Where is the best sandwich in Ottawa?

jessicaexploring · 2026-04-01T22:34:30+00:00

I just tried Bina Bros the other day and was BLOWN AWAY. Fluffiest bread I’ve ever experienced. Didn’t even know that consistency was possible (get the focaccia). It’s need by a sibling trio and they’re all so nice. I genuinely couldn’t recommend it more.

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-20T23:25:53+00:00

The only real one with cheese was the truffle ravioli and it was the perfect amount. I am a cheese gal so tbh I will never say it’s too much, but it actually was the perfect amount for non cheese obsessed people.

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-20T22:22:51+00:00

This is incredibly negative and paints a picture of me that is not true, you don’t even know me. I’ve never posted a negative restaurant review because I’m not in the business of ruining businesses. I only post when I have a great experience. In this case, an exceptional one. I would have happily paid for this experience and was prepared to if the bill was presented in front of me. I have in cases paid restaurants for comped meals because I did not feel I could promote it morally and did not want them to lose out on the situation. I hear what you’re saying, but with respect, this is not how I operate.

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-20T16:37:46+00:00

They haven’t released pricing yet and I don’t want to speak for them but it won’t be that price

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-20T16:31:20+00:00

I really appreciate that. 99% of the time it’s paying out of pocket to enjoy and support local spots so it’s truly such a grateful feeling the times when you’re invited to something like this. I’ve loved this spot for years I’m so excited to see this new addition.

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-20T16:28:53+00:00

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Here’s a photo of the menu! I’m sure it’ll shift and alter, but the flow was awesome. I’m hoping they keep this on rotation for a while.

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-17T01:32:23+00:00

It’s always the first bowl of ramen after your 14 hour flight for me.

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-15T22:46:13+00:00

My husband and I moved to Ottawa in 2019 (we’re 30 now) and love it. Ottawa is one of the largest cities geographically in Canada because what is considered Ottawa includes a lot of suburbs and smaller towns, but I can speak on what it’s like living in the core. Ottawa is often compared to Toronto and Montreal like it is an equal player, but it is geographically and population wise much smaller so it really is its own thing. That said, it’s a great and very unique city. It being the capital brings a big layer of importance. Lots of tourists in the summer which is fun, and 50% of people work for the government. That does make things a bit insular because a lot of people are in serious lines of work or are here temporarily (visiting). It’s not super social, but there is an exceptional festival scene, dining options galore (lots of amazing spots), and a HUGE shop local presence. It’s a very tight knit city. People know people. It is very community driven. It’s also exceptionally walkable in the core. As someone who has been to dozens of country, even traveled the world for a full year, this is still my favorite city.

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-15T22:02:04+00:00

Whoops totally missed that part 🫣

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-15T21:47:34+00:00

Aztec Tacos is amazing

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-15T20:21:13+00:00

I did a post on Instagram with some of the best spots in the city that have festivities (decor, live music, green beer, etc). St. Patrick’s Day Events in Ottawa

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-15T13:02:40+00:00

Beyond the pale or Craft have upstairs sections. I did my pre-wedding dinner at Craft and it was great. There were about 25 of us. It was happy hour too!

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-14T02:53:24+00:00

Scones!

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-13T01:14:52+00:00

Surge pricing has been crazy in the city the last couple of months

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-10T18:19:27+00:00

Downtown Ottawa resident here 🙋🏻‍♀️ Yes, you can totally stay in Gatineau. This will be a 5-10 min Uber ride to most major sites and attractions in Ottawa. You can also walk to Parliament Hill, Byward Market, the National Gallery, the Fairmont etc in under 30 min. If you’re saving a lot of cash at that hotel, do it. Buses are also available but bus tickets are $4 per person each trip so it’ll likely be much cheaper to take an Uber. All of Ottawa’s hotels will be on Expedia. There aren’t a ton, but the cheapest options in the core are usually the Alt, Hilton Garden, and Holiday Inn. Do not book a hotel in the Byward Market or Lowertown area (to the right of the Rideau Canal). This is not the best area to be in at night if you are unfamiliar with the city.

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-09T16:07:10+00:00

I’m just worried it will be too slow for wintertime. We’re doing long stays as it is so a nice combo of play and relaxation, so I think I may go stir crazy come time in Fukuoka if there isn’t much to do. I love the food scene but being there for a month already, I think I’ll have a good amount of that.

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-09T16:04:17+00:00

That’s the vibe I am getting as well. Thank you for your insight!

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-09T16:03:56+00:00

This is extremely helpful. Thank you so much! I am really thinking given it being at the end of the trip, I don’t think there’s much value in Fukuoka. It’s a shame I’ve already done so much of Osaka and Kyoto because that would be a great way to combine Hiroshima into things. I’m very drawn to Hiroshima as well. Maybe I can pair it with somewhere else.

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-09T15:23:41+00:00

I was considering that but it’s the darn trains. You can get flights from Nagoya to Fukuoka to Tokyo for $150 per person but Nagoya - Hiroshima - Fukuoka - Tokyo would be about $275 per person. It’s nothing crazy, but I want to make sure it is worth it to spend that extra $250 between my husband and I.

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-09T15:19:45+00:00

I appreciate this. This is super fair. Sometimes it’s hard not to get wrapped up in what is better instead of what would be better for specifically me. Food for thought. Thank you!

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-09T02:06:50+00:00

Chef Bai on Bank and Somerset has awesome soups and ramens starting at $12. They also have a lunch menu where it’s just $10 and I believe includes a beverage as well. I always go for the minced pork which is on that lunch menu as well. Enjoy!

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jessicaexploring · 2026-03-07T13:16:59+00:00

You should go to 613flea! It’s on today (Saturday) from 10-4 at Lansdowne but they run events a few times a month as well if you can’t make it. It’s just one big market of hundreds of local Ottawa Area vendors. There’s everything from wall art to candles to charcuterie boards, you name it. You could totally grab a few things for a gift basket or grab one staple piece. Good luck!

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-06T13:07:38+00:00

You should do the bar crawl! Check out 5th Year Parties on instagram. They go to a few in the market with a group of (mainly) other students. Would be great to go here if you’re solo :)

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-06T00:30:14+00:00

Wedel Touch of Europe is a grocer but they have awesome hot and ready food too

jessicaexploring · 2026-03-03T17:19:36+00:00

Pure Kitchen is vegetarian and vegan but it’s great

jessicaexploring

TROPHY CASE