The historical ByWard Market is home to Canada’s oldest operating famers’ market, and is one of the best places in the city to explore a mix of eclectic shops, local boutiques and must-try bars and restaurants. Lately, the roughly four-block neighbourhood has been occupied by inventive chefs and savvy entrepreneurs ushering in a new era for residents and visitors alike to appreciate. Planning on stopping by this weekend? Here are 5 places you shouldn’t miss.
Best Place for a Chocolate Fix: Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut
Photo courtesy of wingd.ca
The Ottawa outpost of this Calgary-based chocolatier offers house-made flavours of hot chocolate, but the real lure has to be the rosemary and oregano chocolate fusion bars spiked with thyme, habanero and sea salt. Bring one home and pair it with your holiday charcuterie board. 256 Dalhousie Street.
Best Place for Crafty, Canadian Goods: Workshop Studio & Boutique
Photo courtesy of workshopboutique.ca
Local designers Christina Ballhorn and Bridget Remai love all things handmade, hence all the great Canadian-made jewellery, clothing and accessories in their shop. On your visit you can observe designers in action right in store thanks to a new space for sewing, silk screening and jewellery making. 242 ½ Dalhousie Street.
Best Place for Sophisticated Mexican: Ace Mercado
Photo courtesy of acemercado.com
Chef Rene Rodriquez, winner of Top Chef Canada 2014, has created a menu of dishes inspired by Mexican rooted cuisine. Book a table with friends and share the scallop ceviche with passion fruit seeds, cornmeal arepas and churros with coconut caramel sauce. 121 Clarence Street.
Best Place for a Quick Pie: Fiazza Fresh Fired
Photo courtesy of fiazza.ca
Have 180 seconds? That’s all you need to wait for a personalized pizza fresh from Fiazza’s 500-degree woodstone oven. Their hand rolled dough and sauces are natural and preservative free, as well as their toppings and cheeses. 86 Murray Street.
Best Place for Weekend Brunch: Murray Street Kitchen
Photo courtesy of foodieprints.com
In the heart of Byward Market, Murray Street Kitchen has become known for its Canadian farmhouse cooking. The brunch menu is one of it’s most celebrated, and no doubt it’s due to unconventional items like breakfast gnocchi with poached eggs and Brussels sprouts, and pulled pork cheddar scramble. 110 Murray Street.
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