Last Updated: January 1, 2026
Ottawa’s burger scene has evolved from simple pub fare to a battleground of smash burger purists and gourmet topping enthusiasts—and the result is some of the best burgers in Canada.
Whether you’re craving a thick, charcoal-grilled patty at a legendary dive bar or a crispy-edged smash burger from one of the city’s hottest new spots, Ottawa delivers. From the historic taverns of the ByWard Market to the trendy joints on Preston Street, this guide covers every neighbourhood’s best burger offerings, plus the annual festivals that turn dining into a city-wide celebration.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s burger scene peaks during Le Burger Week (September) and Novemburger (November), but year-round favourites include Umbrella Burger for smash burgers, Chez Lucien for the classic dive bar experience, and Smash Daddy for trendy Wagyu blends. Budget $10-15 for food trucks, $18-25 for sit-down spots.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🍔 Top Smash Burger | Umbrella Burger (Preston St & East End) |
| 🍺 Best Dive Bar | Chez Lucien (ByWard Market) |
| 🎉 Le Burger Week | September 1-7, 2026 |
| 🏆 Novemburger | November 1-30, 2026 |
| 💰 Average Cost | $15-25 with sides |
| 🚇 Best Transit Access | Rideau Station (Line 1) for ByWard Market |
Ottawa’s Burger History: From Tavern Fare to Smash Burger Revolution
Ottawa’s burger culture evolved from simple pub fare to gourmet creations
Ottawa’s burger history spans three distinct eras that shaped the city’s culinary identity.
The Tavern Era (1849-2000)
For over 150 years, burgers in Ottawa were simple, unpretentious pub fare. The Château Lafayette (affectionately known as “The Laff”), Ottawa’s oldest tavern established in 1849, served burgers designed primarily to accompany draft beer. According to local historians, these early burgers were modest—single patties on basic buns with minimal toppings.
The Gourmet Revolution (2001-2020)
Everything changed in 2001 when The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro opened on Beechwood Avenue. The Works introduced Ottawa to the concept of “gourmet” burgers with unconventional toppings like peanut butter, elk meat, and even Kraft Dinner. This sparked a citywide obsession with creative burger construction.
In 2004, Chez Lucien established the “dive bar gourmet” standard with its famous charcoal-grilled burgers topped with cream cheese and bacon. The cozy Murray Street spot quickly became a pilgrimage destination for students, politicians, and burger enthusiasts alike.
The Smash Burger Wave (2021-Present)
The pandemic sparked Ottawa’s smash burger revolution. Pearson Street Smashburgers, which started as a food truck in Embrun, pioneered the thin, crispy-edged patty style that now dominates the scene. By 2024, spots like Smash Daddy had shifted the city’s preference toward lacy-edged patties over the thick, topping-heavy style of the early 2000s.
If you’re exploring Ottawa’s diverse food scene, understanding this evolution helps explain why locals debate so passionately about burger styles.
Top-Rated Burger Spots in Ottawa
The city’s top spots serve everything from smash burgers to thick bistro-style patties
Umbrella Burger - The People’s Champion
Location: Preston Street (Little Italy) & East End locations
Consistently voted #1 on Reddit polls and local food blogs, Umbrella Burger has earned its reputation through obsessive attention to detail. Their signature smash burger features perfectly crispy edges, while their chicken burger has developed a cult following.
What sets Umbrella apart is their commitment to sides—the mac n’ cheese rivals the burgers themselves. The Preston Street location offers a cool, casual diner atmosphere that feels authentically Ottawa.
Getting There: Accessible via O-Train Line 2. Street parking available but tight during dinner rush.
Chez Lucien - The Legend
Location: 137 Murray Street, ByWard Market
The legendary Chez Burger is a rite of passage for anyone who considers themselves an Ottawa foodie. This thick, charcoal-grilled patty topped with cream cheese and bacon has been served in the same cozy, dimly lit space since 2004.
The vibe matters as much as the food here—a jukebox plays vinyl records while candles flicker on wooden tables. It’s the kind of place where you might find yourself sitting next to a senator who’s also escaping the formal dining scene.
Pro Tip: Cash is preferred, and the place fills up fast on weekends. Arrive before 6 PM to avoid the wait.
Smash Daddy - The Trendy Newcomer
Location: Multiple locations including Downtown
Since opening in 2024, Smash Daddy has become the poster child for Ottawa’s smash burger wave. Their aggressive smashing technique (using Wagyu blends) creates maximum crust and caramelization.
The “Iconic” Smash is their signature—two thin patties with processed cheese and house sauce on a potato bun. It’s messy, simple, and exactly what a smash burger should be.
Bamm’s Snack Shack - The Hidden Gem
Location: Lowertown
Winner of the “Novemburger” People’s Choice award, Bamm’s represents the authentic neighbourhood snack bar experience. The Myles Burger earned its trophy through quality ingredients and that hard-to-define “made with love” quality.
The nostalgic atmosphere and quirky hours add to the charm—check their social media for current operating times.
Classic Spots and Hidden Gems
From chain pioneers to hidden neighbourhood gems, Ottawa offers variety
The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro
The original Beechwood location still holds nostalgia for many Ottawans who remember their first “gourmet” burger experience here. The infamous “sk8r boy” burger (topped with peanut butter) remains on the menu for adventurous eaters.
While some argue The Works has become too corporate, it earned its place in Ottawa burger history and remains a reliable choice with consistent quality across its locations.
Pearson Street Smashburgers
The pioneers of Ottawa’s smash burger trend started as a food truck in Embrun before expanding to a kitchen on Cyrville Road. If you want to taste where the movement began, this is your destination.
Their smash technique has been imitated across the city, but loyalists insist the original is still the best.
Bite Burger House
A strong contender in both the ByWard Market and Orleans, Bite Burger House has earned respect for their house-ground meat and reliable consistency. They may not have the cult following of Chez Lucien, but they deliver quality without pretension.
The King Eddy
Another ByWard Market institution, The King Eddy offers a classic pub experience with burgers that satisfy without overcomplicating things. If you’re looking for nightlife options in the Market, this spot bridges the gap between restaurant and bar effectively.
Food Trucks and Summer Spots
Summer brings out Ottawa’s best burger trucks and outdoor spots
Baja Burger Shack
Located at Mooney’s Bay Beach, Baja Burger Shack is the quintessential summer burger destination. The tropical patio vibe, combined with lake views, makes this more than just a meal—it’s an experience.
Their burgers lean toward the generous side, perfect for fuelling up after a beach day. If you’re planning a summer visit to Ottawa’s beaches, add this to your itinerary.
Golden Fries
This Orleans food truck has built its reputation on poutine, but locals know the secret: their massive burgers rival any sit-down restaurant in the city. The east-end location makes it perfect for suburban families who don’t want to trek downtown.
Le Burger Week Food Truck Specials
During Le Burger Week (September 1-7, 2026), many food trucks create limited-edition burgers specifically for the festival. Follow the event’s social media channels for locations and daily specials.
Annual Burger Events and Festivals
Le Burger Week and Novemburger turn burger hunting into a city-wide event
Le Burger Week (September 1-7, 2026)
Le Burger Week is a national festival where 50+ Ottawa restaurants create limited-edition, often outrageous burgers. Diners vote for their favourites online, and bragging rights are fiercely contested.
What to Expect:
- Creative, sometimes bizarre burger creations
- Lineups at popular spots (especially Umbrella Burger)
- Social media campaigns encouraging restaurant hopping
- Prizes for “checking in” at multiple locations
Pro Tip: Some restaurants sell out of their special creations early in the day. Call ahead or arrive for lunch service if you have a must-try burger on your list.
Novemburger / Ultimate Burger Battle (November 2026)
This charity-driven event benefits the United Way East Ontario. Local restaurants compete for the title of “Best Burger,” with a portion of sales donated to local causes.
Why It Matters:
- Combines culinary competition with community support
- Less frenzied than Le Burger Week (month-long event)
- People’s Choice voting determines the winner
- Featured restaurants take the competition seriously
If you’re looking for ways to support Ottawa’s community organizations, participating in Novemburger is a delicious option.
The Smash vs. Gourmet Debate
Ottawa is divided between smash burger purists and gourmet topping enthusiasts
Ottawa’s burger community is fiercely divided between two philosophies:
Team Smash
The Philosophy: Two thin patties, aggressively smashed for maximum crust, topped simply with processed cheese and house sauce on a potato bun.
Champion Spots: Umbrella Burger, Smash Daddy, Pearson Street
The Argument: “Let the beef speak for itself. Quality meat plus proper technique equals burger perfection.”
Team Gourmet
The Philosophy: Thick, medium-well patties (often 6-8oz) loaded with creative toppings, sometimes requiring a knife and fork.
Champion Spots: The Works, specialty bistros
The Argument: “Burgers are a canvas for creativity. The toppings make the experience.”
The Ottawa Consensus
Most locals have room in their hearts (and stomachs) for both styles. The smash burger is a quick, satisfying meal; the gourmet burger is an event. Choose based on your mood, not loyalty.
Practical Information for Burger Hunting
Plan your burger crawl with these practical tips
Pricing Guide
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $10-15 | Food trucks, simple smash burgers |
| Mid-Range | $18-25 | Sit-down bistros with fries/drink |
| Premium | $25-35 | Wagyu blends, craft cocktails, full service |
Note: Prices listed in CAD. Most restaurants accept credit/debit, but Chez Lucien prefers cash.
Transit and Parking
ByWard Market (Chez Lucien, King Eddy):
- Parking is difficult and expensive ($4-6/hour)
- Take the O-Train Line 1 to Rideau Station
- 5-minute walk to most Market restaurants
Little Italy / Preston Street (Umbrella Burger):
- Street parking available but tight during dinner rush
- Accessible via O-Train Line 2
- Consider side streets off Preston for easier parking
Suburban Locations (Pearson Street, Golden Fries):
- Car required
- Ample free parking at all locations
- Worth the drive for dedicated burger enthusiasts
If you’re exploring Ottawa by transit, the downtown burger spots are easily accessible.
Best Times to Visit
| Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch (11am-2pm) | Shorter waits, Le Burger Week specials available | Some spots closed for lunch |
| Early Dinner (5-6pm) | Beat the rush, better service | Limited atmosphere |
| Prime Time (7-9pm) | Full atmosphere, all specials available | Longest waits, noisy |
| Late Night (9pm+) | Bar crowd, casual vibe | Limited kitchen hours |
Spots to Avoid
Not every Ottawa burger lives up to the hype. Here’s honest guidance:
Shelby Burger: Formerly a popular spot, it has permanently closed as of late 2025. If you see old recommendations online, update your notes.
Tourist Trap Chains in the Market: The ByWard Market has many flashy restaurants targeting visitors. While not necessarily bad, you’ll get better value and authenticity at the neighbourhood institutions.
Frozen Patty Pubs: Some downtown pubs still serve frozen, pre-made patties. If you see “gourmet burger” on a menu with no description of the beef source, proceed with caution.
Related Food Events in Ottawa
If you love burger festivals, these related events deserve your attention:
- Ottawa PoutineFest: Late April/early May at City Hall
- Capital Ribfest: Late July/August at parks around the city
- Orleans Ribfest: September in the east end
For the complete festival calendar, check our Ottawa events guide.
FAQ
What is the best burger in Ottawa?
Umbrella Burger is consistently voted the best by locals on Reddit and food blogs, particularly for their smash burger and chicken burger. However, purists often argue that Chez Lucien’s charcoal-grilled Chez Burger offers an unmatched classic experience.
Where can I find the best smash burger in Ottawa?
Umbrella Burger on Preston Street and Smash Daddy downtown are the top choices for smash-style burgers. Both offer thin, crispy-edged patties with simple toppings that let the beef shine.
Is Le Burger Week worth it?
Yes, especially if you enjoy trying creative, limited-edition burgers. Expect lineups at popular spots. The 2026 festival runs September 1-7. Follow participating restaurants on social media for daily specials.
What is Novemburger?
Novemburger is a month-long burger competition benefiting the United Way East Ontario. Ottawa restaurants create special burgers, and diners vote for their favourites. It combines great food with community support.
How much should I budget for burgers in Ottawa?
Budget $10-15 for food truck smash burgers, $18-25 for sit-down restaurants with sides, and $25-35 for premium spots with Wagyu blends or craft cocktails.
Where is Chez Lucien located?
Chez Lucien is at 137 Murray Street in the ByWard Market. It’s a 5-minute walk from Rideau Station on O-Train Line 1. Cash is preferred, and the restaurant fills up quickly on weekends.
What is the history of burgers in Ottawa?
Ottawa’s burger scene evolved through three eras: the Tavern Era (1849-2000) of simple pub fare, the Gourmet Revolution (2001-2020) sparked by The Works, and the Smash Burger Wave (2021-present) pioneered by Pearson Street Smashburgers.
Are there vegetarian burger options in Ottawa?
Most major burger spots offer vegetarian patties. Umbrella Burger and Bite Burger House have well-reviewed veggie options. During Le Burger Week, several restaurants create plant-based specials.
Where should I eat burgers near the ByWard Market?
Chez Lucien is the legendary choice on Murray Street. The King Eddy offers a classic pub experience, and Bite Burger House provides consistent quality. Avoid generic chain restaurants for the best experience.
What sides go best with Ottawa burgers?
Poutine is the quintessential Ottawa side—it’s socially acceptable (and encouraged) to order poutine with your burger. Umbrella Burger’s mac n’ cheese is also legendary.
When is the best time to visit Ottawa burger spots?
Early dinner (5-6 PM) beats the rush. During Le Burger Week (September), lunch service is recommended to avoid sellouts of special burgers. Avoid prime time (7-9 PM) if you dislike waiting.
Is parking available at Ottawa burger restaurants?
Suburban spots (Pearson Street, Golden Fries) have ample free parking. Downtown and ByWard Market locations are challenging—use O-Train Line 1 to Rideau Station for Market spots or Line 2 for Preston Street.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s burger scene offers something for every craving—whether you’re a smash burger purist, a gourmet topping enthusiast, or a dive bar devotee. The annual festivals add excitement, but year-round, the city’s restaurants deliver quality that rivals any Canadian city.
Start with the legends: Chez Lucien for the classic experience, Umbrella Burger for the people’s favourite, and Smash Daddy for the latest trend. Then explore the hidden gems, food trucks, and neighbourhood spots that make Ottawa’s burger culture uniquely its own.
Mark your calendar for Le Burger Week (September 1-7) and Novemburger (November), grab some friends, and turn burger hunting into the social event it deserves to be.
Sources: Local restaurant websites, Reddit r/ottawa community polls, Le Burger Week Ottawa, United Way East Ontario Novemburger event page.
