Byward Market - Lowertown

Capital Eats best of spring 2026

From a steakhouse to a Somali sandwhich shop, here's the best our team ate this spring

Product

+14

Five French bistros worth checking out

If you're craving French bistro food, you can't go wrong with these popular (and lesser-known) spots

Bistro

Akka brings the flavours of a coastal Palestinian city to Ottawa

Akka has only been open a month, but chef Tahani Zawani's family has been perfecting these recipes for decades.

Palestinian

Tayanti Peruvian Cuisine is a welcome addition to the ByWard Market

A new Peruvian restaurant in the ByWard Market arrived quietly. The cooking is anything but.

Downtown Ottawa

Noodle dishes at Khao Thai hit the right note

While some dishes missed, the classics delivered

Downtown Ottawa

La Nhâu raises the bar for Vietnamese food in Ottawa

While some dishes missed, the classics delivered

Downtown Ottawa

Brigid’s Well is the definition of a neighbourhood pub

It's popular with locals for a reason

Downtown Ottawa

BAMM’S Snack Shack's burgers and donuts will soon be gone, but not forgotten

The popular restaurant in Lowertown will be shutting down at the end of April. So consider this your recommendation visit before it does

Downtown Ottawa

An Ottawa institution, La Bottega Nicastro earns the title

Helmed by Top Chef Canada winner René Rodriguez, the team behind the ByWard Market institution is still putting exceptional fare

Groceries

Barrio’s dishes impress, even if the bill runs high

The new spot from Raphaël chef Lizardo Becerra is an excellent showcase of Latin cooking. But it does include ByWard Market prices

Byward Market - Lowertown

Gourmet hopping your way through Ottawa

We visit a few places run by 18 Hospitality Group

Bar

Beyond the Pale brews up good food and drink in the ByWard

Vegetarians will especially love their menu

Brewery

Grey’s is new place to be seen

But how did the food hold up?

Byward Market - Lowertown

The Brig elevates Buffalo wings

The pub has a variation of the classic wing that is alone worth a visit

English Pub

Review: Hing Lung

Fresh, properly prepared Chinese-Canadian fare at decent prices

Chinese

Elina Patisserie is serving up commendable canelés

Of course, you may struggle to find them given how popular they are

Bakery

Pili Pili’s African style bird

It's a chicken dinner winner.

Byward Market - Lowertown

Three famous brothers

A Shawarma Safari begins with some delicious wraps.

Byward Market - Lowertown

Buvette Daphnée is a date night spot with a French Canadian theme

Inventive cuisine hits inspired heights in the ByWard.

French

The Year’s Most Exciting Opening

Ottawa has a wealth of Middle Eastern cuisines and Cafe Tehran is a jewel in the crown.

Byward Market - Lowertown