It took three years and $360 million dollars, but the Rideau Centre, the shopping mall right smack in the centre of Ottawa, has been completely transformed from a sad and dreary place to a serious shopping destination. One of the new additions is Quebec department store Simmons. Go inside, walk to the left, take the elevator up to the top floor and you will find Eve.
It isn’t obvious that there is a coffee shop here, probably the reason that it isn’t very busy. But if visitors knew it existed (as you now will know because I’m telling you), it would be much much busier. Eve is basically a tiny counter, a sofa and a few tables and chairs located under a glass roof and a full glass window right in the store itself. From the window you get a view out onto many of the major sites in downtown Ottawa. Starting from the far left you have Parliament Hill and the Chateau Laurier, there is the Byward Market in front of you and beyond that the National Gallery. You can even see the Gatineau Hills in the distance.
The hot chocolate is fine, although if you are looking for a really good hot chocolate there are other options close by. But the reason to come here is the setting (it’s great what they did with the space), and of course the incredible view.
Verdict: Where everyone is likely to bring guests visiting the city for the first time. Eve, Rideau Centre, Ottawa, Canada
