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Café des Tours – Cozy Basement Café Near Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa

Nestled in the basement of Ottawa’s Notre Dame Cathedral, Café des Tours offers a serene retreat from the city’s bustle. This cozy café captivates with its unique setting, blending quiet charm and a hint of history, perfect for reading, journaling, or focused work. Its dark Italian-style coffee caters to those who prefer a bold, bitter brew, though lighter options like drip coffee and house-brewed iced teas delight in variety and flavor. The friendly, attentive staff and gluten-free options add warmth. While the space feels bare, its hushed atmosphere and proximity to cultural landmarks make it a hidden gem for reflection and respite.

Café des Tours at a glance

  • Address 385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1J9, Canada
  • Restaurant type Coffee shop .
  • Popular for Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Café des Tours: Reviews & Ratings

Brett Brooking
4

The space is very cool, but the coffee is not my style. This cafe takes up a part of the basement of the cathedral and is a cool oasis on a sunny day. The coffee is a very dark Italian style that feels a bit outdated. Watching the barista "drawing" the latte art on my drink makes me wonder if they could use a bit more training. If you're a dark bitter coffee drinker, you may be more suited to this cafe than I am.

Abraham Khadivi
5

Classy, clean, and cozy. The young lady working was very cheerful and sweet. There were some GF options which is always a plus. I had the drip coffee and it was great. There is a decent selection of religious gifts and souvenirs as well.

Arseniy Maximenko
5

Very nice quite little cafe on the lower level of the Note Dame. Was a great place for us to take a quick bite. The cold tea there is a bit expensive but very tasty and have a bunch of interesting flavours. It is also home brewed so much better then the store bought options. Super close to the national gallery.

Bethany H
4

First time here, and we got the Lemongrass Lavender Iced Tea and a Cold Brew Coffee. Sat in one of the Pew booths and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere of the space to journal, read, or work. It is located around the corner from the entrance to the cathedral, in the basement. Unique experience among churches I've visited. Recommendation would include soft instrumental background music, and perhaps also small informative plaques/posters at each table about the history of the church. Ex. Did you know that the church roof was replaced in 2010 with stainless steel? Originally it was constructed out of...." Etc etc.

B Fox
4

This is in a beautiful and unique space underneath the cathedral. It's a great place to study or read as it was so quiet (at least it was today on Saturday afternoon.) The classical music playing on the speakers was unfortunately the loudest sound-it was the kind of "busy" classical music that can make someone feel a little restless. It would be a great improvement to have a carefully curated playlist of relaxing soft classical or jazz music. The drinks and pastries we ordered were *ok*, nothing special compared to other cafes. The young lady behind the counter was welcoming and kind. I do feel like a few improvements could be made to make the space more comfortable and cozy-it seemed quite bare inside and a little sad! It has such potential to be an amazing place. I will still visit this cafe when I need to focus on work and writing in solitude.

Taste Test Travels
5

A beautiful and quiet spot to enjoy a coffee. Atmosphere is calming and environment is reminiscent of the history of the building.

Location

  • Café des Tours
    Café des Tours
    385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1J9, Canada

Nestled quietly in the basement of Ottawa’s majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, Café des Tours offers more than just a cup of coffee—it serves a unique experience steeped in history and calm. This quaint café stands out as a hidden oasis, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling city above. The atmosphere is serene, with the subtle presence of classical music underscoring the hushed space, inviting you to read, write, or simply reflect in its pew-style seating.

The café’s charm lies in its setting and simplicity. Situated at 385 Sussex Dr, just steps away from cultural hubs like the National Gallery, Café des Tours bridges heritage with modern-day comfort. The interior is minimalistic, yet its location beneath the cathedral’s soaring architecture lends it a spiritual gravitas that is hard to match.

On the beverage front, the flavors adhere to traditional, robust profiles. The coffee is crafted in a classic Italian dark roast style—rich and intense, though perhaps not for those who favor lighter or more contemporary blends. Observing the baristas at work, especially their attempts at latte art, adds a human touch that feels earnest, if still evolving. For tea lovers, the house-brewed cold tea stands out with its variety of intriguing flavors, refreshing and far superior to conventional bottled options.

The café’s menu thoughtfully includes gluten-free selections, accommodating a range of dietary needs. Pastries, while simple and unpretentious, complement the drinks adequately but leave room for culinary innovation. The staff radiate warmth and friendliness, enhancing the welcoming vibe of this quiet hideaway.

While the décor could benefit from more personal touches—such as informative plaques about the cathedral’s history or a curated playlist of gentle classical or jazz tunes—the potential here is undeniable. Café des Tours is a sanctuary for solitude and contemplation, perfect for anyone craving a pause to read, work, or simply enjoy a moment away from the chaos.

In summary, Café des Tours is not just a place to grab coffee, but a destination where history, calm, and tradition blend. It reminds us that sometimes, the perfect café is one that invites you to slow down, observe, and savor the quieter moments.

Business Information

  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards