Sweet Cravings: 9 Desserts You Can’t Miss in Ottawa

Welcome to Ottawa’s dessert paradise! If you love sweets, you’re in for a real treat. This article is all about desserts that will make your taste buds excited. We’ve gathered a bunch of delicious options, from smooth gelato to warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, that everyone will enjoy. 

We chose these amazing dessert places in Ottawa not just for their tasty desserts, but also because each one has its own cool story and vibe.

Grab a friend, bring your appetite, and let’s explore these must-try desserts in Ottawa that are sure to bring a smile to your face with every bite. Your next favorite dessert is waiting for you!

In the busy Byward Market, there’s a cute little café called Oh So Good that’s perfect for anyone who loves sweets.

The walls are decorated with local artwork, creating a chill and creative atmosphere that's great for hanging out with friends or going on a casual date.

Oh So Good is well-known for its Black Forest cake and gelato, but there’s way more to try! The menu is filled with all kinds of cakes, pies, and drinks, both hot and cold.

And if cheesecake is your favorite, you have to check out their white chocolate raspberry or caramel carrot flavors.

What makes this café really special is that they think about everyone’s dietary needs. They have vegan and gluten-free options, which is awesome for people who follow specific diets.

Even with these special recipes, their cakes and cookies are made with the same care and love you’d find in family recipes.

Their gluten-free chocolate cake and cookies are super popular, and they can even create custom cakes that are both vegan and dairy-free.

If you ever get the late-night munchies, Oh So Good is open late, making it a great spot for night owls or anyone finishing up a late shift.

Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen in Ottawa is not your typical ice cream shop. This cozy place is full of creativity, offering ice cream flavors that are really unique.

The bold taste of Hong Kong milk tea and the sweet nostalgia of White Rabbit candy are all mixed into creamy, delicious scoops.

If you prefer plant-based options, they have vegan choices like Dalgona and fruity lychee raspberry jam.

For those who are feeling brave—or just a little curious—Moo Shu has introduced a durian ice cream that's been gaining attention.

It's a rich frozen custard sandwiched between homemade brown sugar blondies.

The flavor is as bold and unique as durian itself, which people either love or avoid. But when paired with the sweetness of brown sugar, it might just change a few minds.

Moo Shu offers more than just scoops and cones, although their freshly made waffle and egg waffle cones are pretty awesome too, adding a fun crunch to each bite.

They also host small workshops where you can learn new things with the Moo Shu team or special guests.

Even though it’s a small place, Moo Shu has a big heart. They have a suspended scoop program where customers can pay for extra scoops for others, which is a really nice gesture.

In downtown Ottawa, on Sussex Drive, there's a cool little spot called First Bite Treats. This place has a stylish look and a cozy atmosphere, making it an awesome hangout for anyone craving something sweet.

One of the highlights here is their special treat called the "croffle," which is a mix of croissant dough and waffle.

It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and every bite is packed with delicious flavors. You can try combinations like strawberry with milk chocolate, biscoff with caramel, or blueberry with Nutella.

When you walk in, the vibe is just as appealing as the desserts. The colorful decor creates a perfect backdrop for your photos, making it a spot you’ll want to share on social media, even though there isn’t a ton of seating.

First Bite Treats has quickly become a favorite hangout for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its friendly atmosphere and great service. The staff is known for being helpful and welcoming, ensuring you have a great experience.

To go along with your croffle, they also offer a variety of teas and coffees, which makes your visit feel even more special.

People in the area love how fresh and high-quality the ingredients are, especially the juicy strawberries and rich chocolate.

In a cozy part of Ottawa, there’s a bakery called Three Tarts that’s perfect for anyone who loves sweets.

This cute shop is famous for its delicious old-fashioned cakes, pies, tarts, and cookies that will definitely make your mouth water.

As soon as you walk in, you can smell the yummy scent of freshly baked treats, which shows just how good the ingredients are.

One of the bakery’s best items is its savory tarts, which come in two tasty flavors: Ham & Emmental Cheese, and Yukon Gold Potatoes with Sautéed Leeks, Emmental Cheese, and Thyme.

These tasty tarts have a flaky, buttery crust and are great for sharing with friends and family. You can find them on Fridays and Saturdays until the end of October, and they even have special ones for Thanksgiving.

If you love fall flavors, you have to try the seasonal desserts at Three Tarts. The Pumpkin Pecan Streusel Cheesecake, Pumpkin Pie, and Pumpkin Pound Cake are all perfect for autumn.

Three Tarts also has many other favorite treats. The pecan sticky buns are a perfect mix of sweet and salty, and the chocolate mousse birthday cake is known for being light and covered in rich icing.

If you need something gluten-free, the Belgium chocolate mousse cake is a rich treat you will enjoy.

The bakery is also famous for its friendly staff and easy online ordering, making it simple to get your favorite baked goods.

If you love sweets, My Choc-O-La in Ottawa is the perfect spot for you. This cozy dessert place is great for anyone craving something delicious.

With a welcome vibe and a menu full of tasty options, it’s a place you don’t want to miss, so pay it a visit if you live in the area or even if you're just visiting.

The menu features some amazing treats, especially crepes and waffles. The crepes are topped with fresh fruit or rich chocolate, and people rave about how fresh and flavorful they are.

The milkshakes are also super popular, offering a creamy side to go with the desserts. And, the prices are reasonable, usually between $10 and $14, and the portions are big enough to fill you up.

Most visits here are great, but there was a mention of one not-so-great experience with the staff about bringing outside food. However, that seems to be pretty rare.

If you're in the mood for a late-night dessert run, My Choc-O-La has you covered with easy parking and good public transport options.

Cinnaholic is the go-to place in Ottawa for anyone who loves sweets and wants to enjoy something yummy and good for the planet.

The bakery allows you to create your own cinnamon roll with over 20 different frosting flavors and lots of toppings. That’s exactly what Cinnaholic is all about, and the coolest part? Everything they make is 100% vegan.

Their cinnamon rolls are super fluffy, sweet, and packed with flavor. A lot of people say you can't even tell they’re vegan, which is a big compliment! But it’s not just cinnamon rolls on the menu.

They also whip up fresh brownies, cookies, and even edible cookie dough. There’s a treat for everyone, making it a fun spot to bring your family or friends.

If you like trying new flavors, Cinnaholic has seasonal specials like Pumpkin Spice Rolls and Cinnamon Apple Cobbler Rolls, but you have to grab them while they’re available.

The bakery itself feels warm and welcoming. It’s clean, and the staff are friendly and ready to help.

What makes Cinnaholic stand out is their dedication to using high-quality, plant-based ingredients.

So, not only are you treating yourself to something delicious, but you’re also supporting a business that cares about animals and the environment.

Located near Brittania Beach, The Beachconers Microcreamery is a fantastic little ice cream shop in Ottawa that's perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.

It's right by the Ottawa River pathway, making it a great stop for cyclists and people enjoying the park who want to cool off with some homemade ice cream.

What really sets this place apart is that they make their ice cream from scratch in small batches using local ingredients.

But The Beachconers offers more than just ice cream. The atmosphere is cozy and family-friendly, with wooden beach-style chairs and outdoor seating, perfect for a relaxing day out in the sun.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, ready to help you pick out the best flavor for you, ensuring a great experience.

If you're thinking about visiting, there's plenty of street parking and spaces near the beach, so it's easy to stop by.

For those who like outdoor activities, this microcreamery is a great break when you're biking or walking through nature.

And if you're in the mood for something more than just ice cream, the nearby coffee shop has a variety of drinks and baked goods. They even offer free water for refilling your bottles, which is perfect for staying cool on hot days.

Located right in the lively Byward Market area of Ottawa, Mantovani 1946 offers a taste of Italy. Since it opened in 2016, this genuine Italian gelato café has won over the hearts—and taste buds—of both locals and visitors.

You can find this hidden gem at 87 Murray Street, where they serve a fantastic variety of gelato, pastries, and their special Neapolitan coffee.

What stands out about Mantovani 1946 is their dedication to quality. They use only the best ingredients, which they bring in straight from Italy.

Enjoy hazelnuts from Piedmont, famous Bronte pistachios from Sicily, and top-notch Avolo almonds—all blended into a smooth, rich gelato.

Each scoop features flavors from classic pistachio and chocolate to their award-winning Kingdom of 2 Sicilies.

But gelato isn't all they offer. Their Neapolitan coffee, brewed just for the café, goes perfectly with their delicious homemade pastries.

The décor is classy, and the staff is friendly, ensuring you have a wonderful experience alongside their tasty treats.

Even though the café is a bit off the main road, it’s definitely worth the trip. While parking can sometimes be tricky, there are options nearby that make it easy.

Located in Ottawa, Stella Luna Gelato Café is a fantastic place for anyone who loves desserts. The café has a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of European spots, filled with the delicious smell of freshly made waffles and amazing gelato.

This family-run establishment has a warm and inviting ambiance, and each scoop of gelato reflects their dedication to quality.

They’re famous for their real Italian gelato, which they make using fresh whole milk, cane sugar, and high-quality ingredients like Sicilian pistachios and Madagascar vanilla beans.

If gelato isn’t your thing, they also offer refreshing sorbets made with 50% pure fruit—great for anyone who wants something dairy-free and fat-free.

You can start your day with a fluffy buttermilk waffle or a breakfast bagel, and for lunch, you can enjoy a gourmet panini or a unique salad.

The vibe in the café is as friendly as the food, with comfy seating where you can relax and enjoy your treats. The staff are known for being super nice and making sure you have a great experience.

People love the big portions and the chance to mix different flavors in one serving. And, they frequently change their gelato flavors, so there’s always something new to try, from fruity to nutty to chocolatey.

Ottawa really knows how to cater to desser lovers! First Bite Treats puts a fun spin on classic snacks, while the pastries at Three Tarts are simply enchanting. Chocolate fans will be thrilled with the goodies at My Choc-O-La, and you can’t go wrong with the cinnamon rolls at Cinnaholic—they're a real treat. 

These places were chosen because they each bring something unique to the table. It’s a fun way to explore the city and try new treats together.

And if you’re looking for more exciting things to do, check out ActiviFinder Ottawa for even more ideas. Your next sweet adventure is just waiting for you!