The end of the year is busy and as much as we all value a good sit-down lunch, we don’t always have the time for it. We have meetings to get back to, client dinners to plan, and, in my case, articles to write.
All the hustle of the end of the year means you need lunch spots in Ottawa that can have you in and out in a flash, whether it’s a quick sit-down or a grab-and-go. Well, never fear, your friendly neighbourhood food writer is here with the answers.
For the purposes of this article, we will assume you have 30 minutes dedicated to the time it takes to order, receive your food, and eat.
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These restaurants aren’t just about speed, though, this is about quality and precision while still fitting into your packed work day.
Without further ado, let’s eat.
Bibi’s Middle Eastern Kitchen
1087 Wellington St. W.
Bibi’s is a family-owned spot focused on bringing Middle Eastern-inspired dishes to Ottawans with a healthy twist. The commitment to quality ingredients and scratch cooking shines through in every bite. Located on Wellington West in the heart of Hintonburg, Bibi’s is the perfect grab-and-go or fast casual sit-down spot for a lunch break.
What’s great about Bibi’s is that you will leave feeling full, satisfied and comfortable, with no sluggish regret that drags throughout the rest of your work day. I recommend trying one of the bowls or wraps and don’t skip on the tahini chocolate chip cookie for dessert.
Most importantly, when you support Bibi’s you are supporting some wonderful humans. The owners Andrew and Kelly have committed themselves not only to providing amazing food, but to giving back to the community as well. Their healthy school lunch program is in full swing and their community involvement should not go unrecognized.
Paninaro
642 Somerset St. W.
There was just absolutely no way we were making it through this list without a sandwich and, with so many amazing sandwich spots in Ottawa, I figured I’d tell you about my favourite.
Paninaro makes regional Italian sandwiches that are like nothing else in the city. The unique bread it bakes is called schiacciata and hails from Tuscany. At Paninaro, the owners pride themselves on creative sandwiches and big bold flavours. Ingredients such as artichoke and pistachio are everywhere on this menu and are used in thoughtful ways.
Size-wise, it’s pretty hard to top Paninaro … I mean, half a sandwich is usually enough to fill you up.
Like any sandwich shop, Paninaro is great for your grab-and-go lunch when you only have a limited amount of time, but if you do find yourself with the ability to sit for a while, I highly recommend checking out the recently renovated space on Somerset Street West. From the arcade machine with rotating games to the movies to the summer patio that is perfect for a beer, Paninaro has put effort into the art of helping you enjoy what is already Ottawa’s best sandwich.
Gooney’s
294 Albert St.
How about we bring some Latin flare to the downtown core for our next quick lunch spot?
Gooney’s is a Venezuelan restaurant specializing in arepas, sandwiches and Latin bowls, making it the perfect on-the-go spot for your workday lunch. The family-owned business feels that way. When you walk in the front doors there is a sense of warmth and family that fills the air and it shows in the food. Biting into one of the arepa sandwiches for the first time is going to make it difficult to want much else moving forward. The variety of flavours, fresh ingredients and quick service make Gooney’s the perfect spot for any day of the week.
Smash Daddy
84 O’Connor St.
What was once a humble food truck serving up some of the best smash burgers in Ottawa has now evolved into a second truck and brick-and-mortar location. That is right! Smash Daddy has opened its first storefront location on O’Connor Street in the heart of Ottawa’s Centretown business district. While everything I’m about to say also applies to the Preston Street and Bells Corners locations, the O’Connor street spot plays into being on a work lunch time constraint. You can get in, order one of the best burgers in the city, and get out.
Two thin crispy patties, smashed into grilled onions (Oklahoma-style), American cheese, housemade pickles, and of course the special smash daddy sauce make for an indulgent lunch option that can help get you through even the most gruelling of work days.
Smash Daddy is another restaurant that is all about quality of ingredients and flavour (in case you haven’t noticed a theme here). Its fast expansion is due to everything the owners have worked hard for since their original opening back in March, and now Ottawans everywhere can enjoy a good Smash Daddy burger … even if you’re in a hurry to get back to work.
It can be difficult to enjoy a lunch break when you’re pressed for time. Too often we get caught up just trying to decide where to go before realizing we’ve missed our window and settling for a fast food chain. Well, not any more! This list is the start of your journey to enjoying quality, tasty and quick lunches during your crazy work week.
Jordan Pizzuti has been a local Ottawa food writer, content creator, and hospitality professional for more than 10 years. Through his “best of” series, Jordan has cemented himself as an expert in Ottawa hospitality and nightlife. He continues to promote the Ottawa hospitality scene through his “Are We Having Fun Yet?” brand and his work with the Ottawa Business Journal.
