The Best Ottawa Patios; 30 Cool Spots to Grab a Drink This Summer

No summer in Canada is complete without dining al fresco on a beautiful outdoor patio. With so many amazing patios to choose from in Ottawa, we’ve narrowed down the list to some of the city’s best spots, with a helpful guide to help you pick your paradise. From waterside and rooftop spots, to secluded hidden gems and the best patios for people watching, there’s a patio in Ottawa for everyone and every occasion.

Rooftop Patios in Ottawa

Copper Spirits and Sights at the Andaz Hotel

Located on the top floor of the Andaz Hotel, Ottawa’s highest patio is the place to go for inventive cocktails, small bites and unparalleled views of the ByWard Market and Parliament Hill. Stop by to watch the sun set, and then cheers with a glass of Prosecco over an open-air firepit as the city lights twinkle below.

Best for: Sunday Beats and Brunch events, sunsets, cocktails, city views

Vibe: Refined, stylish, elegant

Rooftop Ottawa

Take in panoramic views in the heart of the action from this chic tropical oasis. Located on the top floor of Starling, only steps from the historic ByWard Market building and farmers. market, Rooftop Ottawa offers a trendy spot serving up elegant cocktails and small bites.

Best for: Sunsets, pre or after-dinner cocktails

Vibe: Miami chic, tropical, stylish

Pure Kitchen Westboro

Enjoy amazing vegetarian and vegan food, a cold pressed juice, smoothie or tasty cocktail from the second story of Pure Kitchen’s Westboro location. As one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Ottawa, their quaint patio lets you enjoy heart-healthy food in an open-air environment.

Best for: Vegetarian and vegan food, lunch, dinner

Vibe: Yogi-inspired, fresh, contemporary

Atari Garden

Located in Ottawa’s iconic ByWard Market, Atari Garden’s second story patio is a hip spot combining creative cocktails with tasty tapas. Sink down on a plush sofa under a ceiling of vines and white roses, or watch the city bustle below as the weekend energy ramps up.

Best for: Smoking cocktails, evening out on the town, drinks for two at dusk

Vibe: Moody, modern, stylish

Rabbit Hole

Known for their unique, eclectic, subterranean cave-like dining room, Rabbit Hole has a secret upstairs as well; a secluded rooftop patio offering a cool dining experience in heart of downtown Ottawa. Enjoy a charcuterie board with a glass of rose mid-day, or stop by in the evening for freshly-shucked oysters and wood-fired pizza surrounded by the towering skyscrapers of downtown.

Best for: Hand-crafted cocktails, dinner dates, oysters, wood-fired pizzas

Vibe: Elegant, eclectic, contemporary

The Porch on Preston

Overlooking the heart of Ottawa’s historic Little Italy, you can’t miss the Porch’s striking yellow umbrellas inviting you in for a drink. Sip on a glass of Sangria, share a bucket of cold Corona with some friends, or get loose with their epic paddle shots.

Best for: Relaxing afternoon drinks, evening out with friends

Vibe: Casual Canadian cabin, California cool

Churchills Ottawa

A favourite of locals in Westboro, this neighbourhood pub is a welcoming spot to enjoy a pint with friends in an open-air setting. Try Churchills’ famous colossal Caesar or a local craft beer, paired with tasty pub grub, or opt for one of their delicious menu items with a Brazilian or Latin flair.

Best for: Colossal Caesar, dinner, craft beer, aps and drinks with friends

Vibe: Casual, backyard, cottage

El Camino ByWard Market

Famous for their mouth-watering tacos, El Camino in the ByWard Market lets you devour Mexican classics with a view. Sink back in your seat with an authentic Margherita, Tequila sour or Paloma, then order up some of the best Mexican food in the city and chow down under the summer sun.

Best for: Tacos, Mexican cocktails, ByWard Market views

Vibe: Backyard Fiesta, lively, friendly

Hidden Courtyard Patios in Ottawa

Brigg Pub

If the secret garden was a patio, this would be it. Tucked into an enclosed courtyard (only accessible through the interior restaurant), the Brigg’s enchanting patio has ivy cascading from the ceiling and walls, iron-clad staircases leading to nowhere, and creative modern art throughout. Their menu is not to be missed, along with their great selection of beers on tap.

Best for: Secret meetings, lunch dates, tasty food

Vibe: Artsy, secret garden, intimate

Tavern at the Gallery

Tucked into a secret courtyard beside the National Gallery of Canada, Tavern at the Gallery is a work of art in itself. This cool secluded sunken patio (you won’t see it if you walk by), serves up cheerful summer cocktails and tasty sharing plates, all in a fun tropical oasis. The patio is best enjoyed in the spring when bright cherry blossoms explode with colour throughout the space.

Best for: Spring blooms, afternoon cocktails, snacks after sightseeing

Vibe: Fun, bright, tropical

Heart and Crown ByWard Market

A bustling Irish pub all year round, the Heart and Crown patio in the ByWard Market provides the ideal spot for a frothy pint of Guinness. Stroll through the narrow red brick alley into a cottage style patio surrounded by walls lined with ivy and colourful décor, and order up Irish grub like fish and chips and the half-pound Jameson burger.  

Best for: Pub eats, live entertainment, late night bite, afternoon drinks

Vibe: Backyard, casual, social, lively

Il Vicolo

You can’t miss the entrance to this ByWard Market patio with its giant pizza mural, but you may miss the enchanting spot that lays within. Adorned with flowers, a peaceful fountain and gorgeous twinkle lights set against red brick walls, Il Vicolo is a great spot to enjoy scrumptious Italian pizzas with a glass of homemade Sangria.

Best for: Authentic Italian pizzas, late night dinner, afternoon cocktails

Vibe: Rustic, Italian, welcoming, casual

Clarendon Tavern

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Europe at the historic Clarendon Courtyard in the ByWard Market, with its cobblestone streets, historic archway and limestone buildings. The Clarendon Tavern is one of three restaurants sharing this beautiful outdoor space, and serves up delicious farm to table comfort food along with inventive cocktails whipped up by their master mixologists.

Best for: Dinner dates, Weekend Brunch, sharing plates, cocktails

Vibe: European, secluded, intimate

Bite Burger House

Hankering for a tasty burger? Then scratch that itch at Bite Burger House on their cozy and private backyard patio. Bite Burger’s mouth-watering handcrafted burgers are made using freshly-ground meat sourced from local farmers, as well as local cheeses and house made sauces. With over 25 different burgers to choose from, you’ll get a good base tan before you pick your top contender.

Best for: Burgers obviously, relaxed spot for lunch, late night cravings

Vibe: Backyard BBQ, welcoming, cozy, family friendly

Ottawa Waterfront Patios

Tavern on the Falls

No mist machine required on this amazing outdoor patio along the Ottawa River. Located directly beside Rideau Falls, Tavern on the Falls is a refreshing spot to enjoy a drink and a gourmet hot dog with stunning waterfront views.

Best for: Gourmet Hot dogs, river and waterfall views, afternoon drinks, sunsets, live music

Vibe: Waterfront cottage, social, refreshing

1 Elgin Restaruant

Overlooking the famous Rideau Canal, the patio at 1 Elgin is a refined and elegant spot to watch the hustle and bustle along the historic waterway. Located just below the National Arts Centre, the restaurant specializes in contemporary modern cuisine, using fresh seasonal ingredients and is an ideal spot to enjoy a meal before a show.

Best for: Dinner dates, special occasions, pre-show dining

Vibe: Refined, upscale, classy, polished

La Terrasse

Dine al-fresco below a historic castle at La Terrasse at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. This chic patio, dotted with bright red umbrellas and tropical palms, has unparalleled views of the Rideau Canal locks, Ottawa River and Parliament Hill. Treat yourself to a seafood platter, charcuterie or cheese board, and indulge in one of their signature cocktails like the giant surf and turf Caesar complete with mini sliders and fresh shrimp, or the What-a-melon sangria, served up in an actual watermelon!

Best for: Iconic views, cocktails, cheese and charcuterie boards, sunset drinks

Vibe: Upscale, historic, swanky, stylish

Umbrella Bar

Watch canoes, kayaks and boats float by from Umbrella Bar’s second story patio overlooking Dow’s Lake. Order up some fish tacos, a juicy burger or a fresh salad to pair with your tropical cocktail, and enjoy the breeze in your hair on a warm summer afternoon.

Best for: Lunch dates, tropical cocktails, boat watching

Vibe: Trendy, relaxing, tropical

NCC Bistro Patterson Creek

Nestled into a quiet park beside a tranquil creek flowing into the Rideau Canal, the NCC Bistro at Patterson Creek is the perfect place to grab a bite while exploring Ottawa’s urban green spaces. Hop off your bike, canoe or kayak, or make a quick detour from your stroll along the Rideau Canal and refuel with a selection of hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, slushies and desserts. The patio also serves beer and wine, perfect for unwinding under an umbrella on a hot summer afternoon.

Best for: Quick stop on a bike ride, paddle or hike, peaceful waterside views

Vibe: Family-friendly, casual, backyard BBQ

Mill Street Brew Pub

Beer aficionados looking for a pint in a secluded spot along the Ottawa River need to make a stop at the Mill Street Brew Pub. The patio is located beside the main brewery which is housed in a 177-year-old former grist mill full of history and industrial charm. Their menu, full of great shareable aps and hearty pub mains, is complemented by their extensive beer menu. Try a sampler flight of five to pick your favourite, and then relax with a pint to the sounds of the rushing river nearby.

Best for: Craft beer, pub grub, brunch

Vibe: Casual, relaxing, welcoming

Kelly’s Landing Manotick

Just south of downtown Ottawa, the village of Manotick is home to Kelly’s Landing; a popular seasonal waterfront restaurant set alongside the beautiful Rideau River. Seafood lovers will be in heaven with tons of tasty option from mussels and shrimp, to fish tacos and their famous fish and chips. Kelly’s Landing serves as a popular spot for those travelling along the Rideau River, so expect to see plenty of action as boaters and boats pull in to fuel up.

Best for: Seafood, waterfront views, boaters, sunsets

Vibe: family-friendly, homey, cottage

Canal Ritz

In a prime location directly beside the Rideau Canal, Canal Ritz’s large airy outdoor patio is a favourite among both tourist and locals alike. Watch boaters, paddlers and wildlife enjoy the UNESCO Heritage site while you chow down on modern Italian cuisine.

Best for: Lunch, dinner, afternoon drinks, canal views

Vibe: Family friendly, relaxing, casual

Best Ottawa Patios for People Watching

Local Public Eatery Lansdowne

In the heart of the action at Ottawa’s Lansdowne Place, Local Public Eatery’s colourful patio is hard to miss, with playful vibrant décor, bocce ball turf, and prime corner location. Grab a bite before a Redblacks game, meet up for Sunday brunch with friends before you hit the Lansdowne Farmers’ market, or stop by during happy hour for a pint and perogies.

Best for: Sunday brunch, after work drinks, pre- or post-game meal, 4-legged friends

Vibe: Young, fun, playful, industrial

Bier Market Sparks Street

Located on Ottawa’s only pedestrian-only street, just steps from Parliament Hill, the Bier Market on Sparks Street is a hot spot for people watching, right in the heart of the action. With a diverse and extensive menu, you can choose anything from a steak and a Caesar to a pretzel and a pint, and their convenient location close to Ottawa’s LRT mean you can enjoy a few rounds with your ride home just steps away.

Best for: Meal after sightseeing, lunch with friends, family dinner

Vibe: casual, lively, family-friendly, chic

Aulde Dubliner & Pour House

You can’t miss the 2-storey patio at this ByWard Market hot spot, with its colourful cascading flowers, bright red umbrellas, set against ornately carved wood adorned with gold leaf. Located in the heart of the ByWard Market directly across from the ByWard Market building and the iconic Beavertail stand, the Aulde Dubliner & Pour House Irish pub is a favourite among visitors and locals alike, serving tasty Irish cuisine and traditional pub grub.

Best for: Views of the ByWard Market, live entertainment, whiskey selection

Vibe: Pub, casual, friendly, energetic

Feleena’s

There’s always a fiesta inside Glebe hot spot Feleena’s, and when the summer rolls in, that party shifts outside. Serving up delicious Mexican classics, this vibrant and colourful corner patio is the perfect place to share a plate of sizzling fajitas, nachos and guac, and an ice-cold corona with friends. Alternatively order your own chili releno, tamale or the signature Mexican flag and watch the comings and goings in this dynamic Ottawa neighbourhood.

Best for: Mexican food, lunch, dinner, special occasions

Vibe: Inviting, vibrant, Mexican, family friendly

Starling Restaurant and Bar

With a prime spot in the ByWard Market, Starling’s streetside patio is a great spot to soak in the vibe of the city. Known for their incredible cocktails and top-notch menu, there’s no better place to take in the sights, both on the street and on your plate.

Best for: Dinner dates, afternoon cocktails, special occasions

Vibe: Sophisticated, creative, contemporary, stylish

Lieutenants Pump

Referred to as “the pump” by locals, the Lieutenants Pump is a popular British pub on Ottawa’s Elgin St with an equally popular patio. Sip on a selection of local and Canadian craft beers after a hard day at work, or stop by when the sun goes down for a Pimm’s Cup, mason jar mojito, or some Skittle bombs.

Best for: Nights out on the town, after work drinks

Vibe: Social, bustling, energetic

Metropolitain Brasserie

It’s Ottawa’s iconic French brasserie, with a patio that will transport you to the streets of Paris, only steps from Parliament Hill. Savour French classics like Coquille St Jacques, duck confit, escargot, salade Niçoise, Croque Madame, Moules & frites, crème Brulé and profiteroles, and choose a sparkling champagne cocktail or a selection from their extensive wine list for the perfect patio date. Seafood lovers won’t want to miss Metropolitain’s extensive raw bar with jumbo shrimp, freshly shucked oysters and their epic 3-tiered seafood tower.

Best for: Brunch, lunch, dinner, seafood, French cuisine

Vibe: French, bistro, casual-chic

Joey Rideau

There is no shortage of interesting people to watch on Rideau Street in downtown Ottawa, and Joey Rideau provides a comfortable spot to take it all in streetside. Located directly beside the Rideau Centre shopping mall, Joey is known for their consistently tasty food and great service, and their outdoor patio is a perfect spot to refuel after a day of retail therapy.

Best for: Great food, after shopping or mid shopping meal, close to public transit

Vibe: Refined-casual, upbeat, hip