The 8 Best Cute Cafes in Ottawa That Deserve Their Own Pinterest Board
One day, I was feeling low on caffeine, so I set aside a few hours hunting for coffee spots I hadn’t been to in the capital.
I started at a European-style spot and ordered a simple latte topped with a perfect little heart. It was almost too aesthetic to drink, but I knew there was a lot more where that came from.
Fast forward weeks later, and I think my blood sugar was about ten points higher. Totally worth it, though. I’ve sipped coffee everywhere from espresso bars surrounded by towering bookshelves to elegant Parisian diners with gold accents.
By the end of it, I definitely felt a bit cuter taking selfies in every single one of these places. And as much as I love pretending to be the main character alone, these cafes are just too good not to share!
1. Art House Cafe
– Media credit: arthousecafe613
Website
Address: 555 Somerset St W
Contact Number: +1 613-230-9555
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Sat: 10:00am – 10:00pm
- Sun: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Must-Order: Fancy Grilled Cheese
Art House Cafe is for the art extraordinaire who loves to appreciate visually appealing pieces while sipping on their favorite espresso drink.
The vibe is set the moment you walk into the cafe space, with every inch of the wall covered in some form of evocative artwork. It’s vibrant and feels very much like a museum.
It was quite a cold morning when I first visited, so I helped myself to one of their hot chocolate drinks. I also added a flavor shot of vanilla, and it became the perfect accompaniment to the cute dog painting I was staring at.
I felt a bit hungry from all the eye candy around the cafe, which led me to order their bestselling grilled cheese. The creamy brie definitely gave it a lot of flavor, and it even came with freshly sliced apples on the side.
Anyone could easily fall in love with this place. It’s a colorful and community-driven corner with heartwarming drinks for days.
| Pro Tip: Ask the staff for their soup of the day to try out rotating seasonal options. |
2. Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar
– Media credit: black_squirrel_books
Website
Address: 1073 Bank St
Contact Number: +1 613-422-9050
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Must-Order: Cappuccino
If you love starting your day off with a good book and a nice hot cup of coffee, then Black Squirrel is your safe haven.
The atmosphere has this quiet magic to it, thanks to the blend of a library-like setting with the faint scent of fresh espresso. You could easily spend hours here, as if time had slowed down.
While I’m not a big bookworm, I got fairly intrigued while browsing their endless shelves of books, containing anything from hardcover romance novels to paperback dark fiction anthologies.
By the time my order of hot cappuccino and savory spanakopita was ready, I managed to grab a copy of Tahere Mafi’s Ignite Me. I swear, reading that action-packed book delivered as much kick as that 10-oz cup.
I would love to come back and explore both their book and coffee selections some more. There’s just too much to try out in one session, and the cozy vibe just instantly pulls you in.
| Pro Tip: Grab a window seat to get the best natural light for your reading or coffee session. |
3. Happy Goat Coffee Co.
– Media credit: happygoatcoffee
Website
Address: 35 Laurel St
Contact Number: +1 613-822-3383
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Must-Order: Mocha
Happy Goat is a fun and cozy spot to enjoy local coffee culture, where artisan-level brews blend with a chill and laid-back vibe.
It looks simple and industrial from the outside, until you walk in and get greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere and the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans.
I’ve actually been here three times already, and I can say that their coffee was consistently great every single time. The Mocha has been my go-to drink ever since, and I especially like their use of creamy oat milk in it.
Their Bacon Breakfast Sandwich is also pretty delectable. The bread goes so well with any drink on their menu that it’s an instant classic in my book.
They also sell their coffee beans on site. It’s a nice way to bring that same comforting taste back home.
| Pro Tip: Get their coffee subscription to get freshly roasted coffee beans delivered to your door. |
4. Little Victories Coffee Roasters
– Media credit: littlevictoriescoffee
Website
Address: 44 Elgin St
Contact Number: +1 613-805-7489
Operating Hours:
- Tue – Fri: 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Sat – Sun: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Must-Order: Matcha Latte
Little Victories offers the comfort of meticulously roasted coffee in a cute Scandinavian-like setting.
One of the first things I noticed when I walked in was the high ceilings and beautiful arches, as if you’re being transported to a place far away from the hustle and bustle of Elgin St.
Amid the aesthetic stone walls, everything feels warm and somewhat magical. From the espresso machine that’s front and center to the precisely designed latte arts, it’s all focused on the love for coffee.
I heard their Matcha Latte is a popular pick, so I had to get one. It was the perfect soothing blend of bitterness and sweetness, which tells me that they really take their coffee seriously.
I also just love how everyone working there seems to genuinely love their job. It makes for a calm, bright, and effortlessly cool atmosphere to enjoy a warm drink.
| Pro Tip: Go in the morning for a less busy and more peaceful vibe. |
5. Quelque Chose Patisserie
– Media credit: macaronscanada
Website
Address: 379 Richmond Rd
Contact Number: +1 613-728-4562
Operating Hours:
- Tue – Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sat: 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Mon: CLOSED
Must-Order: Raspberry Macaron
Quelque Chose is a colorful and vibrant cafe that’s perfect for enjoying afternoon tea and a variety of pastries.
Being here is pure charm in patisserie form, so you can’t help but take pictures of everything. Every corner you look at is a pastel paradise that’s Instagram-ready without being too much.
I’m not going to lie, I felt a bit sleepy before going here. But my soul got instantly reinvigorated when I took a bite of their famous Macarons. I lost count of how many I ate, but I really liked the raspberry ones.
Despite not being a tea person, I’ve grown to like their Peaches & Cream White Tea that a friend recommended. I think its vanilla-like flavor profile goes well with the fillings of the macarons.
| Pro Tip: Order the Classic Afternoon Tea to get a set of appetizers, sandwiches, pastries, desserts, macarons, and your choice of tea. |
6. Oh So Good Desserts & Coffee House
– Media credit: ohsogoodd.ca
Website
Address: 54 Byward Market Square
Contact Number: +1 613-241-8028
Operating Hours:
- Sun – Thu: 10:00am – 11:00pm
- Fri – Sat: 10:00am – 12:00am
Must-Order: Carrot Cake
Oh So Good is the go-to dessert cafe for seriously sweet creations made for any special occasion.
This hotspot on Byward Market has old-school cafe feels, featuring local artwork, comfortable seating, large dessert cases, and the lingering smell of a lot of chocolate.
Whether I’m looking to satisfy my sweet tooth or get an edible gift for a friend, this is one of my favorite places to be. From cheesecakes to acai bowls, their menu is actually quite extensive for a dessert place.
On my last visit, I got a slice of their bestselling carrot cake, and I understand now why people keep coming back for it. The layers are nice and thick, and you can really feel the soft and subtle crunch of the grated carrots and walnuts.
I paired the cold slice of cake with a warm cup of macchiato. It honestly worked well as a nice palate cleanser with its bold yet slightly sweet character.
| Pro Tip: Balance out all the sweetness with one of their open-faced toasts, such as Smoked Elegance and Mediterranean Tuna. |
7. Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe
– Media credit: oatcouturecafe
Website
Address: 1154 Bank St
Contact Number: +1 613-737-6654
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 7:00am – 4:30pm
Must-Order: Fiore
Oat Couture may sound like a niche food place at first, but its vibe is actually as wholesome as its oatmeal offerings.
It’s quite a creative combination of different styles, where you combine the soft wood tones of a farmhouse with the hipness of a modern cafe. It feels like receiving a warm hug after a long day.
Speaking of creativity, they also don’t shy away from making their oatmeal as gourmet as possible. I had their Fiore oatmeal with amaretto cream, and the roasted peaches and almonds blended so well together.
Even the savory options are unique and appetizing. At first, the Smoked Salmon Oats sounded like a wild combo, but it was actually quite an elegant and very brunch-worthy dish.
| Pro Tip: Save some room for their desserts and baked goods, such as the Oat-awa Raspberry Valley Bar. |
8. Cafe Cristal
– Media credit: cafe_cristal_canada
Website
Address: 240 Kennevale Dr
Contact Number: +1 613-843-8989
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 9:00am – 9:00pm
- Thu – Sat: 9:00am – 10:00pm
- Sun: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Must-Order: Steak Morning Glory Crepe
Cafe Cristal isn’t your typical coffee destination. It’s what happens when you take the elegance of Paris and pair it with the cozy local charm of Ottawa.
From crystal chandeliers sparkling above the tables to white walls decorated with mirrors and flowers, it’s like walking into a romantic fairytale where you’re treated like royalty.
They have this belief that everything they serve should be a work of art, and I clearly saw that in their Victorian Fog Latte. Its blend of Earl Grey and vanilla sounded abstract at first, but it all made sense once that sweet yet savory taste hit.
But I think the real star of the show is their crepes, which a lot of people seem to like. I could easily recommend the Steak Morning Glory Crepe, which is the perfect savory counterpart to their sweet drinks.
| Pro Tip: Ask the staff for their seasonal drinks to get limited-time creations that aren’t listed on the main menu. |