Are you looking for an Ottawa neighbourhood with style, excitement, and a strong sense of community? Look no further than Little Italy or Corso Italia as it is now known! Just west of the downtown core, off Carling Avenue, you’ll find Preston Street and this amazing neighbourhood with molto character and charm. 

Little Italy is well-known for its incredible restaurants, nightlife, and proximity to central Ottawa’s most eclectic neighbourhoods including Hintonburg and Chinatown. Getting around by foot or bicycle is easy in Little Italy and the neighbourhood is now seeing a boom in popularity among young professionals and families. 

Everything to Know About Living in Little Italy 

While you may only know Little Italy for its fantastic restaurants, the area also offers great housing options. Older homes can be found nestled between new condo buildings and modern infills, creating a unique, diverse urban community vibe that offers something for everyone’s taste and budget. 

Imagine living within walking distance of not one but several great restaurants. After work, you can grab a delicious pasta at La Roma, get a fantastic Greek Salad at t Evoo or wind down with friends on a great outdoor patio, possibly even sampling one of the 200+ beers from the “Beer Bible” at Pub Italia. 

Preston Street is home to some of the trendiest new eateries in Ottawa and is a destination area for foodies.  Celebrate your next big milestone with a seafood tower at Mati or try one of the inspired cocktails at The Monroom. And don’t forget that just steps away from your front door you are likely to find amazing coffee shops – Bridgehead, Starbucks and many local establishments offer an abundance of choice. 

You can find just about any product for your home renovation project at the iconic and locally-owned Preston Hardware.   

Do you want to learn more about Little Italy? Read our comprehensive Little Italy neighbourhood guide on our blog right here.

Things to Do in Little Italy

Don’t let the neighbourhood’s central location fool you, Little Italy is also close to exceptional parks and green spaces. Just across Carling, you’ll find Commissioners Park and Dows Lake while the Trillium Pathway offers easy access by foot or bike to the Ottawa River Pathway and beyond. Urban dog owners will love Little Italy for its dog park at Plouffe Park as well as easy access to Lemieux Island, another popular spot for dog adventures. 

Recreation in Little Italy is also a big part of the community appeal. The Plant Recreation Centre offers exceptional gum facilities, an indoor pool, and sports classes for all ages. And in the Spring and Summer, Little Italy really comes alive. The area is within walking distance to the Tulip Festival and in June you can enjoy Italian Week, where the best of Preston Street is showcased amidst a parade of beautiful Ferrari’s and Fiat 500’s!

With easy access to major roadways such as Scott Street, Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, and the 417, getting around the city from Little Italy is a breeze. There is also the LRT Trillium line for commuters that will only get more convenient as the construction of Ottawa’s LRT continues to expand. Why would you want to leave with this much to do right at your doorstep!

Is living in Little Italy right for you? Get in touch with us today to learn more about living in this bellisimo Ottawa neighbourhood.