Grab a bite late at night: 24-hour restaurants in Ottawa
Hunger doesn't always strike at the most opportune times – let alone during regular restaurant hours. Luckily Ottawa offers several restaurants open nearly all hours of the day. Catering to every food imaginable, from eggs Benedict to falafel sandwiches to poutine, these eateries will guarantee you get what you want, no matter the time of day.
Elgin Street Diner
374 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1If it’s traditional diner food you want, you can count on Elgin's to satisfy, day or night. With huge servings of eggs Benedict, sausage, hash browns, and more, this restaurant will fill you up on your breakfast favourites in no time. Aside from the standard diner breakfast offerings, you will also find the poutine to be an excellent treat. Like any traditional diner, it features chrome accents and a spacious seating area.
Zak's Diner
16 By Ward Market Sq, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A1A popular 24-hour diner in the ByWard Market, Zak’s boasts a classic diner atmosphere with jukeboxes and deep booth seating. The friendly service and reasonable pricing makes this location an excellent place to stop for a late-night milkshake or pancake platter. As expected with this type of restaurant, portions are huge; don't expect to be hungry for a while afterwards.
Kettlemans Bagel
912 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W6No matter the time of day, Kettleman's Bagel Company can get you the bagel you crave. While the seating is somewhat limited, the pleasant ambience more than makes up for it. Of course, the main draw of this location is the excellent bagel selection. Digging into a warm bagel served right from the wood-burning stove will make you rethink your previous bagel decisions in life. Be sure to try one of their bagel sandwiches, such as the Super House Special with Cheese.
Dunn's Famous Deli
355 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7G1Another ByWard Market restaurant to fill you up at any time of day, Dunn's Famous Deli provides you with a wide selection of hot smoked-meat sandwiches and other classic deli selections such as pulled pork poutine. You will also find some classic breakfast food, if you so desire. Service in this medium-sized, cozy and well-decorated restaurant is quick and friendly.
Shawarma Palace
464 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5Z4Typically open until 1:00 a.m. during the week, this popular shawarma joint offers you a wide selection of huge shawarma wraps that are stuffed with pickles, tabbouleh, potatoes, and more. Keep in mind the atmosphere is very casual, since the dining area is more suited to a quick bite than a full-service meal. Be sure to try out the falafel sandwiches.
El Camino
380 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1For a solid offering of Mexican food until 2:00 a.m., El Camino on Elgin is exactly what you need. As one of the few Mexican restaurants in the city, El Camino lets you tuck into everything from a crispy fish taco to an ox tail taco. The fast and friendly service is great, but be aware there is often a wait to find a seat. The dining area itself is well-decorated, small and open.
Union Local 613
315 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J8With hip decor, intimate lighting and great murals, Union 613 is an excellent choice for a late-night date or get together. This small restaurant offers a selection of menu options including shrimp and grits, fried chicken and other traditional Southern food. The drink selection is excellent. Be sure to check out the hidden (now not so hidden) speakeasy/lounge found downstairs.
