Best Cafés in Ottawa
This list covers cafes, coffee shops, bakeries and bubble tea spots in Ottawa, based on Google ratings and review counts from October 22, 2026. The places are located across many neighbourhoods, including Centretown, Byward Market, The Glebe, and Hull. Most entries are inexpensive, with a few at a moderate price level. The list includes 20 establishments, all with at least 150 reviews. Centretown and the Byward Market area are well represented, each featuring multiple establishments. The list includes everything from classic cafes and specialty roasteries to a Brazilian açaí cafe and a bubble tea store. Reviewers often mention welcoming staff, pastries, and specific drinks like Spanish lattes or brown sugar milk tea.
| # | Name | Area | Rating | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Café Raphaël | Centretown West | ★★★★★ 4.9 | 1,540 | $ |
| 2 | Melaku Ethiopian Coffee Shop | Lower Town | ★★★★★ 4.9 | 1,037 | $ |
| 3 | Xing Fu Tang | Old Ottawa East | ★★★★★ 4.9 | 1,022 | |
| 4 | PurpleX | Sandy Hill | ★★★★★ 5 | 553 | $ |
| 5 | Opulence Coffee | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.9 | 823 | |
| 6 | eXpresso Cafe | Little Italy | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 754 | $ |
| 7 | Rio Açaí Tropical Café | Plateau | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 582 | |
| 8 | Arlington Five | Centretown | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1,111 | $$ |
| 9 | Orange Turtle Bakery | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 5 | 281 | $ |
| 10 | Little Victories Coffee Roasters - Glebe | The Glebe | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 966 | $$ |
| 11 | Brûlerie Élixir | Touraine District | ★★★★★ 5 | 256 | $ |
| 12 | Bacata Colombian Coffee | Centretown West | ★★★★★ 4.9 | 324 | $ |
| 13 | Union Street Kitchen Café | Lindenlea - New Edinburgh | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 699 | $$ |
| 14 | Brûlerie Aladdin Roastery Hull | Hull | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 698 | $ |
| 15 | Drip House | The Glebe | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 673 | $ |
| 16 | Bread & Sons | Centretown | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 658 | $ |
| 17 | Ideal Coffee | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 623 | $ |
| 18 | Bread By Us | Wellington Village | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 615 | $$ |
| 19 | Ten Toes Coffee House | Gloucester | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 594 | $ |
| 20 | Britannia Coffeehouse | Woodroffe - Lincoln Heights | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 585 | $ |
Café Raphaël
This Centretown West cafe has a 4.9 rating from 1540 reviews and is inexpensive. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Reviewers often mention its antiques, welcoming staff, cannoli, and customizable coffee drinks.
Opening hours
- Mon 09:00-17:00
- Tue 09:00-17:00
- Wed 09:00-17:00
- Thu 09:00-17:00
- Fri 09:00-17:00
Melaku Ethiopian Coffee Shop
Melaku Ethiopian Coffee Shop in Lower Town is inexpensive and rated 4.9 from 1037 reviews. It opens early and closes at 8 pm most days. Reviewers note the welcoming staff, pastries, cozy upstairs seating, and incense.
Opening hours
- Sun 10:00-20:00
- Mon 08:30-20:00
- Tue 08:30-20:00
- Wed 08:30-20:00
- Thu 08:30-20:00
- Fri 08:30-20:00
- Sat 09:00-20:00
Xing Fu Tang
Xing Fu Tang is a bubble tea store in Old Ottawa East with a 4.9 rating from 1022 reviews. It opens at 11 am and closes late, especially on weekends. Reviewers often mention brown sugar pearls, croffles, and soft serve.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-22:00
- Mon 11:00-22:00
- Tue 11:00-22:00
- Wed 11:00-22:00
- Thu 11:00-22:00
- Fri 11:00-00:00
- Sat 11:00-00:00
PurpleX
PurpleX in Sandy Hill has a perfect 5.0 rating from 553 reviews and is inexpensive. It opens at 1 pm and stays open until midnight or later. Reviewers frequently talk about mini pancakes, welcoming staff, and pistachio lattes.
Opening hours
- Sun 13:00-00:00
- Mon 13:00-01:00
- Tue 13:00-01:00
- Wed 13:00-01:00
- Thu 13:00-01:00
- Fri 13:00-01:00
- Sat 13:00-02:00
Opulence Coffee
This coffee roastery in Byward Market is rated 4.9 from 823 reviews. It is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily. Reviewers often mention espresso, mocha, freshly roasted coffee, and the passionate owner.
Opening hours
- Sun 08:00-16:00
- Mon 08:00-16:00
- Tue 08:00-16:00
- Wed 08:00-16:00
- Thu 08:00-16:00
- Fri 08:00-16:00
- Sat 08:00-16:00
eXpresso Cafe
eXpresso Cafe in Little Italy is inexpensive with a 4.8 rating from 754 reviews. Hours are generally 9 am to 9 or 10 pm. Reviewers note the welcoming staff, pastries, cozy spot, and items like gelato and tiramisu.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:00-21:00
- Mon 09:00-21:00
- Tue 09:00-21:00
- Wed 09:00-21:00
- Thu 09:00-21:00
- Fri 09:00-22:00
- Sat 09:00-22:00
Rio Açaí Tropical Café
Rio Açaí Tropical Café in Plateau has a 4.8 rating from 582 reviews. It is open from 10 am to 8 pm daily. Reviewers often mention açaí bowls, Brazilian food like pão de queijo, and smoothies.
Opening hours
- Sun 10:00-20:00
- Mon 10:00-20:00
- Tue 10:00-20:00
- Wed 10:00-20:00
- Thu 10:00-20:00
- Fri 10:00-20:00
- Sat 10:00-20:00
Arlington Five
Arlington Five in Centretown has a moderate price level and a 4.7 rating from 1111 reviews. It is open from 8 am to 4 pm. Reviewers mention friendly staff, baked goods like scones, and vegan options.
Opening hours
- Sun 08:00-16:00
- Mon 08:00-16:00
- Tue 08:00-16:00
- Wed 08:00-16:00
- Thu 08:00-16:00
- Fri 08:00-16:00
- Sat 08:00-16:00
Orange Turtle Bakery
Orange Turtle Bakery in Byward Market has a perfect 5.0 rating from 281 reviews and is inexpensive. It is open from 8 am to 5 pm on Friday through Sunday. Reviewers often mention scones, shortbread, and gluten free options.
Opening hours
- Sun 08:00-17:00
- Fri 08:00-17:00
- Sat 08:00-17:00
Little Victories Coffee Roasters - Glebe
Little Victories Coffee Roasters in The Glebe is moderately priced, rated 4.7 from 966 reviews. It opens at 7 or 8 am and closes at 6 pm. Reviewers note friendly staff, donuts, and the roaster.
Opening hours
- Sun 08:00-18:00
- Mon 07:00-18:00
- Tue 07:00-18:00
- Wed 07:00-18:00
- Thu 07:00-18:00
- Fri 07:00-18:00
- Sat 08:00-18:00
Brûlerie Élixir
Brûlerie Élixir in Touraine District has a perfect 5.0 from 256 reviews and is inexpensive. It opens at 8 am on weekdays and 9 am on Saturday. Reviewers often mention on-site roasting, espresso, and it is suitable for working on a laptop.
Opening hours
- Mon 08:00-17:00
- Tue 08:00-17:00
- Wed 08:00-17:00
- Thu 08:00-17:00
- Fri 08:00-17:00
- Sat 09:00-17:00
Bacata Colombian Coffee
Bacata Colombian Coffee in Centretown West is inexpensive and rated 4.9 from 324 reviews. It opens at 9 am, closing at 6 or 7 pm. Reviewers mention waffles, empanadas, pan de bono, and the patio.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:00-18:00
- Tue 09:00-19:00
- Wed 09:00-19:00
- Thu 09:00-19:00
- Fri 09:00-19:00
- Sat 09:00-19:00
Union Street Kitchen Café
Union Street Kitchen Café in Lindenlea - New Edinburgh is moderately priced with a 4.7 rating from 699 reviews. Hours vary, opening at 8 or 9 am. Reviewers often mention friendly staff, cookies, sandwiches, and croissants.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:00-17:00
- Mon 08:00-14:00
- Tue 08:00-17:00
- Wed 08:00-17:00
- Thu 08:00-17:00
- Fri 08:00-17:00
- Sat 09:00-17:00
Brûlerie Aladdin Roastery Hull
Brûlerie Aladdin Roastery in Hull is inexpensive and rated 4.7 from 698 reviews. It opens very early at 6 am on weekdays. Reviewers mention sandwiches, panini, coffee selection, and cheesecake.
Opening hours
- Sun 08:00-17:00
- Mon 06:00-18:00
- Tue 06:00-18:00
- Wed 06:00-18:00
- Thu 06:00-18:00
- Fri 06:00-18:00
- Sat 07:30-17:00
Drip House
Drip House in The Glebe is inexpensive with a 4.7 rating from 673 reviews. It opens at 8 am, closing at 5 or 7 pm. Reviewers often mention welcoming staff, latte art, matcha, and the patio.
Opening hours
- Sun 08:00-17:00
- Mon 08:00-19:00
- Tue 08:00-19:00
- Wed 08:00-19:00
- Thu 08:00-19:00
- Fri 08:00-19:00
- Sat 08:00-17:00
Bread & Sons
Bread & Sons in Centretown is a bakery rated 4.7 from 658 reviews and is inexpensive. It has short hours, from 8:30 am to 2 pm on weekdays. Reviewers mention chocolate chip cookies, croissants, and vegetarian sandwiches.
Opening hours
- Mon 08:30-14:00
- Tue 08:30-14:00
- Wed 08:30-14:00
- Thu 08:30-14:00
- Fri 08:30-14:00
- Sat 10:00-13:00
Ideal Coffee
Ideal Coffee in Byward Market is inexpensive and rated 4.7 from 623 reviews. It opens at 7 or 8 am and closes at 5 pm. Reviewers note friendly staff, scones, and items like a BLT or dark roast coffee.
Opening hours
- Sun 08:00-17:00
- Mon 07:00-17:00
- Tue 07:00-17:00
- Wed 07:00-17:00
- Thu 07:00-17:00
- Fri 07:00-17:00
- Sat 08:00-17:00
Bread By Us
Bread By Us in Wellington Village is a bakery with a moderate price level and a 4.7 rating from 615 reviews. It is open from 8 or 9 am to 5 pm. Reviewers often mention croissants, sourdough, and scones.
Opening hours
- Mon 08:00-17:00
- Tue 08:00-17:00
- Wed 08:00-17:00
- Thu 08:00-17:00
- Fri 08:00-17:00
- Sat 09:00-16:00
Ten Toes Coffee House
Ten Toes Coffee House in Gloucester is inexpensive with a 4.7 rating from 594 reviews. It is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily. Reviewers mention friendly staff, the patio, sandwiches, and vegan options.
Opening hours
- Sun 08:00-18:00
- Mon 08:00-18:00
- Tue 08:00-18:00
- Wed 08:00-18:00
- Thu 08:00-18:00
- Fri 08:00-18:00
- Sat 08:00-18:00
Britannia Coffeehouse
Britannia Coffeehouse in Woodroffe - Lincoln Heights is inexpensive and rated 4.7 from 585 reviews. It opens at 8 am and closes late, around 8:30 or 9 pm. Reviewers note friendly staff, scones, outdoor seating, and baked goods.
Opening hours
- Sun 08:00-20:30
- Mon 08:00-20:30
- Tue 08:00-20:30
- Wed 08:00-20:30
- Thu 08:00-20:30
- Fri 08:00-21:00
- Sat 08:00-21:00
Tips before you go
- Most places are inexpensive, but a few like Arlington Five, Little Victories, Union Street Kitchen, and Bread By Us have a moderate price level.
- Check hours before you go. Some spots like Bread & Sons close as early as 2 pm, while PurpleX and Xing Fu Tang are open late into the evening.
- Many cafes, including Café Raphaël, Bacata, and Drip House, have outdoor seating, which reviewers often mention.
- Several places are noted for specific dietary options, such as vegan choices at Arlington Five and gluten free items at Orange Turtle Bakery.
- Neighbourhoods like Centretown and Byward Market have multiple options, while others like Hull and Plateau offer a single standout.
- All listed places offer takeout, and many have delivery or other services like curbside pickup.
How we made this list
This list was compiled using Google ratings and review counts as of October 22, 2026. A weighted rating was applied so that places with very few reviews did not rank unfairly high. Only establishments with at least 150 Google reviews were considered for inclusion. The list includes only places that were open at the time of research, based on their listed hours. This method ensures the rankings reflect both popularity and consistent quality.
Questions about cafés in Ottawa
Which cafe has the highest rating?
Several cafes have perfect or near-perfect ratings. PurpleX has a 5.0 rating from 553 reviews and Orange Turtle Bakery has a 5.0 from 281 reviews. Brûlerie Élixir also has a 5.0 from 256 reviews. Other top-rated spots include Café Raphaël, Melaku, Xing Fu Tang, Opulence Coffee, and Bacata Colombian Coffee, all with ratings of 4.9. These ratings are based on a minimum of 150 reviews.
Are there any late-night options?
Yes, a few places are open late. PurpleX in Sandy Hill opens at 1 pm and stays open until midnight or later, with Saturday hours until 2 am. Xing Fu Tang in Old Ottawa East is open until 10 pm most nights and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Britannia Coffeehouse is also open until 8:30 or 9 pm. Most other cafes close by 8 pm or earlier, so check individual hours.
Where can I find good pastries or baked goods?
Many reviewers mention pastries and baked goods. Specific mentions include cannoli at Café Raphaël, scones at Arlington Five and Orange Turtle Bakery, and croissants at Bread & Sons and Bread By Us. Little Victories is noted for donuts, and Union Street Kitchen for cookies. Several dedicated bakeries like Orange Turtle, Bread & Sons, and Bread By Us are also on the list, often with high ratings for their baked items.
Do any places have unique or specialty drinks?
Yes, reviewers often mention specific drinks. These include caramel macchiato at Melaku Ethiopian Coffee Shop and brown sugar milk tea at Xing Fu Tang. PurpleX is noted for Spanish and pistachio lattes, while Brûlerie Élixir gets mentions for mochaccino. Opulence Coffee is highlighted for its espresso and freshly roasted coffee, and Drip House for its matcha and latte art. These specific drinks are frequently cited by customers in their reviews.
More in Ottawa
Cafés in other cities
Ratings, review counts, prices and hours come from Google Maps listings as of 2026-10-22 and change over time. Call ahead or check the venue's own site before you go. Nobody pays to be on these lists.