The Downtown Lunch Break

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

Some days, lunch needs to be quick, convenient and easy to take back to your desk or enjoy while wandering downtown. These spots are worth keeping in mind when you don't have time for a sit-down meal.

Mad Radish
For fresh bowls, salads and wraps, Mad Radish is an option when you're looking for a satisfying lunch that fits into a busy day.

Morning Owl
A familiar stop for coffee and a quick bite, Morning Owl's Laurier location is worth considering when you're after a sandwich or wrap to take along with your afternoon coffee.

Paninaro
If a good sandwich is your idea of a perfect lunch, Paninaro specializes in Italian-style sandwiches made with schiacciata bread. It's a spot to consider when you want to switch up your usual lunch order.

Gooney's Casual Latin
For something beyond the standard lunch rotation, Gooney's offers Latin-inspired options that bring a different flavour to your midday break.

When You Have Time to Sit Down

Sometimes it's worth stepping away from your desk or taking a longer break between classes to enjoy lunch somewhere comfortable. A sit-down meal can also be a good excuse to catch up with a friend or explore a restaurant you haven't tried before.

Café Deluxe 
A casual café option for those looking to take a break and enjoy lunch away from their usual workspace.

When choosing a sit-down spot, consider what kind of break you're after, whether that's a quick meal before heading back to work or a longer lunch with time to spare.

Taking the Team Out for Lunch

Planning a lunch with coworkers, welcoming a new team member or getting everyone out of the office for a change of scenery? Downtown has options for making lunch a chance to connect outside the usual workday routine.

When choosing somewhere for a group, look for a varied menu, seating that works for your team and a location that's convenient for everyone. If you're organizing for a larger group, check the menu ahead of time and contact the restaurant about reservations.

Make Your Lunch Break Your Own

Not every lunch break needs to look the same. You might grab a sandwich and get back to your day, meet a friend for a longer lunch, or use the hour to explore a business you usually pass by.

Switch up your regular order, try somewhere new or ask a colleague to pick a spot you've never visited. Downtown has plenty to discover, even when you only have a little time.

The next time lunchtime rolls around, take it as an opportunity to step outside your usual routine and find a new favourite downtown.