The ByWard Market is trying its hand at a resurgence. It has spent the last few years (and will likely spend the next few) trying to revitalize its nightlife scene for tourists and locals alike. The addition of some top-tier and strategically placed restaurants has already started to make a difference in this once-happening area of downtown Ottawa, but one charm the ByWard Market has never lost is its lunchtime splendours.
The Market is filled with opportunities for the hungry working individual to visit and enjoy. A variety of worldly delights are all steps from one another and ready to serve you no matter what your workday craving might be. So where do we recommend you go? Let’s take a closer look at the best spots in the ByWard Market for a business lunch.
The King Eddy
It’s tough not to start with a classic. The King Eddy has been around for more than a decade and has been committed to serving up the best comfort food around. From burgers to fried chicken and more, The King Eddy is the premier choice for a casual business lunch. The comfortable but spacious diner provides an atmosphere that will help you unwind in the middle of the workday and provide a relaxing space to take the edge off any business lunch.
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Not only does The King Eddy use the highest-quality ingredients for its food, but it is committed to accommodation. Can’t sit down to enjoy the space on a busy workday? Fear not, as the entire menu is takeout-friendly so that you and the whole office can enjoy a quality comfort lunch while finishing up those quarterly reports.
The longevity speaks for itself on this one.
Chez Lucien
Speaking of classics, it would be hard to make a best lunch in the Market list without including Chez Lucien. Picture your favourite sit-com character’s favourite bar. I’m willing to bet it looks a lot like Chez Lucien. The cozy gastro-pub atmosphere is a place to gather and enjoy each other’s company, even in the middle of the workday. The French-inspired pub fare provides a variety of options, from escargot to the famous burger-fries-salad combos. Chez Lucien is open from 11 a.m. every single day, making it a great spot for when you need to take an early lunch. If there is one other thing Chez Lucien is known for outside of its food and its atmosphere, it has to be its hospitality. The staff is always happy to show you the best time they can. Whether it’s an important business lunch or late into the evening, you can count on having a great time.
Sidedoor
Perhaps it’s time we chat about something a little more elevated, for when you need a fancier touch for the day’s lunchtime endeavours.
Now, unfortunately, this is not a Monday or Tuesday option, but Sidedoor’s Asian fusion fare is available for lunch from the middle to the end of your week. Tucked around the side-door of e18hteen on York Street is where you’ll find this long-time Ottawa favourite. With a rotating menu, excellent beverage program and elevated level of service, Sidedoor is the perfect choice for a business lunch that requires a high-level touch.
Ratatouille Bistro
This casual yet somehow elevated French-inspired bistro is the perfect balance of a casual-feel space with incredibly sophisticated food. It is open from morning until night, with a sweet spot for a business day lunch or brunch. If you feel the need to treat yourself, your co-workers or a client, then Ratatouille is the place to do it. This cozy joint on Dalhousie Street is a hidden gem in Ottawa. If you know it then you love it, and if you don’t – well, it’s time to experience it. You can’t go wrong with this menu, so order with confidence and hang on for the flavour journey you’re about to partake in.
Benny’s Bistro
Speaking of hidden gems, Benny’s Bistro is a legitimately hidden-away breakfast and lunch spot that is a must-try for food lovers everywhere. Tucked away in the back of a pastry shop, this not-so-secret bistro is known for its familiar but well-executed fare, including a daily rotating sandwich. The brightly coloured interior manages to take a windowless room and turn it into a wonderland of culinary delight. This is truly one of those “if you know, you know” spots that has been surviving off of rave reviews and word of mouth for quite some time.
Well, it’s time we add to the exposure of this secret bistro! It’s lunchtime, you’re leaving the office for something delicious anyways, so why not mosey on over to Benny’s Bistro and see what all the secret fuss is about?
Corazon De Maiz
Alright. Let’s chat about one of my personal favourite choices for a ByWard Market lunch.
This is one of the greatest options for a quick grab-and-go lunch that doesn’t skip on quality and flavour. Corazon De Maiz is a Mexican joint in the heart of the ByWard Market that is serving up fresh, house-made Mexican classics with all of the sauces and fixings. For me? I’ll never skip a burrito here. It is filling, fresh and packed with flavour. The wonderful people who run the business are kind and always excited to serve you their food. I think about this burrito weekly and I’d be shocked if you didn’t, too. Add Corazon De Maiz to your must-try list for your next weekday lunch adventure.
We know you work hard, so we’re trying our best to take the work out of finding the best places to eat in your day-to-day life. You’ve already put in half of a day of work, the last thing you want to do is make another decision! Check out one of these six awesome spots for a great weekday lunch in the ByWard Market.
Jordan Pizzuti has been a local Ottawa food writer, content creator, and hospitality professional for over 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
