18 Best Restaurants in Byward Market Area (Ottawa)
Ottawa’s Byward Market is a retail and entertainment district that’s been a buzzing hub of farmers’ market stalls and specialty food shops run by locals. Speaking of food shops, we’ll tell you exactly which restaurants are best in Byward Market!
For a quick overview of all the restaurants we’ve included in this article, you may refer to the table below:
Best Restaurants in Byward Market – Sussex Street
The best restaurants in Byward Market on Sussex Street are the Earl of Sussex Pub, Joy on Sussex, Social, and Milestones.
Earl of Sussex Pub
ADDRESS: 431 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9M6, Canada
CONTACT: 613 562-5544
WEBSITE: https://www.earlofsussex.ca/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Shepherd’s Pie, Fish Tacos, Chicken Fingers, Scotch Eggs, Various Beers
PRICING: $
The Earl of Sussex Pub is the second oldest pub in the Byward Market area, just after the Chateau Lafayette.
It’s a relaxed watering hole built with exposed brick walls and comes with a patio where you can enjoy a cozy meal and fine drinks with friends.
It has a wide choice of alcohol and spirits for you to peruse and is a great place to unwind after exploring the Byward Market area.
This pub also hosts live music and events, so make sure to check its schedule of events to know when best to drop by.
Joy on Sussex
ADDRESS: 527 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z6, Canada
CONTACT: 613 627-2335
WEBSITE: https://joyonsussex.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Charcuterie Board, Duck Le Bleu, Beef Tenderloin, Tea, Snack Items, Coffees, Various Wines and Cocktails
PRICING: $$$
Joy on Sussex is a trendy lounge that serves refined Russian bites, tea, and cocktails inside an opulently decorated heritage building.
While it serves tea during the afternoon, it’s a spot that’s popular all day long thanks to the rich yet cozy atmosphere.
After a long day trudging through the streets of Byward Market buying this and that, staying here will feel like a much-deserved treat as you sip on your tea and relax.
It offers an array of Russian morsels like Borscht, pierogis, and beetroot soup.
Social
ADDRESS: 537 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z6, Canada
CONTACT: 613 789-7355
WEBSITE: https://www.social.ca/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Social Bowl, Duck Confit, Goat Cheese Salad, Chicken Avocado Club, Dress to Empress, Chef’s Board, Lamb Sirloin
PRICING: $$
Social in an upscale restaurant located along Sussex street that offers authentic French cuisine and craft cocktails. Its interior is delicately crafted and is known to have a wonderful atmosphere, including its patio seating.
It’s been standing for over 20 years now and is a staple in the area for locals and visitors alike. From its diverse wine selections, craft cocktails, and local and imported beers, it’s an alcohol enthusiast’s dream come true!
If you’re tired from exploring Byward Market, drop by and try out some of its amazing drinks to unwind and rest.
Milestones
ADDRESS: 700 Sussex Dr Unit 201, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K4, Canada
CONTACT: 613 789-5432
WEBSITE: https://milestonesrestaurants.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, Coconut Calamari, Surfside Salad, Tacos, Sweet Chili Chicken Rice, Thai Basil Noodles, Wagyu Meatloaf
PRICING: $
Milestones is a contemporary chain restaurant along Sussex that’s particularly known for its Bellini’s, a cocktail made with Prosecco and peach purée or nectar. It has a good variety of food, such as meat, fish, burgers, and pasta dishes.
There’s indoor and outdoor seating available, but regardless of where you choose, both have a nice, cozy atmosphere that beckons you to relax as you enjoy your meal. Even the pickiest eaters can probably find something to eat here!
Best Restaurants in Byward Market – York Street
The best restaurants in Byward Market on York Street are Restaurant e18hteen, Sidedoor, the Keg, and Play Food & Wine.
Restaurant e18hteen
ADDRESS: 18 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T5, Canada
CONTACT: 613 244-1188
WEBSITE: https://www.restaurant18.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Steak, Foie Gras, Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare, Mushroom Risotto, Angus Reserve Striploin, Sun-Dried Tomato Pate, Octopus & Lobster Poutine
PRICING: $$
Restaurant e18hteen is tucked inside a historic building along York street and specializes in serving fresh seafood and hearty steaks with seasonal twists. It’s a fine dining restaurant with a distinct French take on its dishes.
Speaking of seafood, it offers several raw options like oysters, jumbo prawns, tuna tartare, and a seafood tower. Even its salads have seafood options, like grilled octopus or scallops and bone marrow salad.
If you’re a fan of seafood, this might just be the right place for you.
Sidedoor
ADDRESS: 18b York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T5, Canada
CONTACT: 613 562-9331
WEBSITE: https://www.sidedoorrestaurant.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Eggplant Bao, Coconut Ice Cream, Chocolate Donuts, Spicy Beef Tacos, Gong Bao Chicken, Calamari, Black Cod Miso, Curry Chicken, Chicken Wings
PRICING: $$
Sidedoor is a great restaurant to visit if you like being able to try a variety of cuisines all from the same place.
This restaurant features dishes like tacos and sashimi, a weird menu if it’s a place that exclusively features one kind of cuisine, but it doesn’t.
Its strength lies in that it doesn’t focus on just a single kind of cuisine because you can get your Mexican tacos and Asian goodies like gong bao chicken all in one place.
If you suddenly got a craving for the food we mentioned, try dropping by on your next trip.
The Keg
ADDRESS: 75 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T2, Canada
CONTACT: 613 241-8514
WEBSITE: https://www.thekeg.com/en
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: French Onion Soup, Beef & Seafood with Vegetables and Mushroom Rice, Creme Brulé, Baked Brie, Steak Dinner, Keg Burger, Prime Rib
PRICING: $$
The classic surf and turf is a classic for a reason, and here at the Keg, it’s exactly what it specializes in. This restaurant chain offers appetizers like shrimp cocktails, escargot, and calamari for all the seafood lovers out there.
However, if you don’t care much for seafood and prefer red meat, then it has a good menu of different cuts of steak, plus some prime rib and the side dishes that go with it.
You also can’t complete your meal without choosing through its fine selection of wines.
Dessert, coffee, and small snacks are also available if you prefer a lighter meal after your adventure through Byward Market.
Play Food & Wine
ADDRESS: 1 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
CONTACT: 613 667-9207
WEBSITE: https://www.playfood.ca/default.aspx
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Ñoquis, Scallops, Pork Belly Salad, Hanger Steak, Parisian Gnocchi, Cheese Board, Fig Cocktail, Rainbow Trout, Patagonia Prawns, Grilled Sourdough
PRICING: $$
Eating at Play Food & Wine is bound to be a unique experience simply because this restaurant has a changing menu with only small plates and different wines. Its menu is divided into Savory, Sweets, Snacks, and of course, Wines.
With this concept, customers get to try a variety of different dishes, with the recommended being 2-3 small plates per person for it to be equal to a full meal.
This restaurant also offers eGifts, so you can gift someone else the chance to eat here.
Best Restaurants in Byward Market – The Actual Byward Market
The best restaurants within the actual Byward Market are Oz Kafe, BeaverTails, JOEY Rideau, and Heart & Crown.
Oz Kafe
ADDRESS: 10 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S6, Canada
CONTACT: 613 234-0907
WEBSITE: https://ozkafe.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Pork Tenderloin, Beet Salad, Mushroom Cavatelli, Pepper Crusted Cornish Hen, Charcuterie Board, Caesar Cocktail, Ginger Honey Badger
PRICING: $
Oz Kafe specializes in dinner and late-night dining with an amazing seasonal menu and a full bar. Much of its cuisine is European-inspired, but all ingredients are locally sourced to help its community.
Aside from the food, it offers wine, craft beers, and creative cocktails, the perfect partner for a warm, delicious meal after taking your time exploring Byward Market.
Thankfully, you can call earlier to reserve a spot, so you won’t have to wait to be seated.
BeaverTails
ADDRESS: 69 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K1, Canada
CONTACT: 613 241-1230
WEBSITE: https://beavertails.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Classic, Bananarama, Strawberry Cheesecake, Brownie, Mehple, Triple Trip, Avalanche, Apple Pie, Coco Vanil, Hazel Amour, Killaloe Sunrise
PRICING: $
You can’t say you’ve truly explored Byward Market and Ottawa as a whole if you’ve never tried any of its famous Beaver Tails yet. Fun fact, the first Beaver Tails was actually established here in Ottawa and was sold at Byward Market at first.
For those of you who don’t know, Ottawa’s BeaverTails are a pastry made of whole wheat bread, buttered, and combined with a fresh donut for a sinfully delicious combo.
These days, there are a lot of different variations of BeaverTails for you to choose from.
There’s the Classic, Bananarama, Strawberry Cheesecake, Brownie, Mehple, Triple Trip, Avalanche, Apple Pie, Coco Vanil, Hazel Amour, and Killaloe Sunrise. It also offers several kinds of lemonade, poutine, fries, and ice cream.
Make sure to add BeaverTails to your itinerary to really get that full Ottawa and Byward Market experience!
JOEY Rideau
ADDRESS: 50 Rideau St #106, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J7, Canada
CONTACT: 613 680-5639
WEBSITE: https://joeyrestaurants.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Bellini, Poke Bowl, Japanese Dumplings, House Salad, Sliders, Sushi Steak, Espresso Martini, Moscow Mule, Chicken Parmesan, Joey Classic Steak
PRICING: $
JOEY Rideau is a contemporary restaurant situated along Rideau street that offers both regional and international dishes.
If you feel paranoid about what goes on behind kitchen doors, then have no fear because you can watch as your meal is prepared.
Its theater kitchen calls for the utmost transparency with customers because every move the chefs make is under constant observation by hungry patrons.
You can even take the chef’s table seating if you really want to get up close and personal.
Although, if you really want a seat here, you’d need to get a reservation since it’s a well-sought-after spot. There’s a lot to enjoy here, like sushi, burgers, steaks, vegan options, and delicious desserts.
Heart & Crown
ADDRESS: 67 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5, Canada
CONTACT: 613 562-0674
WEBSITE: https://heartandcrown.pub/byward/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Various Beers, Mocktails, Chowder, Fish Tacos, Cesar & Raspberry Mojito, Jerk Chicken Sandwich, Jameson Burger, Roasted Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes
PRICING: $$
The Heart & Crown was established by 2 Irish immigrants and soon became a classic in Ottawa. Nestled in the historic Byward Market, it consists of 5 pubs under 1 roof with 6 patios to make up what is locally known as Ottawa’s very own Irish Village.
As you can expect, it offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, all the while serving hearty meals to accompany your choice of drinks.
If you have kids along with you, there’s also a kid’s menu available to order from, so your little tykes have something to eat too.
Best Restaurants in Byward Market – Dalhousie Street
The best restaurants in Byward Market on Dalhousie Street are Ahora, Das Lokal, Pili Pili, and Copper Spirits and Sights.
Ahora
ADDRESS: 307 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E8, Canada
CONTACT: 613 562-2081
WEBSITE: http://www.ahora.ca/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Enchiladas, Nachos, Tacos, Beef Steak Burrito, Margaritas, Plato Ahora Pollo, Burrito de Carne, Poke Maxi
PRICING: $
If you’ve been craving some delicious and authentic Mexican food, then look no further because Ahora has been Ottawa’s top Mexican restaurant every year since 2013.
It’s a casual restaurant with a colorful interior that’s sure to light up even the weariest traveler.
Here, you can expect all meals to be made with fresh ingredients, and what’s more, it features a salsa bar along with margaritas and other drinks.
Because it uses only the freshest ingredients, this restaurant proudly boasts a healthy take on Mexican cuisine.
Das Lokal
ADDRESS: 190 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7C7, Canada
CONTACT: 613 695-1688
WEBSITE: https://www.daslokalottawa.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Beer Cheese, Chicken Schnitzel, Black Forest Cake, Smoked Salmon Waffle Tartine, Ploughman’s Breakfast, Sourdough Blt, German Burger, Black Forest French Toast
PRICING: $$
Das Lokal is another contemporary bistro that offers European dishes with a German twist. You can find dishes like Frittatas for brunch, German burgers for lunch, and pork schnitzel for dinner, alongside its great selection of alcohol.
Another thing to look forward to here if you decide to drop by Das Lokal during your trip to Byward Market is that it also has occasional live piano nights.
For uniquely European cuisine and fine drinks with a cozy atmosphere, make sure to drop by Das Lokal.
Pili Pili
ADDRESS: 205 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7C9, Canada
CONTACT: 613 695-7404
WEBSITE: https://www.pilipilicharcoalgrill.ca/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Whole Chicken Meal, Jerk Chicken, Salad, Spicy Chicken Breast, Plantains
PRICING: $
If you’ve never tried chicken grilled on real wood, then you definitely have to try Pili Pili’s chicken grilled on 100% natural hardwood to really get that woody smell and flavor. You can try out a whole chicken if you’re particularly hungry or ¼ chicken leg instead.
Even if eating chicken isn’t your thing, this restaurant also offers other meats like Red Snapper, goat, lamb, and beef.
As you’d expect, they’re all cooked the old-fashioned way with real hardwood to bring out natural flavors and imbue them with the smoky wood.
Copper Spirits and Sights
ADDRESS: 325 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7G1, Canada
CONTACT: 613-321-1234
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Flying Canoe Cider, Duck Confit Grilled Cheese, Negroni, Laphroaig Lore, Charcuterie Board, Pate, Short Rib, Mushroom Queso Fundido
PRICING: $$
Copper Spirits and Sights is a chic indoor-outdoor lounge just atop the Andaz Hotel that offers stunning city views, cocktails, and weekend DJs.
If you like having a meal with a view, then this bar is the best option for you after exploring Byward Market.
And hey, if you have a significant other with you, Copper Spirits and Sights has been deemed a very romantic spot because of its fine wines and scenic sights.
Even if it’s not a date, it’s still an awesome location for special occasions or simply to enjoy the music.
Restaurants near Byward Market
The best restaurants near Byward Market are Riviera Ottawa and La Terrasse.
Riviera Ottawa
ADDRESS: 62 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5, Canada
CONTACT: 613 233-6262
WEBSITE: https://dineriviera.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Mushroom Toast, Steak & Fries, Elk Bolognese, Spinach Ravioli, Martinez Cocktail, Tuna Crudo Appetizer, Lobster Spaghetti, Dill Pickle Chip Encrusted Halibut, Purple Rain
PRICING: $$$
Riviera Ottawa is a restaurant serving high-end, creative Canadian cuisine and drinks inside its refined interiors that had been reused from the building’s time as a bank. If you feel like getting fancy, you better try this out.
You can find dishes like braised lamb shanks, beef tartare, dry-aged PEI striploin, duck empanadas, glazed duck breasts, white fish caviar, and fine wines.
There’s not much else to say other than the fact that you should get your credit cards ready here.
La Terrasse
ADDRESS: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada
CONTACT: 613 241-1414
WEBSITE: https://www.fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa/dining/la-terrasse/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Specialty Cocktails, Hibiscus Beer, Steak Frites, Siracha Maple Chicken Waffles, French Mignardises
PRICING: $$$
La Terrasse offers a patio-only menu that specializes in traditional charcuterie boards, plus bar snacks and creative cocktails.
It’s another hidden gem in Ottawa with scenic views that are just perfect for those who love awesome views and eating outdoors.
From here, you can get a good look at the Parliament Buildings, Gatineau’s rolling hills, and waterfront views of the Ottawa River.
All in all, it’s a chill environment where you can get drinks and eat while being able to enjoy all the amazing natural scenery.
Take note, La Terrasse is currently temporarily closed and won’t open again until Summer 2023. Even if you can’t go just yet, you can still put it on your bucket list.
*Pricing Guide
$ = Affordable/Budget-friendly
$$ = Mid-range/Slightly more expensive
$$$ = High-end/Expensive