Family trips to Ottawa are full of appetite-building experiences, and great meals are part of the fun! Canada’s capital has many restaurants and places to eat that are kid-friendly while also being satisfying for adults. Take a look at our suggestions for eateries that will fill your children’s bellies and make you happy while on vacation. Best of all, most are within walking distance of downtown hotels!
FAMILY RESTAURANTS
The Grand Pizzeria & Bar
Italian food is as kid-friendly as it gets and The Grand in the ByWard Market neighbourhood has some of the best in town. The kid’s menu includes classics like spaghetti & meatballs, pasta with butter and cheese, and plain pizzas. While you wait, you can gather around the traditional Napoletana Pizza wood-burning oven and watch the pizzas sizzling away.
Johnny Farina
Johnny Farina on Elgin Street is another great option for friendly service and Italian favourites. Their large, two level dining room is perfect for eating-in, and kids can order their own small-sized pizza or pasta and pick their toppings. If takeout is what you’re looking for, visit the attached deli for daily specials of paninis, soups, salads and pastas (not to mention sweet cannoli).
Lone Star Texas Grill
Ottawa chain Lone Star Texas Grill is Tex-Mex central. The kid’s menu boasts items like cheese quesadillas and meat fajitas along with common pleasers like chicken fingers and burgers. Or consider sharing nachos, burritos, enchiladas or ribs as a family. Try not to fill up on the complimentary homemade chips & salsa!
Blue Cactus Bar and Grill
With menus tailored to your kiddos, various deals offered throughout the year and crayons to keep them busy, Blue Cactus Bar and Grill is perfect for the whole family! Located in the heart of the ByWard Market, this “upscale casual” family-friendly restaurant offers a variety of cuisines for food lovers and picky eaters alike.
DINER STYLE
Zak’s Diner
Diners are perfect for fussy kids and Zak’s Diner has everything they want: all-day breakfast, burgers and sandwiches, as well as multiple types of poutine (the Canadian delicacy made of fries, gravy and fresh cheese curds). Don’t leave without having one of their famous milkshakes made with premium ice cream. Zak’s ByWard Market neighbourhood location is conveniently open 24 hours.
The King Eddy
The King Eddy may be the ultimate combination of restaurant, pub and diner – ideal for a family meal. Affordable diner classics like all-day breakfast, burgers and hot dogs share the menu with fried chicken, a toasted tuna sandwich, chili and even salads. The drink list – including local craft beer and spiked milkshakes – is sure to satiate the adults in your group. Love a family brunch? You can enjoy it any day of the week at The King Eddy!
PUBS
Lowertown Brewery
Pubs may not sound ideal for a family meal, but many – like Lowertown Brewery – cater to the kiddos. Children can choose a burger, breaded fish or chicken fingers from the kid’s menu, or regular items like poutine, kettle chips or nachos. In the meantime, parents can dig in to dishes like smoked beef brisket or beer-brined chicken, accompanied by one of Lowertown’s own craft beers brewed on-site. In the warmer months, grab a table on their large patio – a perfect spot for people-watching in the ByWard Market area.
D’Arcy McGee’s
D’Arcy McGee’s Irish Pub at the corner of Sparks and Elgin Streets has a stellar location near attractions like Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre and The Haunted Walk. Along with traditional pub fare and beverages for mom and dad, the restaurant offers kid-specific items like small-sized shepherd’s pie and pizza, as well as chicken nuggets and noodles.
Lieutenant’s Pump
Known to Ottawans as “The Pump”, this popular pub on Elgin street is surprisingly kid-friendly. Kids stay entertained as they play with The Pump’s toy box and colouring sheets. Although there’s no specific kid’s menu, many of the regular dishes can be downsized (and downpriced). From wraps, burgers, nachos and zucchini sticks, to steak frites, roasted salmon and impressive vegetarian options, you’ll understand why locals love this place.
SELF-SERVE/QUICK EATS
Queen St. Fare
Within walking distance of many downtown hotels and two blocks from Parliament Hill, Ottawa’s first food hall is a convenient spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. At Queen St. Fare, established local eateries offer quick versions of their Mexican, Indian and Asian specialties, as well as gourmet pizzas, burgers, salads and coffee shop goodies. Just order at the vendor of your choice and grab a seat! All kinds of beverages are available (plus a full bar), as well as an eco-friendly serve-yourself water station.
CF Rideau Centre Dining Hall
When family members’ tastes don’t match, CF Rideau Centre’s Dining Hall is the answer. With over 30 vendors to choose from, this is not your average food court! Familiar favourites like A&W, New York Fries and Subway rub shoulders with ethnic options like Asian, Greek and Italian. The Dining Hall is also environmentally-friendly: diners eat with real dishes, glassware and cutlery!
BeaverTails
The world-renown delicacies called BeaverTails were born in Ottawa in 1978, and their first kiosk is still located in the ByWard Market area. The whole-wheat, float-cooked pastries are shaped like a beaver’s tail and come with toppings like cinnamon and sugar, maple butter and Oreo crumbs, among many others. A quintessential treat when visiting Canada’s capital!
If your family has a sweet tooth, take a look at our suggestions for some of Ottawa’s sweets and treats.
