Best Patios to Dine in Ottawa
For a long time, Ottawa took the back seat to cities like Montreal and Toronto for it’s alleged lack of dining atmosphere. This stereotype is quickly being challenged as Ottawa has become one of the trendiest cities in Canada to wine & dine. From tranquil, romantic settings to high rooftops, Ottawa has a patio that is sure to suit your mood. Here are a few suggestions on where to get your "Patio-on" this summer!
Upscale | Le Café
Located at the National Arts Centre on Elgin Street, Le Café’s patio backs onto the scenic Rideau Canal. Sit in the shade on this covered patio for either lunch or dinner and watch boats as they float by. Le Café offers good food and some unique Ottawa scenery during the day and at night. This restaurant is known to be one of the city’s popular marriage proposal spots!
Charming | The Black Thorn Café
Located at 15 Clarence Street in the ByWard Market neighbourhood, “The Black Thorn” as it’s known locally, offers one of Ottawa’s most romantic patios. Walk through the restaurant to the back, where you’ll find a spacious patio that overlooks a fountain and the charming cobblestoned Tin House Courtyard. Sheltered by the old stone buildings that face Sussex Drive, this patio is quiet, being a great place to enjoy good food and intimate conversation.
Romantic | Clarendon Courtyard
Still romantic, but a bit more social, are the restaurants that share the Clarendon Courtyard in the ByWard Market neighbourhood, located behind the shops on Sussex Drive between George Street and York Street. Here, you will find fine outdoor dining at Social, the musically diverse Black Tomato – a great spot for local craft beer – the inventive Courtyard Restaurant and the old-school Italian restaurant Mamma Grazzi’s Kitchen.
Modern | Cornerstone Bar and Grill
In the ByWard Market neighbourhood, at 92 Clarence Street, Cornerstone offers a slightly elevated patio that is great for people-watching. Sit by the railing and watch people come and go in the busy market area. Cornerstone’s patio is also very sunny, so it’s a good place to be on a beautiful day. And if the sun gets to be a bit too much, this restaurant has awnings that can be pulled down for instant shade.
Canal-side-views | Canal Ritz
With its location right along one of the busiest stretches of the Rideau Canal, Canal Ritz is one of the patios on this list that is just as popular in summer as it is in winter. This luxurious canal-side patio turns a rink-side view in February, to beautiful views of the water in summer time. Perfect spot for a drink under the stars in the evening.
Roof-top | Stella Osteria
The elevated, roof-top patio at Stella is one of Ottawa’s most coveted summer hot spots. Not only is their food delicious, but their drink menu is to-die-for. With an extensive list of cocktails, martinis, and liquers this up-scale patio is perfect if you’re in the mood for some flavour in your after work drink. Of course they serve beer and wine as well, but the patio-drink that I have my eye on: one of their ‘Ice Fizzies’ which combine Prosecco, Liquer and Gelato.
Second level patio | Fox & the Feather
There’s something extra-special about being on a patio that is elevated, and that’s what the Fox & the Feather has to offer: a large, second story patio that overlooks Elgin. With a large menu that offers everything from sandwiches to steaks, this full-menu has a food-pick for everyone. Our personal fav? The Cajun fajita wrap.
Casual | The Earl of Sussex
Located steps away from the Notre Dame Cathedral, the National Gallery of Canada, and Major’s Hill Park, this patio is truly surrounded by Ottawa’s history and culture. If you’re looking to watch sports over a brew or three on an outdoor patio, The Earl of Sussex is one of the better options in the Market on a nice night.
Quaint | Murray Street Wine Charcuterie
Located at 110 Murray Street, this restaurant’s patio is a little slice of Heaven. Enjoy a quiet patio that is sheltered from the street and decorated with interesting art. Get to know each other better or rekindle the flame as you sip wine and share one of Murray Street’s famous charcuterie boards. This patio starts off the warmer months by being sunny, becoming increasingly shaded as the season progresses and grapevines thrive on the overhang.
