The Downtown Lunch Break: Where to Eat

Whether you have 20 minutes between meetings, an hour between classes or a team lunch to organize, downtown Ottawa has plenty of options to break up the day.

From affordable grab-and-go bites to casual spots where you can catch up with colleagues, there's more to lunchtime than your usual order. Here are a few downtown spots to keep in mind the next time you're deciding where to eat.

Quick, Easy and On the Go

Short on time? These spots are worth keeping in mind when you need something convenient to take back to your desk, enjoy between classes or grab while you're out exploring downtown.

• Bridgehead | 96 Sparks Street; 150 Slater Street
• Paninaro | 82 O'Connor Street
• Food Basics | 338 Queen Street
• Olly Fresco's | 90 Elgin Street
• Shakey's Homestyle Cuisine & Deli | World Exchange Plaza, 111 Albert Street, second floor
• Shawarma Express | 119 Slater Street
• Shawarma Maestro | World Exchange Plaza, 111 Albert Street, second floor
• Smash Daddy | 84 O'Connor Street
• Vie Bella | 87 Sparks Street
• Sushi Shop | 140 Sparks Street
• Z-Teca Mexican Eatery | World Exchange Plaza, 111 Albert Street, second floor

When You Have Time to Sit Down

Sometimes lunch calls for a change of scenery and a chance to step away from your usual routine. Whether you're meeting a friend, catching up with a colleague or simply taking a proper break, these spots offer options for enjoying your midday meal.

• Café Deluxe | 200 Kent Street
• Mad Radish | 116 Albert Street; 275 Slater Street
• Le Moulin de Provence | 30 Metcalfe Street
• Ottawa Bike Café | 79 Sparks Street
• Manhattan's Coffee Co. | 200 Laurier Avenue West
• Morning Owl Laurier | 219 Laurier Avenue West
• Gooney's Sandwichworks | 294 Albert Street
• Orchid Sushi | 445 Laurier Avenue West
• Toro Eats & Treats | 150 Slater Street

Taking the Team Out for Lunch

Planning a lunch with coworkers, welcoming a new team member or looking for somewhere to catch up outside the office? These restaurants and pubs are worth considering for a team lunch or a midday get-together.

• Bier Markt | 156 Sparks Street
• The Office Resto Pub | 202 Sparks Street
• 3 Brasseurs | 240 Sparks Street
• D'Arcy McGee's | 44 Sparks Street
• Brixton's British Pub | 210 Sparks Street
• The Royal Oak | 180 Kent Street
• The Caesar Company | 189 Lyon Street
• Spin Kitchen & Bar | 100 Kent Street

Make the Most of Your Lunch Break

Your lunch break doesn't have to mean the same sandwich at your desk every day. Try a new spot, meet a colleague somewhere different or take a little time to explore a business you've been meaning to visit.

Save this guide for your next weekday lunch break and discover something new downtown.