14 cheap eats for students

Student life
Ottawa
Activities
Two students sitting in a restaurant talking
Looking for a place to eat out in Ottawa without breaking the bank? Check out this list of off-campus spots recommended by The Gee’s student insider.

Whether you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your cravings!

1. Osmow’s Shawarma

There’s a reason why Ottawa is known as the Shawarma Capital of Canada: there are nearly 200 shawarma restaurants in the city! If you’re ever in the Byward Market, make sure to check out the daily specials at Osmow’s for only $12.69!

2. Domino’s Pizza

There tend to be great deals at Domino’s Pizza! Their best deal currently is two for one pizzas every Tuesday at their Friel location (in Sandy Hill) — ideal for a pizza party with friends!

Pro tip: download the Domino’s app to see all the coupons available and collect points for free items.

3. Shanghai Wonton Noodle Restaurant

Shanghai Wonton Noodle Restaurant, on Rideau Street, is your next go-to Chinese restaurant! Their dishes are both delicious and affordable, with most food being under $12. Check out the menu at Shanghai.

4. Father & Sons

As a student, you’ve either already heard or will inevitably hear about Father & Sons — and for good reason! It’s conveniently located right next to the University, and tends to have great deals throughout the week, including everyday breakfast for $8.49, Wing Nights on Mondays and Saturdays, and half price nachos on Tuesdays after 7 p.m.

5. Si Señor Mexican street food

Taco‘bout these discounts! Si Señor Mexican Street Food pride themselves on bringing authentic Mexican street food to Ottawa! They offer $5 tacos on Tuesdays, burritos under $10.50 on Wednesdays and two beef quesabirrias served with dipping stew for $14 on Thursdays.

6. India Café

India Café is both a grocery store and an Indian restaurant located in the Byward Market. Their prices are fairly affordable, with everything on the lunch menu tending to be under $11 and everything on the dinner menu under $15.

7. Chef Ric’s

Chef Ric’s is a culinary school and takeout restaurant providing delicious meals at affordable prices! They have a different menu with one option for each day. Their breakfast is only $4.99 and lunch is $6.99! You won’t get a better deal anywhere else!

8. The Warehouse

The Warehouse is perfect for a night out if you’re looking to party in the Byward Market! The atmosphere is great and they have very affordable dinner prices. Take a look at the Warehouse’s menu.

9. Govinda’s

If you’re looking for some veggie options, then Govinda’s has you covered. Conveniently located in Sandy Hill, Govinda’s is an Indian restaurant with mains ranging from $10 to $15. They currently only serve takeout. See Govinda’s menu.

10. Pour Boy

Located in Centretown, Pour Boy is a bit farther from the university than other places we’ve mentioned. But they do have an affordable dinner menu with prices ranging between $14 and $17. They also have trivia on Tuesdays, an open mic on Wednesdays, comedy night on Thursdays and bingo on Fridays.

Happy hour deals — great for a night out on the town without overspending!

11. The Clarendon

Clarendon’s daily happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., during which time you can get an artisanal pizza for only $12 — half the usual price.

12. The Grand Pizzeria

The Grand Pizzeria’s happy hour deal is from Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. to  6 p.m. and 9 p.m. till close. You can get half off your pizza with the purchase of a drink!

13. Joey Rideau

Joey Rideau is both a popular spot for a fancy dinner and infamous for being expensive… but they do have daily discounts! Check out the Joey’s happy hour times and prices before you go.

14. The Standard

The Standard on Elgin is great for food, drinks and music! Drop by any day between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for the Standard’s major discounts and daily specials.

Where to eat on campus

You don’t have to leave campus to eat the best food around! There are some exciting places to eat on campus that rival Ottawa’s top restaurants.