Category · Updated 2026

Best Cheap Eats
in Ottawa

Great meals for under $20 — from a 24-hour diner institution to the city's best shawarma, pho, and manakish.

01

Elgin Street Diner

An Ottawa institution since 1993, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — massive portions, a legendary all-day breakfast, and the city's go-to for a 3am poutine.

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02

Ahora Mexican Restaurant

Ottawa's favourite Mexican spot since 2004 — burritos, tacos, and a free self-serve salsa bar in a festive, no-frills room.

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03

Saigon Boy Noodle House

The definitive Chinatown pho spot — huge, generously topped bowls of slow-simmered beef broth at prices that make you double-check the menu.

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04

Shawarma Palace

Ottawa's #1 shawarma since 1996 — in-house sauces, massive portions, and more than a dozen locations across the city.

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05

Sula Wok

A family-run Old Ottawa East gem serving eclectic Asian fusion — dumplings, Asian tacos, and rice bowls with a loyal cult following.

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06

Red Swan Pizza

Giant, generously topped pizza at impossible prices — multiple locations across the city for a fast, satisfying meal.

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07

Aladdin Bakery

Stone-baked Lebanese manakish since 1996 — $4 za'atar pies and meat pies, made fresh in front of you, cash only.

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08

Good Eats Cafe

A Centretown West "yes-taurant" with a weekly-changing menu of home-made style breakfast, lunch, and dinner at fair prices.

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09

Falafel Scoop & Shawarma

A small, no-frills Kent Street spot frying falafel to order — generous portions and house pickles that are worth the hype.

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10

Banh Mi My Hang

A Chinatown institution serving Ottawa's best banh mi for $5-6 — cash only, takeout-focused, and beloved for its Vietnamese street food staples.

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