A Complete List of the Top ByWard Market Coffee Shops That Every Coffee Lover Must Try
I can’t be a writer and not drink coffee – it’s practically a law! So, if you’re wondering why you should trust this list, just remember: writing and coffee are just meant to co-exist.
Countless times, I’ve ventured through various neighborhoods on a caffeine-fueled quest to meet deadlines, leaving me with a treasure trove of coffee shop finds.
ByWard Market, one of my all-time favorite spots, is a bustling hub of delightful discoveries, and today’s focus is naturally on its cafe scene.
Each coffee shop here offers its own unique blend of flavor, charm, and character, making every sip an adventure in itself. Get ready for a “brew-tiful” experience ahead!
1. Bridgehead
Media credit: bridgeheadcoffee
Website: https://www.bridgehead.ca/
Address: 224 Dalhousie St
Contact details: +1 613-562-9996
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7 AM to 5 PM
Many cafes around the world have embraced a minimalist interior over the years, at least according to my observation. However, I’m glad that Bridgehead, a popular chain, still maintains its homey vibe.
This cozy nook is just right on the fringe of ByWard Market, offering a delightful reprieve from a day of exploring the neighborhood.
I always get their latte – basic, I know – but it’s worth it for its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavor.
2. Oh So Good
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Website: https://ohsogood.ca/
Address: 54 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-241-8028
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, and Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Without a doubt, Oh So Good justifies its name, especially when it comes to cheesecakes! They have a ton of varieties available, so be prepared to face the delicious dilemma of choosing just one.
To help ease your decision, start with the Best in Ottawa favorite – the blueberry cheesecake. I know, it’s the most obvious choice, but Oh So Good truly does it so well – oh so good, indeed.
This delicious dessert is best paired with white mocha, especially if you enjoy a sweet treat. However, feel free to order an espresso instead if you prefer a bolder flavor.
I know Sabrina Carpenter would approve!
3. Quelque Chose
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Website: https://quelque-chose.ca/
Address: 70 George St
Contact details: +1 613-680-4563
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday – Open 24 hours
- Thursday and Sunday – 11 AM to 7 PM
If you were to ask Ottawans where to get the best macarons in the city, I’m willing to bet most will answer Quelque Chose.
With a variety of flavors available, you won’t get tired of trying them all. Moreover, they have seasonal flavors, keeping things exciting throughout the year.
Best paired with their coffee, they make for a perfect indulgence any time of the day.
Aside from these tasty, colorful treats, you can also order a bundle of their finest for the afternoon tea of your dreams.
Conveniently named Afternoon Tea to Go, you can take it with you for a delightful picnic at Confederation Park or simply enjoy it at home while binge-watching your favorite series.
4. Opulence Coffee
Media credit: opulencecoffee
Website: https://www.opulencecoffee.com/
Address: 261 Dalhousie St
Contact details: +1 613-301-6760
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
While it may not be as sophisticated as its name suggests, Opulence Coffee lives up to its name with rich, flavorful flavors that are perfect for true coffee lovers. This cozy spot offers an indulgent experience in every cup.
The mocha is a popular choice, which is usually unexpected in a place known for its traditional coffee options.
However, as you take a sip, you’ll find it to be a delightful blend of rich chocolate and robust coffee flavors. And because of that, it’s an A+ in my book!
5. HeadQuarters
Media credit: hqottawa
Website: https://www.hqottawa.com/
Address: 115 Clarence St
Contact details: +1 613-695-4747
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
HeadQuarters’ cheerful atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for unwinding with a cup of coffee in the ByWard Market. I recommend trying their specialty coffee flavors, especially if you have adventurous taste buds.
The cupcake latte is a standout, particularly if you have a sweet tooth!
But wait – HeadQuarters offers more than just coffee. They also feature a hair salon, which might come as a surprise! And yes, they have wine and cocktails too.
I’m pretty sure this won’t be the last time HeadQuarters manages to surprise you!
6. ByWard Cafe
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Website: https://www.instagram.com/byward.cafe/
Address: 55 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-241-2555
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 10 PM
Most ByWard Market haunts don’t open until almost the afternoon, so ByWard Cafe is the perfect choice for early birds who need to inject caffeine in their veins.
As soon as 7 AM hits, you can get yourself their finest offering – at least in my opinion – the latte macchiato. It’s a perfectly balanced drink with a rich coffee flavor and creamy milk that’s sure to start your day right.
And if you need something solid to fuel you up, they also have tasty offerings worth exploring. Try the turkey croissant for a savory bite that complements your coffee perfectly.
7. Planet Coffee
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Website: https://www.planetcoffeeottawa.com/
Address: 24a York St
Contact details: +1 613-789-6261
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 7 PM
Planet Coffee is a charming, women-owned gem in ByWard Market, which is quite popular among those who frequent the neighborhood. Its inviting and spacious shop creates a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for enjoying your coffee.
Also, it helps that they have stunning outdoor patio seating, where you can just soak up the sun while people-watching.
They have a variety of coffee options available, so I suggest getting in touch with your adventurous side during your visit. Oh, and don’t forget to try out their remarkable baked delights, crafted right in their own kitchen.
8. Ideal Coffee
Media credit: idealcoffeeottawa
Website: https://www.idealcoffees.com/
Address: 176 Dalhousie St
Contact details: +1 613-562-1775
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
If you like the undeniable charm and personalized touch of independent cafes, Ideal Coffee is right up your alley. Its intimate setting makes it a cozy retreat, so you can relax and enjoy a truly unique coffee experience.
The hot mocha is a crowd favorite – a rich and comforting treat, blending smooth chocolate with bold coffee for a deliciously indulgent drink. Order a sweet scone on the side for the perfect pairing.
9. Lollo Salads & Coffee
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Website: https://www.lollo.ca/
Address: 60 George St
Contact details: +1 613-518-1454
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
When it comes to coffee, Lollo Salads & Coffee keeps it simple yet delicious. With only three varieties – iced Americano, iced latte, and iced mocha – it focuses on perfecting these classics to deliver exceptional flavor in every cup
Make sure to try their dishes for the best experience. You can choose among brown rice bowls, salads, multi-grain sandwiches, and toasts, all of which promise satisfying and fresh flavors.
If you’re seeking something irresistibly hearty, I highly recommend ordering a plate of hummus crunch – a filling dish with star ingredients like tempeh, chickpeas, and tahini dressing, served on top of warm brown rice.
10. Luxe Blooms Flower Cafe
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Website: https://www.luxeblooms.ca/pages/flower-cafe
Address: 254 Dalhousie St
Contact details: +1 613-244-0888
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Those seeking unique experiences in ByWard Market will find their prayers answered when they step inside Luxe Blooms Flower Cafe – a floral wonderland filled with vibrant blooms and charming decor.
Every corner is adorned with pink hues, even Barbie would be jealous!
Aside from its aesthetic allure, the food and drinks are also noteworthy.
Here’s the perfect combo I’m sure you’d like just as much as I do: a flat white and a banana dulce croffle. It’s a delightful pairing of rich, bitter coffee and a sweet, indulgent treat, so you get the best of both worlds.