Ottawa’s Byward Market is one of the oldest and largest public markets in Canada.
It is without question the city’s go-to-spot for boutique shopping, fashion, nightlife and restaurants—there are over 100 dining establishments!
No wonder the Byward Market is the number one tourist attraction in Ottawa.
Naturally, one would think that grabbing a bite to eat here would be a little pricey, unless you consulted ThriftyTourist.ca first of course!
Here are four, affordably-priced restaurants.
4 affordable Ottawa Hotels to consider
Business Inn & Suites, TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Winner.
Albert at Bay Suite Hotel, TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner.
Best Western Plus Victoria Park Suites, TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner.
Travelodge Hotel Ottawa, largest hotel waterpark in Ottawa.
More ideas: Cheap Hotels & Places to Stay in Ottawa
Load Up at The Warehouse
When it comes to eating thrifty it’s hard to beat The Warehouse located on Clarence Street in Ottawa’s Byward Market area.
Looking for breakfast?
Hungry for lunch?
Craving an affordable dinner spot?
Seeking a late-night drink and something to nosh on?
The Warehouse is the answer to all of these questions because all day long every item on their menu is only $5.95. Yes, you read correctly, every item on their menu is only $5.95.
Can’t decide which item to get?
Who cares, order both because did we mention that every item on their menu is only $5.95?
And don’t let the thrifty price fool you….the food here is tasty (we especially liked the Baja Fish Tacos and the Beet & Goat Cheese salad). The atmosphere is cool too and it’s rated 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.
Valued-Priced Mexican Food
Operating in the Byward Market since 2004, Ahora aims to provide its patrons with healthy and tasty Mexican food at affordable prices and that’s exactly what they do.
Burritos, nachos, quesadillas and tacos are all on the menu. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options too.
This cantina is licensed as well, which means you can compliment your Mexican meal with a margaritas, beer or cocktail. For the abstainers in your group there are delightful fresh juices or authentic Mexican soft drinks. Ole!
Budget-friendly Burger and a Beer
If it’s a burger and a beer at a budget-happy price you crave, Chez Lucien is the ideal dining destination.
One of the Byward Market’s most popular pubs, the Chez Lucien offers a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, a great selection of beers on tap, hand-cut fries and most importantly, if you Google best burger in Ottawa, it’s pretty much on every list you’ll find.
If you’re a first-timer, try the famous Chez Lucien Burger which is decked out with lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon and…cream cheese.
Fresh, Fired Pizza that will Save You Some Dough
Got a craving for artisan pizza made with fresh ingredients, cooked in a wood-fire stove and priced to please your budget?
Head for Fiazza for their fresh, fired pizza.
Their hand-rolled dough and sauces are all natural and preservative-free.
Choose from the menu board or make your own pizza. Then kick back as this Byward Market pizzeria cooks your pie in their high-temperature woodstone oven—it will be cooked to perfection and ready in five minutes.
Compliment your pizza with a salad made with seasonal fresh produce and toast your choice of restaurant with one of the craft beers on tap or a glass of wine.
Authentic, Affordable Thai Food
If you’re searching for place that serves traditional thai food at a solid-value price, Khao Thai is one of the Byward Market’s best bets.
At Khao Thai you can choose the level of spiciness for your dish which is handy if you’re trying to please the palates of everyone in a family or group of friends.
Of course it’s the food that keeps people coming back.
Some of the favourite faire includes: the spring rolls and satay skewers, basil stir-fry chicken, red curry beef with potatoes and peanuts, panang guy with sticky rice, pad khee mao and the salmon curry which comes served in a coconut.
There are lots of vegetarian options too.
At Khao Thai it’s not only the food that’s thai-thentic, so is the atmosphere. Most of the items that make up the restaurant’s décor were imported from Thailand and Khao Thai even holds cultural shows here.
Don’t forget to visit the “Obama Cookie” Bakery
Back in 2009 Barack Obama had just wrapped up his first official visit to Ottawa as the newly-elected President of the United States.
On the way to the airport for his flight home to Washington he had his motorcade make a detour.
The motorcade headed into the Byward Market area and stopped in front of the Le Moulin De
President Obama left his limo, went inside and purchased two shortbread cookies in the shape of a Maple Leaf that were covered in red icing and had “Canada” spelled across them.
Originally created to promote Canada, the cookie quickly became known as the “Obama Cookie”.
Prior to the President popping in for his impromptu visit, Le Moulin De Provence bakery would sell about 800 of the cookies per month. Immediately after the visit that number skyrocketed to 15,000 to 20,000 a month. Nine years later, sales are still strong, with an average of 5,000 Obama Cookies being sold per month.
Check Groupon for Deals on Ottawa Restaurants
Hungry for great food at a great price? Another place to check out is the latest Ottawa food and drink deals on Groupon, the money-saving website that features local discounts in 150 cities.
Visit the Ottawa “Food & Drink” Groupon page and you’ll find savings from 40% and up on breakfast, lunch and dinner spots.
The Ottawa “Food & Drink” Groupon page is a smart place to peruse when you’re first planning your trip and even when you’re in the middle of your Ottawa visit because new deals get added weekly and even daily many times.
Hungry for more ideas?
Want to add some more of the best cheap eats places and affordable restaurants in Ottawa to your menu?
Here’s a helpful link to check out:
Places that have Cheap Eats in Ottawa for under $10
Be thrifty and practical! This information was accurate when published, but can change without notice. We recommend you confirm all details with the provider in question before planning your excursion.
Photo Credit: TripAdvisor, Appetizer @ Chao Thai
