Top spots for a cheap lunch in downtown Ottawa
Plenty of Ottawa restaurants offer the opportunity to indulge in a sophisticated lunch and sip on a glass of chardonnay while you enjoy a masterful culinary creation. But if it’s cheap you're after, downtown Ottawa’s got those lunch options too.
Hintonburger
1096 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y5If you crave a truly juicy lunch-time burger and delectable, fresh-cut fries at a reasonable price, Ottawa’s Hintonburger won’t disappoint. This popular spot also offers other classic burger stand mainstays, like corn dogs, poutine, milkshakes and vegetarian options. The locally sourced, perfectly seasoned, handmade beef patties are flame-grilled to the diners’ delight. You can sit in the small indoor eating area or dine at the outdoor picnic tables in the summer and enjoy your burger al fresco.
Wilf and Ada’s
510 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z4This popular hipster diner with a sophisticated, modern, chilled-out vibe serves fantastic breakfast and brunch items. Wilf & Ada’s offers brunch classics like eggs Benedict and French toast, as well as grilled cheese selections of the day served with amazing “homies” home fries. But it’s the Hungryman option that seems to really get diners talking. It features all of the typical breakfast fixings, like eggs and bacon, along with French toast, whipped cream, and fruit compote on the side. That hefty lunch should keep you going ‘til bedtime!
The Scone Witch
150 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4Need to perk up to get through the rest of your day? A heavy lunch will drag you down into that “wanting to nap on your desk” territory. Sometimes a quick cup of java with a baked good is all you really need to fuel the afternoon. The Scone Witch serves up a wide selection of mouth-watering scones, including cheddar, feta and pumpkin. Scone-based sarnies are served also, and include delicious choices like poached salmon and cucumber, and ham and Gruyere.
La Bottega Nicastro Fine Food Shop
64 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5V9Located in downtown’s buzzy ByWard Market, this sandwich and pizza place is a great spot to grab a quick lunch, with popular menu items as pleasing to your taste buds as they are to your wallet. Choose from a variety of fresh breads like focaccia, then take your pick of fresh meats, like prosciutto and other wonderful toppings. Spicy eggplant is a favourite of regulars. It might sound a lot like those other sandwich joints, but the locals beg to differ, calling these to-die-for sandwiches bigger, tastier and cheaper!
Kettlemans Bagel
912 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W6Dreaming about a Montreal-style bagel slathered with cream cheese? Wake up and visit Kettleman’s for the authentic, soft, fresh-baked, chewy bagels you thought you could only get in Montreal. The bagel sandwiches are a popular draw here too, with selections like the BLT and the famous chopped liver. If you’re in a rush, grab a dozen to go and a tub of cream cheese, and you’ll be the hit of the office. (Hide them in your desk if you don’t want to share!)
Cozmos Souvlaki
196 Greenbank Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 8P3Sometimes you’ve just gotta’ go Greek! Cozmos Souvlaki will get you there with its quick, friendly service, and most importantly, its amazing Greek food at a great price. Patrons frequently line up out the door to get to the chicken, pork and lamb souvlaki served in a fresh, warm pita wrap and smothered in garlicky tzatziki sauce. Greek salad topped with beautiful fresh-crumbled feta is also a top draw. Greek regulars say the dishes remind them of their home-cooked fare, with many calling Cozmos the best Greek food in Ottawa.
Flapjack's Pancake Shack
809 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V7Every day should be pancake day! That’s the idea at Flapjack’s Pancake Shack, where you can indulge that freshly made, light and fluffy hotcake craving any day of the week. Pick your batter – buttermilk or oatmeal – then choose from a variety of fillings, including berries, chocolate, cheese curd, sausage and bacon crumbles. Unique “panwiches” that slap breakfast fare between two pancake rounds are available too. Not in the mood for flapjacks? No problem. The shack serves plenty of yummy lunch stuff, like burgers, omelettes and the ever-popular poutine.
Di Rienzo´s
111 Beech St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3J9You’re as likely to find a Ferrari parked here at lunchtime as you are to find illegally parked police cars, all vying for a near-impossible space in front of this popular Italian sandwich joint. A fresh selection of cold cuts and amazing cheese choices are served on fresh, crusty bread selections. But it’s not just the mouth-watering sandwiches that make customers line up around the block; the delicious selection of authentic Italian fresh pasta boxes, eggplant, rizzo, meatballs and wings are equally praised. The prices are good too.
Moulin De Provence
55 By Ward Market Sq, Ottawa, ON K1N 9C3“If Obama comes, they will come.” True enough! U.S. President Barack Obama came to this Ottawa landmark bakery back in 2009 to try a simple shortbread cookie shaped into a maple leaf, which thereafter became famously named the “Obama Cookie.” The well-publicized exchange sure didn’t hurt the ’afé's business, but locals would have kept coming at lunchtime anyway to enjoy the wonderful salads, quiches and amazing pastry selections. Just remember to grab an Obama cookie on your way out the door!
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