New restaurant set to open in June near Ottawa’s ByWard Market

Chef Lizardo Becerra describes what to expect from the menu at the new restaurant opening on Rideau Street.

A new restaurant is set to open on Rideau Street this month, taking over the Pure Kitchen location near the ByWard Market.

Barrio is expected to open across the street from the Rideau Centre next week, Chef Lizardo Becerra confirms to CTV News Ottawa.

According to Barrio’s Instagram post, the restaurant at 115 Rideau Street will be a “South American beat in the heart of the market.”

“We’re focusing on homemade, traditional South American dishes,” Becerra said Wednesday, adding the chefs will have a “seasonal menu.”

Barrio is currently hiring staff for the restaurant.

Becerra is also the owner of Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine on Elgin Street.

Pure Kitchen closed its restaurant at the corner of William and Rideau streets on December 22, 2024. Co-owner and CEO David Leith told CTV News Ottawa the location suffered lower than expected sales and profits.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s William Eltherington