Best of Ottawa 2020: Late night eats

?After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss #OLMBest every week!

Yang Sheng Chinese Restaurant — 662 Somerset Street West

Yang Sheng Chinese Restaurant is located in the heart of Ottawa’s Chinatown. Well known for their Cantonese and Szechuan Specialities, this restaurant never fails to disappoint. With a large variety of dim-sum and stir fry dishes, Yang Sheng is perfect for those who enjoy southern Chinese cuisine, or those looking for a late night meal. The restaurant is open every night for takeout until 12 a.m.
Photo credit: UberEats

Shawarma Palace — 464 Rideau Street

If you enjoy authentic Middle Eastern falafel, hummus, and chicken, this is the spot for you. Shawarma Palace has its roots in traditional Lebanese cuisine and offers a wide selection of Lebanese food. The restaurant is popular with families, university students, government employees, and international travellers. The downtown location is open for takeout until 1a.m.
Photo credit: Shawarma Palace Facebook

Elgin Street Diner —  374 Elgin Street

If you are longing to try authentic Canadian poutine why not have it for breakfast! Elgin Street Diner is the place to go. Located in the downtown core of Ottawa, the diner is famous for their hangover breakfast that comes with poutine. The Diner is perfect for anyone craving a late-night meal — it's open 24 hours for takeout.
Photo: tripadvisor.ca

New Pho Bo Ga La — 763 Somerset Street West

While many late-night Pho restaurants exist in Ottawa’s Chinatown, New Pho Bo Ga La is by far the best. The restaurant is distinguished by its generous portions and delicious flavour. If you find yourself in Chinatown during the late hours of the night, we highly recommend that you give this place a try. The restaurant is open every night for takeout until 2 a.m.
Photo: UberEats

Smokes Poutinerie Ottawa — 407 Dalhousie Street

It might not be what the doctored ordered but Smokes really hits the spot after a night out on the town. The self-proclaimed artery clogging fare is conveniently located in the ByWard Market and ready to serve up its pipping hot fries, cheese curds and original gravy.
Photo: Smokes Facebook

Small Street Restaurant —1792 Bank Street

If you are searching for an authentic Northern Chinese food, Small Street Restaurant is the answer to your prayers. Specializing in Chinese street style BBQ, spicy BBQ fried vegetables, and the famous northern Dry Pot, this place is so original that it makes one feel as if they are eating at a popular food stall in China. Open every night until 1 a.m., it's perfect for those looking for late night takeout.
Photo: Yelp.ca

Mati — 428 Preston Street

Located in Ottawa’s little Italy neighbourhood, Mati is a fine dining restaurant offering a variety of seafood combinations with deep Mediterranean flavours. Locals rave about the restaurant’s lobster tacos, juicy oysters, and most notably their famous grilled calamari. Pairs your dish with one of their well specialty cocktails, like their famous cucumber sour or mango margarita. If you are looking for enjoy a late dinner on the beautifully lit patio, visit Mati any-time on the weekend until 10 p.m.
Photo: Mati Facebook

Pub 101 — 101 York Street

Well known with university students in Ottawa, Pub 101 serves up well-price fare until the early morning hours. There are plenty of options on their $6.91 menu that you can wash down with a pint from the $5.51 beer menu. For an extra loonie and a dime, upgrade your beer to a premium draft!
Photo: pub101.com

Sugar Marmalade — 180 Rideau Street

Inspired by the classical tastes of Hong Kong, Sugar Marmalade specializes in exquisite late-night desserts. The menu consists of traditional Asian dessert flavours, such as matcha, black sesame, durian, and taro. Sugar Marmalade is also known for its famous chicken and rice or beef noodle dishes. They are open for takeout during the week until 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on weekends.
Photo: Sugar Marmalade Facebook 

Kettleman’s Bagel Co — various locations

Craving a late-night bagel but not sure where to go? Kettleman’s is your place. The restaurant has several locations across the downtown and in suburban Ottawa. Apart from their world-renowned Montréal-style bagels, you can also select one of their layered deli sandwiches, salads, or baked goods. Each location is open 24/7 for takeout.
Photo: Kettleman’s Bagel Facebook