This year in Ottawa has been pretty insane. In addition to all of the crazy events that commemorated Canada's 150th, Ottawa welcomed so many new restaurants and discovered so many new places. This year I can fully say that Ottawa has been pretty good at keeping up with the latest trends. Whether it's macarons or poké bowls, Ottawa didn't slack when it came to trends. Plus Ottawa has slowly been able to change the 'government city' stereotype and obviously it's not completely gone, but it really has been questioned a lot this year. Ottawa actually became so trendy that Vogue Magazine wrote about what to do in Ottawa!
After such a fantastic year in Ottawa, it's only right that we go through the many places that helped make it so special. Whether you walked around with a giant dragon downtown or tried an epic milkshake, Ottawa had something happening almost every week!
It's time to go over all of the most important places that have made Ottawa 2017 so special to us all. Some people enjoyed the many bars/clubs this year that helped us dance our nights away. Others loved café hopping from one latte to the next. Breakfast/Brunch places always came through for us in the mornings and late afternoons. Also a major shoutout to the many cheap eat spots we ate at while attempting to save our money. And we can't forget to mention the many restaurants that served us yummy foods throughout this epic year.
The Most Important Bars/Clubs
The Most Important Cafes
The Most Important Breakfast/Brunch Spots
The Most Important Cheap Eat Spots
The Most Important Restaurants
For The Most Important Bars/Clubs, Click "NEXT"
Ward 14
Where: 139 Preston St #1 // Little Italy
Type: Consignment Shop Bar
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Ward 14 isn't only a bar it is also a consignment shop that sells a variety of vintage decorations. Ward 14 sells a range of foods, many cocktails, and serve up their own beer. This year Ward 14 held so many fun trivia nights that were all a blast.
Babylon Nightclub
Where: 317 Bank Street // Downtown
Type: Nightclub
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: Babylon Nightclub holds so many events each month. If you love themed nights then you have to check out Babylon's schedule. From Slim Shady night to Drake night, there will be a perfect night for everyone.
Charlotte
Where: 350 Elgin Street // Downtown
Type: Boujee Bar
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: Charlotte is a new boujee bar that just opened up this year. It is so fancy and perfect for a night out with your BFFs. If you haven't been here yet you must head here ASAP.
The Bourbon Room
Where: 400 Dalhousie Street // Downtown
via @pambussiere
Type: Nightclub
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: The Bourbon Room is always holding an event that will surely have you dancing. The nightclub is bi-level and features DJs, dancing, VIP areas, bottle service & themed events.
Bab El Hara
Where: 1818 Bank St // Ellwood
via @danielleella92
via @tabadla
Type: Shisha Bar
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Now if you're in search of a lowkey spot to chill out and have some shisha, you should definitly head to Bab El Hara. Here you can smoke some great shisha as well as indulge in tasty food.
Tavern On The Hill
Where: 1223 Alexandria Bridge
Type: Patio
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Tavern On The Hill opened up this summer and we love it. With the views of Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada this patio bar is perfection. They serve up gourmet hot dogs all made from locally sourced ingredients.
The Albion Rooms
Where: 33 Nicholas St // Downtown
Type: Gastropub
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: The Albion Rooms serves up great cocktails and have unreal charcuterie boards. The bar is located in the Novotel Hotel downtown and is perfect for a catch up with your friends.
Club NVY
Where: 295 Dalhousie Street // Downtown
Type: Nightclub
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: Club NYV will make your Friday and Saturday nights so much fun. If you're looking for good vibes, hip hop music, and cheap bottle service you should 100% head to Club NYV.
For The Most Important Cafes, Click "NEXT"
Feline Café
Where: 1076 Wellington Street W // Hintonburg
Type: Cat Cafe
Price: 💸
Why you should go: This adorable cat cafe opened up in Ottawa this year and all cat lovers are so grateful. Honestly, every cat lover has to visit this cat cafe at least once in their life. If you're trying to find a place to chill out and relax this cafe is perfection.
The Dreamland Cafe
Where: 200 Laurier Ave W // Downtown Ottawa
Type: Pasta Cafe
Price: 💸
Why you should go: From the absolutely stunning design to the scrumptious pastas, The Dreamland Cafe has been welcomed to Ottawa this year and we love it. If you're looking for a great place to eat your lunch while also feeling like you're in a dream you for sure have to head here.
Little Jo Berry's
Where: 1303 Wellington Street W // Hintonburg
Type: Vegan
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Make your way to Little Jo Berry's for some incredible vegan desserts. This year Little Jo Berry's killed the vegan dessert game, from pumpkin spice ice cream to ice cream served in a watermelon to emoji shaped vegan macarons, this cafe killed it this year.
Uji Café
Where: 215 Rideau Street // Downtown
Type: Matcha Cafe
Price: 💸
Why you should go: An all matcha everything cafe? Yes, please. This cafe in Ottawa will fulfill all of your matcha needs. So if you love your matcha then you need to head here ASAP.
Quelque Chose Pâtisserie
Where: 379 Richmond Road // Westboro
Type: Macaron Cafe
Price: 💸 💸
Why you should go: This year Quelque Chose Pâtisserie took over. From insane macaron milkshakes this summer to epic macaron ice cream sandwiches, this cafe knows what Ottawans want. Whether you like macarons or not there is something for everyone at this stunning cafe.
Union Street Kitchen Cafe
Where: 42 Crichton St // New Edinburgh
Type: Kitchen Cafe
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Union Street Kitchen Cafe is once of the most Insta worthy cafes in Ottawa. Whether you're planning your next BFF hang out or just want to be solo and do some reading, this cafe is perfect for anything.
Stella Luna Gelato Cafe
Where: 1130 Wellington Street West // Hintonburg
Type: Gelato Cafe
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This gelato cafe just opened up this year and it is so stunning. What makes this cafe even better is the amazing gelato that is serves up. This holiday season they are selling some amazing gelato flavours including Christmas Sprinkle Cookie, The Nuttiest Nutcracker, and Chocolate Candy Cane Cheesecake.
The Grounds Cafe
Where: 5703 Hazeldean Rd // Stittsville
via @thegroundscafestittsville
Type: Espresso Cafe
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Whether you like coffee or tea, The Grounds Cafe will having something you will enjoy. This amazing gem is tucked away in Stittsville and is totally worth visiting.
For The Most Important Breakfast/Brunch Spots, Click "NEXT"
Fleur Tea House
Where: 287 Somerset St E // Sandy Hill
Type: Tea House
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: If you're in search of a quaint and cozy place to enjoy a breakfast you should 100% check out Fleur Tea House. From scones to pancakes to eggs benedict, this cafe will meet all of your breakfast needs.
EVOO Greek Kitchen
Where: 438 Preston Street // Little Italy
Type: Greek Kitchen
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: EVOO Greek Kitchen serves up a variety of amazing brunch options. At 10am on Saturdays and Sundays this stunning restaurant serves the most unreal brunches ever.
Chesterfield's Gastro Diner
Where: 1433 Wellington St W #111 // Westboro
Type: Gastro Diner
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Now if you're in search for a place that will give you instant 70's vibes, then you have officially found the place. Many diner brunch spots can be on the greasy side, but Chesterfield's Gastro Diner isn't too greasy! The diner is only open until 2pm so make sure to get to brunch on time.
Erling's Variety
Where: 225 Strathcona Ave // The Glebe
Type: Contemporary Diner
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This super lowkey brunch spot is perfect for you if you're looking for a place to escape. Erling's Variety serves up a variety of breakfast options, from French teas to omelet you will leave feeling satisfied here.
Wilf & Ada's
Where: 510 Bank Street // Downtown
Type: Scratch Diner
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: At the corner of Arlington, Wilf & Ada's has the most amazing breakfasts to choose from. Everything made at Wilf & Ada's is made with fresh locally sourced ingredients. After having breakfast you can head to Arlington Five cafe which is right next door.
Stoneface Dolly's
Where: 416 Preston Street // Little Italy
Type: Eatery
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Stoneface Dolly's is known for its iconic breakfast meals that they serve up. From 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, Stoneface Dolly's serves everyone's brunch favourite. Some meals include Corned Beef Hash, Jerk Breakfast Ribs, and Eggs Benedict.
Sutherland Restaurant, Bar and Coffee House
Where: 224 Beechwood Avenue // Rockcliffe Park
Type: Restaurant
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: If you're someone that appreciates aesthetics then you will appreciate everything about Sutherland Restaurant, Bar and Coffee House. With mouthwatering food and stunning modern decor, this restaurant is for sure an Ottawa gem.
HeadQuarters
Where: 113-115 Clarence Street // Downtown
Type: Cafe and Salon
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: HeadQuarters opened up in Ottawa this year and you have to check it out. Head here for some breakfast and some cute AF Instas. Whether you want avo toast or a yummy donut, HeadQuarters will fulfill your breaky needs.
For The Most Important Cheap Eat Spots, Click "NEXT"
Fiazza Fresh Fired
Where: 86 Murray Street // Downtown
Type: Custom Pizzas
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Fiazza Fresh Fired is absolutely delicious. Here you can build your very own customized pizza or choose from their menu. They also cater to those who are vegan too, so they have go everyone covered.
El Furniture Warehouse
Where: 77 Clarence Street // Downtown
Type: Bar food
Price: 💸
Why you should go: If you still haven't tried El Furniture Warehouse yet then you're clearly not looking to save some money. At El Furniture Warehouse you can have an entire meal for just $5, yes only $5! This is such a good price for a full meal and I'm sure every broke student has already taken advantage of this deal.
Patty Boland's
Where: 101 Clarence Street // Downtown
Type: Bar food
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Make your way to Patty Boland's for a solid bargain on wings. Every Monday wings are just 35 cents each, burgers are $3 each, and poutine is only $5! Make your Monday more manageable by heading to Patty Boland's and save your money.
Madame Fattoush Lady
Where: 90 Elgin Street // Downtown
Type: Lebanese cuisine
Price: 💸
Why you should go: This year I thankfully discovered this amazing hidden gem. Madame Fattoush Lady is a lunch time favourite and to make this place even better, the prices are super reasonable. The prices range from $5-$8 so you won't be breaking your bank account for a lunch time meal.
Corazon De Maiz
Where: 55 Byward Market Square // ByWard Market
Type: Mexican cuisine
Price: 💸
Why you should go: If you're craving delicious authentic Mexican food that is homemade you have to try Corazón De Maíz! They offer specialty Mexican dishes such as quesadillas, nachos and burritos with the traditional flavours that will leave you satisfied.
World Burger
Where: 1651 Merivale Road // Nepean
Type: Fast food
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Almost every burger served at World Burger costs $8.49 so you won't be spending your entire pay check on one meal. Head to World Burger to try out insane combinations as well as save your money at the same time.
The Green Door Restaurant
Where: 198 Main Street // The Glebe
Type: Vegetarian Buffet
Price: 💸
Why you should go: At Green Door you will be in a vegetarian buffet heaven. The food here is organic, vegetarian, and they also serve gluten-free options as well. To get a full plate costs between $7 to $15 which isn't much considering it's a buffet!
El Camino
Where: 380 Elgin Street // Downtown
Type: Contemporary Mexican
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Tacos at El Camino are only $5 each and on Sundays after 9 pm they serve pork and tacos del norte for only $3 each. If you're in search of a place to pick up tacos for pretty cheap then you for sure need to make your way to El Camino ASAP.
For The Most Important Restaurants , Click "NEXT"
Zak's Cantina
Where: 10 Byward Market Square // Downtown
Type: Mexican Diner
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Head to Zak's Cantina for some traditional Mexican street food. Zak's Cantina opened this year and it has not disappointed. From the unique decor to the amazing foods, this place is definitely an Ottawa favourite.
The Fry
Where: 280 Elgin Street // Downtown
Type: Korean-style restaurant
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: Now if you love fried chicken then you must try The Fry. This Korean-style restaurant will have you saying goodbye to KFC and hello to better things in life. Seriously, at The Fry you can choose from boneless, spicy, and crispy wings, so no matter your personal favourite they have it.
Mad Radish
Where: 859 Bank Street // Downtown
Type: Salad Bar
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Mad Radish is the first of its kind in Ottawa and we welcomed it with open arms this summer. Here you can choose from a variety of salads as well as customize your own. Plus at Mad Radish, you can grab a coconut vegan ice cream, yes please.
Bar Lupulus
Where: 1242 Wellington St W // Westboro
Type: Mediterranean
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: If you're looking for somewhere trendy, fresh, and unique then look no further. Bar Lupulus is a restaurant that just opened up this year in Ottawa and it serves up a variety of dishes including charcuterie boards and pastas.
Paradise Poké
Where: 134 Bank Street // Downtown
Type: Poké Bowls
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Paradise Poké is not only Instagram worthy certified, it is also taste bud certified. Seriously, at Paradise Poké you get the best of both worlds, tasty food and lit Instas. There is a bowl for everyone at this restaurant some include spicy versions, vegan versions, and gluten free versions.
Riviera
Where: 62 Sparks Street // Downtown
Type: Canadian
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Calling all foodies, this place is meant for you. Riviera is a beautiful restaurant that serves the most delicious dishes and drinks. If you are in search of a place to go for a fancy night out you have to go to Riviera.
Casa México
Where: 1489 Merivale Road // Nepean
Type: Mexican cuisine
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Casa México opened up this year in Ottawa and it has quickly become an Ottawan favourite. This restaurant is family owned it serves up authentic Mexican dishes. From enmoladas to enchiladas rojas to quesadillas, this restaurant is perfect for you if you love Mexican cuisine.
Asian Alley
Where: 8 ByWard Market Square // ByWard Market
Type: Asian
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Rice wraps, chicken fried rice, pho... Asian Alley serves it all! The restaurant is super cute and the design is stunning. From the murals on the wall to the pretty ceiling lights, Asian Alley has their aesthetics on point. Not only is this place stunning, but they also serve amazing dishes.