With the announcement of Ontario opening up restaurant patios today, we thought it was only fitting to create a post with Ottawa’s best patios. Our list is made up of our favourite patios in the Ottawa area that have amazing views, delicious food and refreshing drinks. Who doesn’t enjoy a cold one while sitting outside next to the water or a view of parliament? The long awaited patio season is finally here, let’s get out and enjoy it!ย
Remember that social distancing measures are still in effect and many restaurants will not seat groups of 7 or more.ย
*Though the province has given the OK for these restaurant’s to open, some of them may still be temporarily closed while they install their COVID safety precautions.
Be sure to check the restaurant’s website before preparing for your visit.
Please be patient with your servers and restaurant staff as reopening will be a challenge for everyone to get used to.
Location: 67 Clarence Street Ottawa
Cuisine: Irish pub food
Why we love it: If you are looking for a patio to enjoy a cold one on, look no further than The Heart & Crown – Byward Market. With so many options for patio dining, you can choose from. Their huge wrap around patio puts you right in the action with views of the Byward Market. The best spot to sip and people watch. Looking for something a little quieter? No problem! This location also has an amazing courtyard patio away from the hustle and bustle of the street. There is also another patio out back that is on the quieter side. Looking for an elevated patio? Heart and Crown also has you covered with their balcony patio off the back. Enjoy a delicious Irish dish while sipping on a variety of drinks. Don’t forget to indulge in their 1/2 price appetizers every Monday – Friday from 3-6pm!
Website: https://heartandcrown.pub/byward/ย
Location: 77 Clarence Street, Ottawa
Cuisine: Huge variety of different foods all for only $5.95!
Why we love it: This rooftop patio overlooks the historic Byward Market. It’s iconic exposed stone wall and twinkle lights are a couple of reasons why we love it. This is a patio you will enjoy spending your whole evening at! El Furniture Warehouse has a great variety of different cuisines for whatever mood you are feeling like. The best part? All of these delicious eats are available for under $6! Try one of their delicious cocktails or shooters and enjoy the top 40 music on one of Ottawa’s best patios!
Website: facebook.com/ottawawarehouse
Location: 113 Old Mill Rd, Ashton
Cuisine: Traditional Irish menu
Why we love it: The covered patio at the historic Ashton Brew Pub is situated right beside the peaceful Jock River. You can enjoy river-views along with your delicious beer made on site at the Ashton Brewing Company! Try something new off of their mouth watering menu with delicious and traditional dishes. With garage doors separating you from the elements, you can enjoy this patio during rain or shine! It is definitely worth the drive to Ashton for this patio and a pint!
Website: https://www.ashtonbrewingcompany.com/index
Check out our Fun With Real Estate page for a great video we did at The Ashton Brew Pub!
Location: 555 Wellington St, Ottawa
Cuisine: Innovative food pairings
Why we love it: Take your pick out of one of the many sun-filled patios at the Mill Street Brew Pub! Our personal favourite is the courtyard patio situated beside the Ottawa River. You can enjoy all kinds of great views from the numerous patios in different locations. Their side patio even offers a beautiful view of downtown and Parliament Hill. Enjoy one of the craft beers made on site while taking in the views and enjoying one of their delicious meals. Looking for a quick appetizer? The pulled pork nachos are to die for!ย
Location: 1980 River Rd, Manotick
Cuisine: Seafood Traditional Fare, along with a selection of daily specials
Why we love it:ย Kelly’s Landing has such a unique patio. Sit right beside the Rideau River and watch all of the boats go by while enjoying a glass of wine and fish and chips. This giant patio features covered and uncovered dining spaces great for sunny days or even if it’s raining. Featuring an assortment of delicious seafood inspired dishes along with a variety of pub appetizers, there is something on the menu for everyone. If dockside food and drinks is your thing, Kelly’s Landing is definitely the place for you!
Website: http://www.kellys-landing.com
๐Location: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa
๐ Cuisine: Mexican
๐ Why we love it:ย This elevated patio sits above Dow’s Lake just outside of Little Italy. With lots of boats docked beside and under you, you will feel like a captain aboard your ship. The water views mixed with the delicious Mexican food and music has a delightful atmosphere almost as if being in the Caribbean. With an entirely authentic Mexican themed menu, there is no doubt that this is some of the best Mexican food you will find in the city of Ottawa. Enjoy your tacos with the stunning views of Dow’s Lake and you will never want to leave!ย
Website: http://mexicalirosas.com/ottawa/
Location: 23 York St, Ottawa
Cuisine: Light lunch items and tastyย Pub food
Why we love it:ย The Brig’s courtyard patio is really unlike any other patio in the Ottawa area. The moment you step into this enchanting courtyard, you feel like you are in a magical garden. The greenery hanging from the ceiling creates a mystical ambience. The huge mural, pop art and metal staircase all come together to create a truly unique dining experience in the heart of the Byward Market. The menu at The Brig features an assortment of delicious wraps, sandwiches alongside a variety of pub favourites. An evening spent on this patio is one you will never forget!ย
Website:ย http://thebrigpub.com/
Location:Sir George-รtienne Cartier Pkwy, Ottawa
Cuisine: Casual pub food
Why we love it:ย The Rockcliffe Boathouse restaurant really has a lot going for it. For starters, the entire building (patio included) sits on floating pontoons! That’s right, this restaurant floats on the Ottawa River! It is tough to find a more unique patio than this one located right inside city. This patio features a large covered area, as well as a few uncovered options for the sun-lovers. Their menu features classic pub-style food from tasty appetizers to their delicious smoked meat sandwich. If you want to dine atop the Ottawa River, there really is no other place to do so than the Rockcliffe Park Boathouse restaurant!
Location: 1 Rideau St Ottawa
Cuisine: Upscale, fine dining
Why we love it:ย It is tough to find a patio with better views of Ottawa than La Terrasse! This patio is part of the historic Chateau Laurier featuring delightful views of the Rideau Canal locks, and Parliament Hill. You will be able to catch some amazing sunsets from this patio overlooking the Ottawa River. The menu includes a variety of local cheese and charcuterie options, seafood and sliders. If you enjoy a good caesar, you will have to try the bloody caesar at La Terrasse. Their caesar basically features a meal of its own served in a huge fishbowl. The drink is garnished with six prawns, two beef sliders and two chicken sliders! A must-have for sure!
Tavern on the Hill Location: 1223 Alexandra Bridge, Ottawa
Tavern on the Fallsย Location:1 John St, Ottawa
Cuisine: Specialty hot dogs, tacos and salads
Why we love it: Okay, so maybe hot dogs and tacos aren’t your thing, but you can’t beat the views at Tavern on the Hill and Tavern on the Falls! Tavern on the Hill features the cutest outdoor patio with twinkle lights, red umbrellas and comfortable seating. Oh ya, the best part? This is all overlooking Parliament Hill AND the National Art Gallery. Featuring live bands and delicious hot dogs, you are going to love this patio! Tavern on the Falls offers another stunning view, this time of the Rideau Falls and the Ottawa River. You really can’t go wrong with either of these amazing patios!ย
Location: 325 Dalhousie St, Ottawa
Cuisine: Upscale, fine dining
Why we love it:ย Want to feel like you are dining at a ritzy New York City rooftop bar? Then Copper Spirits and Sights is just the patio for you! With stunning views of the entire city of Ottawa, you will never grow tired of this elevated view. Situated on the 16th floor of the Andaz Hotel downtown Ottawa, you will be able to enjoy fireside drinks while watching the sunset over the city. An abundance of delicious cocktails to choose from and small plates for dining. If you are looking for a night to remember, Copper Spirits and Sights is in our opinion, one of Ottawa’s best patios!
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/andaz
We hope you enjoyed our list of Ottawa’s best patios.
Have another summertime favourite patio in the city? Comment on our Facebook post with your favourites!ย
We hope that everyone stays safe this weekend.
Remember, if we continue to practise social distancing, soon we can all go back to normal.