldest and most architecturally significant church, designated a National Historic Site in 1990. The Gothic Revival basilica features twin 54.5-metre spires, 17 stained glass windows by Guido Nincheri, 30 life-sized carved wooden figures, and a vaulted ceiling painted blue with gold stars. Free to visit.
National War Memorial
Canada's national monument honouring those who have served and died in all conflicts, centred on a 16-metre granite arch with 22 bronze figures by sculptor Vernon March. Unveiled by King George VI in 1939, it includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (added 2000). Sentries stand guard daily from April to November.
ByWard Market
One of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, established in 1826. Home to over 600 businesses including restaurants, boutiques, and a year-round indoor market with seasonal outdoor vendors.
Fairmont Château Laurier
One of Canada's most iconic hotels and a National Historic Site since 1981. The 1912 Châteauesque limestone building sits between Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal locks, with a lobby, restaurants, and public spaces open to all visitors.
Elgin Street Diner
Ottawa's iconic 24-hour diner serving classic all-day breakfast in the heart of downtown since 1993.
Level One Game Pub
Downtown game pub with 800+ board games and 300+ video games in a 150-year-old building, with discounted entry for kids under 12.
Pho By Night
A ByWard Market institution for over 25 years. Known for slow-simmered beef bone broth pho and late-night weekend hours. One of Ottawa's most recognized Vietnamese restaurants.
Major's Hill Park
A downtown park overlooking the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and the Rideau Canal locks. One of Ottawa's best spots for spring tulips, summer festivals, and views of the city's landmarks. Free and open daily.
Sansotei Ramen
One of Canada's most famous ramen chains, specializing in authentic Tonkotsu ramen from the Kyushu and Hokkaido regions of Japan. Three Ottawa locations.
Parle by Viet Fresh
Ottawa's only halal-certified Vietnamese restaurant, offering pho, banh mi, and Thai dishes in an upscale ByWard Market setting with late-night hours.
Chez Lucien
A ByWard Market institution since the early '90s. Chez Lucien is a cozy corner bar known for its no-frills burgers, cold beer, and live music. The Lucien Burger with cheddar, bacon, and red onion jam is a local favourite.
Zak's Diner
Iconic ByWard Market diner serving classic comfort food including poutine, all-day breakfast, and burgers since 1986.
Commissioners Park
The home of the Canadian Tulip Festival, with over 300,000 tulips across 26 flower beds along the shore of Dow's Lake. Free to visit year-round.
Shawarma Palace
Ottawa's most popular shawarma destination with multiple locations, serving authentic Lebanese shawarma late into the night at budget-friendly prices.
All Out Burger
A fast-growing Ottawa smash burger chain with 4 locations. Known for juicy smash burgers, loaded poutines, and crispy chicken at affordable prices. The Gladstone location is the original.
Kinton Ramen
National ramen chain offering both piping-hot and refreshing chilled ramen varieties. Located on Elgin Street with another location in Barrhaven.
Strathcona Park
A 6-hectare riverside park in Sandy Hill on the banks of the Rideau River. Features the Lord Strathcona Fountain (1909), a popular playground, summer wading pool, Odyssey Theatre performances, and the Adàwe Crossing bridge connecting to Overbrook. Free year-round.
Confederation Park
A 2.6-hectare downtown park adjacent to the Rideau Canal, home to Winterlude's Crystal Garden with ice sculptures and winter activities. In summer, it hosts the Ottawa Jazz Festival. Features a historic fountain from London's Trafalgar Square and a 20-metre Kwakiutl totem pole.
The Grand Pizzeria & Bar
Neapolitan wood-fired pizzeria in ByWard Market with half-price pizza and $5 drinks during happy hour — one of the best food deals downtown.
Bank of Canada Museum
A free, interactive museum exploring economics and monetary history. Home to the National Currency Collection with over 110,000 artifacts, plus hands-on exhibits including a rocket ship inflation simulator and a design-your-own banknote station.
Absolute Comedy
Ottawa's oldest dedicated stand-up comedy club in Little Italy, operating since 2004 with Pro-Am Wednesdays and headliner shows Thursday through Sunday.
The Whalesbone
Premier oyster bar and sustainable seafood restaurant on Elgin Street. Known for fresh daily oysters and Executive Chef Michael Radford's expertly prepared fish.
Ahora Mexican Cuisine
ByWard Market Mexican restaurant since 2004, famous for generous portions, budget-friendly prices, and free salsa bar.
North & Navy
Venetian bacari-inspired Northern Italian restaurant in a converted downtown house, known for handmade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and an intimate dining atmosphere.
Fatboys Southern Smokehouse
Downtown ByWard Market BBQ institution serving Memphis-style ribs and Southern smokehouse classics with live music and Sunday brunch buffet.
El Camino
Contemporary Mexican restaurant and raw bar on Elgin Street serving creative tacos, featuring famous crispy fish tacos and adventurous options.
Riviera
Set in a former Art Deco bank on Sparks Street, Riviera is Ottawa's most dramatic dining room. Ranked
The King Eddy
ByWard Market breakfast haven serving all-day classics and the famous Morning Glory sandwich in warm, inviting atmosphere.
The King Eddy
A family-operated ByWard Market institution since 2014, The King Eddy serves what many call Ottawa's best burger alongside Northern Fried Chicken and all-day breakfast. No reservations, no pretension — just quality comfort food on Clarence Street.
Al's Steakhouse
Ottawa's original steakhouse since 1967. First and only restaurant in Ottawa to cook beef on live charcoal. Features 40-day aged beef and Australian A9 Wagyu.
Colonnade Pizza
The original Ottawa-style pizzeria, established in 1967. Thin-crust pizza with diverse toppings and a loyal local following. Five locations across the city.
National Arts Centre
Canada's bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts, featuring four performance venues, the NAC Orchestra, and the 1 Elgin restaurant with Rideau Canal views. A National Historic Site with Brutalist architecture and a striking 2017 glass addition by Diamond Schmitt Architects.
The Greek Souvlaki Shack
A small, no-frills Greek restaurant on Bank Street in Centretown known for traditional, genuine souvlaki, gyros, and Greek salad at affordable prices.
Chateau Lafayette (The Laff)
Ottawa's oldest bar since 1849 with live music or DJ almost every night, Tuesday open mic, and no cover charge — a ByWard Market institution.
Ottawa Art Gallery
Ottawa's municipal art gallery, always free to visit. Features rotating exhibitions of Canadian, local, and international contemporary art. Open late Wednesday through Saturday until 9 PM. Located downtown near the Rideau Centre.
Den Den Claw
Japanese-style claw machine arcade in Chinatown with UFO catchers, gachapon, photo booth, and an artist alley. All ages welcome.
Giovanni's Ristorante
A Little Italy landmark for over 30 years. Giovanni's offers classic Italian fine dining with Ottawa's largest wine cellar and complimentary valet parking on Preston Street.
The Brig Pub
A popular ByWard Market pub on York Street with fusion pub food and drinks until 2am every night.
Cocotte Bistro
French comfort cuisine in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Located inside The Metcalfe Hotel, Cocotte Bistro serves everything from breakfast to late dinner with locally sourced ingredients, weekend brunch, and a beautifully designed Parisian-inspired dining room.
Corazon de Maiz
Budget-friendly counter-service Mexican spot in the heart of ByWard Market, known for authentic tostadas, tacos, and homemade Horchata.
ByTowne Cinema
A beloved single-screen repertory cinema on Rideau Street, showing independent, foreign, and art-house films since 1947. One of Ottawa's most cherished cultural institutions with 650 seats.
EVOO Greek Kitchen
A stylish modern Greek restaurant in Little Italy with refined plates, a Greek-inspired cocktail menu, and Sunday brunch. Family-owned with over 50 years in the restaurant industry.
Flora Hall Brewing
A Centretown brewpub combining a full restaurant menu with house-brewed beers in a heritage building. Known for some of the best food among Ottawa breweries.
Arlington Five
A cozy cafe just off Bank Street with a scratch kitchen, local ingredients, and a community feel. Hosts art shows, workshops, and evening events. Known for their muffins and soothing lattes.
Burgers n' Fries Forever (BFF)
A Bank Street smash burger spot known for hand-cut double-fried fries and rotating monthly specials. Halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Fresh patties smashed to order.
Pour Boy Pub
Somerset Street pub with multiple weekly comedy events — Comedy Thursdays, Wednesday Open Mic, and Monday donation-based comedy shows.
Thali
Downtown Indian restaurant specializing in traditional thali platters — circular trays with multiple dishes that let you taste a variety of flavours in one meal. Kerala-inspired menu with halal options.
Smash Daddy
Ottawa's first Wagyu smash burger food truck, now with four locations serving Halal-certified AAA Canadian beef burgers and beef tallow fries.
East India Company
Ottawa institution serving Indian food for over 40 years. Famous for the lunch buffet — one of the best in the city. Family-run with locations downtown and in the west end.
Sparks Street
Canada's first permanent pedestrian mall, established in 1967. The car-free promenade stretches four blocks between Elgin and Lyon streets, one block south of Parliament Hill. Features heritage buildings, restaurant patios, and summer festivals including the Ottawa International Buskerfest.
MacLaren's on Elgin
Elgin Street sports bar and pool hall with 25 tables, 30+ 4K TVs, and a full kitchen — on Sens Mile since 1997.
Pizza Nerds
Creative wood-fired pizzeria with a cult following. Multi-day fermented dough, Ottawa-inspired toppings, and options for vegan and gluten-free eaters.
J:unique Kitchen
A Vancouver-style sushi spot on Cooper Street with creative rolls and expertly crafted nigiri. Dinner only, closed Mondays. One of Ottawa's most acclaimed sushi restaurants.
D'Arcy McGee's Irish Pub
Authentic Irish pub on Sparks Street since 1997, located near Parliament Hill, featuring live music and classic Irish atmosphere with modern pub fare.
Khao Thai Restaurant
Family-owned Thai restaurant certified by the Royal Thai Government. Thai Select designation ensures authentic cuisine since 2004.
Town
Family-run artisan Italian restaurant on Elgin Street, known for handmade pasta, ricotta meatballs, and a warm atmosphere with great music. A neighbourhood favourite since 2010.
Little Victories Coffee Roasters
Ottawa's standout coffee roaster with a flagship on Elgin Street overlooking Parliament Hill. In-house roasted beans, minimalist design, and excellent flat whites. Multiple locations across the city.
Saigon Boy Noodle House
A Chinatown noodle house on Somerset Street known for giant portions and quick service. Great for a fast lunch or dinner. The pho bowls are big, the prices are small.
Sí Señor Mexican Street Food
Award-winning Mexican street food serving authentic Mexico City recipes, famous for QuesaBirrias that won Canada's Best Tacos.
Shawarma's King
A Bank Street staple known for generous portions, juicy meat, and garlic sauce. Open until 3-4am on weekends, making it a go-to late-night spot. Over 1,600 Google reviews with a 4.1 rating.
Pho Thu Do
A Chinatown veteran of over 30 years on Somerset Street. Rich, flavourful broth and tender meats. Open late on weeknights.
Métropolitain Brasserie
A Parisian-inspired brasserie on Sussex Drive with Ottawa's largest oyster bar. Métropolitain Brasserie brings authentic French dining to the ByWard Market — classic cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and buck-a-shuck oysters every Thursday.
Oh So Good Desserts & Coffeehouse
ByWard Market dessert institution serving 35+ handmade cakes and cheesecakes since 1994, and one of the few late-night dessert destinations in Ottawa.
The Shore Club
Located in the Westin Hotel with stunning Rideau Canal views. Premium steaks alongside excellent seafood, steps from ByWard Market.
Sidedoor
Sidedoor brings elevated Southeast Asian street food to the ByWard Market. Led by Top Chef Canada finalist Jonathan Korecki, the restaurant serves family-style sharing plates — think Asian-inspired tacos, dumplings, and handmade donuts — in a vibrant courtyard-adjacent space on York Street.
TOMO Restaurant
Ottawa's premier omakase experience in the ByWard Market. Chef Hikaru Yokoyama serves a 16-course experience featuring premium sashimi, ten pieces of nigiri, A5 Japanese Wagyu, and more. A decade-long ByWard Market staple.
Restaurant e18hteen
CAA Four-Diamond fine dining in a 19th century stone building in the ByWard Market, known for over 20 years of top steak, seafood, and Canadian Freestyle Cuisine in a dark, elegant atmosphere.
The Orange Monkey Bar & Billiards
Ottawa's snooker destination since 1986 with 14 pool tables, 6 snooker tables, darts, Sunday all-you-can-play, and Canadian Snooker Championships hosted here.
Huong's Vietnamese Bistro
A family-run Vietnamese bistro on Booth Street known for dishes rarely found elsewhere in Ottawa, including Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crepe) and Bun Bo Hue. Affordable, authentic, and full of character.
Hokkaido Sushi
The go-to all-you-can-eat sushi spot in ByWard Market. Order fresh nigiri, rolls, sashimi, and hot Japanese dishes straight to your table at lunch or dinner.
Co Cham
A modern Vietnamese spot on Somerset Street blending tradition with creativity. Known for vibrant banh mi, comforting pho, and beautifully plated dishes that stay true to authentic flavours.
Smoke's Poutinerie
Canada's largest poutinerie chain offering over 30 creative poutine varieties, open late for night owls in downtown Ottawa.
The Gilmour
Centretown neighbourhood bar with one of Ottawa's cheapest happy hours — $5 for lager, IPA, house wine, and fries daily from 3-6pm.
The Lookout Bar
Ottawa's premier LGBTQ+ bar since 1996 with free drag shows Friday and Saturday nights, karaoke, and multiple FACES Magazine
Swizzles Bar & Grill
Ottawa's self-proclaimed "Only Bias-Free Bar" — an LGBTQ+ community hub with karaoke, drag shows, comedy, live music, and charity events.
Le Moulin de Provence
A ByWard Market landmark since 1998, Le Moulin de Provence is a French bakery and café famous for its Obama Cookies — the maple leaf shortbread that Barack Obama bought during his 2009 visit. Fresh-baked pastries, artisan breads, and a warm market atmosphere.
Pubwells on Preston
Traditional British pub on Preston Street since 1991 with live rock, jazz, and bluegrass on Thursday and Saturday nights.
Harmons Steakhouse
Ottawa's most luxurious contemporary steakhouse. Located in a restored 130-year-old building, featuring USA Wagyu Gold Grade and on-site butchery.
The Rainbow Bistro
Ottawa's legendary blues bar since 1984 with live music Thursday through Saturday and a Sunday Afternoon Blues Jam in ByWard Market.
Zoe's Lounge
Elegant cocktail lounge inside the Fairmont Chateau Laurier with classic martinis, afternoon tea, and Yousuf Karsh's famous Churchill portrait.
Dominion Tavern
Ottawa's punk and metal live music hub in ByWard Market for 25+ years — cash only, pool table, dive bar atmosphere.
Holtz Spa
Ottawa's largest full-service day spa in a 1870s Victorian mansion in ByWard Market — 10,000 sq ft with massages, facials, salon, and restaurant.
Benny's Bistro
A hidden gem inside The French Baker in the ByWard Market. Known for one of the best brunches in Ottawa with French-inspired dishes and fresh pastries steps away. Saturday brunch draws lines out the door.
Ottawa City Hall
Ottawa's municipal government headquarters featuring impressive architecture, public art, and the scenic Jean Pigott Place public square.
Aiāna Restaurant Collective
Award-winning fine dining restaurant led by Chef Raghav Chaudhary. Celebrates Canadian cuisine with farm-to-table approach and Wine Spectator recognition.
Starling
ByWard Market bar in an 1875 landmark building offering all drinks at $6 during daily happy hour, with a rooftop patio for summer.
SOCIAL Restaurant + Lounge
Progressive Canadian restaurant on Sussex Drive with a stunning courtyard patio, known for $2 happy hour oysters and craft cocktails.
Charlotte
Mid-century modern cocktail and wine lounge on Elgin Street with $17-$19 craft cocktails, DJ nights, and a living-room atmosphere.
Drip House
Part cafe, part cocktail bar. Drip House transitions from house-made croissants and specialty coffee by day to cocktails by night. Multiple locations across Ottawa with the Chinatown spot as the flagship.
Gitanes
Ottawa's highest-rated French restaurant. Chef Mitch Lacombe serves modern French cuisine with sustainably sourced Canadian ingredients on Elgin Street. Named to Canada's 100 Best Restaurants, with an extensive wine cellar and raw bar.
Apothecary Cocktail Lounge
Speakeasy cocktail lounge beneath Starling in ByWard Market with late-night happy hour offering 50% off martinis, draft, and wines.
LIVE! on Elgin
Ottawa's premier small listening room on Elgin Street with nightly live performances, free Tuesday open mic, and a premium sound system.
Ember
Japanese-inspired cocktail bar and live-fire restaurant in ByWard Market with fat-washed spirits, infused cocktails, and charcoal-grilled cuisine.
The Clarendon Tavern
Farm-to-table tavern in an 1800s heritage building with daily happy hour, artisanal pizza deals, and a dog-friendly courtyard patio.
Jazz@248
Ottawa's only dedicated jazz club with live jazz 6 nights a week, open jam sessions, and family stage sessions on weekends.
Lou Fast Food
Downtown Ottawa's legendary poutine food truck operating near Parliament Hill since 1987, serving classic poutine and hot dogs during weekday lunch.
Buvette Daphnée
A Quebec-style wine bar that made Canada's 100 Best Restaurants in its first year. Buvette Daphnée brings Montreal charm to the ByWard Market with an ever-evolving menu of seasonal small plates, natural wines, and creative cocktails on William Street.
Laugh Lounge Comedy Club
New premium comedy club in ByWard Market (opened 2023-2024) with Thursday-Sunday pro stand-up shows and full food and drink service during performances.
City at Night
Ottawa's premier EDM nightclub on Slater Street with laser shows, immersive lighting, and top local and international DJs.
Banh Mi My Hang
A Chinatown institution serving Ottawa's best banh mi for $5-6. Cash only, takeout focused, and known for Vietnamese street food staples like banh xeo, goi cuon, and Vietnamese iced coffee.
3 Brothers Shawarma & Poutine
Unique fusion spot serving traditional poutine and Middle Eastern-inspired variations, open 24/7 across multiple Ottawa locations.
3 Brothers Shawarma & Poutine
Middle Eastern meets Canadian comfort food. 3 Brothers is famous for their shawarma poutine — crispy fries, cheese curds, gravy, and tender shawarma on top. Three locations across Ottawa, open late.
Bar Ocelli
Award-winning cocktail bar in ByWard Market — 2025 Spirited Awards Honoree and 10BestBars.ca
Stolen Goods Cocktail Bar
Ottawa's
Copper Spirits & Sights
Ottawa's highest rooftop bar and restaurant on the 16th floor of the Andaz Ottawa Byward Market hotel, offering panoramic views, signature cocktails, small plates, and an outdoor fire pit terrace.
Dukes
A modern brunch spot just off Bank Street, open 7 days a week. Known for sourdough pancakes, creative sandwiches, and a full drink menu with cocktails. A newer addition to Ottawa's brunch scene that's already a local favourite.
Giulia (The Market)
Widely considered the best pizza in Ottawa, Giulia's ByWard Market location on York Street serves coastal Italian pizza and pasta with a stellar beverage program. The Chef's Counter offers a multi-course experience right in the kitchen.
Fandom II
Ottawa's most famous RPG and D&D shop on Laurier Avenue with basement gaming tables, regular RPG events, and a community bulletin board.
Mr. Maocai
A Sichuan maocai (instant hot pot) restaurant on Bank Street. Pick your ingredients and broth, and the kitchen cooks it for you.
Chef Ric's
Social enterprise restaurant by The Ottawa Mission serving $5 lunch specials with daily changing menus of healthy home-style cooking, located in the former Rideau Bakery space.
Supreme Court of Canada
Canada's highest court, housed in an Art Deco building designed by Ernest Cormier with a distinctive Château-style copper roof. Free guided tours take visitors through the marble lobby and the black-walnut-panelled main courtroom. Public hearings are also open to attend.
All Books
A beloved used bookstore on Rideau Street packed floor-to-ceiling with secondhand books. Known for its remarkable owner who can locate any title from memory across the towering stacks.
Nan's Parlour
Grandma's dive bar concept in ByWard Market with $5 rail cocktails Thursday through Sunday — the cheapest craft cocktails downtown.
Sasha's Poutine Stand
An old-school poutine stand on York Street serving classic fries, poutine, and sausages until 3am. Cash only.
Hanyang Jokbal
First and only Korean restaurant in Canada specializing in Jokbal — braised pork hocks. A unique traditional dish you won't find elsewhere.
Parliament Hill
Canada's seat of federal government and a National Historic Site, featuring the iconic Peace Tower, the Centennial Flame, and free guided tours of the West Block and Senate. Centre Block is closed for renovation until the early 2030s.
Room 104
19+ retro arcade bar in ByWard Market with classic games, air hockey, foosball, 100+ shots, and 1980s pop culture decor.
Barely Bruised Books
A charming independent bookstore on the second floor of a Sandy Hill building, Barely Bruised Books carries over 80,000 new and used titles across all genres, with a personally curated feel and the largest Indigenous book section in Ontario.
La Terrasse
Seasonal outdoor terrace at the Fairmont Château Laurier offering shareable plates, cocktails, and sangria with views of Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal locks, and the Ottawa River.
The 27 Club
The legendary Zaphod Beeblebrox reborn as The 27 Club — live music, DJ sets, and theme nights (Emo Night, tribute shows) in an industrial-design space on York Street.
NUVO Lounge 295
ByWard Market lounge club specializing in Afrobeats, Hip Hop, and Dancehall with VIP bottle service and monthly Comedy Culture Club stand-up nights.
Happy Fish Elgin
Elgin Street nightclub with green velvet interiors, vintage chandeliers, a hidden patio, and Thursday drink specials starting at $4.
Berlin Nightclub
Three-venue nightclub complex in ByWard Market — Berlin (main floor), KRUSCH (cocktail bar), and theUNDERGROUND (house sub-genres) — carrying the Mercury Lounge legacy.
Birdie House
A 24/7 unmanned TrackMan iO indoor golf facility with 8 private bays next to the RA Centre.
Studio Staja
Bilingual board game cafe on Rideau Street with a pay-what-you-can game library, TCG sales, and a Safe Space Alliance certified community atmosphere.
Lois 'N' Frima's Ice Cream
ByWard Market ice cream institution serving homemade ice cream with over 60 rotating flavors since 1984.
City Gridwrks
Underground electronic music venue opened March 2026 on Rideau Street, run by the City at Night team in the former Mavericks space.
The Palace Restaurant & Lounge
Two-storey upscale nightclub and African cuisine restaurant on Dalhousie Street with ~500 capacity, state-of-the-art production, and VIP service.
Sky Lounge
ByWard Market's only convertible rooftop nightclub with sliding windows, York Street views, and electronic, hip-hop, and pop music.
The Show
Ottawa's largest nightclub in the heart of ByWard Market, popular with university students for EDM, pop, and high-energy nights.
Patrick McGahern Books
One of Ottawa's oldest antiquarian bookstores, operating since 1969 in the ByWard Market. Specializes in rare and collectible books, maps, and prints on Canadian history, Arctic exploration, and Irish literature.
Jackalope
Hidden speakeasy below Rabbit Hole on Sparks Street with craft cocktails, absinthe rituals, and a candlelit no-windows atmosphere. Reservations required.
Cultures Comedy Club
Ottawa's multicultural comedy club in ByWard Market with weekly Saturday shows in both English and French — founded 2023 with a BIPOC focus.
Ādisōke - Ottawa Central Library (Opening 2026)
Ottawa's new central library, a joint facility with Library and Archives Canada. Expected to open in late 2026. The name means "to tell a story" in Anishinaabemowin.
FONO
Ottawa's first Hi-Fi listening bar on Bronson Avenue — custom handmade speakers, vinyl DJ sets, Spanish tapas-inspired bites, and specialty cocktails in a 1925 heritage building.
1 Elgin
Fine dining restaurant inside the National Arts Centre featuring local seasonal Canadian cuisine and a patio with retractable canopy overlooking the Rideau Canal.
Atelier
Award-winning tasting menu restaurant led by Chef Marc Lepine. A 7-course immersive dining experience featuring molecular gastronomy techniques in an intimate setting.
Beckta Dining & Wine
Award-winning fine dining destination in a historic Grant House on Elgin Street, featuring contemporary Canadian cuisine by Chef Kyle Wilson and a sommelier-guided wine program.
DreamLand Cafe
Fresh handmade pasta specialist on Preston Street, known for truffle mac & cheese and lobster spaghetti. A small, cozy spot with multiple "best pasta in Ottawa" awards — reservations are essential.
Elina Patisserie
French and European patisserie on Sussex Drive handcrafted by Ukrainian-born pastry chef Elina Olefirenko. Known for Honey Cake, Vanilla Basque Cheesecake, Opera Cake, and macarons in an open-kitchen setting.
La Catrina Churros
Ottawa's only churrería, serving traditional 3-ingredient vegan churros in the ByWard Market. Trained by traditional Mexican churros masters, La Catrina offers classic cinnamon-sugar churros, filled churros, and Mexican hot chocolate.
Mamma Teresa Ristorante
A beloved Italian restaurant on Somerset Street, serving classic dishes since 1970. Founded by the Boselli family from Parma, Mamma Teresa is known for generous portions and traditional recipes.
Peace Garden
Long-running vegetarian restaurant in the ByWard Market serving Indian-inspired dishes, vegan options, and organic fair-trade coffee since 1992.
Pho Tuan
Family-run Vietnamese restaurant near Chinatown known for authentic Bun Cha Ha Noi, Bun Bo Hue, and other traditional dishes at affordable prices.
Rabbit Hole
Underground cave-like dining room and tiki-themed rooftop patio on Sparks Street, serving wood-fire pizza, charcuterie, and oysters with themed nights throughout the week.
Rideau Canal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter. Perfect for walks, cycling, and boating in summer.
Somewhere Dine Bar
A contemporary European dine bar in the ByWard Market with craft cocktails, oysters, and a dedicated late-night menu from midnight to 2am.