As Canada’s capital, Ottawa's food scene is a bit of a foodie secret, hidden behind the political news that comes out of the city. But for those in the know, it is one of Canada’s most celebrated culinary hotspots, with a real emphasis on locally grown produce, a great restaurant scene and some of the best food markets in the country.
The real heroes of Ottawa’s food scene, however, are the artisans and farmers who take incredible ingredients and turn them into something delicious. You’ll find many of them at the city’s ByWard Market area, where hundreds of stalls and shops selling everything from beer to locally fermented kimchi can be found jostling for space amongst the restaurants and boutiques. But you can find something tasty wherever you are in Ottawa, thanks to a thriving interest in good food that’s growing every year.
If you’re in the city, one of the easiest ways to spot a shop or stand selling food and drink made with locally sourced ingredients is the Savour Ottawa badge, which will be proudly displayed by the owners. This is a scheme set up to promote Ottawan businesses that use ingredients from local farms and producers. Meats, vegetables, honey and cider are some of the most common items found under the Savour Ottawa brand, but you can also find cheeses, pies, jams and preserves. It’s impossible to feature all the fantastic artisanal producers toiling away in Ottawa and its surrounding area, but we’ve picked out five that you should be keeping an eye out for when visiting the city.
