We asked Ottawa chefs where they'd eat for under $25 — Here are their cheap faves

The Third

Price: 💸💸

Cuisine: Homemade comfort food

Address: 1017 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: The Third and value have become synonymous. In my "best of" series on Instagram and TikTok, The Third accounts for at least 75% of the "best budget spot" answers. In fact, you can get a full meal and a beer for under $25, and leave full, happy, and satisfied.

This Wellington West staple was the popular budget choice of chefs like Sarah Kirke of Pizza Nerds, Charley Nelson of Paper Tiger, Sal Nicastro at Ventuno/Il Negozio Nicastro, and Arup Jana at Brassica, among others. You can't make a cheap eats list without mentioning The Third.

You can't skip the sandwiches as The Third, either. Whether it's the brisket, the fish, or the patty melt; you'd be hard pressed to make a wrong decision when you walk through their front door.

The Third Instagram page

Holly's Hot Chicken

Price: 💸💸

Cuisine: Fried chicken and donuts

Address: 45 Armstrong St, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: There is a queen of hot chicken in Ottawa, and her name is Holly Laham! Another budget spot in Wellington West, Laham continues to sling quality chicken sandwiches, sides, and donuts to hungry Ottawans. In fact, a hot chicken sandwich, side of mac and cheese, and a donut will run you just $22. Incredible!

One Ottawa chef has sworn by Holly's since day one. Tarek Hassan, owner of Gong Fu Bao and Gong Fu Café, claims to have been in line at Holly's second ever pop up and says he's been a fan of her food since the beginning.

Simon Laroche, co-owner of Cameline on the Gatineau side, even went as far as to say that this is his favourite sandwich in the whole of Ottawa.

Hold your horses before you book that flight to Nashville, because you might be able to get what you're looking for right here in Ottawa.

Holly's Hot Chicken website

Run2Patty

Price: 💸💸

Cuisine: Caribbean

Address: 1224 Shillington Ave Unit A, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Speaking of Chef Holly Laham, she had a top budget spot of her own to share.

Run2Patty is a Caribbean wonderland in the Carlington area of Ottawa. Of course they are known for their Jamaican patties, but they offer a variety of Caribbean inspired platters and loaded fries that are all equally as mouthwatering. Nearly everything on their menu slots in at sub $25, with the exception of one or two items, but even those aren't far off.

Run2Patty isn't just the favourite budget spot of Laham, Kim Epino of Lola's Filipino Kitchen also gave the Caribbean spot it's flowers.

For me, the Oxtail platter is what I'll be ordering. After spending two months living in the Caribbean myself, it has to be what I miss most! Knowing I can get a quality version right here in Ottawa, for such a little amount of money, still blows my mind.

All in all you need to RUN, not walk, to Run2Patty.

Run2Patty website

Fishy's Original Jerk

Price: 💸💸

Cuisine: Caribbean

Address: 2297 St Joseph Blvd, Orléans, ON

Why You Need To Go: Since we are on the Caribbean wave, I figured we could continue that train of thought for our friends out in the east end. This one is for you, Orleans!

Chef Coco De Leo of the adored pasta spot, Dreamland Café, swears by the hidden gem - Fishy's Original Jerk. It may be a bit of a trip for some of us living in the main core of Ottawa, but it is a trip worth taking!

While living in Antigua, roti was a part of my weekly routine, and after finding out about Fishy's through Chef Coco, I can now fit it back into my rotation. There are a lot of great options on this menu, but for $19 or less per LARGE portion, I beg of you ... don't skip the roti.

Fishy's Original Jerk website

Thr33's co Snack Bar

Price: 💸💸

Cuisine: Mixed

Address: 589 Bank St, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Justin Champagne-Lagarde, owner of Perch restaurant in Ottawa, is one of the most respected chefs in the city. Not only is he an expert chef, but he's also a pioneer in sustainability, and a magician when it comes to unique concepts around food. That's why I trust him wholeheartedly when he gives a recommendation.

For Champagne-Lagarde, when he wants a late night bite, perhaps something post service, his go-to option is Thr33's Co Snack Bar in the Glebe. A wide variety of menu options, all priced at less than $25, has become a favourite not just of Champagne-Lagarde, but of the industry in Ottawa as a whole.

I personally have spent a few evenings sitting at Thr33's, and would be remiss if I didn't tell you that the peanut butter habanero drumsticks ($11.50) are out of this world. I would use some very colourful language to describe how much I love those drumsticks, but in place of that, I will just say that they are really, really, really, really good.

Thr33's co Snack Bar website

Sharpfle Waffle

Price: 💸💸

Cuisine: Korean croissant waffles

Address: 173 Hinchey Ave, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: I couldn't possibly finish this list without mentioning a great spot for brunch. There are a bunch of amazing and reasonably priced brunch options throughout Ottawa, however this new spot is a favourite of Chef de Cuisine Ian Dancause at Supply and Demand.

Sharpfle Waffle specializes in, well, waffles, but manages to find innovative ways to showcase them. From sweet classics to savoury waffle sandwiches, you can get a solid meal and a well-made coffee all for around $10.

Sharpfle Waffle is new to the Ottawa food scene, but is already an industry favourite. I don't think it'll be long before it's solidified as a budget staple.

Sharpfle Waffle website