The Merry Dairy Ottawa Review: Best Ice Cream in Ottawa? – Average EV Score: 8.3/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing.
Table of Contents
The Merry Dairy Overview
102 Fairmont Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1X6
The Merry Dairy has become one of Ottawa’s most beloved ice cream shops. It’s a very popular spot that’s well-known across the city, and for good reason. Their ice cream is consistently rich, creamy, and flavourful, with a texture that manages to be indulgent without ever feeling too heavy. Add in their crisp, house-made waffle cones, and you’ve got one of the best places for a summer treat in Ottawa.
Because it’s so popular, you can almost always expect a long lineup if you’re going for their regular ice cream. That said, if you’re only after their soft serve, which is located at the back of the store, you can usually skip the wait. It’s a good trick if you’re pressed for time but still want something cold and sweet.
Parking is a bit tricky, since they don’t have a dedicated lot. You’ll need to rely on street parking, which can take a few minutes to find, especially on hot summer days when everyone flocks to the shop. Once you’ve got your ice cream, you’ll notice that they’ve turned their parking lot into a seating area, creating an open-air spot where people can sit and enjoy their cones. It’s nothing fancy, but it fits the casual, community-driven vibe of the place.
Inside, the store itself is quite simple. The Merry Dairy doesn’t try to complicate things — it’s mainly about the ice cream. They keep things fresh and interesting with rotating flavours, which means there’s always a reason to go back. Beyond that, they also run a “Name of the Day” promotion, where if your name is chosen, you get a free cone that day. It’s a fun and quirky idea that not only makes customers feel special but also gives people another excuse to swing by for more ice cream.
The staff are always friendly and upbeat, which helps keep the long line moving at a decent pace. Even when it’s busy, they manage to keep things efficient, and the energy from both the employees and the customers adds to the sense of fun.
Would return?: Absolutely.
Ice Cream – Chocolate Oreo (vegan)
😋 Enjoyment: 8.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $6
🎯 Benchmark Price: $6
📊 EV Score: 8.5/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
This flavour was nearly perfect. The chocolate was rich but not overwhelming, while the Oreo pieces added crunch and texture that made every bite satisfying. For a vegan option, the creaminess was impressive — you’d hardly guess it wasn’t dairy-based. Out of the flavours we tried, this was a standout and one I’d happily get again.
Ice Cream – Coffee (vegan)
😋 Enjoyment: 8/10
💰 Price Paid: $6
🎯 Benchmark Price: $6
📊 EV Score: 8/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
This one was good, though not quite as bold as I would have liked. The coffee flavour leaned subtle, and I found myself wishing it had a stronger kick. What saved it was the bits of chocolate woven throughout, which added richness and balance. Like their other vegan flavours, the texture was smooth and creamy, making it a solid option overall.
Ice Cream – Ube & Honeycomb
😋 Enjoyment: 8.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $4
🎯 Benchmark Price: $4
📊 EV Score: 8.5/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
This flavour was light, fruity, and refreshing — exactly the kind of ice cream you want on a hot summer day. The ube gave it a unique flavour profile, and the honeycomb added sweetness and crunch. Once again, the texture was spot on: creamy and smooth without feeling overly heavy.
Final Thoughts
The Merry Dairy has earned its reputation as one of Ottawa’s best ice cream shops. Between the creamy, flavourful ice cream, rotating flavours, and quirky promotions like the Name of the Day free cone, it’s a place that keeps people coming back again and again.
Yes, you’ll almost always encounter a lineup, but that’s part of the experience. If you’re in a rush, grabbing a soft serve at the back is a good workaround. And while the lack of a dedicated parking lot means you’ll have to hunt for street parking, the fact that they’ve turned their lot into a communal seating area adds a nice, casual touch.
At the end of the day, The Merry Dairy is a simple and straightforward store, and that’s part of its charm. They don’t try to be anything more than what they are: a place for really good ice cream. Whether you’re trying one of their rotating flavours or just going for a classic cone, it’s always worth the trip.