So, last Tuesday afternoon, I finished a whole poutine and half a dozen doughnuts because, well, Canadian comfort food is irresistible. Five minutes later, the dreaded food guilt kicks in—you know, the kind where you promise kale smoothies and a million sit-ups tomorrow.
But instead of diving into extreme measures, I decided to hunt for better options—places in Ottawa where I could eat delicious food that wouldn’t make my sugar levels do backflips. Turns out, this city really delivers!
In this guide, I’ve rounded up amazing healthy restaurants in Ottawa that serve vibrant meals full of flavour and goodness—because healthy food doesn’t have to mean bland salads and sad snacks, eh? Now, read on!
Pure Kitchen Elgin
– Media credit: fodmapcooks
Address: 340 Elgin St.
Contact details: +1 613 233 7873
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $$$
Pure Kitchen is one of those places that just gets it when it comes to guilt-free dining. It’s well-loved for its entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu that caters to all dietary needs—whether you’re a plant-based eater, gluten-free, or just like it.
You’ll find a mix of creative comfort foods and reboot-worthy options like cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Moreover, you can start with the warrior Buddha bowl—a classic favourite, loaded with lemon lentils, grilled avocado, baby spinach, beet, and more.
If you prefer something you can hold, their Liberty wrap is always a solid pick. Oh, and don’t sleep on their rotating location-exclusive dishes—Elgin’s current special, the corn ribs, is a must-try with its tangy, smoky, and spicy notes.
Pro tip: Make sure you swing by during their daily happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM for some great deals. And, definitely explore their drinks—the cold-pressed juices are packed with nutrients! |
Paradise Poke
– Media credit: paradisepoke.ca
Address: 118 Holland Ave.
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Cost: $$$
Paradise Poke got a solid setup that’s all about fresh ingredients and bold flavours, and the best part? Everything’s tailored to deliver guilt-free deliciousness.
Their menu leans into creative combinations, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the Royal Hawaiian bowl with Ahi tuna, mango, and spicy mayo is definitely worth checking out—it’s a fan favourite for a reason!
Vegans and gluten-free eaters are covered, too, with options like the beet goes on bowl or the good Seoul bowl. Noe, if you’ve got picky tastes or just want to play chef, their Build Your Own Paradise lets you mix and match base ingredients, proteins, and toppings!
Pro tip: Don’t forget to check their seasonal poke bowl(poke bowl ottawa) specials. They’re limited edition, so once they’re gone, they’re gone—and you don’t want to miss the crab salad Cali bowl that’s making waves right now. |
The Green Door Restaurant & Bakery
– Media credit: thegreendoorrestaurant
Address: 198 Main St.
Contact details: +1 613 234 9597
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Cost: $$
The Green Door Restaurant & Bakery has been serving up its wholesome vegetarian buffet since 1988. The vibe here is casual and self-service, which means no waiting around—you grab a plate, load up the good stuff, and pay by the weight.
It’s a cool setup for anyone who likes to control portion sizes or mix and match flavours. Plus, the place has a real farm-to-table vibe, with their menu constantly shifting to reflect the seasons.
Furthermore, their buffet is all vegetarian, but it caters heavily to vegan and gluten-free diners, so no one feels left out. Some dishes you’ll need to try include their spanakopita (perfectly flaky) or the mushroom spinach lasagna.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to go with a group of five or more, make a reservation ahead of time—otherwise, it’s first come, first served. Oh, and don’t skip their frozen take-home classics in the online ordering section! |
Mad Radish
– Media credit: eatmadradish
Address: 116 Albert St #100
Contact details: +1 613 421 6923
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 7:30 PM
Cost: $$$
Mad Radish is all about putting a fresh spin on healthy eating with grab-and-go options that don’t compromise on taste or quality. Think of it as a one-stop hub for wholesome meals with its quick-service bowls, salads, and wraps.
Their menu is packed with bold, globally inspired options, but you can never go wrong with their signature bowls. Both the smoking gun and the flaming batata are crowd favourites and vegetarian—oh, and you can have them either as a bowl or a burrito!
For those wanting halal, they’ve got good options too, such as the best-selling daikon dynasty and the El Dorado. And if you’re just in the mood for a pick-me-up, you can snag one of their fresh smoothies.
Pro tip: If you’re feeding a group or meal prepping, check out their catering options or the chance to build your own bowl—perfect for keeping healthy choices easy and customizable. |
Chickpeas
– Media credit: chickpeasottawa
Address: 500 Terminal Ave. A-05
Contact details: +1 613 789 8999
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Chickpeas has a laid-back, no-nonsense vibe that makes it ideal for grabbing a quick bite or picking up dinner. The real standout here? Everything on the menu is 100% vegan and made entirely from scratch.
So, if you’ve been searching for flavour-packed meals that don’t feel like they’re trying too hard to check the “health-conscious” box, this is it. They stick to bold Middle Eastern flavours and cater to anyone who loves chickpeas, tahini, and everything Mediterranean-inspired.
Their falafel is always a popular choice, along with their fresh salads with house-made hummus or baba ganoush. Wraps and bowls here are customizable, so you won’t run out of options!
Pro tip: For the freshest experience, drop by earlier in the day—their made-from-scratch offerings tend to be extra vibrant right after they open. Also, if you’re pressed for time, ordering online is a lifesaver and lets you skip the line entirely! |
Meal Prep Ottawa
– Media credit: mealprepottawa
Address: 78 Jamie Ave Unit A
Contact details: +1 613 727 6325
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Wednesday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $$$
Meal Prep Ottawa is the ultimate solution for anyone who wants to eat healthy without the hassle of cooking or meal planning. They specialize in ready-to-eat meals that cater to a variety of nutritional goals.
Think of them as the plug for delicious, chef-prepared meals that don’t make you feel like you’re sacrificing flavour for health. Bonus? Everything is perfectly portioned, which means no overeating or guilty leftovers!
Now, they have a dedicated vegan/vegetarian menu, featuring standouts like Peruvian grilled tofu and chipotle-glazed vegan patties, which we swear by! Their portion sizes are great for satisfying hunger without going overboard, which is a win.
Pro tip: If you’re ordering online, check their à la carte options, which let you build your own meal! Also, if you’re regularly buying their meals, consider subscribing to one of their meal plans—it’s more budget-friendly and hassle-free. |
Coconut Lagoon
– Media credit: coconutlagoonottawa
Address: 853 St. Laurent Blvd.
Contact details: +1 613 742 4444
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$$
Coconut Lagoon is all about authentic Indian flavours with a focus on the traditions of Kerala, and trust me, they’re doing it right. Their menu is stacked with dishes that feel indulgent but are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re here for guilt-free dining, their vegan offerings are absolute standouts. The okra pal curry and nadan cauliflower & sweet potato ishtu are not only delicious, but they also use coconut milk and Kerala-inspired seasonings that make it seriously satisfying.
On the other hand, if you want lighter bites, try their lentil doughnuts or the crispy vegetable samosa—perfectly spiced and packed with fresh veggies. There’s always something creative happening here, so keep an eye out for their surprise dishes.
Pro tip: To skip the rush or get the best seat in the house, try making a reservation ahead of time—they’re often packed, especially on weekends. And because they specialize in using local ingredients, they sometimes feature seasonal tweaks, so ask them! |
Wolf Down
– Media credit: wolf.down
Address: 380 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613 421 4054
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Cost: $$
Wolf Down’s concept is inspired by Germany’s number one street food, the Berlin döner—a brilliant mix of Turkish tradition and Berlin street food innovation. Everything here feels thoughtfully crafted, from the protein choices to the veggies and sauces.
The menu is straightforward but genius: pick your style—sandwich, salad, or rice bowl—and build your döner masterpiece. You can go classic with beef, chicken, or keep it light with their tofu option, all paired with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, and cabbage.
Whether you’re keto, gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free, they’ve got options that hit the mark. Oh, and don’t miss their secret sauce—it’s honestly on another level!
Pro tip: If you’re hosting a party, Wolf Down’s catering options are a total game-changer. Plus, their portions are huge, so you get serious value for what you pay. |
Govinda’s
– Media credit: govindasottawa
Address: 212 Somerset St. E
Contact details: +1 613 807 7037
Operating hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 1:30 AM
- Tuesday to Friday – 12 PM to 7 PM
Cost: $
Govinda’s has been around since 1981, making it the city’s first and oldest vegetarian establishment. They offer dine-in, takeout, and meal plan services, so whether you’re popping by for a quick bite or planning your week’s meals, they’ve got you covered.
As for the food, Govinda’s menu is packed with delicious vegetarian options, such as tasty curries, savoury rice dishes, and vegetable stir-fries. One recommendation would be their famous lentil soup, which is both healthy and nutritious.
Also, they offer special thali plates, featuring a variety of balanced dishes that provide a complete meal in one go.
Pro tip: Try ordering directly from their website for pick-up; it’s super convenient and ensure you get the freshest meal possible. |
St. Elsewhere
– Media credit: st.elsewhere.613
Address: 826 Somerset St W.
Contact details: +1 343 588 1537
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 5 PM to 9:30 PM
- Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
St. Elsewhere is one of those spots that you might overlook the first time you pass by—don’t make that mistake twice. They’ve got a menu packed with fresh, creative options that cater to a variety of dietary preferences, from vegan dishes to gluten-free options.
Their brunch is something you don’t want to skip—think healthy takes on classic comfort dishes. Two options worth checking out are the tomato fennel pesto and lentil burger—both are crowd favourites and are satisfying!
If healthy, feel-good eating is your vibe, a visit here is going to feel like a treat. Bonus points for not only offering delicious food but also an extensive wine list, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks for all occasions.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their newsletter! Signing up keeps you in the loop for special menu updates and occasional events that aren’t announced anywhere else. |