Quick Quality Dining: Where to Power Lunch in the Byward

The ByWard’s culinary scene has come alive in recent years, with a thriving community of Ottawa chefs and restaurants making a name for themselves both at home and abroad. For the modern time-crunched urbanite working in the downtown core, the ByWard’s proximity to it all offers a myriad of prime dining destinations, with something for every palate.

Impress a client, close a deal or simply enjoy a quick quality meal before you dash back to the office, with ArtHaus Condos’ list of top spots to power lunch in the Byward.

LUXE

LUXE sits on the corner of York and Byward Market Street, making it walking distance to most of Ottawa’s main locations, including Parliament, and Centretown’s office buildings. This contemporary and refined, yet casual resto is known as one of Ottawa’s prime steakhouses. The expertly prepared food is straight forward, simple without unnecessary fuss, letting the freshness and flavours shine through. Impress clients with the streetside views offered by  the flower-lined Luxe patio seating. Surf and turf is another one of this spot’s prime focus, offering a twist on Canada’s national dish with the Lobster poutine. Healthy and elegant meals such as organic salmon with green bean almondine, pickled pearl onions, preserved lemon beurre blanc  and chickpea fritters will satisfy those craving a Mediterranean meal. For a quick bite the Luxe ruben composed of house made smoked meat,  sauerkraut, sweet Russian mustard, swiss cheese and Rideau Bakery rye bread is a lunchtime classic.

Das Lokal

Das Lokal is a top dining destination among locals in the ByWard and Lowertown scene. This stylish spot tucked away on Dalhousie, is decorated with funky red lamps and a mounted deer’s head, softened by pristine white walls and drapes. Das Lokal Kitchen and Bar does well-crafted, distinctive food that nods to German and European influences for homey-but-elevated dishes that balance comforting with wonderful flavours. You’ll find the spot filled with happy, chatting diners both inside and on its patio which is accented with bright orange umbrellas to shield from the afternoon’s rays. Try a lunch of tarte flambée with countless options —such as bacon, onions and mushrooms, supplemented with Emmental cheese. Mussels and clams in cream and riesling sauce or generous long flatbreads with à la carte options, pair well with their daily market soup, made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients.  What better summer meal than a traditional German braised bratwurst, accompanied by potato rosti, cucumber salad, and grainy mustard dip. Veg-loving patrons need not be left out of indulging in classic German cuisine, as Das Lokal offers such dishes as a sauerkraut and fennel savoury strudel. The chef at this fine resto is known for creating impressive off-menu accommodations for plant-based foodies.

Burrito Borracho

This taco joint offers elevated takeout ideal for busy bees craving a taco fix. Burrito Burracho’s upstairs is a take-out counter designated for those seeking a quick order and meal to go. This “Subway style” upper level will make your Mexican selection in front of you, with an array of toppings and sauces to choose from. Take a tasty trip to Mexico in their cozy and festive dining area with bar, if you have the time. Whether it’s a burrito with beans and rice in a flour tortilla, or a taco in a corn tortilla, this restaurant in the heart of the market is not your average North American TEX-MEX. Burrito Burracho’s cuisine is reflecting authentic Mexican dishes and flavours, and know for some of the best spicey and classic lime Margaritas in town.

Play Food and Wine

Rarely do you hear the words “fine dining” and “bargain” in the same breath, however Play Food & Wine is a restaurant that’s achieved both. Perfect for the times, this contemporary spot serves up generous sharing plates, for not a lot of money, featuring a solid selection of savoury and sweet, and exceptional charcuterie and cheese — with wines to match. What’s most exciting is Play’s lunch, when they offer well-designed plates that normally cost up to $17 a piece at the princely rate of two for $22. The hanger steak with fries and aioli has been on the menu since day one, and with good reason. The beef’s hearty flavour is complemented by a side of sauteed mushrooms and their standard-setting fries with an incredible aioli. A number of vegetable-based options such as breaded eggplant, crispy tofu and perfectly dressed pastas will impress meat and veg eaters alike. Housed in a  heritage style brick building reflecting the ByWard’s historic feel, Play Food & Wine’s elegant atmosphere and quick-paced plates will give your power lunch a Euro feel, moments from it all in the Byward Market.

Power lunch at these quick and quality dining destinations in Ottawa’s renowned culinary district. Live, work, and eat the best of the Byward with ArtHaus Condos, set at the centre of it all.