Ottawa’s restaurant scene is ever-evolving, with new names and locations — as well as some closures — being announced. OBJ took to social media to find out what’s opening, what’s moving and what’s closing this fall.
Carletto
Opening today, Carletto is downtown Ottawa’s newest Italian restaurant, located inside the Metcalfe Hotel.
The restaurant is owned by Gray Collection, a Montreal-based hospitality group that has Auberge du Vieux-Port in Montreal and Cocotte Bistro, also at the Metcalfe Hotel, in its portfolio.
The menu will highlight quality ingredients while putting a modern spin on Italian classics such as house-made focaccia, rigatoni alla vodka, spicy soppressata pizza and chicken puttanesca, the company said in a news release last week.
Tough Luck Wine Bar
Located at 752 Somerset St. W., Tough Luck Wine Bar will open its doors this month. The business describes itself online as “Ottawa’s original western-themed natural wine bar.”
“Tough Luck is four friends, 50 years of hospitality experience, and a shared belief in the healing power of a really good time,” the owners said on the wine bar’s website.
“We built the wine bar we want to be in, always fun, a little sexy, never pretentious and full of good people drinking beautiful wine. We seek out thoughtful natural wine producers who care about what they make and how they make it, with a focus on women and queer makers, biodynamic and sustainable farming, and ethical sourcing wherever we can.”
HeyTea
The popular Chinese tea chain is continuing its Canadian expansion with a new location inside the CF Rideau Centre, near the Rideau Street and Sussex Avenue entrance. The brand’s first Canadian location opened at the CF Eaton Centre in Toronto this February.
Known for its “new-style” salted cheese green tea and simple aesthetic, the brand has been around in China since 2012.
The brand hasn’t announced an opening date for this location yet.
North Wharf
Taking over the former Chippers Bakery location at 1055 Somerset St. W., North Wharf is the new restaurant project for Wellington Street fish store Sage Fish Market, which is located down the road at 1105 Wellington St. W.
Formerly known as Wellington Seafood, Sage Fish Market got a brand refresh when a new ownership group took over. Owners Mike Peter Sage McGinnes and Taylor Langelier bring expertise in business and fishmongering, while owner Luke Nixon-Janssen also brings knowledge in hospitality from 12 years with Marriott International.
No further details on the restaurant, including the opening date, have been released.
Ajisen Ramen
A new ramen restaurant is coming to 200 Marché Way at Lansdowne Park.
With 11 locations in the GTA and two in southern Ontario, Ajisen Ramen’s Glebe location will be the brand’s first foray into the Ottawa market.
The brand was first founded in Kumamoto, Japan in 1968, and has since expanded to more than 700 locations in 15 countries. Ajisen Ramen came to Canada in 2005 with a location in Toronto.
The menu features various types of ramen, rice bowls and small plates. No opening date has been announced.
Schoolhouse Pizza
Schoolhouse Pizza is taking over the former location of Fairouz in the ByWard Market.
Located at 15 Clarence St., this will be the pizza brand’s third location in the city, with other locations on Springfield Road in New Edinburgh and on Preston Street.
Schoolhouse is known for its Brooklyn-style pies made with locally sourced ingredients. No opening date has been announced.
Umbrella Burger
Popular burger joint Umbrella Burger is opening a third location in Westboro next month.
“We’re smashing our way into Westboro,” Umbrella Burger said on Instagram this week. “The rumours are true: Umbrella Burger Westboro officially opens September 2026.”
The newest location will be at 352 Richmond Rd. “What started at Umbrella Bar on Dow’s Lake has grown into something pretty special — and now, our Ottawa-born and -owned burger joint is getting ready to open location No. 3!” the eatery said on Instagram.
Customers can expect the same smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes and fries, Umbrella Burger said in the post.
Yangtze Restaurant and Dining Lounge
When OBJ spoke with Chinatown BIA executive director Yukang Li last month, he said the iconic restaurant will re-open at 700 Somerset St. W. this fall under new management.
Aside from new decor, he said it will be the Yangtze that Ottawans knew and loved for decades.
“This is good news for the loyal patrons of the Yangtze Restaurant. The menu will largely be the same with dim sum, but they are now calling it modern Chinese cuisine, so there will be some modern takes. They are adding northern Chinese flavours and Sichuan,” Li told OBJ in July.
Li said he expects Yangtze to re-open in September or October, but no official opening date has been given.
Brassica
Brassica, the French- and Italian-inspired restaurant in Westboro, is closing this week. Last week, the restaurant announced the closure on social media.
“Thank you for being part of our story! We have had so much fun at this location for the past six years and are grateful to have been a part of your milestones, family dinners and weekend traditions.
“Come visit us to enjoy your favourite dishes one last time! Our final day of service will be Saturday, Aug. 22,” the Brassica team said in an Instagram post last week.
There have been no further details on whether the restaurant is re-locating or permanently closing.
