The beginning
Downtown roots
Ad Mare started in 2013 at the corner of Slater and O'Connor in downtown Ottawa. From our beginnings parked outside Export Development Canada (EDC) building, we served fresh, made-to-order seafood to office workers and anyone who followed the smell of fish and chips down the street.
They kept coming back for the crispy fish and chips, loaded fish tacos, lobster rolls (during lobster season), fresh ingredients, and no shortcuts. That approach helped Ad Mare become part of Ottawa's growing street food scene, and for years, downtown felt like home.
Bells Corners
A new home during COVID
When COVID emptied the downtown core in 2020, small businesses everywhere were forced to figure things out quickly. During that uncertain stretch, Kichesippi Beer owner Paul Meek reached out and invited us to bring the truck to Kichesippi's patio in Bells Corners.
What started as a temporary answer became one of the most important chapters in our story. Bells Corners welcomed us from the beginning: customers showed up, neighbouring businesses spread the word, and the Kichesippi team gave us room to keep going when we needed it most. We will always be grateful to Paul and everyone at Kichesippi for welcoming us into the Bells Corners community and for the incredible partnership we built together over the years.
Pour one out
Leaving Kichesippi
In 2026, we were heartbroken to learn that Kichesippi Beer would be closing. After years of working together and many good memories on that patio, we were asked to leave the property as the site began its transition.
It was difficult news, not only for us, but for the community that had gathered there season after season. Still, one thing was clear by then: Bells Corners had become home. We wanted to stay close to the people who had supported us.
Today
A new chapter at 1993 Robertson Road
Thanks to an overwhelming wave of support from customers, neighbours, and local businesses, Ad Mare was able to begin again nearby. In 2026, we officially moved to 1993 Robertson Rd., in partnership with East India Company and owners Anish and Nitin Mehra.
Their support for local businesses and the Bells Corners community made this next step possible, and we are deeply grateful for the chance to keep serving the neighbourhood.
Today, Ad Mare is still built around the same idea we started with in 2013: great seafood served with care, and shared with the people around us. Whether you have been visiting since our downtown days or are finding us for the first time in Bells Corners, thank you for being part of the story. We cannot wait to welcome you for another season.