ByWard Market Food Guide — Where to Eat in Ottawa's Historic Market

The ByWard Market has been feeding Ottawa since 1826. Nearly 200 years later, it's still the best place in the city to eat — whether you want a pastry for breakfast, a burger for lunch, or a multi-course dinner with natural wine.

Here are 5 places worth knowing about. Each one represents a different side of what the Market does best.

1. Le Moulin de Provence — The Iconic Market Bakery

Le Moulin de Provence has been inside the ByWard Market building since 1998. It's the bakery that Barack Obama walked into during his 2009 visit to Canada and bought maple leaf shortbread cookies — those cookies are still sold today as "Obama Cookies," and they've been a must-buy ever since.

Beyond the famous cookie, Le Moulin is a proper French bakery. The chocolate almond croissants are some of the best in Ottawa, the breads are baked fresh daily, and the deli counter does solid quiches and sandwiches for lunch.

Must-try: The Obama Cookie and the chocolate almond croissant.

Best for: Breakfast, pastries, a quick Market snack.

Price: $$

2. The King Eddy — The Market's Comfort Food King

The King Eddy on Clarence Street is where you go when you want a proper burger. Run by the Thompson family since 2014 — the same family behind the Empire Grill — it's become one of the most beloved comfort food spots in the Market.

The burger is the main event, but the Northern Fried Chicken is equally popular. They also serve all-day breakfast starting at 8am, and The Dude — a White Russian spiked milkshake — is exactly as indulgent as it sounds.

Must-try: The King Eddy Burger and a bucket of Northern Fried Chicken.

Best for: Lunch, casual dining, weekend breakfast.

Price: $$

3. Giulia — Best Pizza in the Market

Giulia on York Street is widely considered the best pizza in Ottawa. This is the ByWard Market location of a restaurant that also has a spot on Elgin Street — both are part of the same team behind Riviera, Datsun, and El Camino.

The pizza is coastal Italian style, and the pasta is handmade. For a special experience, book the Chef's Counter on Wednesday or Thursday evenings — a multi-course meal where you sit right in the kitchen and watch everything come together.

Must-try: Any pizza. The Chef's Counter experience if you can get a seat.

Best for: Date night, dinner with friends.

Price: $$$

4. Sidedoor — Southeast Asian Street Food, Elevated

Sidedoor at 18B York Street brings the street food stalls of Southeast Asia to the ByWard Market. Led by Chef Jonathan Korecki — a Top Chef Canada finalist — the menu is designed for sharing. Dishes come out continuously and land in the centre of the table, family style.

The Asian-inspired tacos are the signature, but the soft-shell crab (when in season) is legendary. Weekend dim sum brunch is a popular draw, and the handmade donuts are the only way to end a meal here.

Must-try: Asian tacos, dim sum brunch on weekends, and the handmade donuts.

Best for: Group dinners, weekend brunch, adventurous eaters.

Price: $$$

5. Buvette Daphnée — Wine Bar That Made Canada's 100 Best

Buvette Daphnée on William Street landed on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants in its first year — one of only six Ottawa restaurants to make the 2024 list. It's a Quebec-style wine bar that feels like a piece of Montreal transplanted into the Market.

The menu evolves with the seasons: whole sea bass with crispy skin, duck confit, creative vegetarian plates like maitake mushrooms and grilled celeriac salad. Sommelier Nicholas is known for his approachable expertise in Canadian natural wines — let him guide your selection.

Must-try: Whole sea bass and a glass of whatever Nicholas recommends.

Best for: Date night, wine lovers, a special evening out.

Price: $$$

The ByWard Market Food Scene at a Glance

Tips for Eating in the ByWard Market

• Come hungry: The Market has over 100 restaurants within a few blocks. These 5 are a starting point, not the full list.
• Reserve for dinner: Giulia and Buvette Daphnée fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book through Resy.
• Walk-in for lunch: Le Moulin de Provence and The King Eddy are walk-in only and move quickly.
• Summer patios: Several of these spots open outdoor seating in warmer months. Sidedoor's courtyard is particularly nice.
• Parking: Street parking is limited. The Dalhousie parkade or Rideau Centre lot are your best bets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The ByWard Market is one of Canada's oldest public markets, and its food scene has only gotten better with time. Whether you're grabbing an Obama Cookie on a morning walk or settling in for natural wine and sea bass on a Friday night, the Market has something for every appetite and every budget.