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Vieux-Hull is the dining neighbourhood Ottawa doesn't talk about enough. Cross the Portage Bridge — 5 minutes on foot from Downtown — and you're on Rue Laval, a single street with more interesting restaurants per block than most of Ottawa. French bistros, creative fusion, Moroccan, gourmet pizza, wine bars. Here are 10 places worth the walk.

Selected information checked October 23, 2026: CoqLicorne's menu and brunch arrangements, and Le 138's Wellington branch and posted hours. The other restaurant entries and displayed ratings were not rechecked in this update.

For morning meals, compare the service days and booking arrangements in our Gatineau breakfast and brunch guide.

1. Clandestin, Cuisine Créative — Creative Fusion (Google 4.8)

Clandestin is a tiny creative fusion spot on Rue Laval with the highest Google rating in this list (4.8, 569 reviews). The menu blends French and Asian influences and rotates seasonally — beef carpaccio, tuna poke bowl, and inventive mains. Small space, so book ahead.

Why cross the bridge: Creative, affordable food in an intimate setting. The kind of place that would cost 30% more in Ottawa.

2. Le Cellier — French Bistro in a Heritage House (Google 4.6)

Le Cellier occupies a heritage Victorian house on Rue Saint-Jacques. The wine list is the star — over 150 private import selections. The menu is seasonal French bistro: oysters, tartare, burrata, lamb gnocchi. Two terraces open in summer.

Why cross the bridge: The heritage building ambiance and 150+ wine list are hard to match in Ottawa at this price point.

3. Bistro CoqLicorne — Gastropub & Rib Poutine (Google 4.6)

Bistro CoqLicorne is at 59 Rue Laval in Vieux-Hull. Its published menu includes rib poutine, duck dishes, tartare, burgers and vegetarian choices. The official hours page lists Sunday brunch from 10am to 2pm; the brunch menu includes a breakfast version of the rib poutine.

Why cross the bridge: Compare its bistro menu with the separate Sunday brunch menu. Reservations are available by phone, Facebook Messenger or email; call 819-205-4344 for a same-day booking.

Sources: official menu, hours and reservation arrangements.

4. Chez Fatima — Moroccan (Google 4.5)

Chez Fatima is the #1-rated restaurant in all of Gatineau on TripAdvisor. Family-owned Moroccan on Promenade du Portage serving authentic tagine, merguez, pastilla, lamb couscous. Both buffet and à la carte. Small, welcoming space.

Why cross the bridge: Authentic Moroccan food is rare in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The buffet is a deal.

5. Le 138 — Café by Day, Italian by Night (Google 4.6)

Le 138 at 138 Rue Wellington is one of the operator's two Vieux-Hull locations. The official description includes breakfast sandwiches, coffee, sandwiches, burgers and salads. The contact page lists this branch's daytime hours as Monday-Friday 7:30am-2:30pm, with separate Friday-Saturday 7pm-3am opening hours. Confirm the evening menu separately; these late hours do not establish breakfast service.

Why cross the bridge: A weekday breakfast-sandwich or coffee option in Vieux-Hull. Use the Wellington branch's schedule when planning the location linked here.

Sources: official food description, branch addresses and opening hours. The previously listed Thursday-Saturday Italian fine-dining format was not confirmed from these current pages.

6. Mousse Buvette — European Wine Bar (Google 4.8)

Mousse Buvette opened in 2025 on Rue Laval and already has a 4.8 Google rating. European-inspired sharing plates from Chef Stephanie Saumur (formerly of Sans Façon), 32 wines, 8 champagnes, and signature cocktails. Intimate and polished.

Why cross the bridge: The hottest new opening in Vieux-Hull. If you like natural wine bars, this is the one.

7. Caméline — Seasonal Fine Dining (Google 4.7)

Caméline on Rue Saint-Jacques is one of Hull's most refined restaurants. Seasonal tasting menus with local ingredients, wine pairings, and a focus on Québécois terroir. A special occasion spot.

Why cross the bridge: Fine dining at Quebec prices with seasonal, local ingredients.

8. Soif Bar à vin — Wine Bar (Google 4.6)

Soif Bar à vin on Rue Montcalm is Hull's go-to wine bar. Private import wines by the glass, charcuterie, cheese, and small plates. The kind of place where you stay longer than planned.

Why cross the bridge: The private import wine selection is better and cheaper than most Ottawa wine bars.

9. Piz'za-za — Gourmet Pizza & Wine (Google 4.2)

Piz'za-za has been on Rue Laval for over 30 years. Wood-fired gourmet pizza with local ingredients, paired with private import wines. They host regular wine tasting events. Gluten-free options available.

Why cross the bridge: A Vieux-Hull institution. Pizza + wine in a neighbourhood setting that's been consistent for three decades.

10. Le Troquet — Bistro & Live Music (Google 4.1)

Le Troquet has been a Vieux-Hull staple since 1997. Part café, part bistro, part bar — the kind of neighbourhood spot where locals gather. Burgers, nachos, pasta, poutine, plus live music and entertainment. The most casual option on this list.

Why cross the bridge: If you want the Vieux-Hull vibe without the fine dining price tag. Live music on weekends.

Getting There

Vieux-Hull is directly across the Portage Bridge from Downtown Ottawa. Most restaurants are on or near Rue Laval — about 5 minutes on foot from the bridge.

Walking: 10–15 minutes from Parliament Hill
Driving: 5 minutes, street parking available on Rue Laval and surrounding streets
Transit: STO buses cross the bridge; OC Transpo routes stop near the Portage Bridge on the Ottawa side
Note: Hull is in Quebec — different tax structure (GST + QST ≈ 14.975%)

Tips

Reservations — Book ahead at Le Cellier, Clandestin, Bistro CoqLicorne, and Mousse Buvette. Small spaces fill up fast.
Rue Laval — Many of these restaurants are on this single street. Walk up and down to check menus before committing.
Summer terraces — Most restaurants open terraces from May through September. The best time to visit.
BYOB — Some Gatineau restaurants are BYOB (Apportez Votre Vin). Check individual policies.
Language — All these restaurants serve in both English and French.

FAQ

Is Vieux-Hull within walking distance from Downtown Ottawa?

Yes. Portage Bridge connects Downtown Ottawa to Hull. Walking across takes about 10 minutes, and most restaurants on Rue Laval are another 5 minutes from the bridge — about 15 minutes total from Parliament Hill.

What is the best restaurant in Hull, Gatineau?

Clandestin and Mousse Buvette both have 4.8 Google ratings. Chez Fatima is ranked #1 in all of Gatineau on TripAdvisor. Le Cellier is the classic French fine dining choice. Bistro CoqLicorne serves a bistro menu and lists Sunday brunch from 10am to 2pm; check its current menu and reservation arrangements.

Are there BYOB restaurants in Hull, Gatineau?

Some restaurants in the Hull area offer BYOB (apportez votre vin), though most of the restaurants on Rue Laval maintain their own wine lists. Le Cellier, Soif Bar à vin, Piz'za-za, and Mousse Buvette all have curated wine programs.

Is parking easy in Vieux-Hull?

Street parking is available on Rue Laval and surrounding streets, and the Portage area has parking garages. Parking is generally easier to find in Hull than in downtown Ottawa.

What cuisine types are available in Vieux-Hull?

Vieux-Hull offers diverse dining: French bistro (Le Cellier, Caméline), creative fusion (Clandestin), Moroccan (Chez Fatima), daytime sandwiches and breakfast (Le 138), gourmet pizza (Piz'za-za), European wine bar (Mousse Buvette, Soif), and Québécois gastropub (Bistro CoqLicorne).