A few months ago, an old colleague was in Ottawa for a couple of days and reached out to me. While on the phone catching up, he said “jeez! Is there anywhere to go here? Ottawa is so boring.”
I have heard this sentiment repeated in various quarters that Ottawa, the capital city of Great White north, is the city fun forgot. There aren’t many activities to engage in on a whim, and while there is some tourism during the summer months, you can’t compare it to more established tourist locations like London or New York. Regardless, Ottawa has its charm. It is one of those cities (and I argue that many cities in the world are like this) where you have to know where the fun is. Nothing jumps out at you like it would in London, New York, or Cape Town. In Ottawa, the fun is hidden, known only to those who have persevered long enough to uncover its hidden gems. Since learning this and making friends with people who were either born here, or have lived here for a long time, I have learnt to be patient with Ottawa. I am uncovering the fun places bit by bit, like a biology student peeling the tissue layer from the inside of an onion slice.
The Lord Elgin Hotel is a 3-minute walk from the Rideau Canal and 10 minutes from Ottawa's Rideau station.
When my old colleague reached out to me, I asked what he was in the mood for.
“I just want a nice place where I can enjoy the ambience of the place and eat something delicious”, he said.
I asked where his hotel was and he said he was out in Kanata visiting his uncle. I immediately understood why he was bored. He was in deep suburbia, surrounded by houses that look alike. Note to all: If you are visiting a city for the first time and like to explore, consider staying in a central location where you can easily access places by walking or taking public transport. It might be more expensive, but boredom in a city where you hardly know anyone is too high a price to pay.
And while restaurant recommendations may seem like an odd thing to some, because ‘aren’t they just everywhere?‘ my experience in this city has shown me restaurants are not all the same and online ratings are not reliable. I remember visiting a highly rated restaurant where I ordered the duck. I had to have my blood pressure checked after because the salt content almost sent me to my maker. The scones I bought from a highly-rated bakery were so dry, gravel would be jealous.
So, if you are new to Ottawa and do not want to regret your dining experience, here are some recommendations:
Benny’s Bistro: This restaurant is located in the Byward Market area, behind The French Baker. You have to walk through the bakery to the restaurant so don’t be like me and turn around when you walk in and see only a bakery at first. My first time there was for a work breakfast meeting with colleagues. For a long time, I had walked past the restaurant, only pausing to admire the freshly-baked goods in the bakery. After that work meeting, I returned with the boy for a Saturday brunch and was not disappointed. The food was delicious! But bear in mind that the portions are not large. They will delight your taste buds and have you ordering for more!
Gezelig: If you are visiting Ottawa for the first time, chances are that you will confine yourself to the downtown area. But, the West End of Ottawa has much to offer. Gezelig is located on busy Richmond Road in Westboro. I’ve had many meals here (dinner and brunch), and each time I go, it feels like a new experience. I can’t do it justice with words. You have to try it to know what I mean. I particularly enjoy the brunch offer where you have to pick two plates for a fixed price. The plates are small enough so that two plates equate to one meal. You also have options between sweet and savory, giving you the opportunity to mix and match. The dinner service is exceptional. You have to try it yourself to see!
Flipper’s: This one is easy to miss because it is located above Von’s Bistro in the Glebe. My journey there started with the boy planning a low-intensity fun night out after my endometriosis surgery. I was craving seafood, and as it was the first time I really wanted to eat something since the surgery, compromise was not an option. Flipper’s came through with delicious seafood, and a calm atmosphere.
Khao Thai: I had a hankering for Thai food one day, and started a frantic search for authentic delicious Thai food. I stumbled on Khao Thai and decided to visit for dinner. Since then, whenever I find myself craving Thai food, I think of Khao Thai. Their Khao Thai rolls are to die for! Sometimes, when I just want a snack, that is my go-to. The lunch service combos are great, giving you an opportunity to try some tasty dishes.
Cacao 70: It would not be a complete list if I did not include a dessert shop. I go to Cacao 70 for the fondue. Melted chocolate, strawberries, waffle pieces and brownie bits… an indulgent end to any meal. But as it is in the Byward Market and the Landsdowne area, you can walk off some of it after. Note: It can get really busy during the holidays and weekends.
There are many more restaurants in Ottawa that are worth every cent you spend. The downtown area, the Glebe, Hintonburg and Westboro are some of the places that offer a wide selection of excellent dining options. If you plan to visit, and need recommendations, or have recommendations of your own, leave a comment below.
