This year, you can keep enjoying a meal or drinks on Ottawa patios, even as the colder weather arrives. Restaurants, pubs and breweries are covering and heating their outdoor spaces to extend the popular patio season. So BYOB (bring your own blanket) and meet with friends or loved ones on these comfortable, cozy patios while you can—especially during physical distancing times. (Businesses are ordered roughly by distance from Parliament Hill.)
Riviera (and more on Sparks Street)
The pedestrian Sparks Street area near Parliament Hill has several patios, including Riviera’s new outdoor space outfitted with Parisian-style chairs. Let the heaters and tented cover warm you as you feast on locally-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails. Within a few blocks, you can also visit patios at Bier Markt, Rabbit Hole, The Office Resto Pub and Brixton’s British Pub.
Tulip Lounge and Restaurant
Sit back and relax on the large patio at the Tulip Lounge and Restaurant in downtown Ottawa. You can dine and drink in the covered and heated tent space each evening until December 31 (blankets are available for extra comfort). If you’re driving, the attached Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites hotel will validate your parking.
The Whalesbone
The Elgin Street location of The Whalesbone has a hidden back patio with heat lamps to keep you warm. Visit this quiet hidden spot to savour their famous seafood dishes and delicious drinks.
Metropolitain Brasserie
Between Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market area is a sunken patio in front Metropolitain Brasserie. Grab one of their thick blankets, settle into the seasonally decorated space and feast on classic French dishes.
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar
This corner spot across from the BeaverTails kiosk in the historic ByWard Market neighbourhood has a large, tented and heated outdoor patio (blankets are available). People watch from all angles while you enjoy The Grand’s authentic Neapolitan style pizza, pasta or a drink.
Zak’s Diner
Both locations of Ottawa staple Zak’s Diner are outfitted with tented and heated patios. Dig into classic diner food at their restaurant in either the ByWard Market area or in Kanata.
Copper Spirits & Sights
One of the city’s premier patios offers panoramic views from on the 16th floor of the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market hotel. The outdoor space at Copper Spirits & Sights offers modern lounging areas with gas firepits (they recommend you dress warmly and bring a blanket). The space is not covered, therefore it’s weather-dependent.
Clocktower Brew Pub
The Clocktower has been brewing craft beer in Ottawa since 1996 which is now served along with tasty food at its seven brew pubs throughout the city. Most locations have generous patios that are now covered and heated.
Das Lokal
The German and Austrian-inspired Das Lokal on the edge of the ByWard Market has extended their covered patio into their parking lot. And as usual, their outdoor firepit is a perfect place to sip warm drinks like mulled wine (gluhwein), even in the winter.
Flora Hall Brewing
In Centertown just off of Bank Street, you can hang out on Flora Hall Brewing’s heated covered patio Friday to Sunday. Sip their large variety of beers and nibble on their delicious food. Their retail shop is also open with beers to go and merchandise.
North & Navy
Next to its pretty brick building in Centretown, North & Navy has set up an intimate patio space with heaters, blankets and even complimentary mulled wine (reservations required). The authentic northern Italian cuisine tastes even better in this romantic setting.
Pub Italia
Locals love Pub Italia’s quirky blend of Irish pub and Italian restaurant. This casual spot in Ottawa’s Little Italy has a side alley and front patio that are covered and heated. Choose from their huge “beer bible” and unique food menu.
Kichesippi Beer Company
Located in Bell’s Corners, a suburb west of downtown Ottawa, Kichesippi has lots of space including a large outdoor beer garden. Warm up with one of their craft beers and some snacks on one of their two covered heated areas.
