Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings With the Best Spots For Desserts in Ottawa
You know what’s absolutely fantastic about being an adult? The freedom to indulge in dessert for dinner without a single glance of disapproval. No more sneaky trips to the cookie jar or pretending to eat a salad.
Ever since I’ve come to this realization, I set out on a quest to find Ottawa’s sweetest spots. And folks, after much rigorous “research” (read: dessert-binging), my mission is finally complete.
Now, I’m thrilled to dish out the best spots to satisfy your sweet cravings in Ottawa. Buckle up for a sugary adventure that might just make you schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist!
1. Lokma
— Media credit: lokmapastry
Website: https://www.lokma.ca
Address: 1611 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-695-8844
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday, and Saturday – 11 AM to 11:30 PM
- Friday – 2 PM to 11:30 PM
Lokma is a sweet Bank Street gem, offering small dessert bites for every sweet tooth. This joint was named after the tasty deep-fried treats made with doughy balls and are often glazed with honey or syrup.
Here, you can expect these treats to come with exciting variations that set their creations apart.
Under their list of signature lokmas, the explosion is a crowd favorite here in Best in Ottawa. From the moment you see it, it’s hard not to be tempted as it’s drizzled with both milk and white chocolate.
Topped with strawberries and bananas (which I’m a sucker for in any dessert), the real standout is the surprising custard filling. It bursts with flavor in every satisfying bite, making the explosion truly live up to its name.
2. Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen
— Media credit: mooshuicecream
Website: https://www.mooshuicecream.com
Address: 477 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-565-1524
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Moo Shu is a highly-rated spot known for its exciting variety of products, and not for the animated lizard – I mean dragon – with the same-sounding name.
Bubble waffles, a popular snack from Hong Kong, are all the rage here, which are best paired with a scoop (or two, or three) of ice cream. And speaking of ice cream, you can’t just go to Moo Shu without trying one!
Their rotating flavors promise exciting collections each time. As of writing, they have a wide range of interesting flavors such as White Rabbit, Hong Kong milk tea, and blueberry amaretto.
3. Stella Luna Gelato Cafe
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Website: https://www.stellalunagelato.com
Address: 1103 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-416-4300
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Stella Luna is a go-to of a lot of locals craving a deliciously creamy gelato in the city center. The pistachio gelato is the ultimate star of the show.
Since they have a rotating menu of seasonal flavors, it’s not always available, but you bet that locals are always on the lookout for it!
It’s a good thing that you can expect good stuff every time, despite the changing menu.
If gelato doesn’t tickle your fancy, they also have other menu options worth checking out, such as buttermilk waffles, crepes, and milkshakes, ensuring a diverse sugar rush adventure!
4. ThimbleCakes
— Media credit: thimblecakes
Website: https://thimblecakes.ca
Address: 369 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-695-0109
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Offering a variety of dessert classics, ThimbleCakes is the dessert shop of any sweet tooth’s dreams. Their exciting assortment of treats ranges from cupcakes and cakes to brownies and macaroons, along with a few cookie options.
Oh, and they also have a lot of vegan offerings, making them an exceptional choice for those with dietary preferences and restrictions.
While visiting their charming store along Bank Street is a delightful experience, you can also purchase their delicious treats on their website if you appreciate the convenience.
5. Oh So Good
— Media credit: ohsogooddesserts
Website: https://ohsogood.ca
Address: 54 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-241-8028
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
There can be no truer name for this dessert shop than Oh So Good. It’s simply one of the best places to eat in ByWard Market for its phenomenal cheesecake.
Let me tell you – you’ll be amazed by the variety they have here! There are the classic ones such as blueberry cheesecake and dulce de leche cheesecake.
And of course, there are more unique concoctions that will tickle your taste buds such as brownie cheesecake and carrot cheesecake.
Their tasty acai bowls are also a must-try, especially if you’re seeking a nourishing dessert. While some may argue that they’re considered a meal, whatever they are, they’re undeniably delicious!
Oh So Good’s array of acai bowl choices just know how to hit the spot.
6. Le Moulin de Provence
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Website: https://lemoulindeprovence.com
Address: 55 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-241-9152
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 7 PM
Having been around for more than 20 years, Le Moulin de Provence is a renowned Patisserie in Ottawa with a spectacular range of delicious choices.
The almond croissant is a standout hit among regulars for its perfectly flaky texture, satisfying crunch, and buttery layers. Those seeking sweeter delights will enjoy the variety of cakes, pastries, and tarts.
Aside from dessert choices, Le Moulin de Provence also creates satisfying savory snacks like salads and soups.
7. Wild Oat Bakery, Cafe & Farm
— Media credit: wildoat_bakeryfarm
Website: https://wildoat.ca
Address: 819 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-232-6232
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
Wild Oat promises fresh ingredients with its farm-to-table approach to cooking. They grow their own produce, ensuring traceable and high-quality ingredients.
It comes as no surprise that their menu is filled with delectable bites that make you feel good.
The cream cheese brownie is a definite must-try and if you’re a fan of rich, decadent desserts, you won’t want to miss it.
Sometimes, I’d even buy sourdough baguette here if I’m looking to make my own gourmet sandwiches in my kitchen, and you might enjoy that too.
Their menu features rotating seasonal specials, so you can always look forward to something new with each visit.
8. Brown Loaf Bakery
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/brownloafelgin/
Address: 268 Elgin St
Contact details: +1 613-236-3255
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 7 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday – 7 AM to 7:30 PM
Located in the bustling Golden Triangle (ottawa golden triangle), Brown Loaf Bakery is an unassuming family-owned bakery.
Their baked goods exude homestyle warmth thanks to their meticulous, small-batch production. Additionally, they also don’t put additives and preservatives on their fresh bakes.
The crepe cake is a must-try, considering it’s a rare treat in Ottawa. It’s a delicate and layered confection that’s both light and indulgent.
9. Mantovani 1946
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Website: https://www.mantovani1946.ca
Address: 87 Murray St
Contact details: +1 613-422-4255
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday and Thursday – 2 PM to 8 PM
- Friday – 2 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 7 PM
Mantovani 1946 is a chic and sophisticated dessert shop, specializing in sweet Italian treats, including gelato and pastries.
The gelato is more popular among locals though, for its dairy-free and richly-flavorful offerings.
Expect a delicious variety of flavors, like banana chocolate, Italian sour cherry, and sweet Sicilian almond. As you can see, there’s an exciting mix of both classic and innovative flavors, promising you a surprisingly sweet adventure.
10. Little Jo Berry’s Bakery
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Website: https://www.littlejoberrys.com
Address: 1305 Wellington St.
Contact details: +1 613-295-0324
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 5 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Little Jo Berry’s Bakery is a quaint store on Wellington Street renowned for its vegan delights. In fact, their entire menu is vegan – can you believe it?
While they offer a generous variety of delicious options, the gluten-free bars are the top pick. They come in 6 different flavors, but the rocky road is the standout of the bunch – and with good reason!