Umbrella Burger Ottawa Review – Solid Cheeseburger and Surprisingly Great Curly Fries – Average EV Score: 8/10
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
Umbrella Burger Restaurant Overview
186 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7P9
Located in Ottawa’s Little Italy, Umbrella Burger is a very casual spot that specializes in keeping things simple: burgers, fries, and drinks. The restaurant isn’t very large, with just a few tables inside and a small patio out front for warmer days. It’s clearly designed more for quick bites or casual hangs rather than a sit-down, drawn-out meal.
There’s no dedicated parking lot, so you’ll need to rely on street parking in the neighbourhood. Depending on the time of day, this can be tricky since Preston Street gets busy, but it’s manageable if you’re willing to walk a block or two.
What’s interesting is that there seems to be a connection between Umbrella Burger and the Umbrella Bar that used to operate nearby. While the details aren’t fully clear, there are references suggesting that Umbrella Burger may be run by the same people or spun off from the Umbrella Bar brand. If so, it feels like they’ve carried over some of the approachable, laid-back atmosphere but narrowed the focus to burgers and fries.
The vibe here is low-key, welcoming, and unpretentious. It’s the kind of place you might stop in for a quick burger after work, grab a bite before heading out, or hang out casually with friends over fries and drinks.
Would return?: Yes.
Cheeseburger
😋 Enjoyment: 7.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $10
🎯 Benchmark Price: $10
📊 EV Score: 7.5/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
The cheeseburger was a solid example of a smash burger done right. The bun was a highlight — soft yet crisp on the flat sides, giving a satisfying texture contrast. The sauce added a nice tangy-savoury balance, coating each bite without overwhelming it.
The patty itself was slightly above average. It had some good caramelization from the griddle, though it didn’t quite reach the intense crispy edges that you get from the very best smash burgers. Still, the beef was juicy enough and well-seasoned, and together with the cheese, sauce, and bun, it came together as a well-rounded, satisfying burger.
It’s not the type of burger that reinvents the wheel, but at $10, it delivered good value. I’d order it again, though I’d be curious to see if they offer variations with more adventurous toppings in the future.
Spiced Curly Fries
😋 Enjoyment: 8.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $7
🎯 Benchmark Price: $7
📊 EV Score: 8.5/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
The curly fries were the unexpected highlight of the meal. Perfectly fried, they were crispy all the way through, without any of the sogginess that often plagues fries once they cool. The spiced seasoning blend elevated them, adding depth and flavour beyond just salt.
Each fry had that addictive crunch followed by a fluffy interior, making them hard to stop eating. They paired well with the burger, but honestly, they stood out enough to be ordered on their own. At $7, they felt well worth the price, especially considering the execution.
It’s rare for fries to overshadow a burger, but here they nearly did. If you come to Umbrella Burger, don’t skip these.
Final Thoughts
Umbrella Burger is a casual, no-frills spot that understands what it wants to be. The focus is on smash burgers and fries, and both items delivered, with the curly fries being especially memorable.
The street parking situation is the only minor hassle, as there’s no dedicated lot, but that’s fairly standard for Preston Street. The restaurant itself is small but cozy, with enough tables inside and outside to accommodate a steady flow of patrons.
The potential link to the old Umbrella Bar adds an interesting wrinkle to its story. If it is indeed a spin-off, then Umbrella Burger feels like a stripped-down continuation of that brand, shifting from a bar with a broader menu to a focused burger joint.
With friendly service, quick food, and a laid-back vibe, Umbrella Burger fits right in with the casual dining scene on Preston. It may not be Ottawa’s absolute best burger spot, but it’s certainly a reliable choice, and those curly fries alone make it worth the visit.