9 Best Coffee Shops in Ottawa

There are very few pleasures in life that can rival the scent and taste of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. So if you want to capture that feeling, you’ll want to know about the best coffee Ottawa has to offer, which we’ll review today.

We have other information about what makes a great cup of coffee in our FAQs section, so don’t miss them!

How Much Does Coffee Cost in Ottawa?

Coffee in Ottawa can be quite affordable. Yes, this applies to even fair trade-certified, freshly roasted ones.

We’re featuring some of the coffees (typically dark roast) being sold by shops we’re reviewing today. You can compare their costs in the table below (we think you’ll find they are very similar to each other).

COFFEE SHOP	ESTIMATED COST
Bridgehead	Dark roast $15 (340-gram bag)
Equator Coffee Roasters	Nth Degree Dark $15 (340-gram bag)
Planet Coffee	Fluid Solar Roasted $18.50 (1-lb. bag)
Happy Goat Coffee	Brazilian Peaberry Dark $18 (340-gram bag)
La Catrina churros	Tubs of Tea $20
5:2:8 Creative Coffee Collective	Twinings Chai Tea $5.28 (20ct)

Some limited-edition coffees might fetch higher rates compared to ones that are relatively easier to stock. As well, some shops might offer coffee subscriptions which could result in significant discounts and freebies for customers.

The Best Coffee Shops in Ottawa

We hand-picked the coffee shops and roasteries in today’s listicle using the following criteria:

Reasonably priced coffee beans and menu

A fair trade certification to ensure ethical sourcing and support for better coffee trade practices

Free or discounted delivery to Ottawa and nearby areas (because coffee is an essential item!)

Now that you have some idea of their offerings and prices, let’s see what makes them stand out!

1. Bridgehead Roastery

SERVICES	Coffee shop, tea, baked goods, wholesale, gifts, merchandise, gift cards
ADDRESS	750 Bank St. (Second Ave) Ottawa, ON K1S 3V6
CONTACT NUMBER	1.613.236.5445
WEBSITE	https://www.bridgehead.ca/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday 6.30 AM – 7 PM Saturdays and Sundays 6.30 AM – 6 PM

Bridgehead Roastery has numerous locations in Ottawa so you won’t have to worry about running out of your favourite roast. And since it’s open early, you can get a perfectly-brewed cup to begin your day!

In case you need a middle or end-of-the-day perking up, Bridgehead also serves baked goods and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. And if you get two small bags of coffee with any order of signature treats, you can get all of those delivered for free locally, too.

There are vegan and gluten-free options for meals, as well. It’s a small but much-appreciated gesture to include all kinds of dietary requirements (although we wish its tea selection would be wider).

All Bridgehead coffees have Fair Trade certification from Fairtrade Canada. There are medium and dark roasts, as well as blends and decaf coffees to choose from, though we can’t help but notice the absence of blonde roasts!

Customer Reviews

A great way to start the day

“The best selection of coffees. Great taste, organic, fair trade. You can never pack enough. A great way to start the day. Overnight trip, pack it. Long trip, pack some lb. Hometown, keep ordering.” – Lynn Williams

Best dark roast coffee

“Delicious coffee and the best dark roast coffee (Dark ‘N Tasty) I have found. Wonderful selection of salads, soups, sandwiches and baked goods too.” – Anne Mokros

2. Equator Coffee

SERVICES	Coffee roasters, brew equipment, teas, chocolate, gift cards, merchandise, coffee shop
ADDRESS	412 Churchill Ave. N. Ottawa, ON K1Z 5C6
CONTACT NUMBER	westboro@equator.ca  613.722.1919
WEBSITE	https://equator.ca/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Saturday 7 AM – 5 PM Sundays 8 AM – 5 PM

It’s the mission of Equator Coffee Roasters to “connect the coffee farmer to the coffee drinker”, hence, its fair trade offerings on the menu. It’s been doing so since 1998.

The shop has a Certified B Corporation award to show for it. It’s a certification for for-profit companies that work toward a sustainable economy. 

Equator is a roastery through and through in that it focuses on the quality of its fresh and organic coffee above all else. It’s unique from most coffee shops in that way though it also serves meals to go with a cup of brew (but only via its mobile ordering site).

The shop offers a coffee subscription which can be customized and cancelled anytime. There’s a good range of blends to choose from with the option to subscribe to the Single Origin of the Month.

The great news is that coffee lovers from Ontario and Quebec can get their freshly roasted beans delivered for free for orders above $49. The rest of Canada, however, has to rack up at least $79 on orders to get a free delivery.

Customer Reviews

A wealth of knowledge when it comes to different types of coffee

“James is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to different types of coffee and is always incredibly helpful when we speak. Most importantly, he sells amazing coffee! If I lived within 100km of him I wouldn’t go anywhere else.” – Ryan Satnik

The staff are great

“I love this place. The staff are great and I go in so often now that they’ve got my drink started before I even place my order. You’re all wonderful.” – Elsie Jahn

3. The Ministry of Coffee

SERVICES	Coffee shop, merchandise, coffee education, freshly roasted coffee, e-gift cards
ADDRESS	279 Elgin St, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1M1 Canada
CONTACT NUMBER	elgin@theministryofcoffee.com  +1 (613) 255 3180
WEBSITE	https://theministryofcoffee.com/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday 8 AM – 4 PM Saturdays and Sundays 9 AM – 4 PM

The Ministry of Coffee was only established in 2013 but it has quickly become a fixture in Ottawa’s specialty coffee scene. It now has four Ottawa locations and two branches in the Middle East.

It keeps its coffee offerings current so expect a rotating menu of blends from both Canadian and international sources. There are also weekly guest roasters to give customers an even wider selection of offerings, although some pricing information on them would be welcome. 

Most of the feedback about the Ministry of Coffee branches mentions their cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Add that to the fair trade-certified coffee menu, and you’re bound to stay for more than just one cup at any of its locations!

However, there seems to be no way to order coffee and other menu items online. If any of the branches are full capacity, it would be great to have an alternative way to enjoy The Ministry of Coffee’s special roasted offerings at the comfort of your own home.

Customer Reviews

Friendly and warm

“Wow!! This place is amazing!! The service here is so friendly and warm that you feel like you belong here!! The coffee is the BEST I have ever tasted and I am very picky! They also offer a variety of treats that it should be possible for everyone to find something they like. Fabulous!!” – Kim M.

Servers were lovely

“This coffee is to die for. We even bought a bag of espresso on the way out. Servers were lovely and the atmosphere is friendly and open. So glad we found it!” – Cat M.

4. Planet Coffee Ottawa

SERVICES	Coffee shop, online shop for fair trade coffee, baked goods, bulk purchase
ADDRESS	24A York Street, Ottawa, ON
CONTACT NUMBER	613-789-6261 planetcoffeeinc@gmail.com
WEBSITE	https://www.planetcoffeeottawa.com/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Sunday 8 AM – 7 PM

Planet Coffee’s owners take pride in directly purchasing their coffee beans from small-lot farmers, with some of the resulting coffee coming from 150-year old shrubs! To further show appreciation, Planet Coffee pays these farmers 60% over fair trade coffee rates. 

Its signature coffee, Fluid Coffee Roasters, is roasted off-grid using solar-powered panels. So yes, you can call it artisanal or organic, but a lot of work definitely goes into a single cup of coffee at this place!

This homely, rustic approach to coffee is also evident in the shop’s baked goods offerings. Everything is made in-house using simple, locally sourced ingredients and which can be purchased in bulk, too.

Some vegan baked options are available like the vegan espresso brownies. Its online shop also features grocery items like vegetables, meat, seafood, self-care, and baking items.   

We just find it a bit strange that only a couple of roasted coffee beans sold by the bag are available at the shop. But the cafe itself does feature freshly brewed coffee which can be enjoyed al fresco, so we’ll gladly take it!

Customer Reviews

Relaxing, amazing service

“Absolutely best, high quality in Ottawa. Top of my list for all-time coffee places. Very relaxing, amazing service.” – Ali Bandali

Fantastic patio in a quiet quaint courtyard

“Great coffee and awesome baked goodies Also a fantastic patio in a quiet quaint courtyard Highly recommend it!” – Patricia McGovern

5. Happy Goat Coffee Company

SERVICES	Coffee, specialty products, brewing equipment, gifts and merchandise
ADDRESS	35 Rue Laurel Street Ottawa, ON
CONTACT NUMBER	613-792-1309 happygoatcoffee@gmail.com
WEBSITE	https://www.happygoatcoffee.com/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Tuesday 7.30 AM – 8 PM Wednesday to Friday 7.30 AM – 10 PM Saturdays 9 AM – 10 PM Sundays 9 AM – 8 PM

There’s a whole lot of quality coffee options at Happy Goat Company, from farmer’s blends to cold brews. Hans Langenbahn, the shop’s master roaster, takes pride in being able to roast small batches of beans to perfection.

If you want to try specialty coffees that are both refreshing and stimulating, you can try its cold brew offerings. They come in cans and one-litre bottles in concentrate form, so take your pick!

There are brewing equipment and merchandise being sold at the shop, too. Most of the brewing kits are currently sold out most of the time, though, and it might take some time for them to get restocked.

The shop also offers coffee subscriptions for three, six, and twelve-month options. There’s free shipping for orders across Ontario and Quebec and an additional 10% savings on subscription orders. 

Subscriptions are convenient ways to never run out of coffee no matter what. The downside is that Happy Goat Company puts two bags in every subscription box so the freshness might be compromised somewhat.

Customer Reviews

Gives a fulfilling pleasure

“The happy goat espresso Forza blend is a very strong coffee. Czeslaw is a cyclist and most cyclists like their coffee strong and tasty especially espresso blends that are of high quality. Both types of Happy Goat Coffee are of high quality and I would recommend anyone to try this product before a training ride on the bike or just before work to give that extra boost of energy. It also gives experienced coffee drinkers a great and fulfilling pleasure once the coffee is consumed.” – Lyall Beattie

Great coffee, cozy atmosphere

“Great coffee and food offerings in a cozy atmosphere. Wonderful to see more Happy Goats in Ottawa.” – Jill Milks

6. Good Eats

SERVICES	Coffee, Expansive Food Menu, Vegetarian and Vegan options available
ADDRESS	207 Bell St North (South of Gladstone) Ottawa, ON K1R 5B8
CONTACT NUMBER	(613) 231-EATS(3287) karen@goodeats.ca
WEBSITE	https://goodeats.ca/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Thursday : 8 AM – 9 PM Friday : 8 AM – 11 PM Saturday : 9 AM – 11 PM Sunday : 9 AM – 9 PM

If you’re looking for a homey shop that offers a variety of food items, Good Eats has got you covered. With their extensive menu, you’re bound to find something for you here. 

They have a good selection of food, and if you have special dietary needs, not to worry! What we like about Good Eats is that they adjust the food to your liking and needs. 

They have vegetarian and vegan options available on their menu. In addition to this, they also have gluten-free options available, so you could eat without worry! 

Another thing that we like about Good Eats is that they open till late on busy hours such as Fridays and Saturdays. So if you’re out and about on a weekend, you can still swing by their place to settle down before heading home. 

They have a spacious cafe with a 50-seater capacity if you fancy a day out with friends or loved ones. If you prefer enjoying their food in the comfort of your own home, their food is available for takeout, pickup, and delivery.  

If you like their food and would want them at your event, they have a catering service available as well. Aside from their food, one of the things that we really like about this cafe is that they lend their space to local artists as well. 

They feature local art and allow them to sell their artworks for no commission. All in all, if you’re in the area south of Gladstone, it’s a treat to visit Good Eats! 

Customer Reviews

The service was great, so friendly. The food was amazing

“We are in town visiting and stopped in for breakfast, really glad we did….. The service was great, so friendly.  The food was amazing, I had the mushroom melt, my wife had the breakfast bowl, and my daughter had a tropical smoothie with a croissant,  everything was amazing. Definitely will be returning and we have already told or friends and family in Ottawa they have to go check it out.” – Cunner Outdoors

Highly recommend going here if you have any dietary restrictions/sensitivities!

“Vegan bowl w gluten free toast was perfectly delicious! Also had the carrot ginger tumeric smoothie which was the perfect complementary drink! Highly recommend going here if you have any dietary restrictions/sensitivities! Found my new favourite breakfast spot and can’t wait to try the rest of the menu!! Will be back for sure!!” – Shannon Corkery

7. La Catrina

SERVICES	Churros, Sandwiches, Cakes, Beverages, Gift Cards
ADDRESS	105B Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5, Canada
CONTACT NUMBER	+1 613-700-8194 / uortega@lacatrinachurros.com
WEBSITE	https://lacatrinachurros.com/
OPERATING HOURS	TUESDAY 4 – 9:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY 4 – 10:30 P.M. THURSDAY 4 – 10:30 P.M. FRIDAY 4 – 11:30 P.M. SATURDAY 11 – 11:30 P.M. SUNDAY 11 – 10:30 P.M.

La Catrina is a café located in the heart of Ottawa and is among the city’s renowned churreria and has since then been serving authentic Mexican dishes such as sandwiches, specialty coffees, and of course, churros.

They have been in the business back in 2013 upon noticing the lack of products and market when it comes to serving churros among many other Mexican-inspired dishes and beverages.

Customers can easily order their services on Uber Eats and Skip the Dishes which is ideal for clients who wish to enjoy their menu selection at the comfort of their homes.

The café has since then received praise from its customers due to its affordable pricing and incredibly consistent and delectable Mexican dishes may it be served in the establishment or delivered to their doorstep.

Overall, with impeccable customer service and an equally incredible array of authentic dishes, we highly recommend this café for locals in the area who are craving Churros and anything Mexican.

Customer Reviews

Here are some reviews from their clients:

“Awesome service, fair pricing and in time delivery. I ordered a Tres Leches Churro Cake, a Bites Box and three Tortas. The Churro Cake is amazing. The churros from the Bites Box are incredibly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The Tortas are so delicious. I totally recommend La Catrina.”

“Great service and they have the best churros! The Dulce the leche is to die for and we also really enjoy the tortas and the hot chocolate. They are the best!”

8. The Orleans Coffee Co.

SERVICES	Coffee shop, tea, baked goods
ADDRESS	6118 Vineyard Drive Orléans, ON K1C 2N6
CONTACT NUMBER	Contact them via their website
WEBSITE	https://www.orleanscoffee.ca/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday 6.30 AM – 7 PM Saturdays and Sundays 6.30 AM – 6 PM

Our experience with The Orleans Coffee Co. was a flavorful adventure from start to finish. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly service created a cozy environment for us to enjoy our coffee. The staff’s attentiveness enhanced the overall experience, making our visit a delightful one.

Efficiency is a strong suit at The Orleans Coffee Co. Our orders were promptly taken, and the wait time for our beverages was minimal. The streamlined service ensured that we could savor our coffee without unnecessary delays, contributing to the efficiency of our coffee shop experience.

Quality is paramount at The Orleans Coffee Co., evident in every sip. The coffee beans displayed a rich and robust flavor profile, highlighting a dedication to sourcing high-quality blends. The attention to detail in the brewing process showcased a commitment to delivering a consistently excellent cup of coffee, leaving a lasting impression on our taste buds.

The cost of our coffee indulgence at The Orleans Coffee Co. was reasonable, offering good value for the quality of beverages received. The transparent pricing and diverse menu options allowed us to choose drinks that suited our preferences without breaking the bank. The balance between cost and quality made our visit both satisfying and budget-friendly.

The Orleans Coffee Co. provides a welcoming space, efficient service, quality beverages, and reasonable prices. This coffee shop caters to both the casual coffee enthusiast and those seeking a comfortable spot to work or unwind.

9. 5:2:8 Creative Coffee Collective

SERVICES	Roasters, Coffee Club, Products, Gift Cards
ADDRESS	642 Somerset Street West Ottawa, ON K1R 5K4
CONTACT NUMBER	+1 613-276-8258 / admin@528creativecoffeecollective.ca
WEBSITE	https://www.528coffee.com/
OPERATING HOURS	Monday 7:55am – 2:58pm Tuesday 7:55am – 2:58pm Wednesday 7:55am – 2:58pm Thursday 7:55am – 2:58pm Friday 7:55am – 2:58pm Saturday 7:55am – 2:58pm Sunday 7:55am – 2:58pm

5:2:8 Creative Coffee Collective is a shop that offers clients a diverse range of coffee selections and products that is perfect just for any taste the client may have in terms of caffeine goodness. Open all days of the week, they are able to offer their customers roasts that are among the world’s best roasts.

We like that they are open at times as early as 5:28 am so that customers who need to get to work early on can easily drop by and have their coffee to start their day.

Furthermore, their café interior is also made to be relaxing and productive to better help their customers not only unwind but also work either to get things done or to better stimulate creative ideas among others.

They do have Coffee Club subscriptions available to purchase on their website but not that they charge their subscriptions on a weekly basis.

Nonetheless, with their sustainable system of giving back to the community, premium roasts, and accommodating and thought-provoking interior, we recommend them to clients in the area looking for a unique caffeine experience to start their day with.

Customer Reviews

Here is a review from their customer:

“Great coffee, plus it’s always something new. I love that there aren’t disposable coffee cups- great for the environment (but it means you have to plan in advance).”

FAQs About Coffee in Ottawa

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After reading this listicle, we hope that you get to enjoy the best coffee in Ottawa soon! And if you have other coffee shops or roasteries to recommend, we’d love to hear all about them.

If you’re visiting Ottawa for the first time, check out these other palatable offerings which we featured in our published articles:

• Best Ice Cream Shops in Ottawa
• Best Breweries in Ottawa
• Top Alcohol Delivery Services in Ottawa

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