There’s something comforting about walking into a café where the lights are warm, the grinder is humming, and someone behind the counter greets you like you’ve been there a hundred times before. For many in Ottawa, Little Victories Coffee is that place. And now, it’s getting recognition far beyond the city’s limits.
Little Victories has been named one of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops, earning a spot on an international list that highlights standout cafés across the globe. It’s the kind of news that makes regulars pause mid sip and think, “Of course it did.”
For years, the shop has built its reputation quietly and consistently. It’s where early mornings begin for downtown commuters and where weekend conversations stretch long past the last drop in the cup. The baristas take their craft seriously, but never in a way that feels intimidating. Whether you order a simple drip coffee or ask about the notes in a single-origin espresso, you’re met with the same care and attention.
That balance is part of what makes Little Victories feel personal. The beans are thoughtfully sourced, the roasting deliberate, and every drink is prepared with intention. But beyond technique, there’s an atmosphere that keeps people coming back. It’s the familiar soundtrack of milk steaming, the steady rhythm of customers lining up at the door, and the sense that you can stay awhile without being rushed.
Being recognized among the world’s best doesn’t change the essence of the place. You’ll still find students tucked into corners with laptops, friends catching up over cappuccinos, and regulars picking up their usual without missing a beat. What it does change is the spotlight. Now, visitors scanning international coffee rankings might find themselves adding Ottawa to their list, and Little Victories to their itinerary.
For a neighbourhood café that built its name one cup at a time, the recognition feels less like a surprise and more like a well earned nod. Around here, it’s always been one of the best. Now the rest of the world knows it too.
