When you tour homes in a new neighbourhood, you aren’t just evaluating square footage, floor plans, or school districts—you’re discovering the heartbeat of a community.
With our beautiful new listing just around the corner at 96 Florizel Avenue, I’ve been spending a lot of time back in Bells Corners. Every time I drive down Robertson Road, I’m reminded of how I first discovered one of Nepean’s finest local gems: Duke Fine Foods.
A Personal Discovery in 2022
Back in February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, so many of us in Ottawa were looking for tangible ways to help. As part of an initiative to support the Ukrainian community, I was searching for local Ukrainian-owned businesses to support.
That search led me straight to the doors of Duke Fine Foods (located at 2120 Robertson Rd).
The shop had just opened its doors in 2021, featuring a modern-rustic design filled with an incredible selection of Eastern and Central European specialties. We delighted that year in having a draw for a gift certificate to the store and were pleased to introduce it to clients that had not yet discovered it! Being family owned and operated, the service was incredible. So friendly!
Award-Winning European Delights Right in the Neighbourhood
It turns out I wasn’t the only one enchanted by what Duke Fine Foods brought to Bells Corners. The shop has officially won the award for Ottawa’s Best International Grocer every single year since 2023.
If you haven’t dropped in yet, you are in for a treat:
The Fresh Bakery: European-style breads (including authentic Lithuanian sourdoughs), flaky pastries, and cakes made daily.
Gourmet Deli & Cheese: An impressive counter offering imported meats, smoked fish, caviar, and artisan cheeses from across France, Germany, Italy, and Eastern Europe.
Pantry Essentials & Treats: Everything from organic dairy (kefir, tvorog, rich sour cream) to imported teas, chocolates, jams, and hard-to-find international snacks.
Wines to pair with Duke’s cheeses and meats!
Whether you’re grabbing a fresh sandwich and coffee on your lunch break or putting together a charcuterie board to entertain guests on the weekend, it makes living in Nepean that much sweeter. Speaking of sweeter…. it was always a preferred ice cream stop when I would be picking up my granddaughter Vivi from the nearby Montessori daycare!
Why Neighbourhoods Like Westcliffe Estates Matter
Living at 96 Florizel Avenue means having vibrant, award-winning local spots like Duke Fine Foods just minutes from your front door. Bells Corners continues to grow into one of Ottawa’s most convenient, community-driven hubs—blending quiet, tree-lined residential streets with easy access to Greenbelt trails, excellent transit, and incredible local businesses.
Thinking about making a move to Bells Corners or curious about the listing at 96 Florizel Avenue? Reach out anytime—I’d be happy to show you around the home and share a few more of my favourite neighbourhood spots!
