Cornerstone Bar and Grill, Ottawa

Cornerstone Bar and Grill was a casual restaurant and nightlife venue in the ByWard Market, occupying a red-brick corner building with broad windows and a large seasonal patio. The property stands within the ByWard Market Heritage Conservation District, where exterior alterations, signage and patio changes must respect guidelines intended to preserve the area’s 19th-century architectural character.

The venue was known for approachable international dishes, including pizzas, tacos, burgers, salads and bamboo-steamed dumplings. Sangria, beer and cocktails supported its lively evening atmosphere, while the patio and late opening hours made it a popular gathering place. Cornerstone has since closed, and the building is now occupied by Ember, a separate restaurant with a stronger focus on Mediterranean and Latin-inspired cooking.

The converted kitchen centres on live-fire cooking, with an open viewing window, an Argentinian-style charcoal grill and a wood-fired pizza oven. Ember also introduced a more detailed cocktail programme, including smoke-influenced drinks and premium spirits. Thursday live music and late-night shared plates continue part of the building’s established nightlife role.