Best of Ottawa 2021: Late night eats

After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top spots for takeout, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss #OLMBest every week!

Elgin Street Diner

374 Elgin Street (24 hours)

Over 28 years ago, Elgin Street Diner opened its doors to the city of Ottawa. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or late night eats, the diner will meet your cravings at all hours. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this restaurant is worth checking out. 

Photo: Maria L via Yelp

Shawarma Palace

464 Rideau Street (2 a.m.)

If you are looking for a wide selection of Lebanese food Shawarma Palace has you covered. The Rideau Street location of this Lebanese eatery is open until 2 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday and closes at 1 a.m. the rest of the week.

Photo: Wei C via Yelp

Wolf Down

380 Bank Street, Ottawa (midnight)

Family-run Wolf Down was inspired by the döner, Gernamy’s #1 street food. The restaurant opened in 2018 and offers their sesame-encrusted flatbread stuffed with either grilled beef, chicken or tofu. We guarantee that you'll find it delicious.

Photo: @wolf.down.ottawa 

Pour Boy

495 Somerset Street West  (2 a.m.)

Located near Ottawa’s Chinatown, Pour Boy Pub is open until 2 a.m. The pub has an extensive menu—from BLT’s and club sandwiches to pad Thai and chana masala—and will have what you are craving.

Photo: Pour Boy via Facebook

Pizza Nerds

478 Bank Street (midnight)

One of the best things to come out of 2020, Pizza Nerds is open until midnight. These pizza lovers can promise you mouthwatering meals with lots of care and the perfect amount of cheese. Dine-in, pick up some takeout, or get delivery.

Photo: Pizza Nerds via Uber Eats

Union Local 613

315 Somerset Street, West (2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday)

Union Local 613 is an old fashioned restaurant with Southern style cuisine. Known for their communal seating and wide variety of drinks, this restaurant is the ideal social hangout spot. Open until 2 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday and until 11 p.m. the rest of the week.

Photo: Union Local 613

3 Brothers Shawarma

530 Rideau Street (5 a.m.)

A traditional Middle Eastern restaurant with a Canadian twist, 3 Brothers Shawarma offers a wide variety of shawarmas, bowls and even poutine! They offer free parking, halal options, patio seating and are open later than late! 

Photo: 3 Brothers Shawarma via Facebook

The Fry

280 Elgin Street, Unit 3 (midnight)

As one of the best Korean fried chicken restaurants in the city, The Fry offers a wide variety of fried chicken alongside fries, calamari, rice cake and more! Open daily until midnight — perfect for those late night cravings.

Photo: Lan N via Yelp

Kettlemans

912 Bank Street (24 hours)

A local favourite for over 28 years, Kettlemans Bagel offers delicious hand-rolled bagels paired with flavourful spreads, salads and sandwiches. The perfect option for a late night snack, Kettlemans prides themselves on providing high quality foods made with carefully selected ingredients.

Photo: Kettleman's Bagel Co.

Zak’s Diner

220 Elgin Street (2 a.m. Fri & Sat) 14 ByWard Market Square (24 hours)

Ottawa’s favourite old fashioned diner offers a wide selection of breakfast options, burgers, handhelds and more. Don’t forget to try out their signature milkshakes, they’re a classic. Zak’s Diner on Elgin Street closes at 11 p.m. except on Friday & Saturdays when its open until 2 a.m. while their ByWard Market location is open 24 hours. If you're out in Kanata and get the late night munchies, check out Zak's Terry Fox Drive location that also stays open late on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Photo: @viktordevice via Facebook