Olivia TaylorSmall diners in Ottawa have been a true lifesaver for those craving a munch without emptying their pockets! That’s because, since the late 1800s, diners have been the coziest spots for a belly-filling feast.
Dishing out quick bites that won’t break the bank, diners are the OGs of budget-friendly grub. From pancakes to sausages to burgers, these joints have been serving up affordable classics forever.
While times have evolved, diners remain a nostalgic haven where you can chow down with your squad. Ottawa boasts its fair share of classic diners, each a time machine to yesteryears.
So, why not take a satisfying culinary trip and tick off those diners from your must-try list?
Zak’s Diner
– Media credit: zaksdiner
Website: https://zaksdiner.com/
Address: 14 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-241-2401
Hours:
- Open 24 hours on Friday to Saturday
- Sunday to Wednesday: 7 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 7 AM–12 AM
Once you step into Zak’s, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a time warp to the glory days of diners. It’s got that snug, nostalgic ambiance that’s perfect for catching up with friends and creating lasting memories.
Since 1986, Zak’s Diner has been serving up scrumptiousness, proving it’s a heavyweight in the food game! With four fabulous locations sprinkled across Ottawa, this joint has been delivering top-notch grub that leaves folks craving more.
Renowned for its milkshakes, Ottawa’s most famous and bustling diner boasts four happening spots. Family-owned and bursting with charm, each Zak’s spot welcomes you like the closest kin!
Always bustling with patrons of all ages, Zak’s exudes a lively, upbeat vibe, serving up everyone’s favorite comfort eats! Their menu is a gold mine of classics with juicy burgers, heavenly poutines, and irresistible milkshakes.
Plus, if you’re with your tykes, then you’re good to go. Their kiddie menu is a surefire hit with even the fussiest little eaters!
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to indulge in the Nutella milkshake, Zak Attack Burger, and a side of curly fries! |
Elgin Street Diner
– Media credit: elginstreetdiner
Website: https://www.elginstreetdiner.com/
Address: 374 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-237-9700
Hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
Consistently crowned Ottawa’s diner darling, Elgin Street Diner dishes out delectable delights that won’t break the bank. Open 24/7, their menu is a masterpiece of mouthwatering munchies that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Come rain or shine, power outages or pandemics, their dedicated crew keeps the joint jumpin’! Whether it’s a hearty family breakfast, a midnight munch, or their legendary hangover breakfast with a side of poutine, this place has got you covered.
| Pro Tip: We’ve got to admit we go there regularly for dessert. Their peanut butter pie is a slice of heaven that’ll leave you licking your lips and begging for more! |
The Wellington Diner
– Media credit: thewellingtondiner
Website: https://www.wellingtondiner.com/
Address: 1385 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X2, Canada
Contact: +1 613-798-7800
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–9 PM
The Wellington Diner is the reigning champ of West End eats! From sunrise to sunset, they’ve got your back with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack attacks.
We love this retro wonderland in the nation’s capital, where the walls are as funky as the food!
They’re known for serving up breakfast delights all day long, and along with classic comfort fare like burgers and poutine — they’ve got the goods to satisfy every craving!
With a menu made from the freshest local ingredients, prepare for a culinary journey like no other. Eggs Benedict enthusiasts, listen here: they’ve got a variety of options to tantalize your taste buds!
| Pro Tip: We can’t promise to be fair because we’ve got a slight obsession with their Wellington Benny! |
The King Eddy
– Media credit: the_kingeddy
Website: https://www.kingeddyburgers.com/
Address: 47 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P9, Canada
Contact: +1 613-680-1700
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 8 AM–10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 8 AM–11 PM
The King Eddy is where every bite is a blast from the past! Mixing restaurant flair, pub vibes, and diner charm, it’s the ultimate spot for a family food fiesta.
No run-of-the-mill diner, The King Eddy takes you on a trip back to the swinging 60s-70s while dishing out some of the tastiest treats in town. Known for ‘Ottawa’s best burgers,’ finger-licking fried chicken, and much more, it’s been the grooviest hangout since 2014.
Tucked in the heart of the ByWard Market, it’s where memories are made and smiles are shared. Take a gander at a menu that’s a culinary carnival!
From classic all-day breakfast delights to towering burgers, sizzling hot dogs, and hearty chili, there’s something to curb every craving.
| Pro Tip: And for the health-conscious — they’ve got salads too! |
Al’s Diner
– Media credit: alsdiner1
Website: https://www.alsdiner.ca/
Address: 834 Clyde Ave N, Ottawa, ON K1Z 5A1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-761-7488
Hours:
- Sunday: 7 AM–3 PM
- Monday, Saturday: 6 AM–3 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 6 AM–7:30 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 6 AM–8 PM
At Al’s Diner, get ready for belly-filling breakfasts, hand-tossed pizzas, and old-school classics served in a space that’s as bright as your future!
Service options? They’ve got outdoor seating for soaking up the sun, sports-watching galore, and Wi-Fi for all your social media needs.
Tucked away off Carling in a part of town where the buildings look like they’ve seen better days, Al’s Diner might not win any beauty contests from the outside.
But step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a fresh coat of paint and a color scheme that screams retro chic. With widescreen TVs scattered around, you won’t miss a single touchdown or home run while chowing down on your grub.
Their menu is as vast as the Grand Canyon, offering everything from omelets to eggs Benny to pancakes hotter than your date last night.
Speaking of Benny, the Classic Bennie is a showstopper — think perfectly poached eggs on ham and English muffins, smothered in rich Hollandaise sauce. It’s a taste bud tango!
| Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying their roast beef dip platter, served with soup and fries. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget. |
Fil’s Diner
– Media credit: ottawa.nibbles
Website: https://www.filsdiner.ca/
Address: 1209 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Z8, Canada
Contact: +1 613-728-9987
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–9 PM
Fil’s Diner is where the 60s never left but your taste buds are in for a wild ride! We love their vibrant lime green walls, booths dipped in pleasing shades of blue, and checkered floors that’ll make you wanna groove.
Swing by any day till 3 pm and indulge in their stellar breakfast lineup. Fil’s Diner is the spot to get your hands on some wicked club sandwiches, juicy burgers, and crispy bacon.
The cozy vibe at Fil’s Diner sets the stage for relaxation and good times. The staff’s charm adds to the appeal (or should we say apt-Fil), making this place a real find!
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their mouthwatering pancakes and top-notch French toasts. Then wash it all down with a sip of their delicious coffee or slurp-worthy milkshakes — you’re welcome! |
John’s Family Diner
– Media credit: montaggio24
Website: https://www.johnsdiner.ca/
Address: 1365 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3C2, Canada
Contact: +1 613-761-1010
Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Monday
- Monday to Friday: 6 AM–2 PM
In the heart of Westboro lies John’s Family Diner, a cozy spot dishing out breakfast and lunch favorites with a side of charm. Nothing ostentatious here, just familiar eats that hit the spot.
With classics like omelets and poutine on the menu, plus a range of other brekkie and lunchtime delights, it’s the perfect pitstop for a quick nosh. They’re open bright and early every day except Sunday, so you can start your day right with a hearty breakfast.
It’s right next to Caffe Mio and this family-owned joint exudes warmth, with a mural of John, the owner, proudly displayed on the building. You’ll often find him inside, keeping the diner spirit alive.
From hot turkey and beef sandwiches to a variety of club sandwiches and daily specials, there’s something for everyone. And don’t miss their famous old-fashioned milkshakes served in metal containers — talk about a throwback!
| Pro Tip: Just remember, it’s cash only — no debit or credit here. |
Bramasole Diner
– Media credit: bramasolediner
Website: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=114268988619778
Address: 428 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y8, Canada
Contact: +1 613-234-0502
Hours:
- Open daily from 7 AM–2 PM
Bramasole Diner dishes up delightful eats and service with a smile — and it’s pretty contagious! Whether it’s brekkie, lunch, or din-din, you’re in for a treat.
For a bang-up b-fast joint, look no further than Bramasole. It’s got all the fixin’s for a no-fuss, belly-filling brekkie. With endless java, toast dripping in butter, and eggs done any which way, you’ll be in breakfast heaven.
Nestled near Bank and Gladstone, Bramasole buzzes in the mornings, especially post-shindig or on weekends. But worry not, snagging a seat won’t require a wait.
Sure, the service might putter along a tad, but hey, good things come to those who wait, right? And with generous portions and wallet-friendly prices, we’re not complaining!
After one bite, you’ll be hankering for more.
| Pro Tip: While they’ve got a whole menu of brekkie goodies, it’s their classic egg combo that steals the show. Fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, and spuds fried to perfection — it’s comfort on a plate! |
Rockin Johnny’s Diner
– Media credit: rockinjohnnysdiner
Website: https://rockinjohnnysdiner.com/
Address: 1309 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7L3, Canada
Contact: +1 613-761-7405
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 7:30 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM–4 PM
Rockin Johnny’s Diner in Ottawa is the quintessential 1960s hotspot! It oozes retro charm and vibes that’ll make you feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of Riverdale.
With a menu straight out of the old-school playbook, it’s a nostalgic journey you won’t soon forget. And here’s the kicker: you can spike your milkshakes for an extra kick of fun! (wink)
Sink your teeth into classic Canadian cuisine with mouthwatering hamburgers, chicken wraps, and crispy bacon.
The cozy atmosphere at Rockin Johnny’s is like a warm hug after a tough day. Plus, the prices won’t break the bank, so you can indulge without guilt!
| Pro Tip: Get their waffles, pancakes, and several helpings of their heavenly ice cream! Wash it all down with a cup of Joe or some fresh juice — perfection in every sip. |
Wilf & Ada’s
– Media credit: wilf_ada
Website: https://www.facebook.com/wilfandadasascratchdiner/
Address: 510 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z4, Canada
Contact: +1 613-231-7959
Hours:
- Closed on Tuesday
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 8:30 AM–2 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8 AM–2 PM
Wilf & Ada’s is the go-to spot for breakfast and brunch aficionados. Serving up fresh-made delights and locally sourced ingredients, this quaint diner near the Canadian Museum of Nature is a foodie’s dream.
From scratch-made breakfast dishes to mouthwatering baked goods, Wilf & Ada’s has something to satisfy every craving. And for those who adore all things retro, their scratch menus are a blast from the past!
So whether you’re craving pancakes, eggs Benedict, or classic bacon and eggs, Wilf & Ada’s has got you covered with dishes that’ll make your taste buds do the Twist and Shout!
| Pro Tip: We hate to play favorites, but we seriously find ourselves reordering their triple-decker Dagwood. In a word: majestic! |
