ByWard Market is Ottawa’s most famous neighbourhood, and like most famous neighbourhoods, it has a complicated food reputation. Yes, there are tourist traps. But there’s also genuinely excellent food here, and if you’ve written off the Market as overpriced and underwhelming, this guide is for you.
What ByWard Market Does Well
ByWard Market excels at a few specific things: late-night food, casual lunch, and brunch on a patio. The concentration of restaurants means you can almost always find something decent without a reservation. The farmers’ market itself is legitimately excellent on Saturday mornings — local produce, maple syrup, and Ottawa Valley farm products worth picking up.
Korean Food in the Market
One of the great recent additions to ByWard Market’s food scene is Daldongnae Korean BBQ, which has become one of the highest-traffic restaurant pages on OttawaEats. All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in the heart of the Market is a great deal, and the quality is consistent enough that it’s a go-to for large groups.
Bars, Pubs and Late Night
ByWard Market has always been Ottawa’s nightlife hub. Natural History Bar is one of the most-searched restaurants in the OttawaEats directory right now — drawing people specifically to the Market for its cocktail program. Late-night, the Market is one of the only parts of Ottawa where you can eat after midnight.
How to Navigate the Market Like a Local
Avoid the big patio restaurants on the main square if you’re looking for value. Instead, walk half a block in any direction and you’ll find better food at better prices. Lunch is better than dinner in the Market for value. And if you’re here on a weekend morning, spend time at the market stalls before you eat.