Olivia TaylorOttawa’s bustling Preston Street is a spot with both vibrancy and history. Known as “Little Italy,” this neighbourhood has deep roots going back to the early 1900s when Italian immigrants began settling here.
Now, you’ll find a delightful mix of old-world Italian charm and modern flair. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic pasta, a strong espresso, or just a cosy place to unwind, Preston Street has you covered.
But that’s not all—Preston Street’s lively spirit is truly felt across Ottawa. With its array of events, festivals, and community gatherings all year round, there’s always something happening, bringing people together from all corners of the city.
- Things to Know
- Where is Ottawa's Preston Street?
- How to Get to Ottawa's Preston Street
- Best Time to Go to Ottawa's Preston Street
- What to Do and See in Preston Street
- Stroll Little Italy for vibrant culture and shopping
- Attend the Italian Week Festival for lively entertainment
- Snap photos of the Corso Italia mural
- Visit the futuristic Preston Square tech hub
- Relax in Plouffe Park, an urban oasis
- Bike or walk along the nearby Rideau Canal
- Experience live music at the House of TARG arcade
- Check out the St. Anthony of Padua Church
- Catch a show at the Gladstone Theatre
- Where to Eat and Drink in Preston Street
- Where to Stay in and near Preston Street
- FAQs about Ottawa’s Preston Street
Things to Know
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Establishments available: Restaurants, Cafes, Bars
Where is Ottawa’s Preston Street?
Preston Street is smack-dab in the middle of one of Ottawa’s most charming neighbourhoods. It’s mainly found between Somerset Street to the north and Carling Avenue to the south.
As you stroll along Preston, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the bustling atmosphere and rich cultural vibe that’s made this place a local favourite.
How to Get to Ottawa’s Preston Street
Closest bus stop: If you’re taking public transit, you can hop on an OC Transpo bus—you’ll want to catch a route that heads towards Carling Avenue or Somerset Street.
After that, you can get off at any of the stops along Preston. Routes like the 85 and 14 are usually safe bets.
If you’re driving, just punch in “Preston Street” into your GPS, and it’ll guide you right to that charming strip between Somerset and Carling. Parking can sometimes be a bit tricky, but there are plenty of side streets and lots around.
Best Time to Go to Ottawa’s Preston Street
The best time to visit Ottawa’s Preston Street is definitely in June, when the area comes alive with the Ottawa Italian Festival.
This vibrant event transforms the neighbourhood into a hub of activities, including main stage acts, an Italian car parade, kids’ zone activities, and street performers.
Additionally, the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival takes place alongside the Ottawa Italian Festival, adding a unique touch with a stunning display of vintage and modern Ferraris.
What to Do and See in Preston Street
Stroll Little Italy for vibrant culture and shopping
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Little Italy is such a lively spot brimming with Italian culture and some of the best shopping and food experiences around. There are a tonne of unique boutique shops offering everything from high-end fashion to quirky gifts, Italian groceries, and more.
You can’t miss the Italian cafes and gelato shops that are sprinkled throughout. One of the coolest things about this area is how it’s a blend of traditional and modern vibes.
The street often hosts pop-up markets, art shows, and community events that are fun to stumble upon. Also, if you’re into history, there are several landmarks celebrating the Italian-Canadian heritage, with plaques and information stations.
Attend the Italian Week Festival for lively entertainment
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Italian Week is a huge deal and takes over Preston Street with festivities that celebrate all things Italian. There are parades, live performances, dance classes, and even cooking demonstrations where you can learn to make authentic Italian dishes.
Families can find all sorts of activities for kids as well, like face painting, crafts, and games. For the adults, there are wine tastings, art exhibits, and lots of opportunities to learn about Italian culture.
You’ll find street vendors offering everything from Italian sausages and pastries to handcrafted jewellery and souvenirs. Also, don’t forget to check out the car show, featuring elegant Italian sports cars; that’s a major highlight.
Snap photos of the Corso Italia mural
Speaking of must-see spots, the Corso Italia mural is an iconic landmark on Preston Street. It beautifully captures elements of Italian culture and history, using bright, eye-catching colours that really pop.
This mural is not just popular for photos but also for the story it tells, reflecting the community’s love for their heritage. Each element in the mural has been carefully crafted to symbolise various aspects of Italian culture, from food to family traditions.
This mural is a frequent stop for art tours and is often featured in social media posts, so you’ll be joining a long line of admirers.
Visit the futuristic Preston Square tech hub
– Media credit: eofineart
Website: https://prestonsquare.ca/
Address: 333 Preston St.
Contact details: +1 613 230 7572
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 6 PM
Preston Square is primarily a tech hub, so it’s home to many innovative companies and startups. But it’s not all business; there are also some cool public spaces inside where you can grab a coffee and maybe even do some people-watching.
The architecture alone is worth checking out, by the way. Preston Square also hosts various tech talks, workshops, and seminars that can be really enlightening if you’re into that scene.
Sometimes they even have open houses where you can tour some of the offices and meet the people behind the projects. There’s also a small art gallery inside that features rotating exhibits, often showcasing local artists.
Relax in Plouffe Park, an urban oasis
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Plouffe Park is like a little haven right in the middle of the city. The park is spacious with lots of green areas to lay down a picnic blanket, so grab some lunch from a nearby deli and head over for a chill afternoon.
You’ll find well-maintained playgrounds that are a big hit with families. There are also sports facilities like basketball courts and even a small skate park, great for older kids and teens who need to burn off some energy.
Plouffe Park also has some scenic walking paths perfect for a relaxing stroll or a light jog. The best part is, it’s close enough to the main drag that you can easily pop over after you’re done exploring the shops and cafes.
Bike or walk along the nearby Rideau Canal
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You seriously can’t visit Preston Street without taking a leisurely bike ride or walking along the historic Rideau Canal. The path is totally accessible, perfect for everyone, and you’ll get to see some incredible views along the way.
You can start your journey near Dows Lake and go as far as your legs will take you. Along the way, you’ll see joggers, families with strollers, and lots of happy dogs. It’s a great spot for people-watching.
A cool thing to keep an eye out for is the locks and the boats navigating through them. Plus, there are plenty of spots to stop and rest, some nice benches where you can just sit back and watch the world go by.
Experience live music at the House of TARG arcade
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Website: http://www.houseoftarg.com/
Address: 1077 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613-680-8274
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Friday – 7 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
House of TARG is the place where live music meets vintage arcade games, and it’s super popular for a reason. When you walk in, you’ll see walls lined with classic pinball machines and retro arcade games.
Just grab some tokens and challenge your friends on classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, or pinball. The live music lineup here is pretty solid, with local bands and touring acts stopping by to play.
You’ll find everything from punk rock to indie, and sometimes even some cool themed nights. Also, you might walk into a trivia night or even a pinball tournament if you’re lucky.
Check out the St. Anthony of Padua Church
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Website: https://www.stanthonyparish.ca/
Address: 427 Booth St.
Contact details: +1 613 236 2304
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Thursday – 9 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 3:30 PM
- Wednesday – 9 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 3:30 PM, 7 PM to 8 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 3:30 PM, 5 PM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 4:30 PM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
If you’re more into soaking up some culture and history, the St. Anthony of Padua Church is a must-visit. Located right in the heart of Little Italy on Preston Street, this church has been the cornerstone of the Italian community for over a century.
The architecture is stunning, with intricate stained glass windows and detailed mosaic work that just draws you in. There are plenty of nooks and crannies filled with interesting religious artefacts and artwork.
If you’re into history, you’ll love reading up on the church’s involvement with the Italian community, especially how it served as a hub for new immigrants back in the day. Plus, they often host festivals, flea markets, and charity events that are open to the public.
Catch a show at the Gladstone Theatre
– Media credit: gladstonetheatre
Website: https://www.thegladstone.ca/
Address: 910 Gladstone Ave.
Contact details: +1 613 233 4523
Operating hours:
- Depends on the scheduled show
Gladstone Theatre is known for putting on some fantastic productions ranging from drama to comedy and even musicals. Seats here are pretty cosy, and no matter where you sit, you’ll get a great view of the stage.
With their variety in the lineup, one week you could be watching a Shakespearean play and the next, a contemporary piece by a local playwright. They also host some special events and themed nights that are always a hit.
Before or after the show, it’s always fun to hang out in the lobby where you can meet some of the cast and other theatre enthusiasts. They’ve got a small concession stand too, so you can grab a drink or a snack to enjoy during intermission.
Where to Eat and Drink in Preston Street
Giovanni’s Ristorante
– Media credit: giovannirestaurantottawa
Address: 362 Preston St.
Phone: +1 613 234 3156
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Good to know: Great for date night or a family dinner
Giovanni’s Ristorante is all about delivering Italian classics that keep people coming back for more. Their appetiser menu, or as they like to call it, “Antipasti,” is packed with delicious options like bruschetta, calamari fritti, and the must-try burrata cheese.
As you scan the menu, you’ll also discover an exciting selection of pastas like lobster ravioli, tagliatelle verde, and traditional spaghetti alla carbonara.
When it comes to mains, Giovanni’s takes it up a notch with their grill and seafood dishes.
La Dolce Vita’s Summer Patio
– Media credit: ladolcevita.glutenfree
Address: 180 Preston St.
Phone: +1 613 233 6239
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Good to know: Great for groups, casual outings, or a laid-back brunch
La Dolce Vita has a killer food lineup that’s sure to satisfy any craving. Some of their food that folks rave about are the crispy polenta bites, calamari, and Caesar and tomato Asiago soup.
Now, you can’t really talk about La Dolce Vita without mentioning their pastas and special dinner plates. Also, just listing their pizza options could make your mouth water—from the classic Prosciutto Verde to the more unique Frutti di Mare pizza.
Also, they have a gluten-free certification, so there’s something for everyone.
The Prescott
– Media credit: theprescottottawa
Address: 379 Preston St.
Phone: +1 613 232 4217
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 2 AM
Good to know: Perfect for larger groups, families, casual meals
The Prescott menu is packed with delicious, must-try dishes. You’re looking at starters like nachos, jumbo wings, and Italian poutine.
For mains, you can’t go wrong with their chicken parmigiana, the famous meatball sandwich options like the Cadillac, and hearty plates like grilled salmon or fish & chips.
Their pizza lineup is great as well. They even have gluten-free crust options to accommodate various dietary preferences. And if pasta is more your style, they’ve got incredible choices like the meatball melt, lasagna, fettuccini alfredo, and more.
Trattoria Caffè Italia
– Media credit: trattoriacaffeitalia
Address: 254 Preston St.
Phone: +1 613 236 1081
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 3 PM to 11 PM
Good to know: Ideal for romantic dinners and small gatherings
Trattoria Caffè Italia is a family-owned gem that has you covered with a killer menu packed with traditional Italian dishes.
Their menu has must-try starters like calamari, bruschetta, and Caprese salad. When it comes to mains, you can’t go wrong with their gnocchi, fettuccine alfredo, lasagna, veal parmigiana, and, of course, their pizzas.
If you’re a seafood lover, their seafood linguine is a hit. What’s more, their wine selection is extensive—you’ll find something to pair perfectly with whatever you choose from the menu.
Absolute Comedy Ottawa
– Media credit: scottwhite1968
Address: 412 Preston St.
Phone: +1 613 233 8000
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 PM till late
Good to know: Excellent for group outings, birthday parties, or just a fun night out
If you’re in the mood for some hearty laughs and equally satisfying eats, Absolute Comedy is your go-to spot. Their menu has all the essentials to keep your hunger at bay while you enjoy the show.
Entrées worth checking out include their classic chicken fingers, juicy burgers, and hearty salads. Sandwiches like the club and the roast beef are crowd favourites, and the appetisers lineup features must-haves like mozzarella sticks, poutine, and nachos.
For something different, their vegetarian options are surprisingly solid, too. And if you want to pair your meal with a drink, their selection of beers, wines, and cocktails won’t disappoint.
Where to Stay in and near Preston Street
The Metcalfe Hotel by Gray Collection
– Media credit: metcalfehotel
Address: 123 Metcalfe St.
Phone: +1 613-231-6555
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check in – 4 PM
- Check out – 12 PM
The Metcalfe Hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the Parliament Buildings, the Rideau Canal, and some pretty solid shopping and dining options. They’ve got everything from cosy rooms to suites that’ll make you feel right at home.
You can count on modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool. But what really stands out is their library and the French-inspired bistro, which you definitely don’t want to miss.
Plus, be sure to check out any seasonal packages they may offer—they often have deals for various local attractions.
Alt Hotel Ottawa
– Media credit: althotel
Address: 185 Slater St.
Phone: +1 613-691-6882
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check in – 3 PM
- Check out – 12 PM
Alt Hotel Ottawa is another solid option, especially if you’re into that sleek, modern vibe. Located right downtown, you’re within walking distance of Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre, and the ByWard Market.
Rooms here come equipped with all the essentials, like free Wi-Fi, ultra-comfy beds, and those trendy rain showers. They also have an amazing gym that’s open 24/7, not to mention a cool little café in the lobby for your morning coffee and evening snacks.
You may also keep an eye out for their eco-friendly initiatives, which include energy-saving features and locally sourced amenities.
Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre
– Media credit: best_western_ottawa
Address: 1274 Carling Ave.
Phone: +1 613 728 1951
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in time – 4 PM
- Check-out time – 11 AM
Best Western Plus is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for convenience and comfort. Perfect for those who need to be close to hospitals, universities, or business venues, this hotel offers everything from free breakfast to ample parking.
The rooms are well-appointed with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and microwaves. They also have a fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool for those hot summer days, and a cosy restaurant.
Definitely look out for their pet-friendly options if you’re travelling with your furry friend.
Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown
– Media credit: hiltons_ottawa_downtown
Address: 361 Queen St.
Phone: +1 613-234-6363
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in time – 4 PM
- Check-out time – 12 PM
For anyone looking for a central spot with a trusted name, Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown fits the bill perfectly. Just a few minutes walk from the Lyon Street O-Train station, this hotel offers easy access to the rest of the city.
You’ll get free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, an indoor pool, and even a business centre for those quick work meetings. The Garden Grille and Bar serves great meals, and their Pavilion Pantry is perfect for late-night snacks.
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
– Media credit: ottawamarriot
Address: 100 Kent St.
Phone: +1 613-238-1122
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in time – 3 PM
- Check-out time – 12 PM
Another stellar option in the heart of Ottawa is the Ottawa Marriott Hotel. You’re close to major attractions like the Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Centre.
The rooms are packed with amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. But the real kicker is their revolving restaurant with panoramic views of the city—that’s something you don’t see every day.
On top of that, you’ve got an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and even a kids’ play area. Their conference facilities are top-notch too, making it a great spot for business travellers.
