How to Properly Immerse Yourself in the Culture of Preston Street in Ottawa
Growing up, my parents would always take me to Ottawa’s Chinatown on Sundays to have delicious dumplings—something that’s become a family tradition.
While Chinese food was a big part of my childhood, I developed a love for other cuisines later in life, such as Italian food. So I wondered if there was an Italian counterpart of Chinatown in Ottawa.
That’s when I decided to search the internet until I came across this little stretch of road near Dow’s Lake on Google Maps. “Preston Street?” I said, since it doesn’t sound very Italian.
Little did I know it was home to a vibrant community of Italian culture with pizza places and colorful murals as far as the eye can see.
Being the explorer that I am, I dug into the culture, roped a few friends along, and excitedly wrote this guide to all the sights and sounds (and tastes) that you can expect on Preston Street!
Where is Preston Street?
Preston Street is located in Little Italy, a neighborhood situated between Albert Street to the North and Carling Avenue to the South in Ottawa, Canada.
How to Get to Preston Street
- By Car: Preston Street (Little Italy archway) is accessible through either Carling Avenue, Prince of Wales Drive, or Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Once there, both paid and unpaid parking are available throughout Little Italy.
- By Light Rail: By taking the O-Train, get on Line 2 all the way to Corso Italia Station. Once at the station, walk east on Gladstone Avenue until you arrive at the intersection with Preston Street.
- By Bus: Several OC Transpo bus routes stop at or near Preston Street, such as line 14 (Gladstone/Preston), line 8 (Preston/Albert-Beech), and line 85 (Carling/Norfolk).
- By Bicycle: Preston Street is also accessible by cycling via the Trillium Multi-Use Pathway, which runs parallel to the Trillium Railway Line (O-Train Line 2) to the west.
Things to Do at Preston Street
Pose at the Little Italy Archway
Media credit: littleitalyottawa
What better way to start off your stroll through Preston Street than to strike a pose right at the entrance, the Little Italy Archway.
With the words “Little Italy” painted in bright red, this important landmark marks the start of an entire strip filled with Italian culture and interesting activities at your fingertips.
We didn’t hesitate to take a few snapshots of the archway, even including the tallest tower in all of Ottawa to its right, the Claridge Icon.
Get some swings in at Par-Tee Putt Minigolf
Media credit: parteeputtottawa
Address: 379 Preston St Lower Level
Contact Number: +1 613-234-0066
Operating Hours:
- Thu-Fri: 5:00pm – 12:00am
- Sat: 3:00pm – 12:00am
- Sun-Wed: CLOSED
Quite an unusual but interesting spot we stumbled upon on a random afternoon in Preston Street is Par-Tee Putt, a minigolf course that also doubles as a bar.
This small space is home to 18 different holes of varying pop culture themes, and you can take your time on each one while sipping on your free drink.
Decorated with neon lighting and complemented by music, we can say that it also makes for a good date night because of how chill the atmosphere is.
Just bear in mind that they’re only open from Thursday to Saturday, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Take photos at the Corso Italia Community Mural
Media credit: littleitalyottawa
There are a lot of murals to be found around the neighborhood, but what stood out the most for us is the Corso Italia Community Mural on 125 Preston Street.
Located right beside the Ottawa Fire Station, this mural features a combination of local and Italian culture and is one of the newer landmarks to be added, as told by locals.
The center of attention is what’s called a Tarantella dancer, which is then joined to the right by St. Anthony’s Church on Booth Street, and Chappie’s Lunch, the first ever Italian Restaurant on Preston Street.
My personal favorite, however, is the yellow Fiat 500 classic car at the bottom. I found out it was added to pay tribute to the Italian Car Club of Ottawa.
Laugh your head off at Absolute Comedy
Media credit: absoluteottawa
Address: 412 Preston St
Contact Number: +1 613-233-8000
Operating Hours: By show schedule
If you want a fun night out with lots of laughs with the gang, then head on over to Absolute Comedy on 412 Preston Street.
This place is a 3-in-1 combo of good food, good drinks, and absolute class acts on stage. From my experience, you’re playing a dangerous game when you decide to take a sip when the punchline comes.
Tickets to the show are also pretty cheap, but do keep in mind that they only accept cash payments at the door. Thankfully, there is an ATM near the place.
Look at contemporary art at Santini Gallery
Media credit: santinigallery
Address: 422 1/2, Preston St
Contact Number: +1 613-884-9002
Operating Hours:
- Tue-Thu: 11:00am – 4:00pm
- Fri-Sat: 11:00am – 5:00pm
- Sun: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
- Mon: CLOSED
This one is for the art connoisseurs. Santini Gallery is a must-visit if you fancy marveling at collections of fine brushstrokes laid on canvas.
Going through their most recent exhibit, we noticed an overarching theme of springtime filled with beautiful floral artworks made by some of the best Canadian artists.
For those looking to buy one, there’s plenty of budget-friendly artwork priced under $350. I found “Setting Sun” by Erika Farkas one of my personal picks in that category.
They also have a lot of nice souvenirs in their boutique, such as bath and beauty products, scented candles, gift cards, and jewelry. I actually bought my mom some lovely Flourish Stonewear Stud Earrings from here.
Take in the fresh air at Plouffe Park
Media credit: mycllcschool
Address: 130 Preston St
Contact Number: +1 613-232-3000
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sun: 5:00am – 11:00pm
The Preston Street BIA (Business Improvement Association) didn’t forget about adding green spaces to the area, and Plouffe Park is a great example of this.
With wide open spaces and dozens of trees all around, we had to set up a picnic here and just enjoy the surroundings after a day of walking.
There are also two soccer fields, a playground, and even a splash pad on one corner that’s perfect for a fun time with the kids.
The park is right next to the Plant Recreation Centre as well. Since we like to stay active, we went back on a different day to try out their gym and indoor swimming pool.
Catch a show at the Gladstone Theatre
Media credit: facesottawa
Address: 910 Gladstone Ave
Contact Number: +1 613-233-4523
Operating Hours (Box Office):
- Tue-Fri: 11:00am – 2:00pm (and 1 hr prior to show)
- Sat-Mon: CLOSED
Right at the intersection between Gladstone Avenue and Preston Street is the Gladstone Theatre, a popular entertainment venue with seating for 210 people.
This live theatre is host to many performances by both local and commercial theatre groups. From jazz bands and horror shows to cabarets and musicals, the sky is the limit here.
We managed to catch a great Candlelight show accompanied by an amazing string quartet when we were there. I never had that much of an appreciation for Italian classical music until after the concert.
It’s a whole different experience actually being there with the soothing ambience. But don’t worry if candles and violins aren’t your thing, as their website lists many other shows that are sure to get you hooked.
Go shopping for clothes at Vernini Classico/Vincent
Media credit: verniniclassico
Vernini Classico:
Address: 351 Preston St
Contact Number: +1 613-746-3452
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Thu: 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Fri: 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Sat: 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Sun: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Vincent:
Address: 444 Preston St
Contact Number: +1 613-680-4277
Operating Hours:
- Tue-Wed: 11:00am – 5:00pm
- Thu-Fri: 11:00am – 6:00pm
- Sat: 11:00am – 5:00pm
- Sun: 11:00am – 4:-00pm
- Mon: CLOSED
Preston Street may not be the first place that comes to mind when shopping for clothes, but we’re glad to have discovered two shops that offer a nice array of apparel.
First off is Vernini Classico for the men. With suits, shoes, and neckties to go around, this small boutique features quality European fabric that’s sure to have your hubby looking sharper than ever.
As for the ladies, Vincent has got what you need with an extensive collection of contemporary women’s wear courtesy of international brands, from blouses and button-ups to blazers and boots.
One of the owners, Angie, gladly assisted me in picking out a top (I loved the Isla Longsleeve one). By this, I can say you’re always in for a treat when out shopping on Preston Street.
Where to Eat and Drink in Preston Street
Pub Italia
Media credit: pub_italia
Address: 434 Preston St
Contact Number: +1 613-232-2326
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 11:00am – 1:00am
- Sun: 12:00pm – 12:00am
While you’re out and about in Preston Street, why not grab a few bites and down a few drinks in the Italian-style pub known as Pub Italia?
Themed with beautiful stained glass and religious decor, this popular spot is home to familiar Italian comfort food and a large selection of alcoholic drinks it calls the “Beer Bible”.
One of their best-selling items that’s definitely a must-try is Nonna’s meatballs, covered in rich tomato sauce and parmesan cheese. At first bite, we found out very quickly why it’s a bestseller.
Giovanni’s Restaurant
Media credit: giovannisrestaurantottawa
Address: 362 Preston St
Contact Number: +1 613-234-3156
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Thu: 11:00am – 10:00pm
- Fri: 11:00am – 11:00pm
- Sat: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
- Sun: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Giovanni’s Restaurant is one of the more upscale Italian restaurants on Preston Street, owing to its classy fine dining experience and authentic Italian cuisine.
Whether it’s for your birthday or another important celebration, their private dining is perfect for any occasion where making great memories counts.
Their pasta dishes, like the Tagliatelle Verde spinach pasta we ordered, are perfectly cooked al dente. Try one out with some of their red wines, and you’ve got yourself a magnificent feast.
There’s even a valet parking service up front, which is quite surprising to see at a restaurant of its size, but all the more welcome for those driving in.
La Dolce Vita
Media credit: ladolcevita.glutenfree
Address: 180 Preston St
Contact Number: +1 613-233-6239
Operating Hours:
- Sun-Thu: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Fri-Sat: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
If you’re looking for somewhere along Preston Street with great patio dining in the summer, then we recommend heading over to La Dolce Vita.
Unlike other Italian restaurants around the area, this location has both a regular menu and a gluten-free menu, so everyone is happy.
On either menu, you get a considerable number of appetizers, pizzas, pastas, soups, and salads. I went for the Crispy Polenta Bites because I like to try out bestsellers, and now I’m converted.
Anabella’s Kitchen & Lounge
Media credit: anabellaskitchenandlounge
Address: 268 Preston St
Contact Number: +1 613-913-7815
Operating Hours:
- Tue-Wed: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
- Thu-Fri: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:00pm – 11:00pm
- Sat: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
- Sun-Mon: CLOSED
Anabella’s Kitchen & Lounge serves Preston Street locals with a unique twist on not just Italian dining, but also Mediterranean cuisine.
This cozy restaurant is a fusion of different flavors that are hard to find anywhere else. I thoroughly enjoyed the Seared Yellowfin Tuna paired with one of their signature cocktails.
And yes, the place also has a patio at the back, which made for a different vibe as I was munching on my zucchini crisps (also delicious) while jazz music was playing in the background.
Where to Stay in Preston Street
SoHo Residences Little Italy (SMR Champagne)
Media credit: serremedia
Address: 111 Champagne Ave S
Contact Number: +1 613-422-3485
If you’re looking for a nice place to stay but don’t want to stray too far from Preston Street, we suggest checking out SoHo Residences Little Italy.
This 4-star hotel on Champagne Avenue puts you just a few hundred meters from Preston Street. It’s modern and spacious with a lot of amenities, especially in the kitchen area.
Just make sure to be careful around the construction work nearby, as there was a lot of that when we first visited.
LIV Extended Stay
Media credit: livottawa
Address: 207 Bell St N Suite 100
Contact Number: +1 855-500-0155
LIV Extended Stay is a bit further away to the East of Preston Street, but we had to include it here as it’s still walkable and offers affordable apartment rentals.
For a 3-star hotel, its living room space and kitchen are well-equipped and refurbished. Even the rooftop amenities, like the sky deck, are a nice added touch to the overall experience.
The place is also located in a nicer part of the neighborhood with plenty of parking spaces and dining options.