The culinary scene in Ottawa has come alive in recent years, with a thriving community of Ottawa chefs and Ottawa restaurants making names for themselves both at home and abroad.
Located in the historic Sandy Hill neighbourhood in downtown Ottawa, Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute is the only Canadian campus of this world renowned culinary training school – and includes a Bistro where anyone can sample the delights of exceptional French cuisine.
As one of Ontario’s designated culinary tourism destinations, the city, its restaurants and its local food producers are all working together to bring locally-grown and prepared foods to tables across the region through an initiative called Savour Ottawa.Ottawa restaurants are wonderfully diverse. In the mood for French, Italian, Chinese or seafood? Choose from scores of each. Craving something a little more unique and exotic? You’ll find it. Looking for more casual fare for lunch, a large group, or a quick snack? Check, check and check.
If you’re looking for lodgings that depart from the regular hotel or B&B digs, we suggest the Ottawa Jail Hostel.
Pack yourself a picnic by heading to the Seed to Sausage General Store where 95 per cent of the products are locally sourced.
If a pre-made picnic is more your style, head to Thyme & Again Creative Catering.
With your ploughman’s lunch packed head on over to Gatineau Park, one of Canada’s national parks, for a hike.
Before you leave town hit up the Lansdowne Farmer’s Market on Sunday morning. If you want to score one of the legendary loaves of jalapeno cheese bread from Art-Is-In Bakery you’ll need to be early though.
Exploring the Region?
Here are a few great places to start.