Canada has more doughnut shops per capita than any other country, and as Canada’s capital, Ottawa certainly represents! Whether you like traditional and simple, or gourmet and decadent (not to mention dairy-free and vegan), you’ll find the right match for your doughnut craving. Visit some of these local bakeries and artisanal shops for tasty twists on this favourite doughy treat.
1. SuzyQ Doughnuts
From its beginnings in a tiny snack shack to its current large and bright yellow storefront, SuzyQ has kept its roots planted firmly in the trendy Hintonburg area of the Wellington West neighbourhood. SuzyQ uses the traditional old Finnish “Sugar Munkki” recipe features some vegan options. You can always expect a fresh batch of crowd pleasers like Cookies n’ Cream and Maple Bacon, or wait to be surprised with whatever unique creation comes out of the oven next – think Blue Vanilla Fruit Loop.
2. Maverick’s Donut Company
Whether you visit the original Maverick’s in the Alta Vista area of Ottawa, or their ByWard Market location, you’ll enjoy their selection of signature flavours like Lemon Ricotta, Crème Brûlée and a mouth-watering take on the classic Apple Fritter. For more creative control, try the Alta Vista location where you can choose from an array of toppings to customize your doughnut to your liking!
3. Art Is In Bakery
The cronut – the irresistible blend of croissant and doughnut – is one of the most popular items at Art-Is-In Bakery. Each day, the kitchen creates a different filling for their classic cinnamon sugar cronut, and they make up even more impressive concoctions on Thursdays. Art-Is-In’s potato buttermilk or Berliner style doughnuts are also delicious.
4. Little Jo Berry’s
With a rotating doughnut every day, you’ll be blown away by the variety and creativity that goes into Little Jo Berry’s vegan doughnuts – everything they serve is egg and dairy free! To take it a step further, the cute shop in Wellington West has an array of gluten-free desserts with flavours that will have you coming back for more.
5. Mimi’s in Manotick
Some of the region’s freshest and most inventive doughnuts are served at Mimi’s in Manotick, a southern Ottawa suburb. Their options change regularly so visit often to try flavours like cannoli, chocolate mousse and lemon meringue. Mimi’s celebrates seasons and occasions with doughnut specials like ginger snap, pumpkin spice latte cheesecake and Nutella doughnut. If you’re lucky, you might visit on a cronut day!
6. SIDEDOOR
This Mexican-meets-Asian inspired restaurant might be the last place you’d expect fresh, warm doughnuts but that’s exactly what makes them so special. SIDEDOOR serves up different flavours of mini doughnuts like their usual, cinnamon sugar, and fan-favourite white chocolate cranberry. Depending on chef specials, you might also be able to try toppings like matcha, raspberry tart and mochi with red bean.
7. Feast + Revel
This signature restaurant located in the lobby of the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market hotel doubles as an all-day barista bar and offers grab-and-go bites like doughnuts on the daily. Every day brings a new flavour of doughnut with a seasonal flare.
Looking for more delicious goodies? Check out our list of Ottawa’s sweet and treats!
