Liam SmithSo, my buddy from overseas shows up, and the next day, he’s like ‘take me to this ByWard Market I’ve heard so much about!’ Now, being the loyal foodie tour guide that I am, we set off on a full-blown food crawl through the market—and it did not disappoint!
From melt-in-your-mouth pastries to poutine, my friend’s jaw dropped (figuratively) at every stop—and honestly, so did mine. We laughed, took entirely too many food pics, and even had a little debate over who gets the last piece of pizza.
But in the end, we both agreed: ByWard Market is a foodie paradise. Now, these spots were simply too good not to share, so here’s a list of the best ByWard Market food spots we loved, and so will you. Read on!
Play Food & Wine
– Media credit: playfoodwine
Address: 1 York St.
Contact details: +1 613 667 9207
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £££
Known for its unique small plate approach, Play Food & Wine specialises in letting you mix and match dishes so you can try a bit of everything. During lunch, some of their must-orders are the confit tuna, game hen flatbread melt, and seared Arctic char.
When it comes to dinner, they offer larger plates such as rabbit cavatelli and crispy pork belly alongside raw items like rainbow tuna crudo and duck prosciutto. Not only do they cater to every kind of foodie out there, but they also feature a dedicated vegan menu!
The standout options here are the little gem Caesar and roasted sweet potato soup—both of these had me coming back! Aside from these; their wine list is impressive too—offering everything from wines and rums to whisky and scotch.
| Pro tip: Their menus can change seasonally, so check their website ahead of time for the latest updates. Also, for those who love sharing meals, their lunch small plate setup is available for 2 for $30—ideal for ordering several dishes! |
Sidedoor
– Media credit: sidedoorkitchen
Address: 18b York St.
Contact details: +1 613 562 9331
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 4 PM to 10:30 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Cost: £££
Sidedoor has got a knack for combining flavours and delivering something special every time. Famous for their unique twist on modern, Asian-inspired dishes, you’ll find everything from tacos to bao buns.
Their tacos are an absolute hit, especially the Korean BBQ pork and tempura fried Bajan fish—both packed with flavour and are satisfying. Going over the bao buns, we absolutely loved the braised pork belly—definitely a must-try for its savoury taste!
Alongside these are the crowd favourite plates, such as the pork ribs, scallion gnocchi, and yellowfin tuna sashimi. Their desserts aren’t to be missed either, especially the best-selling Japanese doughnut bites!
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their ‘Sidedoor Happenings’ page to plan your visit around exciting promotions like Tequila & Tacos Tuesday and Happy Hour. If you’re into tasting menus (tasting menu ottawa), they also offer 4-course plates! |
Fatboys Southern Smokehouse
– Media credit: fatboysottawa
Address: 34 Murray St.
Contact details: +1 613 695 5599
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 4 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 8:30 PM
Cost: ££
Fatboys Southern Smokehouse is all about genuine, slow-cooked barbecue, and you can taste the effort they put into every dish. Their menu is packed with crowd favourites like St. Louis smoked pork ribs, which come in ½ rack, ¾ rack, and full rack servings.
If you’re all about variety, their Kentucky Derby platters allow you to sample a bit of everything—pulled pork, BBQ chicken, ribs, beef brisket, you name it. Other must-tries include the smoked tofu BBQ bowl and their famous Big Pig burger.
Oh, and let’s not forget their Southern sides! From smoked bacon mac and cheese to smoked beans with brisket, the sides are just as good as the main event.
| Pro tip: If you’re coming in with a group, Fatboys has an awesome BBQ buffet for groups. It’s the perfect way to serve up a variety of their signature dishes, from mouth watering brisket to smoked ribs, alongside classic sides. |
Luxe Bistro
– Media credit: luxe.ottawa
Address: 47 York St.
Contact details: +1 613 241 8805
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 9:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: £££
If you’re looking for a spot in ByWard Market that does steak and elevated bistro-style food right, Luxe Bistro is a must-visit. They’re particularly well known for their steak options—they use 28-day aged certified Angus beef for incredibly tender, flavourful results!
Their menu has all the classics like filet mignon, New York striploin, bone-in ribeye, Tomahawk rib steak, and even Wagyu beef. They’ve also got amazing chilled seafood, like the oysters, tuna crudo, shrimp cocktail, and even a Luxe-urious seafood tower!
Alongside these, we also love their Luxe Ratatouille (pan-roasted eddplant) and the lamb Tajine pasta. To round out your meal, their wine list is impressive, offering great pairing options for whatever you’re digging into.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a special event, Luxe Bistro offers a range of elegant event spaces that can accommodate any gathering, from intimate dinners to larger celebrations. |
Chez Lucien
– Media credit: chezlucienottawa
Address: 137 Murray St.
Contact details: +1 613 241 3533
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Cost: £
Chez Lucien is a go-to spot for anyone craving comfort food along with a selection of craft beers and wines. The Chez Lucien burger is the star here—perfectly cooked and bursting with flavour.
The grilled chicken or grilled salmon sandwiches are also highly recommended, with fresh ingredients making every bite satisfying. For heartier meals, Chez Lucien offers options like 10 oz grilled pork chop and 8 oz grilled NY steak, both served with sides.
Pasta lovers aren’t left out either—the seafood fettuccine is packed with fresh flavours, while the spaghetti bolognaise delivers a home-cooked meal taste. If you’re out with friends, their chicken wings and nachos are great for sharing.
| Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying their desserts! The fresh fruit crepe (changes daily) and the pecan pie are must-tries. |
Heart & Crown – ByWard Market
– Media credit: heartandcrown
Address: 67 Clarence St.
Contact details: +1 613 562 0674
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Cost: ££
Spanning several heritage buildings, Heart & Crown offers an expansive menu that combines traditional Irish flavours with modern classics. If you’re into starters, the lemongrass chicken dumplings and pierogies are standout choices.
For something uniquely Irish, their spice bag—a combination of seasoned fried chicken and crunchy veggies—is a must-try. When it comes to main dishes, two fan favourites that keep us coming back are Bradley’s Irish Whiskey beef stew and Bourbon salmon.
If handhelds are more your style, their Bradley’s Irish Whiskey smash burger, snug club sandwich, and veggie burger are all wildly popular. All these are great to pair with their beer or a cocktail from the bar.
| Pro tip: Live music is a regular feature at Heart & Crown, adding another layer to the experience. If you want to make the most of your visit, check their music schedule ahead of time. |
Zak’s Diner
– Media credit: zaksdiner
Address: 14 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613 241 2401
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 7 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 7 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – Open 24 hours
- Sunday – 12 AM to 10 PM
Cost: ££
Zak’s Diner is where you’ll go if you’re craving comfort food any time of day—or night. This spot is serving retro diner vibes, complete with vintage-style booths and the nostalgic charm of jukebox tunes in the background.
Their menu is packed with a bit of everything, with their all-day breakfast being the highlight, from pancakes and eggs to smoked salmon. Alongside these, they also offer a dedicated Senior breakfast which comes with your choice of coffee, tea, or juice.
Popular choices here include one-egg breakfast and sourdough French toast. Of course, their menu goes way beyond breakfast, and also offers savoury poutine and even smoothies.
| Pro tip: If you’re dining with someone who has specific dietary preferences, Zak’s offers vegetarian and plant-based alternatives, so they’re happy to swap ingredients to suit your needs. |
Oh My Grill
– Media credit: ohmygrillottawa
Address: 169 York St.
Contact details: +1 613 562 4545
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 1 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 11 PM
Cost: £
Oh My Grill nailed Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired comfort food, with everything from wraps and salad, to platters. Their menu is loaded with options, from fresh and light, Greek salad, to robus chicken souvlaki plate.
The plates, in particular, are a hit because they offer full meals served with rice, potatoes, Greek salad, hummus, garlic sauce, and pita. Oh, and their wraps like chicken shawarma, souvlaki lamb wrap, and beef gyro, won’t make you leave hungry!
If you’re planning a cheat day, their original poutine is a must-try, and you can even upgrade it into a combo with a drink for a great deal. Don’t overlook their sides either, such as chicken wings, garlic potatoes, and fries, to name a few.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check in-store for their limited-time combo meal offers or buy-one-take-one deals. |
Gyubee Japanese Grill
– Media credit: gyubeejapanesegrill
Address: 95 York St.
Contact details: +1 613 367 5065
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Cost: £££
If you’re in the mood for Japanese BBQ, Gyubee Japanese Grill is a go-to spot. Here, you’ll grill your food right at your seat, making it part meal, part event.
Their selection of meats is stellar, featuring options like Wagyu beef, pork belly, marinated chicken, and even seafood like shrimp and scallops. What makes Gyubee stand out is the quality of cuts—they’re all fresh and perfectly portioned for grilling.
Their sides add to the fun—they keep the Japanese flavours flowing with kimchi, seaweed salad, and the creamy Japanese-style potato salad. And if you’re looking for a drink, Gyubee has sake, Japanese beers, and soft drinks like Calpico and Ramune.
| Pro tip: Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you’re planning to bring a group or visit during peak hours. |
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar
– Media credit: grand_pizzeria
Address: 74 George St.
Contact details: +1 613 244 9995
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Cost: £££
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar is the go-to for anyone craving a truly authentic Italian dining experience. Located centrally, this spot knows how to make a lasting impression, especially with their star attraction—pizza.
Whether you’re a fan of classics like Margherita, calvini, or the always satisfying Italian pepperoni, you’re in for a treat. Their pasta dishes are equally noteworthy, with must-try signatures like shrimp linguine, rigatoni al pollo, and tortellini.
They’ve even thought of the little ones with a dedicated kids’ menu featuring cheese pizza and penne with butter and cheese. Don’t forget to explore their drink menu—the Juniper Blossom and Crimson Sunset are two standout cocktails that we swear by!
| Pro tip: If you have dietary restrictions, The Grand Pizzeria and Bar is more than willing to accommodate. Just be sure to notify them in advance when making your reservation. |
