Ottawa's Culinary Scene Embraces Ramadan with Special Dining Options
From February 17 to March 19, 2026, Ottawa's restaurant community is demonstrating remarkable hospitality by catering to Muslims observing Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting, prayer, and community. Numerous establishments across the city are adapting their services with extended hours, special menus, and discounted buffets to accommodate iftar, the meal consumed after sunset to break the daily fast, and suhoor, the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins.
Diverse Dining Experiences for Ramadan Observers
Ottawa's culinary landscape offers a rich tapestry of options for those observing Ramadan. Restaurants are not merely extending their operating hours but are curating unique dining experiences that reflect cultural traditions and culinary excellence. From lavish buffets featuring traditional dishes to convenient takeout options, these venues ensure that breaking the fast is both convenient and celebratory.
Highlighted Restaurants with Ramadan Specials
Agha Restaurant Ottawa
Located at 1 Roydon Place near Merivale Road, this Turkish restaurant will serve a dedicated iftar menu nightly throughout Ramadan. Operating hours are extended to 10:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 11 p.m. from Friday to Sunday, providing ample time for post-sunset dining.
Areeba's Kitchen
At 70 Bongard Avenue, this South Asian eatery presents a Saturday iftar buffet priced at $25 per person, with complimentary meals for children under seven. The extensive spread includes beef biryani, keema achari, chicken palak, samosas, pakoras, chats, naan, and assorted desserts.
Baa Desi Dine
This Pakistani restaurant at 1374 Baseline Road offers a Ramadan buffet featuring barbecued meats, curries, and side dishes. Pricing varies: $24.99 Tuesday through Friday, $28.99 Saturday and Sunday, with children aged six to eleven at $14.99 and under six dining free. Open Sunday and Tuesday to Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday 4 to 10 p.m., it requires buffet reservations two days in advance and provides prayer space.
Biryani Plus
Inside the Silk Road Foods grocery store at 1618 Merivale Road, this restaurant offers a special Ramadan meal for $12.99, including chicken biryani, a pakora, dates, and a soft drink, providing an affordable and convenient option.
Cheese and Olives Restaurant
A Palestinian-owned establishment at 1183 Hunt Club Road, Unit 108, serves a daily iftar buffet priced at $39.99 for adults and $19.99 for children aged four to ten, offering a premium dining experience.
DZ House
This Algerian restaurant at 364 Rideau Street in Lowertown features daily Ramadan specials at $18.99, adding to the city's diverse culinary offerings.
Juice Dudez
With four locations across Ottawa at 115 Clarence Street, 1702 Bank Street, 91 Richmond Road, and 4471 Innes Road, this dessert shop will extend hours at some outlets until 3 a.m. during Ramadan, catering to late-night cravings. Patrons are advised to check Google Maps for updated hours.
KS On The Keys
A veteran Lebanese restaurant founded in 1971, located at 1029 Daze Street, offers a Sunday buffet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. during Ramadan. Prices are $34.95 for adults, $28.95 for seniors, and $18.95 for children under twelve.
Community and Culinary Support During Ramadan
These restaurants exemplify how Ottawa's food industry supports religious observances through tailored services. From Moul Hanout on Bank Street, where owners Mounir Boazzara and Hanane Bouchria prepare Ramadan boxes, to various other venues, the city's eateries are fostering a sense of community and inclusion. This initiative not only aids Muslims in maintaining their fasting traditions but also enriches Ottawa's cultural fabric by promoting understanding and shared experiences through food.
As Ramadan approaches, these 21 restaurants stand ready to provide nourishing meals and welcoming environments, ensuring that the holy month is observed with dignity, convenience, and culinary delight across the nation's capital.
