Little Italy

Ottawa
Little Italy showing outdoor art, street scenes and a city
Find authentic Italian restaurants, lavish street festivals and a century-old Catholic church in this historic immigrant neighborhood in Ottawa’s southwest.

Enjoy a romantic evening over a plate of linguini in Ottawa’s Little Italy. Settled by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s, this neighborhood features an assortment of old, family-owned restaurants and is a celebration of Italian heritage. Visit during June, Ontario’s Italian Heritage Month, to experience the area at its most lively.

Start out at St. Anthony’s Church. Due to a curve in the street below it, the church’s copper steeple is visible from several blocks away. Established in 1913, the church has long been a meeting place for the neighborhood’s Italian community. Tour the inside to see the fresco paintings on the curved ceiling and the ornate stained-glass windows. Cross the street to Piazza Dante, which features a splash fountain where kids can play during the summer.

Head over to Preston Street for lunch or dinner. While no original restaurants remain from Little Italy’s early days, you can find many authentic eateries that have been in the neighborhood for decades. Splurge on dinner at the luxurious Giovanni’s or head to La Roma for a more affordable meal.

During the first week of June, the area hosts Italian Week, a spirited celebration of Italian food and culture. Every night, Preston Street is closed to traffic, allowing restaurants to spill out onto the pavement. Musicians and dancers perform along the streets and chefs vie for your business. Join in the procession to St. Anthony’s Church or attend Assaggi Night to sample a variety of traditional Italian foods.

See the iconic arch entrance to Little Italy on Preston Street with its simple red sign located in the middle of a metal arch, which reads “Little Italy” in cursive. Find another entrance further south on Preston Street and admire the whimsical sculptures entitled Bambini, which depict a soccer team through the eyes of a child.

Little Italy is located west of downtown Ottawa and south of the Canadian War Museum. It is easily accessible by bus.


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Things to do


Top Hotels in Little Italy

The Business Inn
The Business Inn
2.5 out of 5
180 MacLaren Street, Ottawa, ON, K2P0L3
The price is CA $128 per night from Jun. 11 to Jun. 12
CA $128
per night
Jun. 11 - Jun. 12
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,042 reviews)
Excellent, Excellent
"this is my first time booking there, but certainly not the last. I was totally impressed with that mini-suite’s ammenities. possibilities to park out or inside for the same fees. Well situated within downtown Ottawa to drive around or cross the bridge. it is a huge Wow for me and will recommend it ..."

Reviewed on May 28, 2023

The Business Inn
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON, K1N 8S7
The price is CA $287 per night from Jun. 16 to Jun. 17
CA $287
per night
Jun. 16 - Jun. 17
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,500 reviews)
"Very nice Hotel with friendly and attentive staff."

Reviewed on May 28, 2023

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Lord Elgin Hotel
Lord Elgin Hotel
4 out of 5
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON, K1P5K8
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $279 per night from Jun. 4 to Jun. 5
CA $279
per night
Jun. 4 - Jun. 5
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"Should include parking, breakfast"

Reviewed on May 26, 2023

Lord Elgin Hotel
Welcominns Hotel Ottawa
Welcominns Hotel Ottawa
2.5 out of 5
1220 Michael Street, Ottawa, ON, K1J 7T1
The price is CA $134 per night from Jun. 28 to Jun. 29
CA $134
per night
Jun. 28 - Jun. 29
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Great hotel, no complaints! Mini-waffle breakfast was delicious and the table in the room made for a great additional work space."

Reviewed on May 27, 2023

Welcominns Hotel Ottawa
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa Downtown East, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa Downtown East, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
235 KING EDWARD AVENUE, Ottawa, ON, K1N 7L8
The price is CA $162 per night from Jun. 18 to Jun. 19
CA $162
per night
Jun. 18 - Jun. 19
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,274 reviews)
"Rooms were a great size and the bed was so comfortable! Great amenities at the hotel and the breakfast was a bonus. Location is walkable to a lot of the major sites - loved how close it was to ByWard Market. There is a homeless shelter across the road but it did not bother us at all."

Reviewed on May 26, 2023

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa Downtown East, an IHG Hotel
Andaz Ottawa Byward Market - a concept by Hyatt
Andaz Ottawa Byward Market - a concept by Hyatt
4 out of 5
325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, ON, K1N 7G1
The price is CA $217 per night from Jun. 18 to Jun. 19
CA $217
per night
Jun. 18 - Jun. 19
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,346 reviews)
"loved being right in the market and the walkability to everything we wanted to see"

Reviewed on May 28, 2023

Andaz Ottawa Byward Market - a concept by Hyatt
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Little Italy

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