Ottawa, Seasoned: Spring/Summer Food & Drink
There’s no shortage of travel content about most major cities these days—just search “must-see spots in Ottawa” on YouTube and you’ll find plenty of roundups from visitors passing through town. But as someone who actually lives here, I figured it was time to add a local voice to the mix. I’m not giving away the truly locals-only favourites (those are earned, not Googled), but I do want to share some gems I’d happily bring out-of-town friends to. This is the first in a series of seasonal posts that’ll explore some of the best ways to experience the city—starting with where to eat and drink when the weather turns warm and patios start calling.
Brunch in the Capital
Let’s be honest: Ottawa takes brunch pretty seriously. Maybe it’s the long winters that make a sunny plate of eggs and a good cup of coffee feel like a small act of celebration. Whatever the reason, there’s no shortage of breakfast spots worth waking up for. Here are three that hit the sweet spot for food, vibe, and that spring-summer feeling.
Wilf & Ada’s
Centretown
Price: $$
Vibe Score: 4.5/5
A small-but-mighty brunch joint that’s been a local staple for years. It leans hipster (in a good way), with a focus on made-from-scratch everything—from the bread to the house-cured bacon. The eggs Benny is a standout, especially if you like a well-balanced hollandaise. Expect a wait on weekends, but it’s worth it—and if you need a caffeine boost while you hang around, Arlington Five is right around the corner and makes a great pit stop.
Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner
Wellington West
Price: $$
Vibe Score: 4.3/5
This isn’t your retro jukebox diner. Chesterfield’s calls itself a “non-diner diner,” and it lives up to the label with a farmhouse-meets-modern interior and a menu full of creative takes on comfort food. The chicken and waffles is the showstopper here—crispy, juicy, and perfectly indulgent. It’s the kind of place you’d take out-of-towners to show them Ottawa does brunch with personality.
Gezellig
Westboro
Price: $$$
Vibe Score: 4.6/5
For something a little more polished, Gezellig delivers. Housed in a former bank with tall windows and an airy interior, it’s ideal for a special occasion, a parent visit, or a slightly elevated brunch date. The menu leans seasonal and chef-driven, so it’s always worth checking what’s new, but you’ll find the classics treated with care and a hint of flair. Bonus: Westboro’s boutiques and bakeries make for a nice post-brunch wander.
Lunch in Ottawa
Whether you're powering through a day of sightseeing or just taking a long lunch in the sun, Ottawa has plenty of mid-day gems worth the stop. These three spots offer a little something for every kind of lunch mood—grab-and-go, laid-back indulgence, and tacos with a side of people-watching.
La Bottega Nicastro
ByWard Market
Price: $
Vibe Score: 4.2/5
Tucked inside an Italian grocery store in the heart of the market, La Bottega is the kind of place that locals love to pretend is still a secret. Build-your-own sandwiches on fresh crusty bread, prosciutto sliced to order, and shelves full of pantry treasures if you want to browse while you wait. Grab your sandwich and head to Major’s Hill Park or a nearby bench for the full “lunch like a local” experience.
Supply and Demand
Wellington West
Price: $$$
Vibe Score: 4.6/5
Sleek but unfussy, this is one of those neighbourhood restaurants that quietly overachieves. Known for its house-made pastas, raw bar, and attention to seasonal ingredients, it’s a solid pick for a slow lunch where you want to feel like you’re treating yourself without dressing up. If the smoked trout or squid ink pasta is on the menu, don’t hesitate.
El Camino
Elgin Street
Price: $$
Vibe Score: 4.3/5
Come for the tacos, stay for the vibe. El Camino is fun, fast, and full of flavour—making it perfect for a casual lunch with friends or a post-museum bite that doesn’t feel too fussy. The pollo asado (grilled chicken) taco is a go-to, but you can’t really go wrong with anything that comes out of their kitchen. Bonus: Elgin Street is a great area to stroll afterward, especially once patios start opening up for the season.
Coffee Worth the Detour
You can tell a lot about a city by its coffee scene—and in Ottawa, it’s quietly excellent. Whether you’re chasing that perfect cortado, in need of a post-museum recharge, or just want to settle into a spot with a book and a pastry, these cafés are worth seeking out. Each one delivers not just a good cup, but a little slice of the city’s personality.
Little Victories Coffee
Elgin Street
Price: $$
Vibe Score: 4.6/5
Minimalist interior, maximalist flavour. Little Victories roasts its own beans, and you can taste the attention to detail in every cup. Their espresso has a smooth, slightly sweet character with a balance of fruit and chocolate notes—bright enough to feel fresh, but not so acidic that it feels sharp. Whether you're ordering a flat white or a pour-over, it's clear they take the craft seriously. The team is genuinely friendly, and the Elgin location feels polished without being cold—a great place to pause during a downtown wander.
Happy Goat Coffee Co.
Laurel Street
Price: $
Vibe Score: 4.3/5
If Little Victories is about precision, Happy Goat is all about personality. The Laurel location is tucked in a quieter pocket of town and has a warm, lived-in feel—old couches, community board, and the comforting hum of grinders and conversation. Their beans lean darker and toastier, with a nuttier base and the kind of profile that stands up well in a latte or Americano. It’s the kind of spot that feels like a second living room (with way better coffee).
Equator Coffee
NAC – Downtown Core
Price: $$
Vibe Score: 4.4/5
Bright, clean, and perfectly situated for a mid-day pick-me-up between Parliament Hill and the National Gallery. Equator roasts out of Almonte, and their blends are smooth and balanced, making them ideal for both espresso-based drinks and a classic drip. There's usually a hint of caramel or citrus in the cup, depending on what they’re pouring that day. Grab a seat by the windows and enjoy a few minutes of calm in the heart of downtown.
Dinner in the Capital
From casual neighbourhood gems to tasting menu showstoppers, Ottawa’s dinner scene quietly punches above its weight. This trio captures a little of everything: innovation, polish, and a relaxed bite with a view.
Atelier
540 Rochester Street
Price: $$$$
Vibe Score: 4.9/5
For those seeking an avant-garde dining experience, Atelier offers a multi-course tasting menu that pushes culinary boundaries. Each dish is a work of art, blending innovative techniques with seasonal ingredients. It’s a splurge, but one that adventurous food lovers will find unforgettable.
Beckta Dining & Wine
150 Elgin Street
Price: $$$
Vibe Score: 4.8/5
Beckta combines fine dining with a welcoming atmosphere. The seasonal menu showcases Canadian ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine list. Whether you choose the tasting menu or order à la carte, Beckta delivers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience.
Tavern on the Falls
1 John Street
Price: $$
Vibe Score: 4.5/5
Perched beside the picturesque Rideau Falls, Tavern on the Falls offers a relaxed outdoor dining experience with stunning views. The menu features gourmet hot dogs, tacos, and refreshing cocktails, making it an ideal spot for a laid-back meal amidst natural beauty. It’s a seasonal venue, so be sure to check its operating hours during your visit.
Cocktails & Craft Beer
Whether you're winding down after dinner or making a night of it, Ottawa has no shortage of places to raise a glass. These three spots showcase the city's mix of creativity, quality, and good vibes—whether you’re into craft beer, cocktails, or a bit of both.
Union Local 613 – The Speakeasy
315 Somerset Street West
Price: $$
Vibe Score: 4.7/5
Hidden behind a bookcase in this Southern-inspired restaurant is one of Ottawa’s best cocktail secrets. The speakeasy at Union 613 serves up thoughtful, expertly crafted drinks in a space that feels part cabin, part underground bar. It’s first-come, first-served—so plan accordingly if you want a seat—but it’s absolutely worth the effort.
Elgin Beer Project
399 Elgin Street
Price: $$
Vibe Score: 4.5/5
This low-key gem focuses entirely on Ontario craft beer, with a rotating tap list that highlights both Ottawa mainstays and small-batch surprises. The vibe is casual, friendly, and refreshingly unpretentious. If you’re a fan of flight paddles and discovering your next favourite pale ale or sour, this is the place.
The Moonroom
442 Preston Street
Price: $$
Vibe Score: 4.6/5
Dark, cozy, and effortlessly cool, The Moonroom is one of those places that doesn’t need to advertise—it just is. The cocktail list leans inventive without being gimmicky, and there's usually a well-curated beer or wine option if that’s more your speed. It’s a perfect last-stop-of-the-night kind of place, whether you're decompressing or still debriefing over dessert and a drink.
Ottawa doesn’t always shout about its food and drink scene, but that’s part of the charm—it lets you feel like you’ve discovered something. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or just shaking off winter with a staycation, these are the kinds of spots that make the city shine when the weather turns warm.
More to come in this series, but for now, this should keep your belly full and your drink topped up. And hey—if anyone asks how you found out about that hidden bar behind the bookcase, just tell them a local sent you.
