5 Must-Try Restaurants in Barrhaven We Can’t Stop Thinking About
I always pictured Barrhaven as a sleepy suburb—more family homes and parks than a hub for foodies. So, when my friends invited me for brunch in their neighborhood, I wasn’t expecting much, but Barrhaven had a surprise waiting for me.
From savory Middle Eastern pies to steaming bowls of Vietnamese pho, the food scene here is anything but boring. These restaurants in Barrhaven can rival some of the city’s best.
This isn’t a complete list of every great spot in Barrhaven, but it’s a tasty starting point to plan your food journey. Here are the must-try restaurants to check out!
1. Browns Socialhouse
— Media credit: brownssocialize
Website: https://brownssocialhouse.com/barrhaven
Location: 1055 Greenbank Rd #1
Phone: +16134402010
Opening hours:
Sun-Wed, 11 AM to 11 PM
Thu-Sat, 11 AM to 12 AM
Browns Socialhouse takes comfort food to the next level by fusing bold flavors from a variety of cuisines. Their all-day menu has a little bit of everything, from fresh wraps and hefty burgers to healthy rice bowls and plates meant for sharing.
Come the weekend, brunch lovers are in for a treat with their French toast, a soft brioche stuffed with cream cheese, warm berry compote, and walnuts. But if you prefer savory over sweet, you can’t go wrong with a bacon and eggs benedict combo.
The vibe here is relaxed, and the service is as warm as it gets. It feels like a local spot where everyone is welcome whether for a laid-back lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a slow, cozy brunch.
Pro Tip:
For discounted drinks and food, drop by during social hours at Browns, which is daily from 2 PM to 5 PM and 9 PM until closing.
2. Halibut House
— Media credit: halibuthousefishandchips
Website: https://halibuthouse.ca/
Location: 4235 Strandherd Dr Unit 7
Phone: +16134407899
Opening hours: Daily 8 AM to 9 PM
Halibut House is the go-to place for fish and chips in Barrhaven. You can choose from halibut, cod, or haddock, each fillet lightly battered to golden perfection and accompanied by a generous side of fries.
The menu is straightforward but packed with hearty, comforting options. Aside from their signature halibut fish and chips, they serve fish tacos, homemade chowder, and breakfast platters.
If you’re in the mood for something different, their poutine is also a hit—comforting, cheesy, and just what you need on a chilly day.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to grab lunch, consider their daily specials for great deals on their most popular dishes. And don’t skip the coleslaw—its fresh crunch perfectly complements the rich, fried goodness of the fish!
3. Broadway Bar and Grill
— Media credit: broadway_ottawa
Website: http://broadwaybarandgrill.ca/locations.aspx
Location: 3777 Strandherd Drive
Phone: +16138256533
Opening hours:
Sun, 7 AM to 3 PM
Mon and Wed, 7 AM to 10 PM
Tue, Thu-Sat, 7 AM to 11 PM
Voted as the best breakfast spot in Ottawa, Broadway Bar and Grill lives up to the hype with its signature benedicts, oven-baked skillets, parfaits, and smoothies. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory start to your morning, you can satiate your cravings here.
What I love most about their menu is the amazing variety—it truly has something for everyone. The shareable platters of classic pub fare are always a hit but don’t overlook the non-traditional options like flatbreads, which add a fun twist to the menu.
When it comes to drinks, Broadway Bar and Grill doesn’t disappoint. Their bar menu features a solid selection of local beers, classic cocktails, and refreshing wines to pair perfectly with any meal.
Pro Tip:
During summer, grab a seat on the patio for a slow and peaceful dining experience with fresh air.
4. Authentic Vietnamese Pho House
— Media credit: vietnamesephohouse
Website: https://barrhaven.vietnamesephohouse.com/
Location: 4235 Strandherd Drive
Phone: +13435470865
Opening hours: Daily, 11 AM to 9 PM
The Authentic Vietnamese Pho House serves rich, comforting soups and noodle dishes that hit the spot when you’re nursing a hangover, battling a cold, or simply craving comfort food. But don’t let the name fool you—this place goes beyond just pho.
With an extensive menu, featuring everything from stir-fries to spring rolls, each bite is a delicious discovery. They even go beyond traditional Vietnamese fare, serving other Southeast Asian dishes from pad Thai and mango shrimp salad to coconut curry soup.
Whether you’re a picky eater or an adventurous one, I’m sure you’ll find something to like at this restaurant. And no matter what you order, the portions are always generous, leaving you full and happy every time.
Pro Tip:
At the Authentic Vietnamese Pho House, you can get bubble tea in nearly every flavor, peach, taro, honeydew, and more. Tapioca pearls can be added at your request.
5. The Baker
— Media credit: my_outnabout
Website: http://www.thebaker.ca/
Location: 3570 Strandherd Drive
Phone: +16138430000
Opening hours:
Tue-Sat, 8 AM to 7 PM
Sun, 9 AM to 5 PM
The Baker is a cozy, family-friendly restaurant serving freshly baked flatbreads with classic Canadian flavors and Middle Eastern spices. Since their space is a little snug, it’s a go-to for a quick breakfast or lunch on the go—perfect for a busy day.
When you visit, try the zataar, a vegan flatbread mixed with herbs, sesame, and sumac, offering a tangy and aromatic kick. For a heartier meal, explore their savory meat pies, which range from turkey and cheese to basil and halloumi and beef pepperoni.
All of their pies are halal, made with dairy-free dough, and baked fresh every morning. Plus, the kitchen is 100% nut-free, making it a safe and delicious choice for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Pro Tip:
On warmer days, you can enjoy a leisurely meal on the patio far from the crowds, but close enough to people-watch.