If you think you’ve tried all of Ottawa’s food and drink options, think again! The region’s inspiring culinary scene is bursting with tasty treasures in urban neighbourhoods, rural communities, and everywhere in between. Indulge at a fine restaurant or bakery, snack at a food truck or cafe, or sip at craft breweries, distilleries and wineries. Discover a few highlights from our long list of unofficial culinary museums that make Ottawa a delicious destination!
First Bite – The Unofficial Museum of Croffles
Combine a buttery, flaky croissant with a crispy and soft waffle and what do you get? An irresistible croffle which can be topped with candy, fruit, chocolate and other goodies. These sweet treats are made to order at First Bite, a dessert destination with a European-style storefront on Sussex Drive in the ByWard Market area.
Drip House - The Unofficial Museum of Avocado and Art
Each location of this stylish urban coffee shop is a community hub that goes beyond coffee and snacks. At the Drip House, you can fill your tummy and Instagram feed with unique sandwiches and baked goods, and keep an eye out for specials such as their cheesy Korean corn dogs, art displays, performance events and culinary pop ups. At night, the Chinatown location turns into a cocktail bar.
Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe & Montgomery Scotch Lounge - The Unofficial Museum of Oats and Scotch
By day, both locations of Oat Couture Oatmeal Café offer inventive and filling bowls of local, organic and gluten-free steel-cut oats (savoury or sweet)—as well as egg sandwiches, toast and baked goods. By night, the spaces transform into Montgomery Scotch Lounge, where you can enjoy a large selection of single malts, beer, wine and small plates, plus live music at the Gladstone Avenue location.
Parkdale Night Market - The Unofficial Museum of Nightly Discoveries
Wednesday evenings in the summer months brings together vendors of local beer, food, desserts and more at the special outdoor Parkdale Night Market. This weekly event in the trendy neighbourhood of Wellington West also often features live entertainment and other fun programming. Return to the long-running Parkdale Market in the daytime to browse vendors of local and imported produce and plants any day of the week.
