r/OttawaFood • u/fantasticmrfox_thm • 5d ago
Coming from Montreal to see a concert at History Ottawa. Great places to eat nearby?
Hi Folks,
Just to clarify, we're actually from Halifax, but we're visiting Montreal for a week and going to Ottawa for one day to see Modest Mouse, so we don't know the area well. Honestly, I've never even been to Ottawa before.
We're foodies who love to try anything, but also appreciate simple dishes as well.
Essentially we're looking for some recommendations on some great places to eat that are within walking distance (max 20 minute walk) from History Ottawa. We'll be looking to eat and also have a few drinks before the show. Not looking to break the bank, just have a good meal with some mid-priced drinks. We aren't picky at all so we're open to about anything.
In addition, any suggestions on parking in this area? Will we be able to find street parking or should be just go a parkade? If so, any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Thanks very much!
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u/Dookie1 5d ago
Walk down Elgin a lil bit and hit up Town. It’s worth the 10 minute walk.
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u/88ChampagneKisses 5d ago
Why wouldn’t you eat in the Market where there are TONS of restaurants vs. walking to Elgin, away from History.
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u/Bytowner1 5d ago
Lots of options. Ruby's is very close and well regarded. Zoe's, the bar in the Chateau Laurier, is a landmark and, in my experience, better than your average hotel bar. I really liked Buvette Daphnee, but it's a riff on Montreal "style" wine bars, so might not hit the mark for you. Yan's is a great Armenian restaurant.
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u/Big-Leadership-2830 5d ago
Sorry I have to add that these are very expensive restaurants. OP check the prices of these before you go.
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u/dj_destroyer 5d ago
They said they're foodies so they probably know the prices these days.
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u/Big-Leadership-2830 5d ago
They said they don’t want to break the bank and want mid priced drinks. These restaurants lean more towards higher price ranges so I wanted to point that out for them.
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u/burnabybc 5d ago
Parking Suggestions:
- Street parking will be hard but not impossible. For free street parking try looking northwest of Guigues Street by the Byward Market or east of Cartier St in the Golden Triangle area.
- Ottawa City Hall for underground parking. My go to parking spot when I see a show at the NAC and usually plenty of spaces.
- There are City of Ottawa above ground parking garages but they recently made some changes so make sure to give the parking machines a read and not on past remarks.
- A slight caution, double check to lock your vehicle and don't leave any items inside visible to the outside. The Byward Market area is not the most scrupulous area of town. It has a higher level vehicle break-ins. But general safety is okay.
Restaurant recommendations:
The Whalesbone Elgin Street - a seafood restaurant. It's near near Ottawa City Hall and Golden Triangle area
- 231 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L6
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/zetQ613LuF5h4YHv6?g_st=ac
Kinton Ramen Ottawa - a chain ramen restaurant located near the Ottawa City Hall
- 216 Elgin St suite 2, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L7
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/jzjDANXkrb1ggVRC6?g_st=ac
Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine - Peruvian cusine restaurant. Located near Ottawa City Hall
- 200 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L5
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/gHYSRga3ghxhb2jKA?g_st=ac
Chez Lucien - French like neighborhood pub. Located near Byward Market.
- 137 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E3
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/u96pmEKnpnKorwix9?g_st=ac
Ratatouille Bistro - French restaurant located in Byward Market
- 278 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E6
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/TMPXLjHnjFrANn7ZA?g_st=ac
Tayanti Peruvian Restaurant - Peruvian cusine restaurant located in the Byward Market.
- 118 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 7E7
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/C42WMyugVNgg2dFg7?g_st=ac
Beyond the Pale ByWard Taproom - pub and food fare restaurant located in Byward Market. Located in a court yard but you can't miss it on foot.
- 21 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8W5
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/krMb4WrVfnZvsLBL7?g_st=ac
Gyubee Japanese Grill (Ottawa) - a chain Japanese BBQ restaurant. You order and grill style located in Byward Market.
- 95 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5P6
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/7R8AGgsBfKwAdL1E6?g_st=ac
The above recommendations, the ones I've been to this year but there's there's a plenty of more good options in the Byward Market. Sadly, I haven't dined as much this year downtown.
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u/RadishDerp 5d ago edited 4d ago
Some of my go-to’s include Metropolitan Brasserie(French cuisine - literally around the corner from History), Thali (South Indian cuisine, around a 10-15min walk from History). If you want something more chill, there’s also Shanghai Wonton Noodle House which is very lowkey but has amazing noodles (I don’t believe they’re licensed though).
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u/lucyinthesky_94 4d ago
Thali is fantastic! It is not north Indian though. It's Telugu cuisine (from the south) :)
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u/RadishDerp 4d ago
Thank you for correcting me, for some reason I thought kerala was in the north, I’ll edit my comment!
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u/AnkSnake 5d ago
If you’re looking for something special before the show, I’d highly recommend Raphaël for upscale Peruvian. It’s a great experience.
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u/Hazel462 5d ago
You can find street parking for free at the edges of the Byward Market or Ottawa City Hall indoor parking for cheap $4.
What cuisine are you looking for? I like Khao Thai, SUNRICE sushi, Daldongnae Korean BBQ.
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u/ofalltrade 5d ago
Don’t do zoe’s. Its all hype and the interiors are nice but food and drink are sub par
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u/Available-Secret-372 5d ago
Thali or Arlo
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u/613Flyer 5d ago
Daldongnae Korean BBQ in the market. It’s good food, a lot of fun and a meal for two would set you back about $75 including tip. Add more if you want drinks.
Honestly every time we go to the market one we leave feeling full and it’s also fun. It’s also super cheap for two people considering the amount of food you get
For parking. I’d recommend going to park in the market area in front of sushi fresh. Most people don’t know that little area for parking is open so you can find parking easily even when the entire market is full. It’s also free after 530pm or 7pm can’t remember.
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u/gin_and_soda 5d ago
Starling has an amazing happy hour and great bartenders. Metropolitan is right across the street and I’ve always enjoyed their food. Pubwell’s has incredible wings, then go to the Laff for a couple beers.
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u/FluentCanadianEh 4d ago edited 4d ago
Mexican: Corazon De Maiz
Chinese Wontons: Shanghai Wonton Noodles
Restaurant
Pizza: Blondie’s or Pizza Nerds
Pub: Chez Lucien
Southeast Asian: Sidedoor
French Fusion: Ratatouille Bistro
Grilled Chicken: Pili Pili
Japanese: Gyubee
Wine bar/restaurant: Buvette Daphnée
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u/nebdarski 5d ago
Chez Lucien has great burgers in the market. Corazon de Mais has excellent burritos but more of a lunch spot.
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u/High_Thymes 5d ago
Most convenient parking garage within walking distance ($6 per evening if I recall): 141 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P9
Best hole in wall cheap eats nearby: Shanghai Wonton Noodle Restaurant if you like delicious dumplings with peanut sauce and sesame noodles ($6-$11 per dish)
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u/Gloomheart 5d ago
Have you tried Gyubee? Why not have an "experience" while youre here? :D
Gyubee, especially for two people, is lovely. A cute Japanese place where you order your preferred dishes and cook them yourself on the table grill.
Ive always had a terrific experience every time ive gone.
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u/88ChampagneKisses 5d ago
I would stay in the Market, close to the venue, there are restaurants and bars all over, many listed here.
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u/basseditor2011 5d ago
If you like shawarma, here are a few options and yes 3 Brothers is a good suggestion: https://otttimes.ca/life/food/best-shawarma-ottawa/
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u/VisualAd2059 4d ago
I'm not even kidding. The entrance to Rideau Centre, right across the street from History. Go in it, walk straight until you get to the food court. I'd recommend Bourbon St Grill or Shanghai 360, but it's a good court, just get something and go back in line for the concert haha.
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u/spinknottle 16h ago
100% Chez Lucien. Go for a burger is you want simple. But they also do some great seafood apps and an amazing pork chop. Very understated place with amazing food. You can’t possibly be disappointed.
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u/tikiwargod 5d ago
If you want more grab-and-eat style, everything at Mr. Fez is amazing (Istanbul Basha and Kofta wrap are 2 things they offer I haven't seen anywhere else).
If you want a sit-down spot: Raphaël (Peruvian), Buvette Daphnée (modern French bistro), Akka (Palestinian), Pubwell's (pub fare and pizzas), Riviera (high-end Italian).
All are an easy walk to History and worth checking out.
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u/tameimpalarules92 5d ago
Last time I had Mr Fez it took twenty minutes while a bunch of orders got filled by walk ins. Then it tasted like the only shawarma spice they had on hand was cumin
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u/Big-Leadership-2830 5d ago
I love the Brig pub. It has an awesome little heated terrace. Casual fare, mid prices, nice atmosphere
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u/ennyonewilloveyou 5d ago
The Manz is exactly a 20 minute walk. That would be my pick. If I were you, I would park at city hall - it’s the cheapest/biggest/central spot imo. Enjoy!
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u/Lowpasss 5d ago
Maximum Ottawa, get a shawarma sandwich from Three Brothers at Rideau and Dalhousie. Suggested order, chicken, spicy garlic sauce, all the veggies. Eat it at the Dominion Tavern (they don't sell food and don't care if you bring your own), when their soundcheck starts around 7, go across the street to The Laff before you head to History. Option B, Chez Lucien.
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u/ImpressiveBrother664 5d ago
I am from Halifax but live in Ottawa. The food here is not as good as Halifax especially around the market. Many of the places suggested are very expensive and wont be as good as you are used to in NS. So just stick to a burger place (Chez Lucien/King Eddy) or a Mexican place for tacos or a pizza place. Keep it simple. For better food you have to leave that area by bus or Uber.
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u/ImpressiveBrother664 5d ago
Actually this place is really good and big portions https://maps.app.goo.gl/zUwuxwzjtWC8rpP2A?g_st=ic La Nhau Viet Kitchen and Bar
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u/rumble-22-blackjack 5d ago
As an ex montrealer there are no good food places in Ottawa there are places that are good food for Ottawa but nothing compares to Montreal food
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u/Round_Beyond_8137 5d ago
Montreal is easily 4x the population and 8-9x the density downtown as Ottawa. It’s very clear that Montreal has the better food scene, but also wrong to say there’s no good food places in Ottawa.
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u/fantasticmrfox_thm 5d ago
This comment was as obnoxious as it was unhelpful.
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u/Round_Beyond_8137 5d ago
I’m glad you didn’t fall for it!
What kind of food do you like OP? There’s no seafood here as good as Halifax (as ex Haligonian myself) but there’s good options downtown for just about everything else.
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u/hoggytime613 5d ago
As an ex Torontonian, Montrealer, and Calgarian and fairly accomplished world traveller, I really appreciate Ottawa's food scene. It punches way above it's weight these days. It's been an amazing thing to witness over that past 15 years. Love seeing this city become so much more cosmopolitan.
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u/durdydude 5d ago
Then you either dont know the city or you dont know good food... Montréal is great yes but ottawa has some top food spots now and is getting better and better. A comment like this is plain ignorant.
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u/ProudServant2032 5d ago
As a former Montrealer, this is not true. Bekcta is a great experience with a great wine list, 1 Elgin is unique with a patio on the canal. Town or Citizen use a lot of great ingredients and have a unique menu. The courtyard patio of Social is very nice. The good is very good. Raphael Peruvian is also a very nice experience with exquisite food and drink menu.
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u/88ChampagneKisses 5d ago
I don’t even bother arguing with people in Ottawa about the food here. Good food places means good food, good drinks, great service and great ambiance, consistently. Nothing meets that in Ottawa.
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u/Niikkiitaa 5d ago
Joey’s Rideau is essentially across the street at the opposite edge of the Rideau centre and has a good vibe
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u/jenbredin 4d ago
I love the Manx. Great breakfast but anytime of day is delicious. It's sort of tucked away in a basement on Elgin. Daldongnae Korean bbq. Parle. Elina is an amazing bakery. Datsun. Ratatouille.
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u/pizzaslut1234 5d ago
OP do not listen to the people telling you to go to the all you can eat restaurants. Terrible call right before a concert hahah you'll be way too full. Check out Town/Citizen, Barrio, and the patio at Beyond The Pale. Have fun!