Why We Love It: The Candy Store

J and S are NOT afraid to admit our unabashed love and constant longing for all things sweet, sour and sugar-coated, so visiting the old-fashion Candy Store in Westboro was kind of a huge deal. The Candy Store's interior is appealing to both the young and the young-at-heart with treats showcased in glass canisters to ensure craving-induced reactions from visitors. The Store also caters weddings and birthday parties, and the store's adorable little gift boxes would make an adorable little gift for anyone (read: ME). - S

The Candy Store

350 Richmond Road
Ottawa, ON K2A 0E8
(613) 728-7500

Why we love it: Simply Biscotti

I stumbled upon this little biscotti shop on my last walk through Ottawa's historic Little Italy. With a sunny patio spot, delicious baked goods and imported treats, I immediately felt the shop deserved a little Capital Oh attention. I indulged in their speciality Easter biscotti (it was Easter Sunday), delissshh! - S

Simply Biscotti

613-234-5336

354 Preston St.

Why We love it: Raw Sugar Cafe

The whimsical, eclectic decor is reason enough to visit Ottawa's Raw Sugar Cafe in Chinatown. Although a quiet location for study, lunch or coffee with friends during the day, Raw Sugar hosts Ottawa's independent music scene at night and musicians from all over Canada travel to play this quaint yet charismatic venue. The Cafe also acts as a gallery for local artists and photographers. Raw sugar Cafe is a hub of capital arts and culture and it's definitely worth a visit...or several visits the next time you find yourself in the city. - S

Raw Sugar Cafe

613 216-2850
692 Somerset st.w

THIMBLECAKES
Why we love it:

Owner Wendy Velthoven had apparently dreamed of opening her own cupcake shop since well, umm...forever and Capital Oh is glad she finally realized her incredibly delicious dream!! The adorable interior and delicious gluten-free options (shout out to my lovely best friend, Sophie!) make Ottawa's Thimblecakes the next place you should go and indulge at. I'll let J give you the full scoop... *begins drooling* -S

This new cupcake shop opened about three weeks ago on Bank, and it is a very welcomed sweet surprise. The cupcakes are delicious, moist and fantastically cute (they also serve coffees and teas!). Another cool thing about Thimble Cakes is there guaranteed sugar-free and gluten-free options, plus all of their original (and possibly dangerous?) recipes. I got the chance to try the Spicy Chocolate (an slightly unusual combination perhaps?) and it was delish! My friend Grant came along and tried the Strawberry Cheesecake cupcake and also had nothing but good things to say about the taste. The atmosphere is super friendly, and they've got a bunch of vintage furniture that is comfy enough to make you stay a while. Go satisfy that sweet tooth craving, you won't be disappointed! -J

Timblecakes

369 Bank St.

www.thimblecakes.ca

The French Baker

Why we love it:

The rich smell wafting out of Ottawa's The French Baker is enough to trigger an intense mouth-watering for baked goodies. With glistening crescents, delectable pastries, and an atmosphere that makes you suddenly feel all chic and Parisian, Julia and I immediately scheduled a breakfast date here in the very near future! - S

As soon as you walk in to The French Baker, you can smell the buttery goodness of the flaky croissants - The Baker's specialty (and Paula Deen would definitely approve). It is a quaint little pastry shop up front, and in the back there is the lovely Benny's Bistro, a perfect spot for breakfast/brunch/lunch. I loved the black and white tile, with primary colour accents - best! - J

The French Baker/Benny's Bistro

119 Murray St. (Byward Market) Ottawa, ON
www.bennysbistro.ca