Ottawa City Guide

Our latest adventure took us to the nation’s capital. It was a quick four-day trip jam-packed with exploring, shopping, and a lot of eating! Here are a few places to check out when you next head to Ottawa.

For Coffee: Mantovani 1946

Italian Artisan Gelato Cafe, 87 Murray Street, Byward Market

This place is not only an Instagrammer’s dream (a very large space with tons of natural light and white everything), they also have delicious lattes, all sorts of yummy treats, and a sizeable selection of gelato.

For Lunch & Happy Hour: El Camino

Taco Restaurant. Two locations (we visited the one 81 Clarence Street, Byward Market).

Super-cool, slightly hipster vibe with authentic tacos and killer cocktails. I had ‘The Way’ and Ryan had a Tequila Sour. The service was outstanding. You can tell everyone who works here loves it.

For Dinner: Riviera

Lunch & Dinner Spot. 62 Sparks Street

The obvious hot spot in town, Riviera just made En Route Magazine’s Top 10 List of Canada’s Best New Restaurants. The restored bank building, just blocks from Parliament, houses quite possibly the best food I’ve ever had in my life (next to my mom’s turkey dinner, of course). For someone who almost exclusively drinks wine, I sure enjoyed The Penicillin, a cocktail made with Famous Grouse Blended Whiskey, honey syrup, ginger syrup, and lemon.

For Cocktails: Oz Kafe

Dinner and late-night dining. 10 York Street, Byward Market

Hidden in the cobblestone courtyards of Byward Market, Oz Kafe is a place right out of a movie. With a somewhat-mysterious feel to it, this dimly-lit lounge with a cool vibe turned out to be the perfect spot for after-dinner drinks.

For Shopping: Schad 

Women’s & Men’s Clothing and Footwear Boutique. 521 Sussex Drive

I stopped here on a specific mission – to get my hands on a coveted Krista Norris scarf (of course, I left with one). These are the scarves the Trudeaus gave Malia and Sasha Obama during a White House visit for a state dinner in 2016. The shop features old brick walls, over-sized antique-style mirrors, and the collection is well-curated. It has an upscale but neighbourhood boutique feel.

Where do you like to go when you visit Ottawa? I’m already making a list for next trip!

xx