Café Raphaël — Restaurant in Ottawa

A Hidden Gem in Little Italy — Café Raphaël is Pure Magic

We first heard about Café Raphaël from someone very special — Raphaël himself, the owner, whom we’ve become quite acquainted with this past year through Marché Wakim in the Hull district. When he told us about his café tucked away in Ottawa’s Little Italy, we knew we had to experience it for ourselves. And wow, are we ever glad we did.

From the moment we stepped into the open courtyard, we were transported. It's a serene, beautifully curated space — personally decorated by Raphaël with artifacts and touches from around the world: Japan, Italy, and beyond. How do we know? Raphaël was there, sharing the stories behind each piece with warmth and pride. That personal touch made the experience unforgettable.

While the interior of the café is stunning (and well documented online), we won’t spoil the magic here with pictures — this place needs to be experienced in person. Raphaël’s eclectic, old-world aesthetic somehow feels both intimate and expansive, a rare feat in today’s café scene.

But for us, the courtyard was the true highlight — an oasis during Ottawa’s relentless heatwave. Nestled between three buildings, it’s shaded and breezy, with a calming view of a nearby family park. It’s the kind of spot that invites you to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment.

Café Raphaël isn’t the easiest place to stumble upon while driving through Little Italy, so definitely use Google Maps to find your way. It’s a true hidden gem — perfect for vacationers, coffee lovers, or anyone in search of a little beauty and calm.

As for the food and drinks? Do yourself a favour and try the scones, the crème brûlée, and a perfectly crafted cappuccino or mochaccino. The barista, who welcomed us with a smile despite being busy, clearly takes pride in every cup.

We’ll be back — not just for the treats, but for the ambiance, the stories, and the spark of joy that this place brings. Café Raphaël is more than a café. It’s a warm memory...

This is a beautiful cafe and the quality of the coffee/pastries is very good. However, the service needs some serious work. I waited in line for 45 minutes because there was no organization, every person was asked very specific preferences on how much coffee/milk they wanted, and the focus was not there to execute quick enough to get through the fairly short line. The ordering process was chaotic, disorganized, and way too slow. There should be a standard on how each coffee is made, and you should not have to ask how much coffee and milk someone wants unless they specify. I would have been okay with this had the owner not continuously gotten mad at people for the way they were sitting on the antique furniture (all the seating is antique). He went as far as to say how much the furniture cost him, how expensive repairs are, and was more focused on that than getting through the line of people waiting. We also got in trouble for having water bottles we paid for on the wood table. I think that it would be best to put in furniture that you don't have to babysit and temper expectations so that in a cafe people can sit and be comfortable and not have to worry about the costly antique furniture they have no choice...

Raphael Café is one of those rare places where you instantly feel at home. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by antique furniture and beautiful décor that gives the café a timeless charm. Instead of the usual tables and chairs, you’ll find cozy couches and unique pieces that make every corner feel special.

What really stands out is the owner’s passion — not only for coffee, but also for curating the space itself. Every piece of furniture feels carefully chosen, and the result is a café that’s both elegant and comfortable. You can tell a lot of thought and love went into creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and unique.

With the quality of the service, the beautiful design, and the cozy setting, my instant impression was that I was going to spend in the hundreds — but it was a 1/5 of that for 2. That combination of value and atmosphere is rare in Ottawa.

It’s the kind of spot where you can sink into a seat with a perfectly made coffee and feel like you’re in someone’s stylish yet cozy living room. Whether you’re meeting a friend or spending a quiet afternoon on your own, the space feels inviting and relaxed.

All around, the owner did an amazing job making Raphael Café a hidden...