Ethan BrownIf you’re anything like me, then dessert isn’t just the cherry on top—it’s an event of its own right, and the reason you scrolled past salads and skipped the main course. Life’s too short to skip dessert, eh?
That’s why we let ourselves get on a sugar high to check out all the notable desserts in the city to give you the crème de la crème of Ottawa’s dessert spots! So read on!
SuzyQ Doughnuts Hintonburg
Website: http://www.suzyq.ca/
Address: 1015 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2V7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-724-2451
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $-$$
SuzyQ is known for adding a creative flair to each doughnut it churns out. Their menu has your classic favourites while continuously churning out new and creative concoctions!
Maple bacon, raspberry cassis, cookies n’ cream, lemon thyme—you name it—are all handcrafted with absolutely no shortcuts. You can simply grab a coffee, pick your doughnut, and bask in the ambience of this shop.
| Pro tip: SuzyQ’s doughnuts go fast, so come early if you want the full range of options. Plus, they have vegan options, but they’re limited; check the board! |
Dessert First
Website: http://www.dessertfirst-ottawa.com/
Address: 350 Bay St, Ottawa, ON K1R 6A2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-219-0902
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $-$$
Well, with a name like Dessert First, you know you’re in for a treat! This place offers a wide variety of sweet pleasures, especially with its legendary waffles, crepes, ice cream, gelato, and sorbet.
They also have cakes, which you can have customised for any occasion. And I know, we’re talking about desserts, but you gotta try their sandwiches, like the house-made English muffin and Flakey butter croissant with ham and cheese ‘cause they’re good!
| Pro tip: If you plan to visit during the weekends, be prepared for a wait. Also, their signature dessert—the bubble waffle—is a must-try and makes for quite the Instagram shot. |
Elina Patisserie
Website: https://elinapatisserie.ca/
Address: 443a Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-808-0995
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $-$$
Elina Patisserie on Somerset Street brings a touch of sweet Parisian charm to Ottawa. The patisserie offers a variety of exquisite French pastries like éclairs and macarons.
They also have tiramisu and opera cake, which are both must-tries! Another kicker here is that every single item is gluten-free (I know, I couldn’t believe it either).
| Pro tip: If you can’t make up your mind, go for a selection of mini pastries that let you taste different flavours. And, they have a few tables outside, which is perfect for some dessert time when the weather’s good! |
First Bite Treats
Website: https://www.facebook.com/FirstBiteTreats/
Address: 531a Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-690-5729
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 1 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 8 PM
Cost: $-$$
First Bite Treats is all about making that first bite so amazing, that it’ll keep you going back for more, one sweet forkful after another.
Its dessert menu is quite literally a treat to read, ranging from the good old-fashioned apple pie and cheesecakes to fancy mousses and that classic carrot cake.
Plus, their open display case filled with goodies makes it easier for you to decide (or maybe makes it harder—believe us when we say that we understand the struggle).
| Pro tip: Remember to get there early, especially if you plan to visit over the weekend since the place fills up pretty quickly. And, I’ve got three words for you—salted caramel cheesecake! |
Mantovani 1946
Website: http://www.mantovani1946.ca/
Address: 87 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-422-4255
Operating hours:
- Thursday – 1 PM to 6 PM
- Friday – 1 PM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Cost: $$
Mantovani 1946 is famous far and wide for its classic Italian gelato. Not only is it a mecca for gelato lovers – its pastries and coffee are also must-tries!
Add to that a variety of French and Italian classics—that Tiramisu will transport you straight to a pavement café in Verona—and you’ve got a menu that’s a delicious riot.
| Pro tip: If you’re not sure which gelato to get, remember to ask for a sample! |
Art-Is-In Bakery
Website: http://www.artisinbakery.com/
Address: 250 City Centre Ave #112, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-695-1226
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 3 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 2 PM
Cost: $$
Art-Is-In Bakery has us fascinated, and it’s got everyone feeling this pastry-filled euphoria. They ain’t just selling your everyday scones and croissants, oh no.
We’re talking about crazy and innovative combos like Drunken Frenchman (comedy name, I know), which is an almond croissant soaked in syrup spiked with Remy Martin. They also serve a tasty dynamite sandwich, which you shouldn’t miss.
| Pro tip: Weekends here are insane, so if you can swing a weekday visit, do it. And oh, they’ve got this secret little sandwich menu that’s not so secret among the locals—ask about it! |
Three Tarts
Website: https://threetarts.ca/
Address: 464 Bank St Unit 3, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-729-9832
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Cost: $$
Three Tarts is that sweet little spot that immediately feels like home. Maybe it’s the quaint decor or the warmth of the staff, but when you step in, you’re hit with a vibe that says, “Yeah, you’re going to want to stay a while.”
Their lemon tarts are the stuff of legends—tart, sweet, and topped with the perfect meringue. Then there’s the assortment of shortbread cookies, each bite taking you on a buttery journey to cloud nine.
| Pro tip: They do special orders, so next time you’ve got something to celebrate (or, you know, it’s Tuesday), give them a shout. Also, their seasonal tarts—please do not miss them! |
Lokma (Bank Street)
Website: https://www.lokma.ca/
Address: 1611 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 7Y8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-695-8844
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 11:30 PM
- Friday – 2 PM to 11:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Lokma offers an experience that’ll transport you straight to the streets of Istanbul. They’re serving up traditional Turkish desserts like the kebueno, pure speculoos, Istanbul, and Nutella banana.
Their lokma—a must-try—is these sweet, doughy balls of joy, soaked in syrup and covered in various toppings. And if you’re looking for a creamy adventure, dive into their variety of Turkish delights and baklava.
| Pro tip: Remember to go for the mix plate to get a little taste of everything. And for the love of desserts, don’t skip out on their Turkish tea or coffee; it’s the perfect pairing. |
Roll’d Up – Dessert Lounge
Website: http://www.rolldup.ca/
Address: 900 Exhibition Way Unit no. 108, Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-668-9253
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 1 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 11 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Roll’d Up has turned ice cream into an art form, rolling it right in front of your eyes on frozen plates and playing with flavours. But it’s not just about the rolling; it’s about the combinations.
With a plethora of mix-ins and toppings, each bite is a new adventure. And if you’re feeling adventurous, check out their dessert tacos—yes, you heard me, dessert. tacos.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to try the roll’d up ice cream topped with cotton candy. It’s a thing here, and it’s as amazing as it sounds. Also, weekends get busy, so use that time you’re waiting in line to decide on your mix-ins—decisions, decisions! |
Stella Luna Gelato Cafe
Website: https://www.facebook.com/StellaLunaOldOttawaSouth/
Address: 1103 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-523-1116
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $$
Stella Luna Gelato Cafe is where gelato dreams come true. With an award-winning master gelato chef at the helm, each batch of gelato here is a creamy masterpiece.
The flavour lineup here is like a rollercoaster of classics and innovative combinations. And it’s not just the gelato; their sorbets are a fruit explosion in a cup, making it the perfect, refreshing bite on a sunny Ottawa day.
| Pro tip: Their affogato is a must-try—a blissful marriage of espresso and gelato. And for those Instagram-worthy moments, hit their outdoor seating on a sunny day—it’s like a mini-vacation right in Ottawa. |
Haven’s Creamery
Website: https://www.havensicecream.com/
Address: 755 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-231-2444
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 3 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 1 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 8 PM
Cost: $-$$
Haven’s Creamery is a name that you’ll want to remember. This spot isn’t just churning out ice cream; they’re crafting memories, one scoop at a time.
Their mint chocolate chip and tutti frutti are perfect for summer. And let’s not forget their delicious vegan options like the vegan nog (that has eggnog without the eggs and heavy cream) and the vegan pina colada (flavoured with coconut purée and pineapple).
| Pro tip: Always, always check their seasonal specials. And for real, if you see their pumpkin spice flavour on the menu, remember to order it. |
Oh So Good Desserts & Coffeehouse
Website: https://ohsogood.ca/
Address: 54 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-241-8028
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Cost: $-$$
At Oh So Good, the showstoppers here are their cakes, cheesecakes, and pies. Whether you’re a chocolate truffle aficionado or a red velvet enthusiast, there’s something for you here!
Now, you need to try their chocolate molten lava cake and New York cheesecake, which are both so creamy and kind of not too sweet, just right. Also, their coffee pairs perfectly with any of their desserts or pastries especially the Café au Lait and London fog.
| Pro tip: Try to grab a window seat if you can; it’s perfect for some people-watching as you dive into your dessert. Also, their serving sizes are generous, so bring a friend if you don’t have a big appetite. |
Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen
Website: http://www.mooshuicecream.com/
Address: 477 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-565-1524
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 2 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen is where tradition meets the extraordinary. Offering flavours inspired by a blend of cultures, they make everything in-house, using local and sustainably sourced ingredients.
Their flavour lineup is something exciting, like their black sesame and Hong Kong Milk Tea. And if you’re feeling a little extra, their ice cream tacos are a game-changer.
| Pro tip: Make sure you keep an eye out for their vegan options, like the vegan matcha and strawberry and vegan black and white cookies. And if you’re there for the first time, don’t be shy about sampling the flavours; they’re all about that. |
