Family trips to Ottawa are full of adventure that’s sure to build up everyone’s appetite! You can find familiar favourites or broaden your horizons with Ottawa’s many restaurants, eateries, and food shops. Canada’s capital offers plenty of kid-friendly options that adults will love too. Check out these family-approved spots that will fill your children’s bellies and keep everyone happy on vacation.
FAMILY RESTAURANTS
Mati
Located in Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhood, Mati offers a diverse menu that appeals to both kids and adults, featuring seafood, steak, pastas, and a standout brunch. Families can enjoy the “For the Table” section with fresh-baked croissants, maple bacon, and berries & coconut, or let adventurous eaters indulge in Truffle Burrata Eggs or a Blackstone Bennie. Whether savouring signature dishes or discovering new favourites, Mati invites families to gather, share, and create memories together in the heart of the city.
The Grand Pizzeria & Bar
Italian food is as kid-friendly as it gets, and The Grand in the ByWard Market neighbourhood has some of the best in town. The kids’ menu includes classics like spaghetti and meatballs, pasta with butter and cheese, and plain pizzas. While you wait, gather around the traditional Napoletana pizza wood-burning oven and watch the pizzas sizzle away. You can also visit their new location at Westboro Beach Pavilion for a beachside meal with Ottawa River views.
Johnny Farina
Johnny Farina on Elgin Street is another great option for friendly service and Italian favourites. The spacious, two-level dining room is perfect for families, and kids can order their own small-sized pizza or pasta with custom toppings. Prefer takeout? Visit the attached deli for daily specials like paninis, soups, salads, and pastas (plus sweet cannoli for dessert).
KID’S PICKS
Mexicali Rosa’s
With multiple locations across Ottawa, Mexicali Rosa’s is your home for authentic “California Style Mexican Food.” From delicious tacos and sizzling fajitas to homemade nachos and classic burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and chili, Mexicali Rosa’s serves up bold Mexican flavours fresh every day. Visit their Dow’s Lake location for sprawling views of the historic Rideau Canal. Kids 10 and under can enjoy a fixed-price menu where they choose their own drink, main, side, and dessert.
The WORKS
With more than 25 burgers and nearly as many milkshake combinations, it’s no surprise kids love The WORKS. Cozy booths, friendly service, and over-the-top flavours make it a family favourite. The kids’ menu includes a drink, side, and scoop of ice cream, with options like Plain Jack Jr., Cheese Please Burger, Bacon Me Crazy Cheeseburger, Dipsy Chix, and Wings n’ Fries.
UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCES FOR KIDS
Daldongnae Korean BBQ
This popular Korean BBQ chain has quickly become a favourite for families. Stop by Daldongnae Korean BBQ to order and cook your own meats at the table, making it a fun and interactive experience. All BBQ meals come with complimentary dishes such as egg, corn cheese, lettuce, side dishes, and soybean stew, plus a variety of pork, beef, wagyu, chicken, and vegan options. Reservations are recommended.
House of TARG
Pinball and perogies make a divine combination at this underground arcade and restaurant. Take advantage of their Free Play Sundays, where families can enjoy unlimited rounds of pinball and classic arcade games. It’s a one-of-a-kind spot featuring live music, retro games, and handmade perogies. House of TARG is proudly owned and operated by Ottawa musicians and is a true local gem.
Level One
Level One, currently featuring an Italian-inspired menu, is best known for its thousands of board games and video games. Game Wizards are on hand to teach new games and offer recommendations, making it easy for families to dive right in. Conveniently located in the ByWard Market.
The Green Door Restaurant & Bakery
An Ottawa classic in Old Ottawa East, The Green Door is a self-serve vegetarian buffet that lets you create a plate to match your appetite and nutrition needs. The rotating menu features dishes like tofu broccoli stir-fry, herb and feta spanakopita, spiced Indian dal, and avocado salad, along with a selection of desserts. Healthy, hearty, and welcoming for all ages.
KID-FRIENDLY DINERS
Zak’s Diner
Diners are perfect for fussy kids and Zak’s Diner has everything they want: all-day breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and poutine (the Canadian delicacy made of fries, gravy and fresh cheese curds). Don’t leave without trying one of their famous milkshakes made with premium ice cream. Zak’s ByWard Market location is conveniently open 24 hours.
The King Eddy
The King Eddy is the ultimate mix of restaurant, pub, and diner – ideal for a family meal. Affordable diner classics like all-day breakfast, burgers, and hot dogs share the menu with fried chicken, chili, and salads. The drink list, featuring local craft beer and spiked milkshakes, keeps the adults happy too. Family brunch is served every day of the week.
PUBS
Lowertown Brewery
Pubs may not sound ideal for a family meal, but many – like Lowertown Brewery – cater to the kiddos. Children can choose a burger, breaded fish or chicken fingers from the kid’s menu, or regular items like poutine, kettle chips or nachos. In the meantime, parents can dig in to dishes like smoked beef brisket or beer-brined chicken, accompanied by one of Lowertown’s own craft beers brewed on-site. In the warmer months, grab a table on their large patio – a perfect spot for people-watching in the ByWard Market area.
D’Arcy McGee’s
D’Arcy McGee’s Irish Pub at the corner of Sparks and Elgin Streets is ideally located near Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre and The Haunted Walk. Along with traditional pub fare and beverages for parents, the kids’ menu includes small-sized shepherd’s pie, pizza, chicken nuggets, and noodles.
Lieutenant’s Pump
Known to Ottawans as “The Pump”, this popular Elgin Street pub is surprisingly family-friendly. Kids stay entertained as they play with The Pump’s toy box and colouring sheets. While there’s no specific kid’s menu, many dishes can be downsized and priced accordingly. From wraps, burgers and nachos to steak frites and roasted salmon, you’ll quickly see why this spot is a local favourite.
QUICK EATS
Queen St. Fare
Within walking distance of many downtown hotels and two blocks from Parliament Hill, Ottawa’s first food hall is a convenient spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Queen St. Fare brings together local vendors serving Mexican, Indian, and Asian specialties, as well as gourmet pizzas, burgers, and salads. Grab your meal, find a seat, and enjoy – there’s even a full bar.
BeaverTails
The world-famous BeaverTails were born in Ottawa in 1978, and their flagship kiosk still operates in the ByWard Market. These whole-wheat, float-cooked pastries are shaped like a beaver’s tail and come with toppings like cinnamon and sugar, maple butter, or Oreo crumbs. A must-try treat for any visit to Canada’s capital.
If your family has a sweet tooth, take a look at our suggestions for some of Ottawa’s sweets and treats.
