Piccolo Grande in Ottawa’s Byward Market is the place to go on a hot summer day for mouthwatering gelato.
The recent long weekend that we spent in Ottawa was hot and humid – more like a midsummer day than the middle of May – which made it perfect weather for ice cream or gelato. Fortunately, we had a recommendation from one of the third grade teachers at Emma’s school for the best gelato in Ottawa so we headed for Piccolo Grande in Byward Market after our visit to the National Gallery of Canada on Sunday morning.
We found the shop without any difficulty and discovered that it is located in a historic limestone building called The Carriageway. The building, which is a designated heritage property, was built in 1872 and housed four separate hotels with taverns. A central walkway was used as an entrance for the horse and carriages of hotel guests which is why the building was given its present name. The building itself is so lovely that I was already impressed with Piccolo Grande before we had even set foot inside the shop.
Piccolo Grande in Ottawa’s Byward Market
Emma outside Piccolo Grande
We entered Piccolo Grande to find that there was an incredible selection of flavours – making it very difficult to choose.
So many delicious looking flavours
Eventually we settled on a blueberry cone for me and peanut butter for Emma.
Peanut butter and blueberry cones – yummy!
Tasting the gelato
Emma gave it an enthusiastic two thumbs up and pronounced it as good as the gelato that she had in Italy last summer.
Two Thumbs Up
If you are in Ottawa and looking for a refreshing treat then you should definitely stop by Piccolo Grande for some mouthwatering gelato. Thanks Mrs. S. for the recommendation!!
What You Need To Know
- The Piccolo Grande flagship store is located in the heart of Ottawa’s Byward Market at 55 Murray Street. There is a second location at 96 Bank Street.
- The Murray St. location is open Monday to Thursday 9:00am – 6:00pm; Friday 9:00am – 9:00pm; and Saturday and Sunday 11:30 – 9:00pm. (check website to confirm hours of operation)
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Jess @UsedYorkCity
Ohhh, that blueberry gelato sounds delicious and refreshing! I went to Ottawa this winter, but was much too freezing to think about consuming anything other than hot chocolate;-) WIll definitely have to make a summer trip someday to give this a try!
Mary @ The World Is A Book
Yummy! I really shouldn’t have seen this at this late hour but what a great find. I trust Emma’s two thumbs up judgment so I’d look for this the next time we visit Ottawa.
Lisa Goodmurphy
The gelato was delicious but I don’t think that I would want to have it during an Ottawa winter either! A hot chocolate or a hot BeaverTail would be more likely to hit the spot. 🙂 You should definitely return to Ottawa during warmer weather – it’s even better!
Lisa Goodmurphy
It was very good gelato! Emma is VERY picky about her gelato so if she says that it is good then you know it is!