Choice business lunch spots in Ottawa’s Westboro Village
Westboro is a “happening hood” roughly 10 minutes west of Parliament Hill that’s become particularly renowned for its restaurants, pubs and cafés showcasing locally inspired cuisine. Where to go? Whether you want comfort food or an upscale restaurant, Westboro offers a cross-section of moods and tastes, although venues tend to be more casual here, in keeping with this community’s village scene.
Gezellig
337 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E7Gezellig means “cozy” or “convivial” in Dutch. It’s an apt moniker for this airy, welcoming space where Stephen Beckta and chef Michael Moffatt use the freshest of fresh, local and seasonally available ingredients. Consider the lemongrass and roast tomato soup with cilantro and smoked paprika crème fraîche, where if you’re like me, fragrant swirls of tastes will echo through your palate. Beckta is one of Ottawa’s most remarkable chef-owners, Gezellig being the third jewel in his crown. Ambiance? Classic-modern with a side of lively. For a business lunch, consider requesting a quieter window seat when you make your reservation.
Fratelli Westboro
275 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X3Family-owned Fratelli (meaning “brothers” in Italian) in Ottawa’s Glebe neighbourhood has been a longstanding local tradition since 1996, so it’s no wonder the family decided to open another restaurant in the village’s trendy culinary hotspot. Go for a cozy atmosphere where rich tastes of fresh ingredients and sauces keep you wanting more. Fratelli is particularly noted for its wood fired pizzas. Check out the tempting Roberto pizza – named after one of the brothers – featuring wild and porcini mushrooms as well as black truffle aioli.
Village Cafe
295 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X3This Café opened in 1996 right here in Wesboro, so its proud lineage suggests you’re sure to enjoy your luncheon. In summer, “windows” open up to the street like patio doors, meaning you feel part and parcel of the village scene. The spot is famous for its sandwiches, which come in a delightful array of intriguing taste and texture combos. Or, have a light lunch where you and your colleague can sample wonderful appies like the Mediterranean plate for two, or my favourite, the spinach pecan salad where toasted pecans add a welcome contrasting crunch to the fresh leafy greens.
Pure Kitchen Ottawa
357 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E7If you’re vegetarian, gluten-free or vegan and wondering where to go for that all-important business lunch, look no further than Pure. What can you expect? A friendly “drop in” ambiance, where there are stools and benches, as well as a sit-down area. An extensive list of ingredients prompts enthusiasm with options like grilled avocado, garlic tahini sauce, and lime jalapeno tofu. Such pure deliciousness becomes transformed into a tempting menu of noodle bowls, burgers and more. Don’t miss the fresh-squeezed options hailing from Pure’s full-on juice bar, where refreshing choices and pretty colours abound.
Corner Bar and Grill
344 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E8Check out the Corner, a neighbourhood pub that exclusively supports microbreweries by only offering craft beers (more than thirty on top regularly). If you’re looking for a laid-back scene where you can explore local microbrewery fare while discussing business, this is the place. Check out pub fare upgrades like the crunchy and light kale salad, or try some of the beer-infused recipes such as Kichesippi 1855 barbecue ribs or Tankhouse fish and chips. With three locations in the city, the Corner is a growing local brand that continues to serve Ottaweans the lunch and dinnertime ambiance they crave.
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