Top 10 Gourmet Food Stores in Ottawa For the Ultimate European Culinary Adventure
I threw an exciting party at home and invited all my friends. While I loved the anticipation of letting everyone know and planning, the idea of preparing meals didn’t exactly thrill me.
Cooking for at least 12 people by myself was no small feat, so the plan was to start early in the morning to make sure everything was ready for dinner.
Thankfully, the gourmet food stores in the city came to my rescue. With their exciting sausages and specialty cheeses, I was able to quickly and easily put together dishes that would impress.
Plus, exploring the variety of new ingredients at the store was inspiring and made the cooking experience even more enjoyable.
When the party rolled around, it seemed that my friends were genuinely impressed with my culinary efforts. I jokingly told them my secret was just “chef’s intuition and a sprinkle of magic”.
And by magic, I mean a quick trip to the gourmet food store! But let’s keep this between us, shall we?
1. Jacobsons
Website: https://jacobsons.ca
Address: 103 Beechwood Ave
Contact details: +1 613-746-6002
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, and Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Jacobsons is a gourmet grocery store located in the Lindenlea neighborhood just a couple minutes from the energetic Downtown Ottawa, making accessibility one of its delightful highlights.
Another reason why Jacobsons is so beloved is its curated selection of local and international delicacies that cater to diverse culinary tastes and preferences.
You can expect to find a variety of cheeses, oils, pastries, butter, milk, pasta, pasta sauces, and many more to fill your pantry and elevate your gastronomic experience at home.
2. Duke Fine Foods
Website: https://dukefinefoods.com
Address: 2120 Robertson Rd Unit 110, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-978-3646
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, and Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
A lot of the products from Duke Fine Foods come from Eastern Europe, bringing authentic flavors from countries like Hungary and Poland right into your home.
It’s an enticing destination for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary heritage of this region.
A lot of their prices aren’t as hiked up as other spots in the city, making them a reasonable choice for those who want to save a few bucks.
If you’re up for an already prepared meal, make sure to try out their sandwiches, a popular choice among regulars here. The portions of the meat and veggies are extremely generous, and it helps that the taste is spectacular.
You’d want to come back for it, for sure.
3. Grace in the Kitchen
Website: https://www.graceinthekitchen.ca
Address: 255 Kanata Ave., Kanata
Contact details: +1 613-521-4818
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Located in charming Kanata, Grace in the Kitchen has everything you need for your culinary adventures at home with products ranging from kitchenware to a variety of cheeses.
And speaking of cheese, they might just have everything under the sun – beer-washed, blue cheese, Italian, raclette, truffle, triple cream brie, the list goes on and on!
If you’re looking for a unique kind of cheese, chances are, they have it here. And if you want to make sure you love what you’re buying, you can even taste them to see if they meet your expectations.
4. La Bottega Nicastro
Website: https://www.labottega.ca
Address: 64 George St
Contact details: +1 613-789-7575
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, and Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
For an authentic Italian experience you can recreate at home, there’s no better place to shop than La Bottega Nicastro.
Located along the legendary ByWard Market brimming with delectable eats, vibrant pubs, and specialty stores, this Italian gem is easily reachable for both locals and visitors alike.
From sweets, pasta & sauces, and wine to produce, coffee, and bread, La Bottega Nicastro offers a comprehensive selection of authentic Italian delicacies to satisfy every craving.
And if you feel like you want to know more about this exceptional cuisine, you can also sign up for the cooking classes they have available!
Make sure to try out their deli sandwiches as well, an undeniable highlight that has attracted a loyal following of food enthusiasts – including me.
5. Wedel
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CjHVbkzSeQKGYghv5
Address: 5 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-237-0151
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Wedel is a vibrant grocery store also located in the bustling ByWard Market, specializing in a variety of European delights such as gelato, sausages, and pastries.
An undeniable centerpiece is definitely the perogies for their exquisite blend of flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Aside from ready-made food, you can also explore an extensive selection of imported European ingredients and pantry staples to elevate your home cooking to new heights.
6. Moroccan Market Center Gourmet Store
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xoQFrTJHBfrsBHiP8
Address: 2249 Carling Ave Suite 102
Contact details: +1 613-596-0000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Moroccan Market Center Gourmet Store is a mom-and-pop shop, rising as the underdog that has quickly gained a loyal following for its authentic Moroccan cuisine.
That said, it’s still considered a hidden gem compared to the other locations on this list, but it could easily rival its competitors with its unique offers.
Expect to see a variety of nuts, spices, fresh produce, ready-made food, and even kitchen items like ceramics and tableware.
7. Continental Delicatessen
Media credit: @krys_kross92
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/82JSHSTN5dNGqEoz5
Address: 57 York St
Contact details: +1 613-241-7025
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 11 Am to 5 PM
Located smack right in the middle of ByWard Market is Continental Delicatessen, offering an eclectic array of cheese, sausages, cold cuts, pierogies, and other culinary delights to satisfy your cravings for European flavors.
It’s a store that has been around for decades, serving as a beloved fixture in Ottawa’s culinary scene.
Make sure to take home their delicious sandwiches before you leave the market to enjoy a taste of what people usually rave about.
Aside from the obvious fresh ingredients, their sandwiches are crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring tantalizing flavors in each bite.
8. Seed to Sausage General Store
Website: https://www.seedtosausage.ca
Address: 729 Gladstone Ave
Contact details: +1 613-422-5202
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – closed
Seed to Sausage General Store is an alluring destination for those who are mindful about where their food comes from.
With the guarantee of pork products raised ethically, devoid of hormones and antibiotics, you can be confident in the quality and integrity of your purchases.
They’re most popular for their sausage selections not only for their healthy ethically sourced ingredients but also for their exceptional variety. Buy one for yourself or for a party and they’re sure to be a hit!
9. Hintonburg Market
Website: https://hintonburgmarket.com/en/
Address: 1059 Wellington St. W
Contact details: +1 613-722-2777
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Owned by a local family, Hintonburg Market is a charming neighborhood grocery store.
It provides a delicious variety of fresh-cut meats, fruits, veggies, specialty cheeses, and even ready-to-eat homemade meals — perfect for those who want something quick and easy, yet healthy and satisfying.
They also have weekly specials, which is something to look forward to, like discounts on select artisanal products.
10. Polka Delicatessen
Media credit: @watersanne
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/he1cStW1GgKDCZweA
Address: 1574 Walkley Rd
Contact details: +1 613-260-2546
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday – 10:35 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM
Polka Delicatessen is a gourmet store with a focus on delightful Polish products, offering a wide array of traditional delicacies and specialty items that will transport you to the picturesque shores of Poland.
Their unassuming store exudes an authentic charm, which large supermarket chains won’t be able to recreate.
While you’re there, make sure to get yourself some Polish ready-made food for a tasty adventure!