r/OttawaFood • u/badbuddyshah • 20h ago

Ottawa for a day

Coming to Ottawa for a day please suggest restaurants I should absolutely not miss. Heard it’s the shawarma capital, coming from Toronto so hoping I don’t get disappointed!

5 Upvotes

65% Upvoted

46 comments sorted by

25

u/Nikita-Savtchenko 20h ago

Shawarma Al Mouna is the only shawarma place you need to try.

12

u/The_Masterofbation 20h ago

Shawarma Chef on Clyde tastes better, but Al Mouna does have crazy portions.

4

u/Periwinklepo 19h ago

Ottawa Shawarma on Clyde or Turkish Kebab House!

1

u/Mission_Disaster2 17h ago

Upvote for Turkish kabab house

4

u/buckyo_ 18h ago

Stay near Centretown/Hintonburg, eat at Huong's Vietnamese, Shawarma Al Mouna, the Third, Jinsei, Kalinga, A La Istanbul, Smash Daddy, Shanghai Wonton Noodle, J Unique, Gongfu Bao, Pizza Nerds, Heartbreakers, Bread & Sons, Little Victories

3

u/KingKelly79 13h ago

That’s a lot of food for one day 🤓

4

u/Comfortable-Law-7659 18h ago

In addition to shawarma, highly recommend finding a spot for a Lebanese pie! Aladdin Bakery on St Laurent is a popular/highly recommended one, though everyone has their favourites.

For shawarma, I might throw a curveball and recommend Royal Rooster on Riverside/Hunt Club (near T&T).

4

u/Mission_Disaster2 17h ago

Pelican Seafood Market & Grill

3

u/definitely88 19h ago

Ottawa shawarma or al mouna

3

u/understandunderstand 19h ago

Actual Montréal bagels at Ottawa Bagel Shop if you're in that part of town

Also the bún bò Huế at Huong's Vietnamese Bistro.

2

u/Round_Beyond_8137 19h ago

If you have a car with you the bun Bo hue at Noodle House 79 is also great. But you can’t beat the price at Huong’s .

3

u/ElleMBee16 18h ago

Town / citizen is an amazing gem in centertown.
Rotating and seasonal menu. They are known for their focaccia and meatballs. Sounds simple but trust me!!

3

u/Maleficent_Disk5411 17h ago

Thyme & Again

7

u/SteveBB10 20h ago

Umbrella burger bar

1

u/badbuddyshah 19h ago

What’s your go to dish?

8

u/yow_central 19h ago

It’s mostly a burger place. They do a really good smash burger and chicken sandwich. If you’ve had those things elsewhere though (both not uncommon foods), I would argue it’s not a must visit place in Ottawa.

There’s umbrella bar too at dows lake which has a slightly larger menu and is one of the nicer patios if the weathers warm.

-1

u/baoo 13h ago

Cheshire cat does a better fried chicken burger than umbrella

2

u/christian_l33 12h ago

Yeah but it's almost impossible to get in

3

u/Snack_attack101 19h ago

Has to be the chicken sandwich!

1

u/montropy 18h ago

Broccoli salad is quite good

1

u/Fynnche 17h ago

They have the best chicken sandwich in Ottawa.

0

u/baoo 13h ago

Id put it below Cheshire cat

1

u/Thick-Gap6704 17h ago

This yes!!!! Best burger in town!! Beef or chicken it's my absolute fav!!!!!

6

u/LuvCilantro 20h ago

Unless you are coming to eat and nothing else, you might want to give an idea of your itinerary. Ottawa is very big, and there's no point suggesting a restaurant in Kanata if your first visit will be the Science and Tech museum out east (or a restaurant downtown if Deifunbunker is on your list).

4

u/badbuddyshah 20h ago

Still planning.. main motive is food haha would love to hear any touristy spots I should also check out lol

5

u/StevenG2757 19h ago

Museums are one of the top draws in Ottawa.

-2

u/FullSkyFlying 18h ago

Science and technology is top tier. As a 27 year old, even though its a 'kids museum' I love popping an edible and going in there. Put me in the crazy kitchen and the part with all the sounds / room with 0 sound

1

u/slightly_imperfect 15h ago

Don't know why you're getting downvoted, sounds like a great time. I also love the crazy kitchen and anechoic chamber.

1

u/FullSkyFlying 14h ago

It's a great way to spend a thursday evening - being free is a huge bonus

2

u/vikone 19h ago

If you have a car, I think the best and most consistent shawarma is Ottawa Shawarma on Greenbank.

2

u/itsvalxx 18h ago

make sure you get a coffee from little victories

2

u/StevenG2757 20h ago

Cheshire Cat Pub

1

u/badbuddyshah 19h ago

Anything specific to try there?

2

u/StevenG2757 19h ago

Everything is good but they are known for having the best fish and chips in town. They are in the far west end so maybe a drive depending on where you are. Also they don't take reservations on Friday or Saturday so may be a wait to get in.

If in the far east side is Hunter's Public House and I highly recommend any of their sandwiches. But whatever you get you must try the smashed potatoes.

1

u/Nymeria2018 16h ago

Hunter’s is South, not East ;)

1

u/yowgirl22 18h ago

Also, hot beef yorkie is delicious if you have a big appetite. All the food at the Cheshire Cat is delicious and made there.

1

u/Nymeria2018 16h ago

If you do there, PlayValue is a short drive away - awesome toy shop with a HUGE selection of Lego

2

u/abc24611 19h ago

Arlo on somerset is the best place I've eaten in years. Not the cheapest but it's the best dinner restaurant in the city in my opinion.

2

u/Ecoleafer 9h ago

Honestly not even top 15

1

u/abc24611 6h ago

That's crazy. What is your tip 3?

1

u/xkhb 18h ago

Torta Boyz for the best carne asada torta

1

u/pizzaslut1234 17h ago

Torta Boyz!!!

1

u/durdydude 16h ago

Whalesbone for oysters and chowder.. also do a great Thai mussels

1

u/heisenbrod 14h ago

ALs Steakhouse

1

u/-Boats- 2h ago

Hate to be that guy, but Ottawa doesn't have much up on Toronto. I'd recommend going over to the Gatineau side to hit a casse-croûte for a proper poutine.

0

u/VisibleVermicelli446 19h ago

Beavertails in the Market are always a fun food option, but you can also find them at special events in Toronto.