There are few things better than a warm summer evening in Ottawa with a cold drink in hand.
Whether you're craving an ice-cold craft beer, a refreshing glass of wine, a pitcher of sangria, or a creative cocktail, Ottawa's patio scene comes alive during the summer months. From waterfront views and rooftop lounges to lively restaurant terraces and hidden neighbourhood gems, the city has no shortage of great places to enjoy a drink outdoors.
If you're looking to make the most of patio season, here are some of the best spots in Ottawa for summer beers, wine, sangria, and good vibes.
🍷 Little Italy: Ottawa's Patio Capital
When locals think of patios, Preston Street is usually one of the first places that comes to mind.
During the summer, Little Italy transforms into one giant outdoor dining destination.
Favourite Spots
Mati
A stylish patio known for:
Excellent wine list
Creative cocktails
Mediterranean-inspired menu
Trendy atmosphere
Pub Italia
A Little Italy classic featuring:
Extensive beer selection
Large patio
Relaxed atmosphere
Great people-watching
La Roma
Perfect for:
Sangria
Italian wine
Casual summer dinners
Late-night drinks
One of the biggest advantages of Little Italy is the energy. The patios are always buzzing, especially on warm weekends.
🌊 Tavern on the Falls
If you're looking for one of the most unique patio experiences in Ottawa, it's hard to beat Tavern on the Falls.
Located near the Chaudière Falls, you'll enjoy:
Ottawa River views
Craft beer
Local food vendors
Sunset scenery
Casual outdoor atmosphere
It's one of the most underrated summer drinking spots in the city.
🍺 Beyond the Pale Brewing Company
Ottawa's craft beer scene continues to grow, and Beyond the Pale remains one of the local favourites.
Why people love it:
Rotating craft beers
Spacious patio
Relaxed environment
Local brewery experience
A great choice for beer lovers looking to try something beyond the standard pint.
🍹 Tavern at the Gallery
Located beside the National Gallery of Canada, this patio combines drinks with some of Ottawa's most iconic views.
Highlights include:
Parliament views
Ottawa River scenery
Wine and cocktails
Elevated patio atmosphere
Perfect for date nights or visitors exploring downtown.
🍷 Corner Peach
A favourite among foodies and wine enthusiasts.
Known for:
Curated wine selection
Seasonal menu
Intimate patio
Excellent service
If you're looking for a more sophisticated wine experience, this is one of Ottawa's best options.
🌇 Copper Spirits & Sights
Located on one of Ottawa's highest rooftop patios, Copper Spirits & Sights offers incredible views of the downtown skyline.
Popular for:
Cocktails
Wine
Date nights
Sunset drinks
The rooftop setting makes it one of the most sought-after patio experiences in the city.
🍻 Mill Street Brew Pub
Located in the historic ByWard Market area, Mill Street combines craft beer with waterfront charm.
Visitors enjoy:
Large patio
Local brews
River views
Historic setting
A summer staple for many Ottawa residents.
🌳 Umbrella Bar at Dow's Lake
One of Ottawa's most iconic summer patios.
Reasons to visit:
Waterfront location
Sangria and cocktails
Casual atmosphere
Paddleboard and kayak views
Sunset scenery
After a walk around Dow's Lake, it's the perfect place to grab a drink and relax.
🍸 Riviera
For those looking for a more upscale experience, Riviera remains one of Ottawa's premier dining and cocktail destinations.
Expect:
Craft cocktails
Premium wines
Elegant atmosphere
Downtown location
A great choice for special occasions.
🍹 The Belmont
Located on Bank Street, The Belmont has built a reputation for excellent cocktails and a lively patio atmosphere.
Known for:
Sangria
Summer cocktails
Trendy crowd
Great brunch options
A favourite among young professionals.
🌞 Local Public Eatery (Lansdowne)
Lansdowne comes alive during the summer, and Local Public Eatery is right in the middle of the action.
Perfect for:
Watching sports
Beer with friends
Large groups
Casual summer afternoons
The people-watching alone is worth the visit.
🍺 Kichesippi Beer Co.
One of Ottawa's best-known local breweries.
The patio offers:
Fresh local beer
Relaxed atmosphere
Food pairings
Community feel
A must-visit for craft beer fans.
🍷 Best Areas for Patio Hopping
If you're looking to visit multiple patios in one afternoon or evening, consider:
Little Italy
Arguably Ottawa's best patio district.
ByWard Market
Tons of bars, restaurants, and outdoor seating.
Elgin Street
Great mix of casual and upscale options.
Westboro
Excellent patios with a slightly more relaxed vibe.
Lansdowne
Perfect for sports fans and larger groups.
My Perfect Ottawa Patio Day
If I were planning the ultimate summer patio day, it might look something like this:
Afternoon
☀️ Walk around Dow's Lake
🍹 Sangria at Umbrella Bar
Dinner
🍝 Patio dining in Little Italy
🍷 Bottle of wine at Mati
Evening
🌇 Rooftop cocktails at Copper Spirits & Sights
It's hard to beat that on a warm Ottawa summer evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best patio in Ottawa?
It depends on what you're looking for, but Umbrella Bar, Copper Spirits & Sights, Mati, Tavern on the Falls, and Mill Street are consistently among the most popular.
Where can I get sangria in Ottawa?
Many patios in Little Italy, The Belmont, Umbrella Bar, and several ByWard Market restaurants offer excellent sangria options.
What is the best rooftop patio in Ottawa?
Copper Spirits & Sights is widely considered one of Ottawa's top rooftop patios thanks to its skyline views.
Which neighbourhood has the best patio scene?
Little Italy is arguably Ottawa's patio capital, followed closely by the ByWard Market, Elgin Street, Lansdowne, and Westboro.
Are waterfront patios available in Ottawa?
Yes. Umbrella Bar, Tavern on the Falls, and Mill Street all offer excellent waterfront experiences.
What is the best patio for craft beer?
Beyond the Pale, Kichesippi Beer Co., and Mill Street are all great choices for local craft beer enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
Patio season is one of the best parts of summer in Ottawa, and the city offers something for every type of drinker. Whether you're enjoying sangria by the water at Dow's Lake, sampling craft beer at a local brewery, sharing a bottle of wine in Little Italy, or watching the sunset from a rooftop patio downtown, there's no shortage of incredible places to enjoy the season.
The challenge isn't finding a great patio—it's deciding which one to visit first.
Cheers to another Ottawa summer.
