Your Guide to First Date Spots in Ottawa
- Annie Doane
- Jun 22, 2024
- 5 min read
Sometimes deciding where to go on a first date can be more daunting than getting a date in the first place. In cities like Ottawa, where there are countless restaurants, bars and activities, the choice can be overwhelming. Luckily, we have curated a list of our favourite spots, from cocktail bars, to activities, to classic dinner dates, so you can focus on showcasing your glittering personality.
Just a Quick Drink
Nan’s Parlour
This granny-themed bar connected to the Heart & Crown in the ByWard Market is where we went on our first date! Their decor game is strong (and so are the drinks): there is so much to look at in Nan’s that you will never run out of things to talk about. If you are looking for more activity on your date, Nan’s hosts a variety of events, including Bingo Nights, Tarot Readings and DJs.
📍 73 Clarence Street, Ottawa, Ontario
10Fourteen
This bar in Hintonburg has dark romantic speakeasy vibes, but not the price tag that comes with it. The vibe is set the second you sit down, and the server brings over a martini glass full of their house-seasoned popcorn. 10Fourteen is a laid-back friendly bar that serves yummy cocktails, local charcuterie and bar snacks. The staff is knowledgeable and will make sure you have the best experience.
📍 1014 Wellington St. West, Ottawa, Ontario
Ward 14
Little Italy’s not-so-hidden-gem is Ward 14, a tiny bar with amazing staff surrounded by antiques and a consignment store. The small spot is open seven days a week “until late” and always has kitchen “pop-ups” planned where local chefs take over their kitchen for one night only. This unpretentious bar is a classic among Ottawa locals, and a common answer to the question “What’s your favourite bar?”
📍 139 Preston Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Activity-based
House of TARG
Looking for a laid-back fun date to break the ice? House of TARG is the move. This arcade bar features a collection of old-fashioned video games (think Pac-Man and Donkey Kong) and pinball. Check their website for “free play” times, where you pay cover and get unlimited plays. They also have a great food menu featuring their famous pierogies if you want to snack while you play.
📍 1077 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Level One Game Pub
This one is for those of you who want to show off your competitive spirit. Level One Game Pub is a board game bar that features hundreds of games, from classics to new releases. They have pub classics and drinks, but you are welcome to just stay and play! After all, someone’s game-playing personality can tell you all that you need to know.
📍 14 Waller Street, Ottawa, Ontario
🔗 Instagram (image from @levelonegamepub on Instagram)
613Flea
This may be a hot-take, but daytime first dates are underrated. One of our favourite ways to spend a Saturday is going to 613Flea in Lansdowne. With over 100 vendors selling vintage clothing, home decor, antiques, and food, you will never run out of things to chat about. This date also leaves you free to go for a coffee or lunch afterward if the date is going well.
📍 Lansdowne Park
On a Budget
Pizza Nerds
If you want the vibe of a romantic Italian restaurant, but don’t want to spend too much $$$, Pizza Nerds on Bank Street has great food and cocktails that won’t break your budget. If you are looking to do something a bit different, grab pizza to go from either location and have a picnic in the park!
📍 478 Bank Street // 44 Seneca Street, Ottawa, Ontario
The Third
The Third is basically known as the best budget food in the city. The value here is absolutely unmatched. Grab any of their meals and a beer or two for under $25 and enjoy a casual date and super welcoming staff (they also do a great brunch). In our opinion, a first date here is an immediate green flag.
📍 1017 Wellington St W, Ottawa, Ontario
Ten Toes
Your quintessential coffee date spot.Ten Toes checks all of the boxes for a great first date;
delicious coffee, a comfortable place to sit, and close to other destinations in case you choose to hit up a secondary location. Both the Bank St. and Somerset locations are close to loads of restaurants, shops and activities to keep the good times rolling (not to mention they are super cute).
📍 1109 Cyrville Rd / 593 Bank St / 837 Somerset, Ottawa, Ontario
Your Classic Dinner Date
Dreamland Café
All of the spots in this category not only have incredible food, but unique vibes that will make it a date to remember. Dreamland is a pastel paradise on Preston that serves incredible pasta dishes and inventive appetizers. This female-owned and operated establishment has a great wine list and ravioli-shaped tables (what’s not to love).
P.S Their garlic dippers are life-changing.
📍 262 Preston St, Ottawa, Ontario
Torta Boyz
If you take someone here on a first date you’re cool. Torta Boyz started as a food truck serving up Mexican sandwiches and tacos before opening up their storefront on LeBreton. This dimly lit restaurant has effortlessly cool decor, a menu where everything is incredible, and margaritas by the pitcher. Highly recommend for the food lovers out there.
📍 60A Lebreton St.N, Ottawa, ON
Paper Tiger
Another small spot with big flavours. Paper Tiger is a ramen and raw bar in Old Ottawa South with an inventive menu of noodles and other asian-fusion dishes. There “beast ramen” features a broth that has been constantly maintained throughout the entire time the restaurant has open, and is becoming more flavorful by the day. Laid-back and welcoming, this place will surely add to a great first-impression.
📍 1091 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario
For Those Trying to Impress
Thr33’s Co. Snack Bar
These places are perfect for a 2nd/3rd date (or a even a 1st if you are feeling confident). Thr33’s Co. is a small plates bar in the Glebe that features twists on pub food and presents it in innovative and unique ways. The spot also features over 60 brands of gin that can be ordered in cocktails or flights. The kitchen is open late and perfect for a quick visit or long night or talking.
📍 589 Bank St, Ottawa, Ontario
Datsun
Another small plates restaurant that is perfect for sharing. Located on Elgin Street, Datsun boasts an open kitchen where you can watch your dishes being cooked right in front of you (if you grab a seat at the counter). The intimate vibe and inventive dishes will give you lots to talk about all night. It’s one of the pricier suggestions on our list, but if you’re in the mood to treat someone (or be treated yourself), this is a great option!
📍 380 Elgin Street, Ottawa ON
Retro Gusto
If you’re looking for an elevated pizza date night, Retro Gusto is the place to go! This is one of our go-to places for special occasions and it hasn’t disappointed us! They have amazing shareable appetizers and a great menu of more upscale pizzas to enjoy on a fancier night out. I also have to mention their rotating dessert menu if you’re celebrating something special - from tiramisu to cannolis, a sweet treat after dinner will hit the spot for sure!
📍 122 Preston Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Comments