10 Must-Visit Cafes in Ottawa

Come for a coffee and stay for a treat. You'll be hard pressed to find a better afternoon coffee house than one of these cafes in Ottawa.

When it comes to doughnuts, bigger really is better, especially when bigger also means more space and an expanded menu at Ottawa's most unique bakery, SuzyQ Doughnuts. They've recently upgraded from their beloved take-out shed to a real storefront on Wellington West with cozy seating—making it the perfect little treat for parents and tots looking for a place to escape the wet spring weather. SuzyQ is branching out beyond doughnuts these days, too. Their luscious (and huge!) Morning Buns and a freshly brewed cappuccino make for a great breakfast on the way home from preschool drop off. And on the weekends, bring the whole family for their French Toast brunch, the finest in town.

While your best friend grabs a bistro table, get yourself a smorgas—an open-faced egg salad sandwich with baby shrimp on top—or maybe an avocado stuffed with grain-fed chicken. We highly recommend their egg tarts, and their authentic tiramisu, made with real espresso and the richest of creamy fillings, is pure perfection. If it's warm, pick up a watermelon smoothie, but if you're fresh off a rough night with the kids, their made-to-order Italian coffees will perk you right up. And it's not just the food that's pretty as a picture, the walls of the cafe are filled with fun, fascinating and lovely photos—check out a silly behind-the-scenes Trudeau, wild-haired Mick Jagger or a stately Dali Lama.

Although gelato is Stella Luna's signature product, look for some other Italian treats, like specialty coffees, panini sandwiches, sorbetto (fruit sorbets), frappes and granita Siciliana, not to mention crepes, waffles, pastries and even gelato cakes with seasonal ingredients—all made on site from scratch. With seating for 40 and large kitchen-style tables, there is plenty of room for your mom-group and the kids.

If coffee's not (always) your thing, here's a shop that caters to the alternative. Discover new flavours of tea at David's Tea, a chain founded in Montreal, with locations in Westboro and the Glebe. Buy a freshly brewed cup to enjoy in-store, take it to-go or buy it loose to enjoy at home. The caffeine-free options make these teas great choices for kids, too.

There's no doubt that tea tastes best with an accompanying treat, which is why we have a deep love for The Scone Witch. They turn seemingly innocent ingredients, like flour and baking powder, into magical, melt-in-your-mouth morsels of goodness. With sweet and savoury choices on the menu (we are rather divided about which we prefer), you will no doubt find something you love to go with your tea.

This bustling little cafe is a great hangout for moms looking for social interaction for themselves and their kids. We love the enclosed play area, featuring colourful toys and climbers—safe for even the most adventurous toddlers. Grab a cup of their Freakin' Good Coffee, curl up in a comfy chair and maybe make a new mom friend.

Come for a coffee and stay for a treat. You'll be hard pressed to find a better afternoon coffee house than one of these cafes in Ottawa.

This sweet, charming little cafe in Barrhaven already has a reputation for creating delicious allergy-safe desserts. But what really sets Thimble Cafe apart is their selection of delightfully fresh and creamy cool coconut ice creams. They have family favourite flavours like mint chocolate chip, raspberry and latte—so delicious that not everyone is willing to share. Good to Know: Cones come in regular and gluten-free options.

One of the best places in town for a grown-up indulgence is Chez Francois—a new cafe and delicatessen that offers a little taste of the French countryside right here in the heart of Ottawa. Pull up a chair in their bright, lovely cafe window and cozy up to a cup of one of their custom blended coffees or teas. Don't forget to browse their heavenly-smelling custom line of bath items and don't leave without picking up a classic French take-out dinner, too.

The Daily Grind Art Cafe in Chinatown has your back when it comes to a relaxing cup of coffee with the kids. First, let them pick out a freshly baked treat for themselves. Then, settle your junior Monets at a table with complimentary free-form art supplies, or purchase an economical kit meant to create something more concrete. Finally, sit back and enjoy our personal weakness—the Peppermint Mochaccino.