Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant

Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant sits at 700 Sussex Dr, in the heart of the ByWard Market in Ottawa, Ontario. It serves French brasserie-style cuisine, including a large raw oyster bar, in a dining room built around a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere. The location covers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch service, along with online ordering and delivery arranged directly through the restaurant.

The ByWard Market is one of the oldest and busiest dining districts in the city, mixing market stalls, patios, nightlife, and destination restaurants within a few walking blocks. A French brasserie in that setting fills a specific niche: guests looking for a sit-down meal with wine and shellfish rather than a quick counter-service stop. Understanding what this particular restaurant offers — and what it does not advertise — helps visitors plan a visit that matches their expectations, whether they're locals returning for a weekly ritual or visitors exploring the Market for the first time.

Who this brasserie suits, and who might prefer another spot

This restaurant fits people who want a full French dining experience — appetizers, mains, wine, and shellfish — rather than a fast or casual bite. It is less suited to those looking for a quick counter meal or a strictly budget-driven outing.

The menu centres on French brasserie staples and a notably large oyster selection, which points to diners who enjoy seafood, classic sauces, and a wine-forward meal. The weekly Buck-a-Shuck oyster promotion on Thursdays and the Sunday brunch with live music both suggest a room built for lingering — sharing plates, catching up with a group, or marking an occasion rather than eating on the run. Guests who prioritize speed over atmosphere, or who are looking for a strictly vegetarian or budget fast-casual option, may find better matches elsewhere in the Market. Large groups celebrating a birthday, a date night involving oysters and wine, or a leisurely weekend brunch with friends are all a natural fit for what this address offers. A solo diner wanting a five-minute takeout coffee is not the typical use case here — this is a full-service, seated restaurant.

Because the space blends a bar area with dining tables, walk-ins hoping for immediate seating during peak hours (Friday and Saturday evenings, or Sunday brunch) should have a backup plan in mind, since demand in this part of the Market tends to be high on weekends regardless of the specific restaurant.

What to ask when you call ahead

Calling 613-562-1160 before heading over helps confirm same-day availability, since posted hours and actual table or bar space can differ depending on the day and season. A short phone call resolves most planning questions faster than guessing.

Useful questions include whether a reservation is needed for the time slot in mind, particularly around the Thursday oyster special or Sunday brunch with live music, both of which are likely to draw steady crowds. It's worth asking whether the full menu is running or whether a seasonal or limited version is in place that day, since brasserie menus often shift with what's available. For groups, ask directly whether the dining room can accommodate the party size together, and whether a deposit or advance notice is expected for larger tables. Anyone with food allergies or dietary restrictions, especially given the oyster and seafood focus, should mention this when booking rather than discovering options at the table. Finally, if delivery or online ordering is the goal rather than dining in, confirming the current delivery radius and expected wait time by phone avoids surprises, since these details can change day to day and are best confirmed directly rather than assumed from the website.

House etiquette and what regulars tend to expect

The dining room follows the general customs of a French brasserie: guests are typically seated and served course by course, with wine and oysters often ordered early in the meal. Understanding this rhythm helps first-time visitors feel at ease.

Brunch service, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live music on Sundays, tends to draw a social, unhurried crowd, so guests planning a quick meal before an appointment should factor in extra time. Evening service leans toward a slower pace typical of brasserie dining, where multiple courses and a shared bottle of wine are part of the experience rather than an add-on. On Thursdays, the $1 oyster promotion is a well-known draw in the Market, so arriving early or reserving ahead is a sensible habit for anyone who wants to be sure of a seat during that window. As with most sit-down restaurants in this part of downtown Ottawa, courteous phone cancellation of a reservation that can no longer be honoured is appreciated, since tables are often in demand on weekend evenings. Various payment methods are accepted at the counter and table, so guests do not need to plan around a single payment type. Ottawa winters bring an added layer of practicality: because the restaurant sits on Sussex Drive in a historic, pedestrian-heavy stretch of the Market, checking on parking or transit conditions before a winter visit is worth the extra minute, particularly during snow events when downtown streets and sidewalks can slow arrival times.

Frequently asked questions

Can I show up without a reservation?

Walk-ins can be accommodated depending on the time and day, but calling 613-562-1160 ahead of a visit — especially for Thursday's oyster special or Sunday brunch — is the safest way to confirm a table will be ready when you arrive.

Is this restaurant open in winter as well as summer?

Yes, the brasserie operates through all seasons, with hours running Monday to Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday and Friday until midnight, and weekend brunch and dinner service on Saturday and Sunday. Winter visitors to the ByWard Market should simply allow extra time for parking or transit during colder months.

Can I order or arrange something without visiting in person?

Online ordering and delivery are available directly through the restaurant for those who prefer to eat at home, and phoning 613-562-1160 is the most direct way to ask about current delivery options, timing, or to place a reservation in advance.

Is the location accessible for people with reduced mobility?

Specific accessibility features are not listed here, so anyone with mobility needs should call 613-562-1160 ahead of a visit to confirm entrance access, seating arrangements, and washroom facilities before heading to 700 Sussex Dr.