I had a horrible experience at this place. The customer service and drinks are okay. This story is a bit long whirled and while it had nothing to do with the owner or staff, it did take place at their business and it profoundly and negatively affected me, as a young woman. I was in the bathroom( which is gross and needs to be cleaned way more often ) at their establishment and I heard someone trying to open the door with a key. I shouted out that it's occupied but he didn't hear me and I had the misfortune of having a fully grown man walk in on me while I was using the bathroom. Unfortunately I could not get up as I was indisposed and had this man walk in on me. He didn't even apologize ; just simply said he couldn't hear me. Ladies please watch out for this guy as he's almost 300 pounds, white male, with a beard that's at least 6'5 in height, and looks like officer Piscatella from Orange is the new black ( if you've ever seen this show). I'm guessing he lives in the area and most likely , this was an accident but we can't know for sure. It completely scared and startled me so bad that I'm still upset about it when I look back cause it was a threatening situation. It is a complete stranger after all and you never know what could happen or even what the intention is;we live in a messed up world and I don't like to take chances. Although I am not blaming the owner for another person's actions and although she did treat me to a baked good, I have to say I am very disappointed in this establishment all together. Firstly, as a woman, why am I not entitled to the same safety and dignity as other people? The owner has not made gender specific bathrooms and simply runs them with a key ( that anyone can get their hands on). I'm not sure how this happened as I don't work there but the fact that they can open from the outside is ridiculous and can make for a frightful situation and encounter. When I told her to maybe make a male and female washroom, she said that it's "too much." I just love how my rights and safety don't count for anything. If she likes, she can also make a gender neutral washroom but as women our safety and dignity needs to be respected and taken seriously. I hope it doesn't happen to anyone and she has fixed this or at least made it more clear for customers. Needless to say I won't be stepping foot in there again.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 2
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 1
Recommended dishes
Avocado Toast

Imagine situation: -You ask (and pay) for a medium cappuccino. Since you pay in advance, you give nice tip. -barista giving you the coffee tells you: “your small cappuccino”. -you are surprised and asked him if it was not a mistake since you paid and ordered the medium one. -instead of apologies, barista takes bigger cup, pour from your cup to the new one (you probably know that you can’t do that in case of cappuccino since it will mix the layers of coffee and milk foam), and then pour more milk. -as you may guess, You is getting really weird milk drink with coffee aftertaste. Plus, In a dirty mug since the coffee was pour into it. I mean I have visited many many many coffee places all over the world, but I have never experienced anything like this. Never ever. And it is actually first time I am giving somebody 1*. But at least we had something to speak about for a few hours after that experience ☹️

Really wanted to like this place more because it’s cute and close to Rideau, but I’m not really impressed. I find the food and drink items overpriced. I understand that its location is expensive and they may need to charge more, but it’s not really worth it from a customer point of view considering it’s cash only already. The staff is really nice and the decor is cool. The lemon square I got was $4 and was decently sweet, but was mostly crust and not very much curd. I started getting sick of the crust halfway through the bar because it was 3:1 compared to the layer of lemon curd! Might come back again to try something else if I’m in the area, but not going to go out of my way to come here. I suppose it’s a calm place for reading or a casual date, but there isn’t wifi here so it wouldn’t be an ideal study spot.

Management isn't keen on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They like to target tables during rush hour and make people sit with others they do not know. It is completely uncalled for and unnecessary -- they must be considerate of people's special and personal boundaries. I did not know that I would worry about being comfortable in a place that should be easy to relax in without being unnecessarily disturbed. Unfortunately, after being a place I enjoyed going to regularly I will not be going to Planet Coffee anymore. This is definitely an experience I will continue to share with my peers so they do not face the same issue I have. Now on the hunt for a new warm and welcoming cafe! #DoBetter

I went here while on a date with my boyfriend and I absolutely loved it! The drinks were amazing and the service is phenomenal! Though I don’t remember what we ordered, because I don’t know any of the words, I don’t regret my choices at all. I bet I could pick a different drink every time and never hate it. Definitely my new favourite café, and I especially like how they serve the drinks in actual mugs instead of to-go cups like Tim Hortons. The decor of the shop both inside and out is also amazing. 10/10, I highly recommend checking out the place.

This shop is gem tucked away slightly from the hustle & bustle of every day traffic in the ByWard market! Everything is prepared from scratch....everything from pastries, soups and a variety of panini lunch items! The staff are quite friendly and helpful! The shop has managed to survive 24 years in the market area and with the original owners! This in itself is an amazing accomplishment! However, be prepared as they accept cash only, no debit or credit cards! The shop is a must visit! ❤️

The coffee is delicious, the servers are super friendly, but for me this place is 5 stars for another reason. I went to apply for a visa at the US embassy and they didn't allow me to enter with my backpack, I admit that I was desperate, because I didn't know what to do with my backpack. I came to the cafe and asked the attendant to keep my backpack until I got back. She, Michaela, simply saved my day. Of course, after that we enjoyed a coffee and one of the pâtisseries, which, by the way, are very tasty!!!

This is my go-to coffee shop. In summers the patio is fantastic. They make everything in house and there are a ton of options. The coffee is great and the staff are friendly. It's locally owned and they have a diverse and inclusive atmosphere. I highly recommend it. The lunch sandwiches are great and reasonably priced. The interior decor is a little dated but really I had to work hard to find an issue with the spot. They are open at 7:30 am and are consistent in their operations.

Really underwhelming cortado and drip coffee. Barista was really accommodating when someone took my order accidentally. Washrooms are kinda dirty. I think downtown Ottawa ain’t really that cozy and neither is this place.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 2
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Parking is unavailable
Parking
Ain’t none

Gem in Ottawa! Love that they have a huge selections of bakery and pastries. Great selection of beverages as well. I was surprised to find the cafe very spacious. Their jupyter jolt and coffee cake was nice. Their matcha latte was good, but I was a little disappointed to find out that it had vanilla syrup in it. I do think they should’ve specified that their matcha latte has extra flavor syrups in it. A great cafe overall where I will be visiting again!

They’ll make anything for you, even if it’s not on the menu. I didn’t see a cortado on the menu, but they happily made me one. I also tasted as many of the treats as I could. They were all great …cranberry date square was my fave. It’s in the little alley, tucked away nicely in a courtyard. I looked around for another place on the second day of my trip, but nothing else caught my eye in the Byward. Thanks for making my morning.

Smooth, bitter Americano, though the portion for a large in theory is defined as a small at any other coffee house. Vegan Brownie was delightfully tart, but stale at the same time—highly recommended you politely request it warmed up to combat this minor issue. Wi-Fi connection is quite poor so be prepared to enable your hotspots, hipsters. The service is as warm and inviting as any local café to complement its dainty location.

I really want to like this place, it's in an interesting location, close to my work, and it's always busy at lunch. I don't love it because each of the 5 times I've visited, the food has been overpriced and underwhelming. This apple and Brie panini was $9.60. Prices seem to have gone up since the min wage raise. The cookies are on the dry and crumbly side, the cakes are on the bland and less sweet side. Cash only!

Great drinks. Great selection of baked goods, but they were a bit stale, and seemed like they were thawed from the freezer. Food was okay, the options were basic. Nice outdoor seating during the warm months. Service was friendly and quick. Unfortunately the washrooms were gross, and the toilet paper was without a dispenser, so everyone had to touch the same roll of paper to use it...not very clean.

There was a dead fly on my cookie, as you can see in the picture. When I showed it to them they first didn’t accept it and after they saw, they were careless and didn’t even say sorry. Their work environment is not clean, there was coffee grounds on my lemonade but fortunately they accepted it and changed it. But overall it’s not a clean place. Also the staff seemed unhappy while taking orders.

Great location and the coffee and pastries were very nice. There's a tea selection too and lactose/veggie milks. It is very popular so service is a bit rushed. When we were there, staff couldn't explain what some of the desserts were. Tables weren't clean and if you need the bathroom you have to ask for the key or know that the key is usually on the wall somewhere.

UPDATED REVIEW: (i will stick to drinks) Probably the best chai latte I’ve had! Super cute patio and hidden from the main streets. Really yummy carrot cake and so many delicious looking desserts and paninis! Will try again to have their paninis/ soups! (New: I find them overpriced for small portions: the avocado toast was tiny and expensive). Not worth for food.

great location. it used to be really great. recently food, desserts average or below. our scones were dry and did not seem to be fresh at all. although that is what we were told. the presentation of the baked goods is not appealing . many of the items look a few days old even the coffee was not good . very disappointed. they can do a lot better.

A great spot for when you’re in the area. Coffee was good, but not the best we’ve tried in Ottawa. The best part about this place was its outdoor patio. It had a really nice atmosphere to relax and chat or read a book away from the busy streets. Staff was also very friendly and accommodating. (Note: our pastries were from Moulin de Provence).

I went in to pick up a snack after shopping. I was impressed that (1) the coffee shop was open in the evenings on a weekday and (2) the staff were super friendly which is hard to come by especially in the market. I would go back to sit down and enjoy their patio.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Expresso et cappuccino excellents. Breakfast panini was fresh hot and tasty. Very friendly service. First visit after over 10 years: you have not changed your quality. Merci!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I love coming to this place and I’ll keep coming, yes the coffee and sweets are overpriced, the staff is very friendly , the atmosphere is nice , but never going to buy the pastry here, everytime I go they are old , dry , and hard even in the morning ,but still will come back for the coffee.

Good size outdoor space, and lots of hot and cold drink options. Everyone in our party enjoyed their beverage. I also had the vegan espresso brownie, and it was really good. The wait time can be long during peak hours, but they work really hard to keep the line moving and the service quick.

In terms of food, ordered the maple way coffee and an egg panini with cheese. The coffee was waaaay too sweet, the sandwich was nice. The ambiance was alright, but they had the door and a window fully open, so it was very cold. Also, the bathrooms were in dire need of cleaning.

I first discovered this cafe when it was on George St. Many, many years ago. I really liked the owners. Lovely little cafe in the city market. I'm particularly fond of their wild berry squares and the coffee is very good. The service has always been friendly and helpful.

So I just happened to stop by this place which I already love, and took a bite of the “Rhubarb Square”. No kidding, get over here pronto!!! Try this unbelievable explosion of goodness. It should “almost be illegal”. I’m grateful, let’s just put it that way …

Fantastic cafe with home baked cakes, freshly made sandwiches and well made ethically sourced coffee. all the cakes looked great, but the nanaimo bar was my favourite. There is plenty of seating with a nice outdoor area. Best place for coffee in Byward.

Love the coffee shop! especially the double chocolate cookie. They have delicious food menu as well which I recommend to try. Ostara, Hunter, and Zoey are the best barista! They are very nice and always smile all the time. Excellent customer service

Coffee is always great, their pastries are so good too. Highly recommend.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Rhubarb Square

Always great to stop in. Great summer patio on walking path away from cars right in the downtown tourist restaurant/bar/tourist area. They even take debit cards now! Sip your coffee and people watch. Get there early on weekdays and you

Very friendly staff they are super helpful. I love the vibe. Must visit this place
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Rhubarb Square

I've always loved the atmosphere here! The desserts are top notch. The coffee isn't bad either!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Excellent spot. Indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor is shaded which was nice. This was the bike ride recovery spot, iced coffee and a bread pudding ( lots of other choices as well). Service great seating area nice and clean.

I am not a fan of sugarless coffee, but coffee here proved me wrong. For a change this is the only place where I liked coffee without sugar. May be it was the uniqueness of their coffee which made it taste so good..

Great cozy spot tucked away in the market. Had an oat milk latte with a shot of peppermint and it was perfect! Banana bread is nice as well. Employees are friendly and the seating is ample. Definitely check it out!

Always a nice quiet corner in the usual bustle of the market area— good coffee, tasty snacks (cookies are great generally)— staff friendliness has been variable in the past but has improved recently— great spot!

Very nice cafe. Good options for vegan/vegetarian people. They are kind enough to explain all the vegan options available. Extremely good location with tons of outdoor space to relax. Not so expensive.

Wow! Perfect! One of the best mocha i havd ever try! If you know Cafe Myriad( Montreal), the quality is equal to that! Perfect place , quality and outdoor sitting area! Definitely i will try it again

Super delicious coffee, had a tasty berry and bran muffin too! Staff were really nice, the place had a friendly and inclusive feeling to it. Would definitely recommend. My favourite Ottawa coffee.

Cappucino was not impressed at all. Tasted like just nespresso machine made. I visited here cause I was told it is famous cafe. But I don’t think come again. Terrace was nice though.

Had a skor brownie and it was so good! The staff were friendly (and fast with making the orders!) and the cashier was happy to recommend things off the menu …

I’m regular customer here and enjoyed my experience each time. The only reason that i leave the 4 star review is that, the cakes I ordered were too old and hard.

It is a cozy place with good smell of sweets. My cappuccino was 6 out of 10. It was weird that they locked the washroom and u have to get the keys to use them!

Very nice atmosphere. Coffee tastes good, but not as good as I expected from a place called Planet coffee. Cakes are small but extremely delicious.

Really good spot for a coffee and a pastry or treat. The patio is shaded with trees and a calm, quiet place to read a book and enjoy your coffee.

This is the best kept secret coffee shop in Ottawa!!!! Every baked good is fresh and so so good!!! So glad we wandered down this hidden corridor.

Perhaps my favourite in the city. Love the coffee, savoury food options, service, and vibe of the inside and outside (especially outside!).

Coffee is all right but the pastries and other treats are very good. Only concern is lots of fruit flies if you are dining inside the shop.

Cute coffee shop, lots of seating, good options. Good location, cute alley way. Had the lavender matcha, was good but not the best 4/5.

I love the maple latte is absolutely a must if you go. The staff is really nice (they were the ones who suggested the latte)

Lots of chairs outside. Nice atmosphere. They even think to care for water for dogs. Nice thought. ATM inside.

Very good indoors/outdoors seating. Good coffee, and Espresso Vegan brownie is our personal favorite !

Disappointed with my flat white. Friend got a cappuccino. Both of us thought the beans tasted sour.

The location of this café is amazing The coffee was really good and even better their pastries!

Came here for a quick panini and coffee before we checked out of our hotel close by.

Really good coffee, and lovely cozy spot
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great service, great coffee, great patio. One of my fav coffees in Ottawa.

Great cakes and excellent cold brew! Nice place to sit on a sunny day.

Amazing staff, great coffee and best lemon squares around!

Great coffee! Great service! Gluten free cakes