Emma WhiteThere’s no better way to start the day than to have a hearty meal with your loved ones. Luckily, Ottawa’s vibrant streets are packed with amazing breakfast and brunch spots to energize your day!
If you’re looking for the best diners and cafes to kickstart your day, here are must-visit breakfast spots in Ottawa that you can’t miss!
Art-Is-In Bakery
Location: 250 City Centre Ave #112, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K7, Canada
Website: http://www.artisinbakery.com/
Contact details: +1 613 695 1226, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
If you ask Ottawa locals about their favourite bread, you’re bound to hear them gush about Art-Is-In Bakery. This cafe combines Parisian boulangeries and Brooklyn’s quirky cafes to create artisanal breads that are sure to satisfy your breakfast cravings!
Their breakfast menu elevates class dishes to gourmet levels, with a must-try like “Eggs Benny Mac Daddy,” a mouthwatering mix of eggs Benedict and mac and cheese. Their infamous O-Towners is a soft, flaky donut perfection that you simply can’t miss.
The Brunch Burger features two juicy beef patties smothered in cheddar, crispy bacon, sunny-side-up egg and hollandaise. And for those with a sweet tooth, their buttery croissants, gooey cinnamons, and specialty pastries will make your brunch extra fun!
| Pro Tip: The O-Towners sell out quickly, so get there early if you really wanna try them. If you weren’t able to get them, you can place a pre-order on the O-Towners or any other item you want, then pick them up the next day. If you managed to get your hands on the O-Towners, we recommend eating them immediately. They tend to get really soggy as the day progresses. |
Gezellig
Location: 337 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E7, Canada
Website: http://www.gezelligdining.ca/
Contact details: +1 613-680-9086, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM; 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM; 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM; 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Gezellig, the sister cafe to Beckta and Play Food, is all about bringing a modern twist to classic brunch dishes. This charming brunch spot, aptly named Gezzellig, a Dutch word for cozy, offers a cozy yet elegant setting, perfect for weekends with friends.
Indulge in some delicious beef brisket with baked beans and hollandaise sauce or a salmon gravlax egg Benedict with English muffin and dill creme fraiche (French sauce). You might also enjoy some Gezellig huevos, mushrooms on toast, and Gezellig greens.
The cafe also offers plenty of coffee and tea options to go along with your dish. Or if you’re up for a more fun and relaxed brunch date, you can opt for the cafe’s specialty cocktails and enjoy a refreshing mimosa.
| Pro Tip: You can order two plates for $28 per person, so don’t worry about wanting to try everything because you absolutely can! If you have some dietary requirements, make sure to also let the servers know so they can accommodate you. |
Wilf and Ada’s
Location: 510 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z4, Canada
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilfandadasascratchdiner/
Contact details: +1 613 231 7959
Operating hours:
Monday: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Wednesday to Sunday: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
No breakfast or brunch roundup in Ottawa is complete without a shout-out to the locals’ beloved Wilf and Ada’s. This lively diner in Centretown serves up mouthwatering meals made from scratch every day, guaranteeing a fresh and delicious experience for all!
The menu boasts classic breakfast options with a fun twist, like the Blackstone Egg Benny that’s topped with smoked in-house bacon, roasted tomato and mayo. Their Eggs in Purgatory, which features house-made spicy tomato sauce, is also a must-try!
If you’re worried about the spiciness, the diner has a range of drinks, like fresh juice, bubbly mimosa, zesty Caesar, and tasty craft beer, to help you wash it down. They also have a sweet Buttermilk French Toast that can help finish the meal on a happy note!
| Pro Tip: Wilf and Ada’s has limited seating, so it’s always packed with people every morning. They also don’t take reservations, so the only way to secure a spot is by getting there really early! If the place is already full when you arrive, don’t forget to put your name on the list! There’s a cafe beside it where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while waiting for your turn. |
Jax
Location: 479 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 8N8, Canada
Website: http://jax-resto.squarespace.com/
Contact details: +1 613 230 2088, [email protected]
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Jax is a small bistro in Centretown and is a popular brunch spot among locals but not so much for tourists. This cozy bistro takes pride in using fresh local products from local farmers and distributors in its breakfast and brunch dishes.
The menu isn’t huge, but it’s filled with delicious dishes that will keep you coming back. They have a variety of egg dishes that are often served with toast and sides, a hash served with kale, fennel kimchi, and toast, smoked and roasted ham, and more.
The banana bread French toast with cinnamon apple compote, fresh whipped cream, and local maple syrup, is the perfect dessert for your brunch. But don’t forget to still ask the servers for other dessert recommendations because they sometimes have specials!
| Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday! The bistro is relatively small, and lines get long during weekends, so you might have to wait for over an hour if you get there late. |
The King Eddy
Location: Floor 1, Time Square Building, 47 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P9, Canada
Website: http://kingeddyburgers.com/
Contact details: +1 613 680 1700, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Nestled in the heart of Ottawa’s lively and historic ByWard Market, you’ll find a breakfast haven like no other—the King Eddy Restaurant. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely weekend brunch with loved ones.
It offers a wide array of options, from hearty burgers (including veggie and gluten-free choices) to classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict. Don’t also miss out on their famous Morning Glory sandwich, a crowd-pleaser that will leave you wanting more.
King Eddy also has one of the most extensive drink menus on this list. From milkshakes and hot coffee to specialty cocktails and beers, there’s something for every type of diner!
| Pro Tip: King Eddy offers curbside pick-up and delivery options! You don’t have to worry about getting there early just to secure a spot because you can enjoy the restaurant’s food in the comfort of your own home. |
Mazarine Restaurant
Location: 282 Kent St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2A4, Canada
Website: https://www.mazarinebrunch.com/
Contact details: +1 613 514 0153, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Wednesday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Mediterranean cuisine lovers will fall head over heels for Mazarine Restaurant on Kent Street. This simple restaurant serves Mediterranean brunch dishes made with fresh local ingredients, and it might just be your next go-to brunch spot!
Their menu features classic dishes with a fun twist, like crispy cigars filled with feta cheese and green onion, yogurt fatteh with chickpeas, pomegranate, and pine nuts, avocado salmon toast with za’atar (Middle Eastern spice) drizzle, and more!
If you’re unfamiliar with Mediterranean brunch dishes, Mazarine’s Shakshuka dish, served with two baked eggs and sourdough bread, is a great introduction. The Ashta pancakes are also really good if you have a sweet tooth.
| Pro Tip: Mazarine can hold private events for you if you love their dishes. You can choose a plated menu or a buffet menu, whichever works best for your event. You can inquire more about this service on their website. |
Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner
Location: Floor 1, THE WELLINGTON at Island Park, 1433 Wellington St. W #111, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X2, Canada
Website: http://gastrodiner.ca/
Contact details: +1 613 680 8990
Operating hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Chesterfields Gastro Diner in Ottawa’s hip Wellington West neighbourhood is the place to be for a delicious brunch with a twist. With their motto “A not so greasy spoon,” this trendy eatery puts a healthy spin on classic dishes that will blow your taste buds away!
One of the most popular dishes is the Foghorn Leghorn Benny, featuring air-fried chicken that’s perfectly crispy yet juicy. For those with a sweet tooth, try the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Crunch which is served with real Ontario maple syrup.
But don’t just stick to the classics and famous dishes—be adventurous and try out Jerk Benny, The Spice Girl Benny, Pan Rancheros, Bird’s Nest, or Veggie Benny. Take advantage of their extensive side menu, too, and order as much as you want!
| Pro Tip: Arrive a few minutes before the diner opens. The diner serves on a first-come, first-served basis and doesn’t take reservations, so this is the best way to secure a comfortable seat inside. |
The Manx Pub
Location: The Leading Note Studios, 370 Elgin St, Suite No. 1, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1, Canada
Website: http://manxpub.com/
Contact details: +1 613 231 2070
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Since opening its doors in 1993, Manx Pub on Elgin Street has been a go-to spot for brunch among Ottawa locals. Tucked away in a cozy basement, this small diner serves up classic brunch meals from various parts of the world alongside occasional live music.
A menu recommendation that will keep you coming back is the Soho, a scrumptious dish of two eggs, cowboy beans, bacon, and local sausages. The Scrambled Egg Burrito with chipotle sauce, guacamole, and cheddar cheese is another must-try!
Brunch is served at Manx every weekend from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. And when the sun sets, the pub transforms into a lively hangout spot perfect for a relaxed and fun night out with friends.
| Pro Tip: The pub is quite small and is located in a basement where sound echoes, so it can get pretty loud at times. If you’re planning to have a date here, come really early so you can talk with each other comfortably before it gets packed. |
Elgin Street Diner
Location: 374 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1, Canada
Website: https://www.elginstreetdiner.com/
Contact details: +1 613 237 9700, [email protected]
Operating hours: Open 24/7
Voted Ottawa’s Best Diner by Xpress Magazine, Elgin Street Diner has been one of the city’s top breakfast spots for over 22 years. With its doors open 24/7, this diner is always ready to satisfy your breakfast cravings, no matter what time of the day it may be.
Their menu boasts a wide range of options, from classic omelettes and fluffy pancakes to mouthwatering burgers and bacon. Their Big Breakfast served with three eggs and toast, ham, bacon, fries, and beans, is perfect for those who love heavy breakfasts.
But the real star of the diner, though, is its infamous Hangover Breakfast that’s served with poutine. Guaranteed to cure any lingering effects of a rough night, this lifesaver will soothe that throbbing headache and settle your queasy stomach.
| Pro Tip: If you don’t know what drink to get, we highly recommend getting a chocolate milkshake and adding a banana to it. It’s one of the best milkshakes you’ll get, plus it comes in a huge serving! |
Allô Mon Coco
Location: Billings Bridge Shopping Centre, 2277 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1H 7X6, Canada
Website: https://www.allomoncoco.com/
Contact details: +1 613 789 2626
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 5:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Quebec’s popular breakfast and brunch diner, Allô Mon Coco, has made its way to Ottawa. This place is a family-friendly paradise serving hearty portions of your favourite breakfast and brunch dishes!
From egg Benedicts and gourmet omelettes to waffles and sandwiches, its huge menu is a breakfast lover’s dream come true. The Special Allo mon Coco with two eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, bacon, beans, and pancake is one of their best dishes, so give it a try!
Allô’s drink menu is just as extensive, offering everything you’ll need for a lovely breakfast or brunch date. Whether you’re craving a coffee, tea, milkshake, smoothie, bubble soda, or even a coffee cocktail, Allô Mon Coco has something for you!
| Pro Tip: Go on a weekday if you hate waiting. It’s really crowded during weekends, so you might end up waiting for 30 to 60 minutes! |
