Best Cheap Eats in Ottawa

Eating well in Ottawa doesn't have to cost $30+. The city has an underrated cheap eats scene —$4 Lebanese flatbreads baked fresh in front of you, $4.50 Jamaican patties,$5 lunches that support a social mission, bao buns for under $11, and a pub where nothing on the menu costs more than$13.

These are the best places to eat in Ottawa for under $15.

The Best Cheap Eats in Ottawa

The Third — Nothing Over $13

The Third in Hintonburg is a neighbourhood pub in a converted laundromat where the most expensive thing on the menu is 13. Breakfast Nachos, Grilled Cheese with Beef Brisket, Fish & Chips, burgers — all under 13, and the quality is well above what the price suggests. Beer is cheap too.

It's the most-recommended budget restaurant on Ottawa Reddit, and once you eat here, you'll understand why.

• Price: Everything under $13
• Best for: Brunch, lunch, dinner — any meal
• Address: 1017 Wellington St W, Hintonburg
• Hours: Tue–Fri 11:30 AM–12 AM, Sat 9 AM–12 AM, Sun 9 AM–10 PM

Gongfu Bao — Bao Buns Under $11

Gongfu Bao on Bank Street has been Ottawa's bao specialist since 2012. Steamed buns stuffed with braised beef brisket, Berkshire pork, fried chicken, or red-braised tofu — all for $5–$11. The bao are made fresh, the fillings are substantial, and two buns make a full meal.

Halal and vegan options available. Counter service with seating.

• Price: $5–$11 per bao
• Best for: Quick lunch, late afternoon snack
• Address: 365 Bank Street, Centretown
• Hours: Wed–Fri 11 AM–2 PM & 4–10 PM, Sat 11 AM–2 PM & 4–10 PM

Aladdin Bakery — $4 Lebanese Flatbreads

Aladdin Bakery on St Laurent Boulevard bakes za'atar manakeesh and meat pies fresh throughout the day — $4 each. That might be the cheapest hot meal in Ottawa. The Lebanese flatbreads come out of the oven crispy and fragrant, and most items on the menu are under$10.

Open from 7 AM, so it works for breakfast too. Second location on Carling Avenue.

• Price: $4–$8
• Best for: Breakfast, quick takeout
• Address: 1020 St Laurent Blvd (also 1801 Carling Ave)
• Hours: Mon–Fri 7 AM–8 PM, Sat 7 AM–7 PM, Sun 7 AM–5 PM

Run2Patty — $4.50 Jamaican Patties

Run2Patty is a Jamaican takeout counter in Carlington serving flaky, spiced patties for 4.50 — jerk chicken, oxtail, beef, veggie. The Mac & Cheese topped with Jerk Chicken (14) is a meal and a half. Halal certified.

Ottawa doesn't have many Jamaican food spots, and this one delivers authentic flavours at prices that feel like a gift.

• Price: Patties $4.50, platters$14–$15
• Best for: Takeout lunch, trying Jamaican food
• Address: 1224 Shillington Ave, Carlington
• Hours: Mon–Fri 11 AM–8 PM, Sat 2–8 PM

Chef Ric's — $5 Lunch with a Mission

Chef Ric's on Rideau Street serves daily-changing lunches for $5–$8 — soup, sandwiches, mains, all made from scratch with healthy, home-style cooking. It's run by The Ottawa Mission as a culinary training program, so every meal supports people getting back on their feet.

The $5 lunch special might be the best deal for a sit-down meal anywhere in Ottawa.

• Price: $5–$8
• Best for: Weekday lunch, meaningful spending
• Address: 384 Rideau Street
• Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–6 PM, Sat 8 AM–2 PM

Honourable Mentions

These are already covered in other guides but deserve a shout-out for value:

• Banh Mi My Hang — $5–$6 Vietnamese sandwiches in Chinatown. Cash only. See our Vietnamese food guide →
• Peace Garden — Filling vegetarian meals under $15 in the ByWard Market. See our vegan guide →

Price Comparison

Tips for Eating Cheap in Ottawa

• Chinatown is your friend: Somerset Street and Booth Street have some of the cheapest food in the city — banh mi, pho, dim sum, and more for under $15
• Bring cash: Banh Mi My Hang and some Chinatown spots are cash only
• Weekday lunch specials: Many Ottawa restaurants offer lunch deals that are significantly cheaper than dinner
• Free museum + cheap lunch combo: Hit the Ingenium museums for free at 4–5 PM, then grab cheap eats nearby
• Check hours carefully: Budget spots often have limited hours. Chef Ric's closes at 6 PM, Gongfu Bao is closed Sun–Tue, Run2Patty is closed Sundays