Dates are special. Whether you and your long term partner are looking to spend time together, or you’re trying to impress someone new, it can be daunting deciding where to go.
Luckily for all of us, Centretown has a wide variety of date-worthy spots to eat and drink your way through for any romantic occasion. These are some of our favourites.
For the purpose of this exercise we will set a scene. It is Saturday morning, around 10am. You and your special someone have a full 24 hours to explore everything that Centretown has to offer you on this extended date day. By Sunday morning you will be overjoyed with everything you’ve experienced.
Saturday Morning - Gong Fu Cafe
Gong Fu Bao has long been a staple favourite in Centretown, but it’s shocking to us that many people still don’t know about their brunch program! This Hong Kong Cafe, or cha chaan teng, is a look into the savoury and sweet brunch world that Hong Kong has to offer.
Chef/owner Tarek Hassan ran with the popularity of his evening bao spot and began offering fare like breakfast bao’s, thick (no, like really thick) cut french toast, and bolobao (pineapple buns) served alongside coffee and hand pulled milk teas.
The small space provides a cozy atmosphere, but the open kitchen keeps things lively and exciting. Chef Hassan’s ability to recreate the atmosphere of a Hong Kong style cafe is a welcomed aesthetic integration in Centretown.
As for being the start of a date day, there isn’t much more you could ask for. Great food, kind staff, a beautiful space, and an owner who really cares about his craft… Your Saturday morning needs some Gong Fu Cafe in it.
Saturday Late Lunch - Hugo Taco
After a fairly filling brunch and some walking around to check out the various Centretown shops, you and your date find yourself a bit peckish. You’re not starving enough for a full sit down meal, especially with dinner reservations later, but you need a little something to tie you over before hitting Uncommon or the Gilmour for a pre dinner beverage.
Hugo Taco is exactly what you need.
This summer-only taco truck is the sister establishment of Hugo on Bank and Social Thai, two Centretown staples that have only had greater success expanding into the taco truck game.
These $5 delicacies come in a variety of soft shelled flavours and textures, that can cure even the most severe cases of Mexican food hankerings.
Our pick for your Centretown date day? It’s got to be the beef barbacoa! But you can’t go wrong with any of their delicious offerings. Taking your date to Hugo Taco is an excellent way to make sure you get another one.
Saturday Early Evening - Uncommon
Centretown’s newest outdoor space has opened just in time for your perfect date! This lot has been converted into an outdoor patio space that offers pop up chefs, local beers, and a variety of events happening on a regular basis. A Saturday is the perfect time to check out one of their DJ’s and unwind with an ice cold beverage.
The local rotating beer selection offers a true taste of what the city has to offer, and is an ideal way to get loose before your dinner date.
Uncommon provides a casual atmosphere that is complete with comfy outdoor seating, artistic murals, and a social environment that allows you to enjoy a beautiful Ottawa summer day.
The current chef spotlight is Kevin Singh. A local chef cooking up modern Indian comfort food like chicken tikka tacos and butter chicken mac and cheese. His unique use of classic Indian flavours and familiar comfort dishes is almost too good to be true.
Alright, all this food talk has me excited about dinner…
Saturday Dinner - North & Navy
No 24 hour date day is complete without a fancy dinner date, but far too often the juice isn’t worth the squeeze when dining out.
Thankfully, North & Navy resides in Centretown.
NoNa offers elevated Northern Italian fare, complete with a variety of pastas, small plates, and an in-house charcuterie program that is not to be overlooked. Their wine list is special, and their bartenders have found a way to marry a classic Italian feel with modern mixology techniques.
The ever changing menu allows for a variety of bites that are ideal for sharing between you and your special someone, so don’t come here feeling selfish.
NoNa is best enjoyed by ordering a multitude of plates, providing a wide scope of flavours, textures, and techniques that will leave both of you satisfied.
Pro-tip: If it’s available, see if you can get the semi private date room! It will add an extra romantic touch to your evening that you’ll remember long after your date is over.
We at Centretown would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the staff of North & Navy. From the owners Adam and Chris, to the entirety of the front of house and back of house staff, NoNa is the truest representation of professionalism, knowledge, and just general kindness that we all desire when going out to eat. This is a must have on your date day itinerary.
Saturday Night - The Staff Room at Union Local 613
If you’re anything like us, you love a good speakeasy, and if that is the case then Union Local 613 has just what you need.
The Staff Room is located in the basement tucked behind a bookshelf, and is the cocktail cellar of our dreams. This candle-lit hideaway has some of Ottawa’s best bartenders slinging creative and innovative drinks that will make you and your date question the level of innovation you knew was possible when it came to cocktails.
This is truly the something-for-everyone cocktail spot. Grab a seat and let the staff take over as you tell them your likes, dislikes, and any other key information that will result in a custom cocktail that will have you telling stories to your friends for weeks.
Sunday Morning - Undergrounds Coffee Pop Up
It’s Sunday morning and you just had the most perfect date-day in Centretown, but it’s not over yet. No, there is no perfect 24-hour date without a morning after coffee and this weekend pop up is exactly what you need for your caffeine fix.
Undergrounds Coffee happens every Saturday and Sunday from 8am-4pm inside O-Frango (another Centretown gem).
Their unique flavour combos and seasonal menus create a feeling of elevation and exclusivity that other coffee shops can seldom provide.
Items like their Ube Latte and Matcha Spark are just two examples of how coffee and creativity are coexisting at Undergrounds. We can’t wait for you to get your hands on one.
Date’s can be stressful, but also so much fun. We hope that we’ve taken some of the pressure off of you by providing a unique itinerary for your next date day! Let us know if you gave this itinerary a go! Love is in the air in Centretown, and it just got a whole lot more delicious.
Author: Jordan Pizzuti
August 26, 2025
