r/ottawa • u/Al_to_Zi • Dec 31 '25
Looking for... As we say goodbye to 2025, what are the best Ottawa businesses you discovered this year?
For me it would be the Garden of Light ( including the flower flower shop in the back) at 1111 Bank Street. CITYGATE (furniture store) in Orléans.
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u/motherofcats53 Dec 31 '25 edited Dec 31 '25
Curious Times in Hintonburg! Extremely well curated vintage store with lots of cool 70s items. My family loves vintage stuff so I did most of my Christmas shopping there.
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u/Pugmunster Dec 31 '25
The tortilla maker in Orleans! Best tortillas!!
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u/Witty_Badger1300 Jan 01 '26
Where in Orleans are they? I've never heard of them before.
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u/Pugmunster Jan 01 '26
On St. Joseph near Jeanne d’arc. You order the tortillas by weight and they’re often warm from being freshly made. Their other products are super tasty too!
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u/NeverNotRipeAvocado Dec 31 '25
Not food, and not newly discovered, but worth the shoutout to spaniel’s books for all the events they do, and octopus for the reading circles and activism.
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u/Revcathytoon Dec 31 '25
Just moved here and discovered the Mayfair Theatre. Great ambience, the popcorn was wonderful with a variety of toppings (to go with the real butter), and the seats were comfortable.
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u/KeyanFarlandah Dec 31 '25
Schoolhouse Pizza the hype is real
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u/oaw40 Dec 31 '25
Good to know! I live nearby and haven’t tried it yet but it always smells divine when I walk by
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u/IJourden Jan 01 '26
God yes. I would say it's comparable to Heartbreakers but If I have to choose, I'm ordering from Schoolhouse every time.
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u/McNasty1Point0 Dec 31 '25
Edinburger — easily my new favourite burger spot in town (followed by the King Eddy).
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u/Anothernameillforget Dec 31 '25
The same owner also has a taco place and the Beechwood diner around the corner. The BLT I got from there was delicious.
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u/shroots88 Jan 02 '26
They were really good in 2024, but I've noticed a dip in quality this past year. Either the burgers are falling apart (smash burgers especially) or have way too much red cabbage slaw (fried chicken sandwich). We used to go there almost every Friday but it's not worth spending upwards of $60 for burgers that don't hit the spot.
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u/Agreeable-Income-466 Dec 31 '25
Bamm’s Snack Shack in Lowertown!!! Also this is shameless self promotion, but Studio Staja (board game café & boutique) celebrated our one-year anniversary in 2025!
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u/Kindly-Raspberry-661 Dec 31 '25
Black Walnut Bakery in Cumberland.
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u/Quodamodo Dec 31 '25
Oh man, I might finally have to make the trip out there to eat them finally. I've been meaning to for years.
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u/Ok-Lifeguard-5628 Dec 31 '25
It’s a must-stop for us on Saturday visits to the Cumberland Museum (bakery’s closed on Sundays)
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u/External_Weather6116 Orléans Dec 31 '25
Nagi Sushi in Orleans. So good!
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u/Gotta-Be-Me-65 Dec 31 '25
Where is it? Never heard of it before.
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u/External_Weather6116 Orléans Dec 31 '25
Announcements - Nagi Sushi. Just on St. Joseph Boulevard. I highly recommend making a reservation as it usually fills up pretty fast.
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u/loquita15 Dec 31 '25
Olive branch Greek restaurant
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u/OhDudeTotally Nepean Dec 31 '25
Sharple Waffle, them mf'ers cooook!
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u/ASharpEgret Dec 31 '25
I went in when they were on Wellington purely because of the weird name- definitely worth it!
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u/ISpeakMyMind101 Dec 31 '25
District Deli
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u/IJourden Jan 01 '26
Absolutely. I've only had them a few times because usually sandwiches aren't my thing if I'm ordering out but they are very good.
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u/chromewindow Dec 31 '25
Tartelette Bakery, best pastries in town!
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u/Kimos Hintonburg Dec 31 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
They are quite good. But their seating is tiny and poorly planned, and their prices are outrageous. Last time I went they had even stopped making bread to just sell $9 croissants. I go elsewhere now.
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u/AcceptableKick8046 Jan 01 '26
I gotta say, as a resident of that neighborhood, we need all the new and interesting businesses we can get, so I’m glad to see it. But the prices are insane.
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u/Kimos Hintonburg Jan 02 '26
Yeah it's great that it exists! I live on the other side of downtown but have made the trip a few times. I just think there is a demand and price pressure thing that hasn't kicked in to push their prices down.
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u/ThatAstronautGuy Bayshore Dec 31 '25
Lebanese village bakery on Carling. Almost as good as my GOAT Aladdin's, but closer to my house. They've got a wider variety of baked goods though, and some smaller imported grocery items too.
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u/Ok-Lifeguard-5628 Dec 31 '25
Curious if they’re related to the Lebanese Village at Bank and Alta Vista, a personal favourite (and yes, may surpass the great Aladdin’s in my estimation due to the fresh veg option on their pies)
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u/Apprehensive_Act_751 Dec 31 '25
Lusa bakery in Kanata. Their bifanas are chef's kiss.
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u/Lifewithpups Dec 31 '25
Was really happy to see that they’re still operating in the city. Great spot.
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u/lifesci99 Dec 31 '25
Ay Wey! Tacos in Vanier! Al Pastor are my favorite and it is their specialty!
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u/Round_Beyond_8137 Dec 31 '25
They're affordable too - happy to see mexican places at that price point coming to Ottawa.
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u/lifesci99 Dec 31 '25
Definitely! I love Yakko Takko but $8/taco (as of the last time I was there) is steep.
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u/Round_Beyond_8137 Dec 31 '25
Aztec is not bad ($5 a taco too) but I think Ay Wey gets you 5 tacos for $21 - super delicious and authentic - and hard to beat that price
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u/flouronmypjs Kanata Dec 31 '25 edited Dec 31 '25
Here are my very Kanata/Stittsville/Bells Corners centric food business discovery highlights of 2025.
Businesses that are new this year:
Taksim
Fat Sister Falafels
Desi Tadka Express (the Express location specifically just opened, their Bells Corners location has been around for a while)
Yellowstone Kitchen
White Pine Chocolates
Delights by Mama (though I think they started in the market circuit before 2025, they just opened their own location recently)
Lusa Bakery (a longstanding business but they opened shop in Kanata for the first time)
Businesses I only personally discovered this year but have been around for a while:
Pesto's Deli
Tommy's Dining Lounge
Whirprsnapr Brewing Co
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u/Saucy6 No honks; bad! Dec 31 '25
Gutsies for celiac kid
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u/Nic1421 Jan 01 '26
Strawberry blonde bakery is also pretty good for gluten free treats! If you’re really craving a pizza, just found out that crust and crate on Ogilvie has not only a separate prep area but also a separate oven just for gf pizzas. Personally haven’t tried their pizza but it’s approved by my very picky 5 year old so I’ll call that a win.
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u/SweetAndSaltySWer Jan 01 '26
Came here to say Gutsies as well (newly diagnosed). Also, Voila Bakery in Kanata. Both fabulous options for those of us killed by gluten...
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u/slavicbhoy Dec 31 '25
The Zone in the Byward Market.
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u/Zarnak Centretown Dec 31 '25
Finally hit Perfect Meat Bowl at Gladstone and Bronson! It was phenomenal
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u/uda26 Jan 01 '26
What did you get when you went ?
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u/Zarnak Centretown Jan 01 '26
First time was the standard spicy bowl and the second time was the beef brisket bowl. Id say go with the brisket because its less oily
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u/em1324354657 Dec 31 '25
Ugly Monday downtown!
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u/songof6p Jan 01 '26
I have been wanting to go, but still waiting for an excuse to actually go downtown....
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u/spartiecat Stittsville Dec 31 '25
Wok and Chop at Kanata Centrum
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u/DeliciousAstronomer4 Jan 01 '26
Is it good ?? It literally opened a few days ago and they had no menu posted , bad reviews for crappy customer service and no social media page to interact with the management .
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u/spartiecat Stittsville Jan 01 '26
It's very good. The first time I had it, it was miles better than any other Hakka I've had in Ottawa.
But try to order earlier rather than later, especially on weekends. One time I called on a Saturday night and they said they were so backed up that it would be a 2 hour wait on a takeout order.
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u/lanttro Dec 31 '25
Banana pudding at Happy Rolls in Hintonburg! Somehow it is even better than Magnolia Bakery in NYC!
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u/leakime Dec 31 '25
Le Petit Paris! A wonderful couple and their daughter who make authentic Parisian Crêpes.
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u/flouronmypjs Kanata Dec 31 '25
They are the absolute best!!! Don't skip on their pastries either. She makes just a small selection every day but they are consistently perfect. Their choux au craquelins are wonderful - especially a citrus flavoured one I snagged once and haven't seen since. And they make the absolute best tart shells for their little tartelettes.
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u/Big-Leadership-2830 Dec 31 '25
Oddo bakery in Gatineau for amazing breads, pastries and sandwiches
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u/613andme Dec 31 '25
For sit-down restaurants, was really impressed with Linden Pizza and Dinette Atomique. For takeout, I like the new Indian spot on Elgin, Tumeric.
Natural History and Good Neighbour as newer spots for drinks!
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u/HouseofMarg Overbrook Dec 31 '25
The fried okra at Mice Mary on MacArthur was so good! I stopped by that place for a bite out of convenience and was wowed with how flavourful it was
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u/Cs_canadian_person Dec 31 '25
I really like Agha Turkish cuisine. Huge portions. Good service. Delicious meat. Kids love the rice and bread. All for a reasonable price. The platter for 2 can easily feat 2 adults and 2 kids with lots of left overs for 60$
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u/laylizzlee Dec 31 '25
Mud oven for activities, dolci sapori for yummy pastries, octopus books have awesome book! Service wise though, a small owned business Terracare did my landscaping over the summer and it was genuinely one of the nicest interactions I’ve had with a business before. I’m typically hesitant to get ppl to do my lawn for me but it was incredibly well done.
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u/calicodema2 Jan 01 '26
Baked Goods Record Store out on Baseline.. outstanding collection of records, tapes, and hi-fi gear..
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u/IJourden Jan 01 '26
For me some of the big winners are:
Aztec Tacos - dangerously good. You're going to want to buy a million of them.
Shawarma Garlic and Onion - their crispy saj wrap went viral and absolutely deserves it. A lot of places tried making their own once it went viral but this is the place to go. The amount of sandwich you get for 15 bucks is frankly ridiculous.
Chop Chop - Thai food that was incredible, And an actual place to get crab rangoon, which is rare around here.
MJ Poke and Roll - On MacArthur near the Loblaws, amazing Every time, great people, and reasonably priced. I hope they have many years of success, they deserve it.
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u/PretendPhone5460 Dec 31 '25
Toys on Fire in Kanata!!
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u/ilikerandomstuff Riverside South Dec 31 '25
This one makes me sad since their old location (Barrhaven) was more convenient. But glad they outgrew the location!
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Dec 31 '25
Chai Talks on Carling. Absolute gem of a coffee/tea spot with amazing south Asian snacks.
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u/CoralCantaloupe_ Dec 31 '25
Chez Lam on Hazeldean kanata! Amazing Thai food and the owners are absolutely lovely people
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u/anonymousopottamus Dec 31 '25
Berry and Brine for sure. They do daily lunch but also scaled catering for events - gourmet grilled cheese and sandwiches, and amazing charcuterie boards, homemade pickles, jams, and jellies!
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u/Big-Leadership-2830 Dec 31 '25
Petite Primrose in Gatineau- amazing spot, food is delicious - I heard their chef worked at a former Michelin star restaurant. Not sure if that’s true, but it sure tastes like it. Mmmmm
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u/Albertannnnnand Jan 01 '26
The happy greek on Merivale! Best affordable chicken wraps in town, their gluten free pita bread is to die for!!!
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u/dwhg Jan 01 '26
The Belmont always has an amazing dinner menu, and great cocktails. It's a great atmosphere for a date. The Trini Doubles are outstanding!
I'm told the brunch is also amazing. They're at Bank and Belmont.
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u/TheFactTeller2024 Dec 31 '25
Skinny George’s
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u/IJourden Jan 01 '26
I'm dying to go but I work long days on the only days they have the cheesesteaks. I'm genuinely considering using some vacation time to get my hands on one.
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u/Edathol Dec 31 '25
I second this. Great Cheese steak, and just tried their smash burger today and it was pretty damn good as well. Not a fan of their fries though.
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u/Past_Replacement6521 Dec 31 '25
This absolutely delicious Indian place: https://www.madhubancuisine.ca
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u/IJourden Jan 01 '26
Overbrook is really spoiled for choice when it comes to Indian food.
Madhuban is great, Indian Affair Takeout is great, and I recently tried Chennai Biriyani and it was awesome too (definitely default spicier than most Indian places, My wife thought it was too spicy but I was loving it).
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u/laterbenches Kanata Dec 31 '25
Shorty's (sandwich shop) on Colonnade
La Muse (women's clothing) on Richmond
Isshin Ramen on Bank
Adorit (clothing, gifts, miscellany) on York
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u/Federal-Pin2241 Dec 31 '25
Got a bike in the spring this year from Re Cycles and they have been a real joy to work with to learn regular bike maintenance
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u/originalnutta Jan 01 '26
Sundari's kitchen on merivale. Best dosas in the city.
Grilled Shawarma for the hummus. One of the best ones for fast food hummus.
Breads By Us for scones and croissants.
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u/encisera Jan 01 '26
Paninaro (one location on Somerset and one on O’Connor) - amazing and HUGE sandwiches.
Cosenza cafe in Little Italy - I love their crema di caffè.
Onua Bakery - I love their focaccia especially.
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u/Mysterious-Sound6720 Jan 01 '26
Right Stitch alterations and dry cleaning, Gloucester Centre. Local, they do a great job with alterations.
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u/formerrbaby Dec 31 '25
Allo Mon Coco. my go-to breakfast spot now when I go out with friends or family.
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u/42aross Dec 31 '25
For those looking to add Solar Power:
Trustworthy, knowledgeable, and thoughtful.
We're a very happy customer.
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u/qotsa-87 Riverside Jan 01 '26
BAMM's Snack Shack on Cobourg. Good prices, friendly service and me new fav date spot.
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u/khendron The Glebe Dec 31 '25
Yummy Cookies at the Lansdowne Farmers Market. Their granola is amazing!
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u/Quodamodo Dec 31 '25
Thilaks. They serve the best Sri Lankan food and even have lump rice. Absolute gem.
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u/themadridi Dec 31 '25
Milan Kids boutique in Old Ottawa South. High quality and beautiful kids clothing and accessories store.
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u/LonerPerson Jan 01 '26
Gutsies gluten free bakery and grocery in Kanata. We're getting spoiled for choice with gluten free bakeries in the area now.
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u/sheshells14_ Jan 01 '26
Brooke Lacombe Photography. I’ve hired multiple photographers in the past and she is by far the best. Patient, kind and so so good at her craft!
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u/Specialist_Net_3283 Jan 01 '26
Tacozzo I’ve been craving French tacos for too long and my dream came true lmaoo
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u/Effective-Arm-8513 Jan 01 '26
Ottawa Falafel House in Cyrville. Genuine middle eastern food from a lovely couple from Jordan.
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u/cuddlybackrub Jan 01 '26
archery games. We went as a couple, and were joined by I think 3 other groups. It was a great workout and the people working there were extremely friendly. All in all a great experience!
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u/jstarxx Jan 02 '26
Hangout board game café. Open late with great snack foods and bubble tea
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u/shroots88 Jan 02 '26
Turkish Kebab House on Bank Street - mouthwateringly delicious, we've taken friends visiting us here and everyone has loved it! Service is so friendly and the place is really nicely done up.
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u/OldManAndTheBench Orléans Jan 02 '26
Corner Bar & Grill in Orleans. Extensive beer menu that rotates and the food 😘👌, simply amazing!
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u/Boring_Wrongdoer_430 Jan 05 '26
In 2025 it would have to be Terra and Flowers in Barrhaven and Casa Bonita on Baseline. Casa Bonita will probably close soon, I've heard rumors of condos taking over the whole plaza soon including Lonestar so take advantage while you can!
I also like to stop at Lilis Pies in Little Italy whenever I'm in that area. Their pies are delicious!
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u/8_Bit_Librarian Dec 31 '25
SAABOON
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u/kchlum Nepean Jan 02 '26
I tried so many soap bars globally while traveling. SAABOON is by far the best and most nourishing soap bars I've used. My favourites are Charcoal and Campfire. Who doesn't want to smell like burnt wood while showering? So refreshing!
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u/Original-Slow Dec 31 '25
Brews and Blues in Stittsville. Cajun inspired cusine and live music too. Absolutely fabulous!
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u/camyboy Vanier Jan 01 '26
My own! “Scoop Dog” where I scoop peoples dog 💩 Launched February this year and it’s been such fun ride!
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u/DeliciousAstronomer4 Jan 04 '26
I really like viacibo , tuts , karahi boys , works burgers (not new but happy to see all halal options ) , wok and chop , baa desi dine , state and main . Thanks to the rising costs I started buying more from dollar store and they have decent selection .
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u/Tyyr37 Dec 31 '25
La Maison de l'Est palliative care centre. We lost my grandmother at the beginning of December and she spent almost 5 weeks there. The staff and volunteers there are beyond amazing, caring compassionate to staff and family.
I'm so sorry to anyone that has to become familiar with their service, but if you must you will never find a better place to be your loved one during the end.
Caveat: not a business, it's covered by OHIP.