The ByWard Market was established in 1827 and is, per its district authority, home to more than 500 businesses. This guide covers a market hall, an Italian grocer, a 40-year-old diner, a steak-and-seafood room, a brewery taproom and afternoon tea next door at the Château Laurier, with hours from each business’s own site.
Updated Oct. 31, 2026 · 6 places
| Place | What | Address |
|---|---|---|
| ByWard Market Heritage Hall | Year-round public market | 55 ByWard Market Square |
| La Bottega Nicastro | Italian market, café, sandwiches | 64 George St. |
| Zak’s Diner | All-day breakfast diner | 14 ByWard Market Square |
| Restaurant e18hteen | Steak and seafood | 18 York St. |
| Beyond the Pale (ByWard Taproom) | Ottawa craft brewery | Clarendon Courtyard (Ottawa Tourism) |
| Zoe’s | Afternoon tea, cocktails | Fairmont Château Laurier |
1. ByWard Market Heritage Hall
The indoor hall at 55 ByWard Market Square is open year-round. Between November and early January the ByWard Winter Market festival brings the outdoor market back, per the district authority; from May to October, the York Street outdoor market and George Street Vendor Village run Wednesday to Sunday.
Order: Graze, then buy local products to take home · Area: ByWard Market Square
2. La Bottega Nicastro
An Italian market, café and restaurant at 64 George Street. Ottawa Tourism points to its “famous sandwiches”; the shop marks “30 years of authenticity.”
Order: A sandwich for lunch; pasta, cheese and olive oil to go · Area: George Street
3. Zak’s Diner
Ottawa’s all-day breakfast diner since 1986, turning 40 in 2026. The ByWard location opens 7 a.m. daily, until 11 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday, midnight Thursday, and 24 hours Friday and Saturday, per its Google listing.
Order: Pancakes, burgers and a milkshake · Area: ByWard Market Square
4. Restaurant e18hteen
Steak and seafood at 18 York Street, with executive chef Matty Allen. Open daily, 4:30 to 10:30 p.m., per its Google listing.
Order: Miso-glazed black cod, which the restaurant features · Area: York Street
5. Beyond the Pale
Brewing in Ottawa since 2012. Alongside its City Centre taproom and brewery, it runs a ByWard Taproom, which Ottawa Tourism places in the Clarendon Courtyard.
Order: A flight of whatever is pouring · Area: Clarendon Courtyard
6. Zoe’s at the Fairmont Château Laurier
A short walk from the market, the hotel’s Zoe’s serves an afternoon tea it describes as a modern twist on high tea, with English scones, open-faced sandwiches and sweets.
Order: Afternoon tea · Area: Rideau Street
FAQ
How old is the ByWard Market?
It was established by Lt-Col. John By in 1827, per the ByWard Market District Authority.
Is the ByWard Market open in December?
The Heritage Hall is open year-round, and the ByWard Winter Market festival runs from November to early January.
Where can I eat late in the ByWard Market?
Zak’s Diner is open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays, per its Google listing.
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Sources
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Hours and prices were checked against these sources on Oct. 31, 2026. Hours may change, so call ahead to confirm.
- ByWard Market District Authority (accessed Oct. 31, 2026)
- Ottawa Tourism: ByWard Market and Rideau Street (accessed Oct. 31, 2026)
- La Bottega Nicastro (official) (accessed Oct. 31, 2026)
- Zak's Diner (official) (accessed Oct. 31, 2026)
- Restaurant e18hteen (official) (accessed Oct. 31, 2026)
- Beyond the Pale Brewing (official) (accessed Oct. 31, 2026)
- Fairmont Château Laurier: dining (accessed Oct. 31, 2026)
YumYak curates from public sources, press releases and community reviews. We haven’t visited these spots ourselves — always check the restaurant’s own channels for hours and prices.