Cuisine
Main Street has a quirky, wholesome character that combines granola and spirituality. A key feature is The Green Door, one of Ottawa’s most popular vegetarian restaurants. There is also the Green Door Grocer, a small grocery store that focuses on local and organic produce and a vast variety of grains that you can buy in bulk.
Much of Main Street is occupied by Saint-Paul University, which descends from the original College of Bytown (1848). Saint-Paul is closely tied to the University of Ottawa, but maintains its Catholic heritage. The bilingual university specializes in theology, canon law, philosophy and counselling. During the summer, there is a Farmer’s Market held at Saint-Paul’s every Saturday.
Singing Pebble Books is also on Main Street and offers a unique collection of books related to spirituality, psychology, philosophy and more. Next door, the 3 Trees shop sells imports from India and Nepal, such as singing bowls, arts and crafts, jewelry, and Indian cotton clothes.
Rounding out the heart of Main Street is Watson’s Pharmacy and Compounding Centre, which brings to mind a traditional community-based apothecary.
Aside from The Green Door, there aren’t many restaurants in the neighbourhood. There is a Royal Oak directly overlooking the Rideau Canal by the Pretoria Bridge, as well as a few cafes and takeout locations. There are, however, many options nearby on Elgin Street and in the Glebe.