Things to see and things to do…
Rosie Sabbagh • Posted: 11-07-2023
Summer weather is finally on its way, as we see hot and sunny days throughout the rest of the season! As we mostly stay indoors during a good part of the fall, and the winter, summer is the season to try new things outdoors, which also means eating lots of food and discovering what our local communities have to offer. Ottawa’s diverse communities allow for a taste of different cultures’ best food. Union Local 613, Coconut Lagoon, Mr. B’s Osteria, Fauna Food & Bar, and SemSem can be great examples of some diverse restaurants to try out this summer.
1. Union Local 613
Union Local 613 Copyright ©
Union Local 613, located at 315 Somerset St w, with over 900 Google reviews, and a 4 star rating, offers a wide variety of southern dishes. From Southern Fried Escargots to Slow braised beef briskets, you will be sure to feel the South from the ambiance and atmosphere of the place. Although quite pricey, you will feel that your money is well spent as Union Local 613, take 100% of its profits which goes to the food bank as they believe, “everyone should eat”.
By supporting local restaurants and businesses, we strengthen our communities, and create new jobs, and profits which go back to the neighbourhood, as we see Union Local 613 does.
2. Coconut Lagoon
Ottawa Tourism Copyright ©
Coconut Lagoon is located at 853 St. Laurent Blvd, with almost 1.7K Google reviews and a 4.5 star rating. They stand by their ratings as they serve seafood, coconut and spices, featuring south Indian cuisine, specifically from the parts of Kerala. This place will keep you on your toes as they create customized menus for special events, and offer wonderful pairings of wine and cocktails to go along with any meal.
Despite their devastating fire, which forced them to focus on their team, neighbourhood, and cuisine and the pandemic, it had forced the business to make many changes, including health reasons, like sharing spoons and crowding. While they used to incorporate buffet-style meals, they realized that as it created food loss, eliminating as much waste as possible was a top priority for them.
3. Mr. B’s Osteria
Restaurant Guru Copyright ©
Mr. B’s Osteria, located at 2446 Bank St, with over 400 Google reviews and a 4.5 star rating, is a traditional Italian bistro that brings its culture to you. They offer a wide variety of Italian dishes, from soup to pasta, and bread to seafood. Italy is coming to you as you purchase their dressings, and soaps made in Italy. Their soaps can be used in the bathroom or kitchen, are made with natural, 100% vegetarian ingredients, and are stated to be animal cruelty-free.
4. Fauna Food + Bar
Fauna Food & Bar Copyright ©
Fauna Food & Bar, located on 425 Bank Street, has over 800 Google reviews, and a 4.4 star rating, it offers a seasonal menu, as they support local farmers and produce as much as possible. In the heart of downtown, this restaurant is compromised of inspired dishes of “where it’s located, places in seen, and things they’d do” according to their website. Some dishes may include, raw oysters, burrata, burgers, and pasta. They also offer a wide variety of drinks, and even a wine cellar.
5. SemSem
TripAdvisor Copyright ©
SemSem is a middle eastern traditional restaurant, located at 2430 Bank St, with over 900 Google reviews and a 4.5 star rating. This family-owned business provides you with dishes that offer you a sense of the middle east, as they create homemade and fresh baked goods, tea, coffee, desserts, and authentic breakfasts. Hidden in the name of the restaurants, you can find sesame in almost everything you eat. Between zaatar, labneh, falafel, hummus, sesame tea, and sesame coffee, they offer creative dishes to make you feel at home.
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(n.d.). Coconut Lagoon: home. Retrieved July 9, 2023, from https://coconutlagoon.ca
(n.d.). Union Local 613. Retrieved July 9, 2023, from https://www.union613.ca
(n.d.). Fauna Ottawa Restaurant | Food + Bar | Centretown Bank Street. Retrieved July 9, 2023, from http://www.faunaottawa.ca
(n.d.). Semsem: Home. Retrieved July 9, 2023, from https://www.semsem.ca
Coconut Lagoon Restaurant. (n.d.). Ottawa Tourism. Retrieved July 9, 2023, from https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/coconut-lagoon-restaurant
Mr. B’s Osteria. (n.d.). MrBsOttawa – MrBsOttawa. Retrieved July 9, 2023, from https://mrbsottawa.com
Mr. B’s Osteria in Ottawa – Restaurant menu and reviews. (2023, June 10). Restaurant Guru. Retrieved July 9, 2023, from https://restaurantguru.com/Mr-Bs-March-House-Restaurant-Ottawa-3
SEMSEM, Ottawa – Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices – Tripadvisor. (n.d.). TripAdvisor. Retrieved July 9, 2023, from https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g155004-d13293582-Reviews-Semsem-Ottawa_Ontario.html