After Ottawa’s long (and very cold) winters, there’s nothing better than finally getting back outside.<\/p>\n
And as someone who’s equally obsessed with food<\/a> and spending time outdoors, I don’t think there’s a better combination than good food, a great patio, and a sunny summer day.<\/p>\n We all have our favourite Ottawa<\/a> restaurants<\/a>, and there was no way I could fit every spot onto one list. So these aren’t in any particular order… and honestly, I think we might need a part two.<\/p>\n For now, drawing on my own experiences \u2014 and the wisdom of plenty of Ottawa locals<\/a> \u2014 here are nine patios I think are absolutely worth checking out this summer.<\/p>\n 1. Umbrella Bar<\/p>\n Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n Cuisine: Comfort food \/ Pub classics<\/p>\n Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n Why You Need To Go: I’m already a huge fan of the Dow’s Lake and Little Italy area, so Umbrella Bar is an easy pick for me.<\/p>\n Their second-floor patio looks out over the water, and I really love the decor up there \u2014 the blue-and-white tones and plants make it feel super summery.<\/p>\n I’m also a big fan of the drink menu (who doesn’t love a tropical, tiki-inspired vibe?), and the food is great, too.<\/p>\n You’ll find everything from burgers and tacos to pasta and apps, so it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or drinks out with friends.<\/p>\n Umbrella Bar Menu<\/a><\/p>\n 2. The Tavern Group<\/p>\n Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n Cuisine: Canadian pub fare<\/p>\n Address: Multiple locations throughout Ottawa<\/p>\n Why You Need To Go: If you’ve ever searched for the best<\/a> patios in Ottawa<\/a>, you’ve almost certainly seen one of the Tavern Group locations come up.<\/p>\n Tavern on the Hill has really nice views of Parliament and the National<\/a> Art Gallery, and it’s an easy stop if you’re already hanging out in Major’s Hill Park or passing through the area.<\/p>\n Then you have Tavern at the Falls, which is super popular for its river views around sunset.<\/p>\n There’s also Tavern at the Gallery \u2014 pretty self-explanatory from the name \u2014 and it’s a cute courtyard patio full of trees.<\/p>\n And over on Bate Island, Tavern on the Island is another fun waterfront option.<\/p>\n The menus vary slightly by location, but you can generally find hot dogs, tacos, salads, share plates, desserts, and drinks. <\/p>\n If you’re looking for great views and a nice atmosphere, you really can’t go wrong with any of them.<\/p>\n The Tavern Group Website<\/a><\/p>\n 3. \u00c9milie’s Terrace<\/p>\n Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n Cuisine: Seasonal Canadian<\/p>\n Address: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n Why You Need To Go: If you’re anything like me, you’ll come across the Fairmont Ch\u00e2teau Laurier while wandering around downtown \u2014 and end up doing a little lap around it like you’re a hotel guest.<\/p>\n If you do stop by, it’s impossible to miss \u00c9milie’s Terrace. <\/p>\n Not only does it have gorgeous views of the Rideau Canal and Parliament, but it’s also such a cute girls’<\/a> day spot<\/a> with floral details and little pops of pink and red everywhere.<\/p>\n I’m always a fan of restaurants with good shareable menus and fruity cocktails, and \u00c9milie’s definitely delivers.<\/p>\n Everything is super light and fresh, with a focus on local Ontario ingredients, so if you’re a foodie, you need to add this patio to your summer bucket list.<\/p>\n \u00c9milie’s Terrace Menu<\/a><\/p>\n 4. The Porch on Preston<\/p>\n Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n Cuisine: California-inspired street eats <\/p>\n Address: 379 Preston St. Rooftop, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n Why You Need To Go: The Porch calls itself Ottawa’s go-to rooftop bar, and I think a lot of locals would agree.<\/p>\n Summer and margarita buckets feel like a match made in heaven.<\/p>\n But even if you’re skipping the alcohol, they also have fruit slushies and virgin cocktails that still feel just as summery.<\/p>\n Pair that with sandwiches, wings, or chips and dip, and you’ve got the perfect setup for an easy afternoon with friends.<\/p>\n The Porch Menu<\/a><\/p>\n 5. Aulde Dubliner & Pour House<\/p>\n Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n Cuisine: Irish pub<\/p>\n Address: 62 William St, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n Why You Need To Go: When you’re walking through the ByWard Market in the summer, you’re almost guaranteed to pass The Aulde Dubliner.<\/p>\n The pretty flowers hanging around the patio always catch my eye, and I’m a sucker for a two-storey patio \u2014 sitting upstairs is basically built-in entertainment with all the people-watching you can do.<\/p>\n The menu is also huge, with everything from Irish classics and pub favourites to curries, jambalaya, cocktails, and plenty of beer.<\/p>\n You might even catch some live music while you’re there.<\/p>\n Aulde Dubliner Menu<\/a><\/p>\n 6. Bar Lupulus<\/p>\n Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n Cuisine: Canadian \/ Mediterranean-inspired<\/p>\n Address: 1242 Wellington St. West, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n Why You Need To Go: Bar Lupulus is another spot that Ottawa locals recommend over and over again.<\/p>\n Their backyard patio has a cozy, moody vibe that’s perfect for date<\/a> night or an evening out.<\/p>\n I’m also a huge cheese and charcuterie board girl, so if that’s on the menu, I’m immediately sold. Beyond that, they have fantastic pasta, raw options like crudo and tartare, and incredible desserts.<\/p>\n Bar Lupulus Menu<\/a><\/p>\n 7. The Brig Pub<\/p>\n Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n Cuisine: Canadian-style comfort \/ Pub fare<\/p>\n Address: 23 York St, Ottawa, ON <\/p>\n Why You Need To Go: I’ve been to The Brig Pub in every season, but I definitely enjoy it the most during summer.<\/p>\n Their courtyard patio is full of vines and pretty lights, and it’s a great little spot hidden in the ByWard<\/a> Market<\/a>.<\/p>\n I usually go for the fish and chips because the jalape\u00f1o tartar sauce is ridiculously good.<\/p>\n The General Tso’s cauliflower is another must-order for me, but the whole menu is honestly pretty solid, too.<\/p>\n The Brig Pub Menu<\/a><\/p>\n 8. Banditos<\/p>\n Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n Cuisine: Southern California-inspired tacos and street food<\/p>\n Address: 683 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n Why You Need To Go: There are tons of great taco spots in Ottawa, but Banditos had to make this list for its huge patio.<\/p>\n They’ve got all the classic tacos with fun twists, plus street corn, nachos, and tater tots. <\/p>\n And as a certified dessert enthusiast, a menu with churros and brownies is always a win in my books.<\/p>\n It was usually pretty busy whenever I walked by, but one time I looked over and saw a full-on party \u2014 smoke machine going, music pumping, and everyone looked like they were having a good time.<\/p>\n Banditos Menu<\/a><\/p>\n 9.\u00a0Arlo Wine & Restaurant<\/p>\n Price: \ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8\ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n Cuisine: Canadian \/ Wine bar<\/p>\n Address: 340 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n Why You Need To Go: Arlo always comes up when locals talk about the best<\/a> restaurants in the city, and it’s even made Canada’s top 100 list<\/a> three times.<\/p>\n It’s gorgeous inside, and there’s a backyard patio in the warmer months that’s just as nice, too.<\/p>\n As a wine bar, there’s a solid list of natural wines, of course, but the food is what really takes the cake.<\/p>\n I think it’s the perfect spot for a special occasion dinner or a date night out this summer.<\/p>\n