Liam SmithAre your picky eaters causing chaos? No worries! Even the best family restaurants in Ottawa can turn into a battleground when the little ones declare war on their meals.
Kids — some are born food critics, sensitive to taste, smell, and texture. Others just copy their folks’ finicky habits, eh?
But fear not, if you’re on the hunt for spots that’ll put smiles on your kids’ faces (and peace in your soul), look no further. It’s time to dive into the top family restaurants in Ottawa!
Johnny Farina
– Media credit: johnnyfarinarestaurant
Website: https://johnnyfarina.com/
Address: 216 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L7, Canada
Contact: +1 613-565-5155
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM–9 PM
For a taste of Italy and a side of style, head over to Johnny Farina on Elgin Street! Their dining room, spanning two levels, is like a trattoria paradise.
Kids can feel like pizza connoisseurs by customizing their own mini pies or pasta dishes. And for those craving a cozy night in, swing by their deli for takeout delights like soups, paninis, and salads!
| Pro Tip: Don’t you dare overlook the sweet cannoli! We’re talking about creamy rolls that even adults (some with kiddos) can’t resist! |
Blue Cactus Bar and Grill
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Website: https://www.bluecactusbarandgrill.com/
Address: 2 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-241-7061
Hours:
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Monday: 11:30 AM–11 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–10 AM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–1 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM–2 AM
Blue Cactus Bar and Grill in ByWard Market is the ultimate family hangout! With menus designed to please your little ones, year-round deals, and crayons to keep them entertained, it’s a win-win for everyone.
This “upscale casual” spot caters to foodies and fussy eaters alike with its diverse cuisine offerings.
| Pro Tip: At the Blue Cactus Bar and Grill, kids under 10 eat free every day! Just buy an adult meal and beverage, and voila — happy tummies all around! |
Lone Star Texas Grill
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Website: https://lonestartexasgrill.com/
Address: 128 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N9, Canada
Contact: +1 613-562-9865
Hours:
- Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Monday to Saturday: 11 AM–11 PM
Lone Star Texas Grill, the Tex-Mex maestro of Ottawa, is where the fiesta never ends!
For the little hombres and señoritas, they’ve got a kid’s menu packed with cheesy quesadillas, sizzling meat fajitas, and all-time favorites like chicken fingers and burgers.
And when you’re all feeling famished, you can dive into their epic shareables! We usually go for their loaded nachos, belly-busting burritos, tantalizing enchiladas, and finger-lickin’ ribs that’ll have you saying “more, por favor!”
| Pro Tip: Whatever you do, try to resist filling up on their addictive homemade chips and salsa — they’re complimentary but oh-so-tempting! |
Zak’s Diner
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Website: https://zaksdiner.com/
Address: 14 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-241-2401
Hours:
- Open 24 hours on Friday to Saturday
- Sunday to Wednesday: 7 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 7 AM–12 AM
Since 1986, Zak’s Diner has been dishing out deliciousness, standing the test of time like a champ! With four fab locations across Ottawa, it’s been serving up quality nosh that keeps folks coming back for more.
Their menu is a treasure trove of classics, from mouthwatering burgers to heavenly poutines and irresistible milkshakes. Plus, they’ve got a kiddie menu that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Once you step into Zak’s, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the golden age of diners. It’s got that cozy, nostalgic vibe that’s just perfect for catching up with pals and making memories.
Sure, snagging a table might require a bit of patience, especially when it’s buzzing, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. And keep your eyes peeled for special events like magic shows — they’re a hit with the little ones!
For those pint-sized picky eaters, Zak’s Diner is the hero we all need. With all-day brekkie, sizzling burgers, and a variety of poutines (the Canadian comfort food of champions), it’s a haven for hungry little hearts!
| Pro Tip: Don’t you dare leave without trying one of their legendary milkshakes — made with the finest premium ice cream. Psst, the Zak’s ByWard Market location is open 24 hours, so there’s never a bad time to indulge! |
Tennessy Willems
– Media credit: tennessywillems
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Tennessy-Willems-100063605079045/
Address: 1082 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y4, Canada
Contact: +1 613-722-0000
Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday to Tuesday, Thursday: 4 PM–9 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Tennessy Willems — ooh la la, may sound all fancy pants with its upscale vibe, but it’s actually a hoppin’ joint for family shenanigans. A hot spot in Ottawa for kiddos, you bet!
Their claim to fame is the cracker-thin crust pizza straight outta the wooden oven. Locals and tourists alike go bananas for it.
And get this — they’re all about customization, offering gluten-free crusts and vegan cheese for the picky eaters among us. They’ve got a whole menu beyond pizza.
This means appetizers, pasta, desserts, and drinks galore! While they don’t have a dedicated kiddie menu, they’ve got classics like spaghetti bolognese and mac n’ cheese to keep the little rascals happy.
| Pro Tip: We love to start with a bangin’ Caesar salad and work our way up. As for the ambiance, it’s sleek and chic, but beware — it’s cozy, so better ring ahead to snag a spot, especially if you’re rolling deep with the fam. |
Oh So Good
– Media credit: ohsogooddesserts
Website: https://ohsogood.ca/
Address: 54 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A2, Canada
Contact: +1 613-241-8028
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM–11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10 AM–12 AM
In the heart of Byward Market lies Oh So Good. It’s a must-visit spot for Ottawa families looking to satisfy their sweet cravings because, well — it’s oh-so-good!
While it specializes in coffee and desserts, it’s not just for romantic rendezvous; it’s perfect for family fun too! With a focus on coffee and delectable pastries, Oh So Good offers a delightful selection of sandwiches and paninis for you and the little ones.
But let’s be real — the true stars of the show are the desserts. Kids (and adults) can’t resist!
From freshly roasted coffees to heavenly cakes and gelatos, Oh So Good has something for everyone, including vegan and gluten-free options. Plus, it’s spacious enough to accommodate larger groups — perfect for a sweet family gathering!
| Pro Tip: Their cheesecakes and strawberry cake are our top picks (we even crown them with strawberry gelato), but if you’re craving a healthier option, give their açaí bowl a whirl! |
Elgin Street Diner
– Media credit: elginstreetdiner
Website: https://www.elginstreetdiner.com/
Address: 374 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-237-9700
Hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
Elgin Street Diner has been the talk of the town for over 2 decades and has charmed Ottawa with its delectable delights and quirky charm.
With a trophy case brimming with awards, including the title of Ottawa’s best diner and 24-hour hotspot, it’s the reigning champ of the culinary scene.
Families flock here not just for the accolades but for the lip-smacking menu featuring salads, pancakes, poutines, burgers, and milkshakes that’ll make your taste buds do a quick little jig!
The spacious digs offer plenty of room to spread out, complete with free wifi and primo people-watching opportunities. It’s a paradise for the little ones who love a good show.
Sure, it gets bustling, especially during peak hours, and things might move at a snail’s pace, but hey, that’s the price of popularity, right?
| Pro Tip: Can’t make it to the diner? No problem! They’ve got pick-up and delivery options, although dealing with delivery partners like SkipTheDishes can sometimes be a rollercoaster ride. |
The King Eddy
– Media credit: the_kingeddy
Website: https://www.kingeddyburgers.com/
Address: 47 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P9, Canada
Contact: +1 613-680-1700
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 8 AM–10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 8 AM–11 PM
At The King Eddy, it’s a triple threat of dining delight! A fusion of restaurant, pub, and diner, it’s the go-to spot for a family feast.
They’ve got diner classics like all-day breakfast, burgers, and hot dogs mingling with fried chicken, toasted tuna sandwiches, chili, and even salads on the menu.
At The King Eddy, it’s a daily affair fit for the whole fam!
| Pro Tip: For the grown-ups, there’s local craft beer and spiked milkshakes to quench your thirst. Who says brunch is just for weekends? |
OCCO Kitchen
– Media credit: occokitchen
Website: https://www.occokitchen.com/
Address: 160 Bay St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7X8, Canada
Contact: +1 613-422-6192
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–9 PM
OCCO Kitchen keeps it local, dishing up premium ingredients sourced from nearby and whipping them into tasty treats right in their kitchen. From homemade bread to house-made ketchup, freshness is their forte, and we’re here for it!
Their menu is a playground of delights, featuring everything from mouthwatering burgers and stacked sandwiches to crisp salads.
And let’s not forget the kiddos – their special menu serves up classics! We’re talking mac n’ cheese, poutine, and fish n’ chips, ensuring even the little ones leave with happy tummies.
With two spots in Ottawa, the Orléans joint brings the chill vibes, perfect for family hangouts. And the best part is that you can snag a table by making a reservation through their 3D portal or giving them a ring!
But hey, with wallet-friendly prices, cozy digs, and a welcoming crew, OCCO Kitchen dishes up a dining experience worth savoring.
| Pro Tip: Sure, it can get a tad crowded and loud at times, and mix-ups with orders aren’t unheard of, especially when they’re slammed. Make sure everything’s right before you pay! |
Queen St. Fare
– Media credit: queenstfare
Website: https://queenstfare.ca/
Address: 170 Queen St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-782-3885
Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM–8 PM
Just a few minutes from downtown hotels and a stone’s throw from Parliament Hill, Queen St. Fare is the place to be for foodies in Ottawa! This food hall serves up quick versions of local favorites, from Mexican to Indian to Asian specialties.
Gourmet pizzas, salads, burgers, and coffee shop treats are also on the menu. Here, you can forget about waiting for service — just pick your poison at any vendor and snag a seat!
After, you can wash it all down with a variety of beverages, including a full bar, and hydrate guilt-free at their eco-friendly serve-yourself water station. We love the convenience and tasty bites!
| Pro Tip: Don’t tell the kids but the tasty smoothies? They’ve got fruits and vegs in them! |
Lieutenant’s Pump
– Media credit: lieutenantspump
Website: https://www.lieutenantspump.ca/
Address: 361 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M9, Canada
Contact: +1 613-238-2949
Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 4:30 PM–1 AM
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11 AM–2 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM–1 AM
Dubbed “The Pump” by Ottawans, this Elgin street hangout is more kid-friendly than you might think! Little ones can stay busy with The Pump’s toy box and coloring sheets.
While there’s no dedicated menu for the kiddos, many dishes can be downsized (and priced accordingly).
You’ll love their burgers, wraps, nachos, and zucchini sticks, but if you want something healthier, they’ve got that too! You can get their roasted salmon, steak frites, or veggie delights, and you’ll quickly see why this spot has locals hooked!
| Pro Tip: We’re obsessed with their wings, and we try to be there on Wednesdays! Why? It’s half-off! |
CF Rideau Centre
– Media credit: cfrideaucentre
Website: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-rideau-centre/food
Address: 50 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J7, Canada
Contact: +1 613-236-6565
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM–9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–6 PM
With over 30 vendors at CF Rideau Centre’s Dining Hall, there’s something to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in the family. This ain’t your run-of-the-mill food court — it’s a culinary parade!
From classic staples like New York Fries, A&W, and Subway to exotic flavors like Asian, Italian, and Greek, it’s a melting pot of deliciousness.
| Pro Tip: Dining here is guilt-free with real dishes, glassware, and cutlery — talk about fancy feasting while being eco-friendly! |
