A coffee break in Ottawa, ON

Late nights and early mornings are not uncommon in the nation’s capital. Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up or a cozy meeting spot, these coffee shops will give you the energy boost you need to get through the day.

While Tim Hortons might be the go-to pit stop for a doughy treat, Ottawans can broaden their honey-glazed horizons beyond the standard Boston cream with a sampling of the finest doughnut recipes from around the world. Greek to Polish, French to fusion, there’s a delicious doughnut to please every pastry-lover. Now, get out there and explore!

Whether it’s a grab-and-go situation (maybe the boss let you off early on Friday afternoon), a late night snack (we all know how well Black Forest cherry cheesecake complements cosmopolitans), or the grand finale to a successful first date, here are the top picks for Ottawa’s cake-by-the-slice connoisseurs.

Whether you're craving traditional vanilla or aiming to expand your horizons of taste sensations, the city offers many downtown ice cream shops through to picturesque village destinations nearby. Aficionados know to celebrate summer throughout the year: most of these destinations offer tasty treats even in wintertime, so you can reminisce about heat waves as snowflakes fall.

Summer in the city calls for cold patio brews on long muggy nights, but what about those sunshiny mornings? Canada’s capital is brimming with barista-boasting gems just waiting to serve you up your morning roast, on ice. Here are a few of the best iced coffees in Ottawa, whether you are on your way to the office, or the beach.

True enough, Ottawa ain’t the city that never sleeps, but that’s not because of a caffeine shortage, especially in Lowertown where coffee shops abound. If you can’t find something to give you a java jolt among these options, you really are sleepwalking.

Coffee always tastes better in a great atmosphere. Whether you like your caffeine iced or steaming hot, with milk or without, sweet and creamy or slightly bitter, these Westboro cafés and coffee shops have fantastic ambiance and delicious brews waiting for you.

Hintonburg and Wellington West Village is the place to go for a pick-me-up at any time of day. The ’hood is hopping with cafés where you can satisfy your caffeine cravings. From freshly roasted coffee beans to fair-trade and organic tea blends to icy cold brews, the choices are almost endless.

If there were a hall of fame for comforting aromas, the scent of fresh-baked bread would surely make the cut. And when it comes to tastes, buttercream icing can transport you right back to Grandma’s kitchen. Having a stressful day? A few delectable treats from these Ottawa bakeries will help cheer you right up.

When you’re looking for a cafe to work in, the conditions have to be just right. You need a cosy ambience, good lighting and just enough background noise to help keep you focused. Oh, and great coffee doesn’t hurt. Luckily, Ottawa has several great office-away-from-home cafes for you to choose from.

Ottawa prides itself on its wealth of independent shops and boutiques. Taking a quick stroll through the trendy ByWard Market or Westboro neighbourhood, you are bound to stumble across many indie gems, and if your beverage of choice features caffeine, you won't be disappointed by these terrific indie coffee shops.

Have you been neglecting your sweet tooth? Not anymore, if you heed the advice of this list. Ottawa is a great city to get your sweet on. If you're out with some friends for a night on the town or just craving something delectable, it's a good time to indulge in some deliciously decadent desserts. After all, you only live once.