Little Italy

Ottawa
Little Italy which includes a city, outdoor art and street scenes
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.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Little Italy

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
235 KING EDWARD AVENUE, Ottawa, ON
The price is €87 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€87
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,692 reviews)
"Amazing place near downtown ottawa"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East, an IHG Hotel
The Business Inn
The Business Inn
2.5 out of 5
180 MacLaren Street, Ottawa, ON
The price is €122 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€122
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the WiFi in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (6,184 reviews)
"The room was indeed a full apartment Perfect for cooking and rest"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

The Business Inn
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
3.5 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
The price is €133 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€133
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,679 reviews)
"This was a great spot to stay for our family. We loved the suite and location. On a separate note, it’d be great if the suite had a frying pan and baking tray for use. We did end up buying a cheap frying pan at the Giant Tiger close by."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
4 out of 5
100 Kent St, Ottawa, ON
The price is €136 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€136
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy breakfast, WiFi, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,106 reviews)
"The staff were very nice and helpful and the location was perfect."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is €192 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
€192
per night
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,548 reviews)
"The hotel was beautiful and staff was wonderful. There were other noisy guests on our floor, with their doors open but the staff responded immediately and solved the problem."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Lord Elgin Hotel
Lord Elgin Hotel
4 out of 5
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
The price is €143 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
€143
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
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 clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,573 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Lord Elgin Hotel
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Little Italy

Little Italy featuring signage and street scenes

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4/5(15 area reviews)

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4/5(2 area reviews)

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Hull

Little Italy

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