There’s no shortage of cool cafés in Ottawa, each with its own flavour, story, and loyal following. Whether you’re searching for cheap coffee, an aesthetic corner to study, or a local favourite to fuel your weekend wander, these coffee shops in Ottawa, Canada have you covered.
Arlington Five
If you’re into old-school cameras, cozy corners, and creative energy, Arlington Five is your spot. This café in Ottawa just off Bank St is as awesome as it is welcoming, known for its muffins, soothing lattes, and relaxed vibe. It’s also a hub for local artists — hosting evening shows, workshops, and vernissages that make it a go-to for those seeking inspiration. They brew Lulo Coffee, a local favourite roasted right here in Ottawa and celebrated for its bright, direct-trade blends from Colombia and Costa Rica. After your latte, take a stroll toward downtown or the Glebe for some of the city’s best thrifting and shopping.
The Bower Coffee Co.
Tucked in Westboro, The Bower Coffee Co. is a sleek, modern coffee house in Ottawa with a strong local following. Known for its expertly crafted espresso and curated selection of Canadian roasters, it’s a must for coffee purists. Grab a cortado to go and wander along Richmond Road — a hotspot for boutique fashion, gourmet foods, and small shops. It’s one of the best cafés in Ottawa to pick up unique beans and enjoy that perfect mid-morning pick-me-up before exploring the neighbourhood.
Planet Coffee
Hidden in a narrow alley of the ByWard Market, Planet Coffee has been serving up some of the most beloved coffee in Ottawa for years. This cute café in Ottawa is the perfect blend of cozy and cool — with bright windows for people-watching, friendly servers, and a dessert counter that’s impossible to resist. Pair your matcha or latte with their famous avocado toast smothered in pumpkin seeds, then wander back out to explore the surrounding shops and artisan vendors in the ByWard Market.
Drip House
Part café in Ottawa, part cocktail bar, Drip House transitions effortlessly from day to night. By day, regulars rave about the house-made butter croissants and hearty breakfast sandwiches; by night, the space glows with the energy of an urban hideaway serving craft cocktails and late-night bites. The friendly staff and chill vibe make it one of the coolest coffee shops in Ottawa for both work and relaxation. Whether you’re grabbing a cappuccino to go or staying for dinner and a drink, Drip House delivers a distinctly Ottawa experience across their three locations.
Beandigen Café
Bright, airy, and filled with greenery, Beandigen Café at Lansdowne is an Indigenous-owned café in Ottawa that blends community, culture, and creativity. The shop serves locally roasted Ondarez coffee, best paired with a warm piece of bannock. Explore the café’s shop, with handmade candles, beadwork, and Indigenous art. Beandigen doubles as a community hub, hosting Sunday beading sessions and movement or meditation workshops, making it more than just a coffee stop — it’s a place to connect and recharge.
Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar
For readers and coffee lovers alike, Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar in Old Ottawa South is a dream. This study café and bookshop hybrid is steps from the Rideau Canal, making it an ideal place to warm up after a winter walk or relax on a summer afternoon. Browse the shelves, find your next read, and settle into a plush chair with a steaming latte. Its literary-meets-local charm has made it a long-time favourite among those seeking a quiet retreat in Ottawa.
Equator Coffee
A staple in the Ottawa coffee scene since 1998, Equator Coffee has earned its reputation as one of the best cafés in Ottawa. A proud member of Northern America’s Cooperative Coffees, Equator sources fair trade and organic beans from small-scale farmers. While their flagship roastery is in Almonte, you’ll find their inviting cafés throughout the city — including one inside the National Arts Centre downtown. Grab a perfectly pulled espresso or seasonal drink and taste why this local brand is synonymous with ethical, expertly roasted coffee in Ottawa.
Little Victories Coffee
For minimalist design and excellent coffee in Ottawa, head to Little Victories Coffee. Located downtown, this café sits at one of the city’s most iconic intersections, with Parliament Hill to the north and the Senate’s temporary home to the south. It’s where politicians, creatives, and coffee enthusiasts quietly coexist over flat whites and fresh cookies. Spacious, aesthetic, and inviting, Little Victories is the kind of spot where you can stay productive for hours — or simply watch the city move around you.
From the ByWard Market to Westboro and everywhere in between, these cool cafés in Ottawa are as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re chasing ambiance, artistry, or a simple caffeine fix, you’ll find your perfect cup among the best cafés in Ottawa.
