Six Ottawa restaurant patios worth soaking up the summer sun
From Dow's Lake water views to Preston Street rooftop margaritas, these spots are serving good food and better vibes on their decks.
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After Ottawa's long winters, the city's best restaurant patios are calling. Here are six standouts worth booking this summer.
Umbrella Bar's second-floor patio at Dow's Lake overlooks the water with blue-and-white décor and plants that feel summery. The tropical, tiki-inspired drink menu is as good as the burger and taco selection. Located at 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway.
The Tavern Group operates several patio locations across the city. Tavern on the Hill offers views of Parliament and the National Art Gallery from Major's Hill Park. Tavern at the Falls draws crowds for sunset river views. Tavern at the Gallery is a tree-filled courtyard. Tavern on the Island on Bate Island offers another waterfront option. Menus vary slightly by location but feature hot dogs, tacos, salads, share plates, and desserts.
Émilie's Terrace at the Fairmont Château Laurier has gorgeous views of the Rideau Canal and Parliament. The spot is decorated with florals and pops of pink and red—a natural choice for a girls' day out. The menu focuses on local Ontario ingredients and shareable plates, with fruity cocktails rounding out the list. Located at 1 Rideau Street.
The Porch on Preston calls itself Ottawa's go-to rooftop bar, and many locals would agree. Located at 379 Preston Street on the rooftop, summer brings margarita buckets and fruit-forward cocktails. The spot draws crowds even without alcohol.
These picks scratch the surface of Ottawa's patio scene—the city's food culture is deep enough that a summer-long rotation of different decks wouldn't exhaust the options.
Good to know
What kind of food does Umbrella Bar serve?
Umbrella Bar at Dow's Lake serves burgers, tacos, and tropical, tiki-inspired drinks.
Where is Émilie's Terrace located?
Émilie's Terrace at the Fairmont Château Laurier is located at 1 Rideau Street in Ottawa.
What does The Porch on Preston specialize in?
The Porch on Preston, Ottawa's rooftop bar at 379 Preston Street, serves margarita buckets and fruit-forward cocktails during summer.
