Play Food & Wine is closing its doors after 17 years

Play Food & Wine in Ottawa's ByWard Market on November 14, 2025. (Andrew Adlington/CTV News Ottawa)

An Ottawa restaurant will be shutting down after seventeen years of serving food and wine in the ByWard Market.

The co-owner of Play Food & Wine, located on 1 York Street, says they have not renewed their lease and will be hosting their last dinner service on Jan. 10.

“We are announcing this news early so we can spend the next two months celebrating the extraordinary things Play has become over these last 17 years,” co-owner Stephen Beckta said in a post to Facebook.

“We really hope many of you will be able to join us in this celebration for a special meal over the next 8 weeks.”

The restaurant featured an open kitchen and specialized in small plates designed to celebrate Canadian ingredients.

While the restaurant will be serving dinner until the new year, Beckta says Play Food & Wine’s final lunch service will be offered on Dec. 19.

Beckta co-owns the restaurant with Clay Cardillo and is the President of Beckta Restaurant Group, which also owns Beckta and Gezellig. According to Beckta’s post, gift cards for Play Food & Wine will be honoured until its closure. Afterwards, gift cards can be redeemed at either Beckta or Gezellig.

“Starting in January, Beckta and Gezellig will add more services on Mondays (both lunch and dinner) to be able to find a new home for many of our wonderful core staff from Play and to be able to serve you more often,” Beckta said.

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