Guidebook for Ottawa
Drinks & Nightlife
El Camino
380 Elgin StEl Camino has amazing tacos and drinks on their menu.
This is a trendy spot that will be filled with locals. Great place for drinks date (food is a little over-priced, but still quite good). Ask to go down into the speak-easy!
78 locals recommend
Union Local 613
315 Somerset St WThis is a trendy spot that will be filled with locals. Great place for drinks date (food is a little over-priced, but still quite good). Ask to go down into the speak-easy!
Irene's Pub
885 Bank StFrequently hosts great live bands!
Lowertown Brewery
73 York StGreat brews, amazing food, and rad vibe.
Food Scene
Wilf & Ada's
510 Bank StThis restaurant is perfect for weekend brunch - a must in Ottawa.
Centertown is the only delivery/take-out spot where you can get East Coast style garlic fingers and donairs!
Centertown Donair & Pizza
422 Bronson AveCentertown is the only delivery/take-out spot where you can get East Coast style garlic fingers and donairs!
This is a local Hill staffer bar. Eat here and you'll be surrounded by Staffers, Lobbyists, and other change-makers here in Ottawa.
South Block Whiskey Bar
148 Sparks St.This is a local Hill staffer bar. Eat here and you'll be surrounded by Staffers, Lobbyists, and other change-makers here in Ottawa.
Locals will tell you that this is one of the best brunch spots in the city. They're known for their Huevos Rancheros! Go early to avoid the line on weekends.
95 locals recommend
The Manx Pub
370 Elgin StLocals will tell you that this is one of the best brunch spots in the city. They're known for their Huevos Rancheros! Go early to avoid the line on weekends.
Slightly more expensive, but offers a seasonal menu filled with local, delicious food.
19 locals recommend
two six {ate}
268 Preston StSlightly more expensive, but offers a seasonal menu filled with local, delicious food.
Arlington Five
5 Arlington AveMy favourite spot for coffee dates and doing work at a cafe!
The staff know their wine and the menu is guaranteed to impress. If you don't know what it is, ask - sometimes my best meals at this restaurant have been plates I couldn't understand without explanation.
24 locals recommend
North & Navy
226 Nepean StThe staff know their wine and the menu is guaranteed to impress. If you don't know what it is, ask - sometimes my best meals at this restaurant have been plates I couldn't understand without explanation.
Want to take home some local coffee? This is where you need to go!
14 locals recommend
Equator Coffee Westboro
412 Churchill Ave NWant to take home some local coffee? This is where you need to go!
One of my favourite spots to celebrate with friends. Great staff, amazing menu, and beautiful decor. Perfect date night spot!
34 locals recommend
Social
537 Sussex DrOne of my favourite spots to celebrate with friends. Great staff, amazing menu, and beautiful decor. Perfect date night spot!
This trendy bar has some of the best locally sourced food Ottawa has to offer!
54 locals recommend
Supply and Demand
1335 Wellington St. WThis trendy bar has some of the best locally sourced food Ottawa has to offer!
Trendy late night cocktails from an award winning bartender. I would not recommend their food, however.
15 locals recommend
COMMON - Gitanes Burger Pop Up
380 Elgin StTrendy late night cocktails from an award winning bartender. I would not recommend their food, however.
Arts & Culture
The Hill is a must when visiting the National Capital Region. The front lawn is great for a picnic, bocce ball, or cartwheels. Tours are available hourly, and if you're visiting during the week and the Parliament is sitting, I would be happy to get you into Question Period, House proceedings, or Senate proceedings.
116 locals recommend
Parliament of Canada Free Tour Ticket
111 Wellington StThe Hill is a must when visiting the National Capital Region. The front lawn is great for a picnic, bocce ball, or cartwheels. Tours are available hourly, and if you're visiting during the week and the Parliament is sitting, I would be happy to get you into Question Period, House proceedings, or Senate proceedings.
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex DrYou can't come to Ottawa and not visit Parliament Hill. The front grass is accessible to the public and tours run most days of the year. Please ask me as many questions about the Hill as you'd like. I've been working there over three years and am very happy to share some tips/insights!
891 locals recommend
Parliament Hill
Wellington StreetYou can't come to Ottawa and not visit Parliament Hill. The front grass is accessible to the public and tours run most days of the year. Please ask me as many questions about the Hill as you'd like. I've been working there over three years and am very happy to share some tips/insights!
Parks & Nature
Major's Hill Park
Mackenzie AvenueOne of my favourite places for a picnic and reading!
The canal is gorgeous for walks, runs, skating, and bike rides. You can access the canal from the end of my block and it can take you north towards Parliament Hill, or south towards Dows Lake!
259 locals recommend
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
1 Second AvenueThe canal is gorgeous for walks, runs, skating, and bike rides. You can access the canal from the end of my block and it can take you north towards Parliament Hill, or south towards Dows Lake!
Essentials
LCBO
160 Elgin StShopping
Loblaws
64 Isabella StAll the groceries you might need are here.
The Gifted Type
253 Elgin StThis little boutique is full of lovely trinkets and gifts.
boogie + birdie
256 Elgin StFantastic, locally-made goods.
Everything Else
If you are here in the winter, you have to take some time to rent some skates and go skating on the Canal. Don't forget some $ for hot chocolate and a Beaver Tail!
69 locals recommend
Rideau Canal (ice conditions)
If you are here in the winter, you have to take some time to rent some skates and go skating on the Canal. Don't forget some $ for hot chocolate and a Beaver Tail!
Bloomfields Flowers
783 Bank StMy favourite flower shop!