The following areas are recommended for a place to eat.
Very close to the university. There are some sporadic restaurants, coffee shops, and bars very near the university, including: • Father & Sons bar (at King Edward and Osgoode) • No Forks Given burgers (at King Edward and Somerset) • 3 Brothers Shawarma and Poutine (at Osgoode and Henderson) • Second Cup coffee shop (on Laurier near Cumberland) • Happy Goat coffee shop (at Wilbrod and Friel)
Byward Market. This is slightly north of the university, about a 15 minute walk. There are many restaurants, bars, and shops. This area is fairly touristy.
Elgin Street. This is slightly west of the university, and very close to the Business Inn. It has many nice restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
Rideau Centre. This is a mall very close to the university, about a 10-minute walk if you use the Mackenzie King bridge. It has a food court.
Ottawa is a lovely city and there's a variety of things to explore during your free time, such as Wednesday afternoon.
Museums. Here are some of the museums that are within range of the university. • The National Gallery of Canada (25 minute walk, near the Byward Market) • Canadian Museum of Nature (25 minute walk, near Elgin Street) • Canadian Museum of History (a very nice 40 minute walk, across the river in Gatineau) • Ottawa Art Gallery (5 minute walk, near the Rideau centre, free) • Canadian War Museum (near Pimisi station, or a 50-minute walk)
Walking around. The Parliament Buildings are traditionally a sightseeing draw, but unfortunately they are currently under major renovations. It is nice to walk along the Rideau Canal, by the locks, and along the Ottawa river.
Bike rental. Ottawa has nice trails for biking around. Bikes can be rented for $11/hour from RentABike, at a site nearby to the university.
Gatineau park. Nearby Gatineau Park is a treasure of the National Capital Region, with lovely hiking trails and more. It is a 50-minute bus-ride, taking the STO route 31 or 33 from the Rideau Centre bus stop.
Beaver tails. My daughter recommends that you try a beaver tail (sweet fried dough) in the Byward Market.