As the summer comes to an end, students will be making their return to Canada’s capital. With Ottawa being a two university/multi college city – students are constantly seeking out the best places to study, unwind after a long week of classes, and most importantly – save a few OSAP dollars. Luckily for the studious (and not so studious) members of our society, Centretown comes equipped with everything you need for an enjoyable “back to school” experience.
As syllabus season approaches, so does the opportunity for young love to bloom. A first date at a coffee shop is like a post secondary right of passage – it’s inevitable you’re going to have one, but where should you go?
Arlington 5 is the perfect blend of everything you need for a coffee shop first date. Its hip vibe, incredible coffee, and comfortable atmosphere makes for a great place to get to know someone for the first time.
Arlington 5 has been in the coffee game for a long time, and is considered among the most well-renowned shops from all across Ottawa. This is the perfect spot for Art lovers, coffee lovers, or even just people who want to hangout on a cool back patio for a little while.
We’ve all been there. We’re rushing between studying, going to class, and working our part time job. Plus we want to find time to stay in shape and socialize? Grocery shopping can fall by the wayside. You need to eat, but you’re also not trying to break the bank. Where is your money going to go the furthest?
Paninaro is one of my best value picks in Centretown. These Schiacciata style sandwiches are effectively two meals in one. They’re MASSIVE and really deliver on flavour. And at around $15-$18 you are looking at less than $10 a meal. That’s true value that you seldom see anymore.
My personal pick is the Tartufo Trance. Salty, sweet, and just a little bit funky from the truffle – but you really can’t go wrong at Paninaro.
Another Centretown coffee shop makes the list, but for different reasons than the first. When it comes to studying outside of the library and your room, fewer things are more important than comfort and ambiance. Wisetown Cafe has both. Their fairy-garden-esq aesthetic is paired with comfortable seating, private and communal options, and an expertly curated playlist to play into the relaxing vibe that you need to study. One of my favourite parts of Wisetown Cafe is their welcoming attitude to our furry friends. Dogs are welcome (last I checked anyway), and you will often be lucky enough to have a forced study break for some one on one time with a four legged study partner.
Much like the right of passage that is a coffee shop date – the wooden bar date over a couple of beers is another canon event in any student’s life. You know you have class at 8am tomorrow, but you were not going to miss the opportunity to take that special someone out to find out their thoughts on the latest season of Love Island (whether you actually care or not is a different story). You need something comfortable, something casual, and something that won’t empty your bank account if you end up staying a little too long.
A bar seat at The Gilmour is the answer to your prayers. Grab a deck of cards from the bookcase, and let Rhys (hi Rhys) serve up the frosty pints (or Vodka sodas) you and that special someone have ever had. Please note – this date night directly translates to both girl’s nights and bro dates as well).
Every student needs supplies, and many of us want to find new ways to make the necessities personal to us. But what is the answer to our troubles you ask? Midori Gifts. Whether you need a fancy pen, personal notebook, or a Snorlax plushy to help you through your emotional breakdown – Midori is a one stop shop for unique gifts and stationary items. They also carry thermoses for your on the go coffee, mugs for your at home coffee, and kitchen utensils that will collect dust in your house while you DoorDash dinner… and drink your coffee.
On this episode of Centretown’s Declassified School Survival Guide – it’s Saturday morning, your head is pounding (but not that bad because you’re not 30 yet), and you just need something to erase the sins of the night before.
Wilf & Ada’s is your answer. Their commitment to simple, creative, and delicious food that uses ingredients from local farmers and producers is a 10/10 every time. Grab a caesar, an eggs benny, and remind yourself that it’s not time for the Sunday scaries just yet.
From Centretown, with love.
Author: Jordan Pizzuti
Date: September 1, 2026
