Choice business lunch spots in Ottawa’s Westboro Village

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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

1
337 Richmond Rd, Ottawa ON K2A 0E7

Gezellig 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

2
275 Richmond Rd, Ottawa ON K1Z 6X3

Family-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

3
295 Richmond Rd, Ottawa ON K1Z 6X3

This 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

4
357 Richmond Rd, Ottawa ON K2A 0E7

If 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

5
344 Richmond Rd, Ottawa ON K2A 0E8

Check 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.

Whether you're craving traditional vanilla or aiming to expand your horizons of taste sensations, the city offers many downtown ice cream shops through to picturesque village destinations nearby. Aficionados know to celebrate summer throughout the year: most of these destinations offer tasty treats even in wintertime, so you can reminisce about heat waves as snowflakes fall.
As we know, requirements for business lunches vary. Sometimes a quiet place to chat is just the ticket. Or might you prefer a vibrant, happening spot? What about a quiet Thai or Indian restaurant? Happily, Lowertown’s colourful ByWard Market neighbourhood serves up a menu of varied taste opportunities, and the farmers market welcomes chefs who shop for the freshest ingredients.
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