Affordable Lunch Spots for Students: Delicious Downtown Choices Under $15
August 28, 2025 / 1 minute read
Being a student doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste for price. Downtown Ottawa is full of downtown choices that make it easy to grab a great meal without stretching your budget. Whether you’re on the go between classes or meeting friends for a quick bite, there’s something tasty (and affordable) waiting for you in the heart of the city.
Mad Radish
A fresh and flavorful spot, Mad Radish offers affordable meals that are both satisfying and healthy, a perfect downtown choice for students on the go.
Gooney's Sandwichworks
Gooney’s offers fresh, Latin-inspired arepas, sandwiches, and bowls made daily with quality ingredients. With flavorful options and a welcoming downtown spot, it’s a perfect choice for students looking for a quick, affordable lunch.
Café Deluxe
Café Deluxe offers flavorful, budget-friendly meals in a relaxed downtown setting, perfect for students grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a casual bite with friends.
Crêperie Rim
Crêperie Rim offers delicious, budget-friendly crêpes and light meals, making it a sweet or savory downtown choice for students.
Vie Bella
Vie Bella is known for its flavorful sandwiches and affordable lunches, making it a perfect downtown choice for students grabbing a quick bite on the go.
Ottawa Bike Café
Ottawa Bike Café is a unique downtown choice for students. Grab a coffee, a snack, or a light lunch while enjoying the vibrant energy of the city.
Moulin de Provence
Moulin de Provence offers quick, affordable lunches that don’t compromise on flavor. From fresh sandwiches and hearty salads to baked treats, it’s an easy stop for students looking for a budget-friendly bite between classes or study sessions.
Toro Eats & Treats
Toro Eats & Treats brings tasty Mexican cuisine to downtown students on a budget. From tacos and burritos to bowls and fresh sides, it’s a flavorful, affordable option for a quick lunch between classes.
Olly Fresco's
Olly Fresco’s offers fresh, quick, and customizable lunches, perfect for students on the go. With a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and light meals, it’s an easy downtown stop to refuel between classes.
z-teca Mexican Eatery
Z-Teca Mexican Eatery is another great downtown spot for students craving authentic Mexican flavors. With tacos, burritos, and fresh sides all at student-friendly prices, it’s a delicious and affordable choice for lunch on the go.
From healthy bowls to sandwiches, crêpes to pastries, downtown Ottawa is full of delicious downtown choices that fit a student lifestyle: affordable, flavorful, and right at your doorstep. Next time you’re hungry between classes, remember: your best bite might be just a short walk away.
