From quaint and cozy coffee shops to intimate, creative cocktail spots, here are six unique and romantic Ottawa bars, restaurants and more that you can feel confident in for your next date night.
Bar Ocelli
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Cocktails
Address: 17 William St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Bar Ocelli is a cocktail bar, unlike anything I've seen in the city of Ottawa before. It's a dark, barely lit lounge with a gorgeous bar and illumination coming only from the cute mushroom lamps on the table. The aesthetic in Ocelli creates an atmosphere that makes you and your partner feel like you're the only ones in the room, even if there isn't a seat left available.
The intimacy this vibe creates is perfect for a date with someone special.The true star of the show, however, is the cocktail list. Divided into three parts, it boasts cocktails that are innovative, creative, and, most importantly, delicious.
From the ingredients category which highlights one specific ingredient in each cocktail, to the recipe category that takes global recipes and turns them into tasty beverages, to the fusion category that pairs a global ingredient with a recipe from another part of the world for a never before seen cocktail — Bar Ocelli is sure to wow you and your date.
Bar Ocelli website
House of Targ
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Perogies
Address: 1077 Bank St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: House of Targ is one of the most unique spots on the list and should be at the top of yours if you've never been before. Targ does three things REALLY well.
The first is entertainment. For those of you who don't know, House of Targ is an old-school video game and pinball arcade located in Old Ottawa South. From the Super Nintendo emulator to the classic point shoots to the dozens of pinball machines, you and your date will be entertained for hours, playing your way through all of the available games in this basement date heaven.
If you're looking to save a few bucks, every Sunday is all you can play for just $10. Pay the cover fee, and the games are free!
The second thing Targ does well is live music. Every weekend, as well as for special events, The Targ stage is filled by a local band who rocks out while you get lost in an old-school world of wonder.
Lastly, it wouldn't be very on-brand for me not to highlight when a spot has exceptional food, especially with something as special as the House of Targ perogies! From classic in-house flavours, to collabs with restaurants from around the city, Targ is known for having some of the best perogies you can find outside of Eastern Europe. Don't believe me? Go check it out for yourself.
House of Targ website
Ten Toes Coffee House & Laundry
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Coffee
Address: 837 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Everybody loves a good coffee date. It's one of the most popular ways to break the ice with someone new, a great way to spend a lazy morning with a partner, or an awesome place to get work done if this "date" involves studying/co-working.
Why not show your date that you have taste by taking them to the most well-rounded coffee shop in the city? Ten Toes Coffee House on Somerset are serving up great classic coffee house fare like pastries and my personal drink of choice - an oat milk cortado.
However, they also differentiate themselves with other draws. Ten Toes has a liquor license, and with that they not only sell beer and wine by the glass, but they also have a full bottle shop which boasts unique wine that you cannot find at the LCBO.
It's also the home of two ghost kitchens! Waldorf's Pizza, and the infamous and exclusive drop ice cream - Sadie Bean's Ice Cream. This unique spot also has their own upscale vintage clothing and footwear section, located in the same space as their full service laundry facility! It's safe to say, this is more than just a coffee shop.
Accessibility: Wheelchair/stroller accessible
Ten Toes website
Ward 14
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Various
Address: 139 Preston St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Ward 14 is the king (or queen) of pop-up events. Nearly every week, a new one-time menu appears and is run out of their humble kitchen. From Trini doubles, to tacos, to "girl dinners," you can always find something unique at Ward 14.
In addition to their pop ups, Ward 14 is a consignment bar. EVERYTHING is for sale. Everything. From the paintings on the walls, to the neon signs, to the tables and chairs. If you want it, it has a price.
Finally, I'd kick myself if I didn't mention that Ward has some of the most wonderful staff in the city. This is a place that you and your S/O will surely feel at home.
Walk on in, have one too many Jamo shots, enjoy a late night hot dog, and just bask in the glory that is Ward 14 Consignment Bar.
Ward 14 website
Split Tree Cocktail Co.
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Wine and cocktails
Address: 98 Richmond Rd unit J, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Although it's not a restaurant per-se, Split Tree Cocktail co. is the perfect date spot for hospitality lovers everywhere.
Next to their beautiful bottle shop is an event room where sommelier Aryn Pepper and elite mixologist Jesse Baillie hold multiple weekly wine and cocktail classes that'll equip you and your partner with everything you need to continue to enjoy the hospitality industry.
You can even save a few bucks by booking one of their two person date night tables. I guarantee you will walk out of their classes knowing more than you did walking in.
Accessibility: Wheelchair/stroller accessible
Split Tree website
Town/Citizen
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Canada-inspired Italian fare
Address: 296 Elgin St / 207 Gilmore St, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Town/Citizen is the tale of two restaurants that boast two entirely different atmospheres, but serve the same menu!
Town is your intimate side. Quiet, dimly lit, and perfect for when you and your partner want a personal moment to share.
Citizen, on the other hand, is your lively side. Bright walls that are loaded with abstract art is accompanied by a lively atmosphere. This is great when you and your date want to chat freely without the worry of being overheard by another table, or disturbing the more reserved guests that may be in the vicinity.
Either way, the food, drinks, and service are all excellent on both sides of the restaurant... so you really can't go wrong! It's entirely dependent on which vibe suits your tastes that evening.
Accessibility: Wheelchair/stroller accessible
Town/Citizen website
This list could've been 300 places long, and there are many "traditional restaurants" that I left off the list in hopes of showcasing Ottawa's variety.
That being said, perhaps there is a "part two" to this article in our future...for now though folks, happy dating!
