Some of the best parts of Ottawa are its local gems. The vibrant art, food, and nature scenes scattered across the city are what make an Ottawa stay so unique. Local Ottawa influencer and blogger Katie Hession (@yowcitystyle) curated a reStayer’s guide for travellers who want to discover our neighborhood. Check out her guide below when planning your next vacation with us.

Riviera

Voted one of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants in 2020, and one of Ottawa’s most stylish spots, Riviera is where locals head for unique craft cocktails and some of the best food in the city. Located in a heritage bank building, its art deco vibes are truly unique to our city. The mushrooms on toast are a must, and master mixologist Stephen Flood’s cocktails are incredible!

Metropolitan Brasserie

Impossible to miss with its grand patio and twinkle lights at the corner of Sussex and Rideau, Metropolitan Brasserie is an excellent spot for any meal of the day - lunch, dinner, or brunch. With a French-inspired menu and a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, this is the perfect spot pre- or post- tour of the ByWard Market to unwind or fuel up.

La Bottega

Looking to stock your fridge like a local? Italian grocery store, La Bottega, has been around since 1972 and it’s where you will often find chefs from the city's finest restaurants and hotels shopping for unique ingredients. Pick up one of their fan favorite charcuterie boards with a bottle of wine from their bottle shop to enjoy in your room or grab one of their famous deli sandwiches to enjoy while people watching in the ByWard Market Square.

Le Moulin de Provence KD

Start your day with some of the city’s best baked goodies from this very insta-worthy café/bakery located practically at the doorstep of reStays. Serving locally roasted Happy Goat coffee and other beverages along with light meals and freshly baked goods made daily - the croissants are not to be missed!

El Camino

Ottawa’s trendiest taqueria is well-deserving of the title of Ottawa’s best tacos, in my humble taco expert opinion. There are two locations to choose from that are both close to reStays - one in the ByWard Market and another on Elgin Street. Both have a fun vibe and make for a great spot to grab a cocktail (try the El Fuego if you like some spice). The fish tacos and crispy prawn betel leaf are a must!

Aiana

With a mission to “reinvigorate pride in Canada’s multicultural background and shared heritage through seasonally-inspired food and high-quality service,” a dinner at Aiana is a very special fine dining experience. Chef Raghav’s menu is proudly composed of locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients that can be paired with excellent wines from their very carefully created wine list - not to mention its completely captivating design that makes it one of the most beautiful restaurants in our city!

Rabbit Hole

Are you ready to go down the rabbit hole? Just steps down Sparks Street you will find this bar and lounge housed in a 122-year-old building with a great modern vibe. Pop in for a delicious pizza lunch or hit it up after dark for interesting cocktails and nightlife experience. 

The Aulde Dubliner

Looking for a casual spot to rest your tourist legs after a big day of exploring? The Aulde Dubliner is a truly authentic two-story Irish pub with custom built decor imported from Ireland, offering elevated pub fare and Guinness on tap. In the summer, grab a spot on their mezzanine balcony which overlooks all the action in the ByWard Market. If there’s a big game on, they will most certainly be showing it in crystal clear HD and live music by local performers really livens up the place on Friday and Saturday nights. Be sure to also check out their sister pub, Heart and Crown located a few blocks away.

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