Maksym KuzaievListen, I didn’t choose the pancake life—the pancake life chose me. One fine Sunday morning, I faced the ultimate crisis: the maple syrup bottle was empty, and my attempt at flipping pancakes ended with something resembling a sad tortilla.
That’s when I remembered—Ottawa is packed with pancake spots that don’t judge my lack of flipping finesse, so why not leave it to the pros? After all, life’s too short not to enjoy some mouthwatering goodness, eh?
So grab your fork, loosen your belt (probably a notch or two), and let me take you on a syrupy adventure to Ottawa’s fluffiest pancake havens. You’re welcome—now read on!
Zak’s Diner
– Media credit: zaksdiner
Address: 14 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613 241 2401
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday, Wednesday – 7 AM to 10 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday – 7 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – Open 24 hours
Cost: $$$
Zak’s Diner is hands down one of the best spots in Ottawa for pancakes and, honestly, so much more. The setup here is welcoming and timeless—think classic diner vibes with a touch of modern flair.
They’re known for serving up fluffy stacks of pancakes that hit the sweet spot between hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re into classic or something with a twist, Zak’s promises pancakes that make you want to plan your next visit immediately.
When it comes to must-tries, you can’t go wrong with their pancakes and eggs, where you get two eggs cooked your way and pancakes that come in options like plain, banana, blueberry, or chocolate chip.
Another solid pick is their 4 Pancakes, where you can mix and match your flavours for a little adventure every bite. Oh, and if maple syrup’s your thing, treat yourself to the 100% Canadian Maple Syrup upgrade.
| Pro tip: If you love pancakes with a little extra, don’t skip Nutella as a side for those stacks. Also, try to come early if you’re aiming for breakfast because weekends can be busy, but thankfully, Zak’s serves all-day breakfast! |
Fuwa Fuwa Dessert Cafe
– Media credit: fuwafuwaottawa
Address: 1200 St. Laurent Blvd.
Contact details: +1 647 309 6120
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $$
Fuwa Fuwa Dessert Cafe is the go-to spot when you’re serious about fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes. The setting here is modern yet comfy, perfectly balancing chill vibes with a touch of sophistication.
This isn’t just any pancake joint—it’s where traditional Japanese soufflé pancakes meet creative flavours that’ll have you coming back. For a couple of standouts, the classic tiramisu pancakes offer that bittersweet coffee flavour, layered with mascarpone cream.
Or, if you’re in the mood for something fruity, you can’t go wrong with the signature pancake, topped with fresh cream and juicy fruits.
| Pro tip: Fuwa Fuwa’s pancakes are made fresh to order, so be ready for a little wait—it’s totally worth it. And if you’re planning to share, the portions are flexible, but trust me, you’ll want to keep those pancakes all to yourself! |
Elgin Street Diner
– Media credit: bibliowench85
Address: 374 Elgin St.
Contact details: +1 613 237 9700
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: $$
Elgin Street Diner doesn’t hold back with options, and their pancakes hit that balance between fluffy and nicely golden brown. They’ve got a variety for whatever you’re craving: from classic pancakes to chocolate chip pancakes and blueberry pancakes.
The best part? You can customise them further with add-ons like sliced bananas, fresh fruit toppings, or sides like crispy bacon, ham, sausage, or even peameal bacon if you’re feeling more hungry.
On top of that, their 24-hour operating hours make this a pancake haven for whatever time cravings hit.
| Pro tip: Elgin Street Diner can get pretty packed during peak hours, so if you’re going for brunch, aim to go earlier to beat the rush. |
Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House
– Media credit: stackedpancake
Address: 2121 Carling Ave., Unit 63
Contact details: +1 613 695 2805
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 4 PM
Cost: $$$
Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House is the kind of spot you don’t just stumble upon—you come here on a mission for seriously good breakfast. It’s casual yet inviting, with a spacious setup.
Now, let’s cut to the chase: the pancakes. These are a big deal because Stacked has taken the classic pancake and made it ridiculously indulgent, from stuffing them with fillings to Biscoff® spread or cream cheese icing toppings.
If you’re down for something unforgettable, go for the NY strawberry cheesecake pancakes or the cinnabun cakes—both are stacked tall and loaded with toppings.
| Pro tip: If you’re going with friends, split an order of cookie butter pancakes to share—it’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect to pair alongside something savoury. |
Perkins American Food Co.
– Media credit: eatatperkins
Address: 1130 St. Laurent Blvd.
Contact details: +1 613 747 9190
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 6:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – Open 24 hours
Cost: $$$
Perkins’ setting is casual yet welcoming, with plenty of seating that’s perfect for a family brunch or catching up with friends over stacks of griddle goodness. What truly sets Perkins apart, though, is its honest approach to pancakes.
Their buttermilk pancakes are the real superstar here, served up with optional toppings like fresh blueberries or glazed strawberries to keep things interesting. If you’re making your first visit, I’d say go for the blueberry buttermilk pancake platter.
There’s also the classic Magnificent Seven, which comes with three buttermilk pancakes with eggs and bacon. While pancakes are the main attraction here, there’s plenty of variety for those not fully on board with the pancakes (can’t imagine why, though).
| Pro tip: Don’t forget that you can “sweeten your pancakes” with their glazed strawberries for a little extra flair—it’s worth it. Oh, and their pies are low-key amazing too, so consider grabbing a slice to go for later. |
Mazarine Brunch
– Media credit: mazarineottawa
Address: 282 Kent St.
Contact details: +1 613 514 0153
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 10 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 2 PM
Cost: $$
Mazarine Brunch is the go-to spot for anyone craving Mediterranean-inspired brunch. They’re all about fresh ingredients, creative dishes, and bringing flavours you might not expect to brunch tables in Ottawa.
While their menu covers a tonne of savoury favourites, the real showstoppers here are their pancakes, where they only offer two types. Their tiramisu pancake is a must-try—layered with mascarpone cream, coffee syrup, and cocoa dusting.
The other one is Ashta pancakes—vegetarian-friendly and topped with homemade ham, creamy ashta, pistachios, edible flowers, and finished with a drizzle of honey. These two options are honestly enough to keep any pancake lover coming back for more!
| Pro tip: Mazarine can get pretty busy during brunch hours, so try arriving early. Also, don’t skip exploring their cocktails—the peach mimosa is best seller, so make sure you find out why! |
Allô mon Coco Billings Bridge
– Media credit: roopa.vishnu.stories
Address: 2277 Riverside Dr.
Contact details: +1 613 789 2626
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7 AM to 4 PM
Cost: $$
Set inside Ottawa’s busy shopping hub, Allô mon Coco is super convenient for squeezing in a hearty breakfast or brunch before heading out to run errands. Sweet, savoury, or somewhere in between—you can truly choose which pancake toppings to go with, depending on your mood.
If you’re undecided about what to try, I’d recommend their pinkcakes (pancakes layered with strawberry and raspberry cheesecake-style English cream) or the cookies and cheesecake cream.
The best part is, whether you’re a pancake person or a crêpe enthusiast, you can enjoy the same variety of toppings. If you’ve got someone in your group who isn’t vibing with pancakes, they can opt for crêpe—it’s totally interchangeable.
| Pro tip: You’d better come in super hungry. Allô mon Coco is known for generous servings! Also, make sure to grab a hot coffee or milkshake to complete your meal. |
Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner
– Media credit: _alexiaeats
Address: 1300 Wellington St. W.
Contact details: +1 613 680 8990
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 2 PM
Cost: $
Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner’s menu strikes a balance between creative twists and straight-up comfort food classics, and for pancakes, you’re in for a treat. The vibe is relaxed and approachable, and the menu seems like it was designed by a brunch lover.
Their double blueberry triple stack pancakes are legendary for a reason. Think three big, hearty, fluffy pancakes loaded with wild blueberry compote and paired with real Ontario maple syrup.
Another must-try is their chicken and pancakes, which pair their signature blueberry pancakes with air-fried chicken, fresh berries, and a side of chipotle mayo. It’s savoury-meets-sweet perfection and hard to miss if you want to mix things up.
| Pro tip: If you’re there with friends or family, pick a side option strategically. Their potato cakes and roasted veggies come highly recommended, and their brunch mains often let you customise your combos with upgrades. |
Cora Breakfast and Lunch
– Media credit: corarestaurants
Address: 179 Rideau St.
Contact details: +1 613 241 7642
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 6 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday – 7 AM to 3 PM
Cost: $$$
Sitting right in downtown Ottawa, Cora Breakfast and Lunch makes it super convenient, whatever you’re doing in the city. Their menu is packed with breakfast and brunch options, and their pancakes aren’t your basic “stack up with syrup” situation.
Their creative takes on pancakes are worth noting. First are the strawberry-banana pancakes, loaded with fresh fruit, strawberry sauce, and their signature English cream.
Then there’s the triple chocolate—cocoa pancakes with chocolate chips, bananas, and a cocoa-hazelnut custard that’ll seriously remind you of dessert. While pancakes are their thing, the rest of their menu is wide enough to make even picky eaters happy.
| Pro tip: If pancakes aren’t your vibe every time, their Early Bird menu offers smaller portions that are just as tasty (and budget-friendly). |
Sunset Grill
– Media credit: sunsetgrill
Address: 100 Marché Way
Contact details: +1 613 695 2022
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 3 PM
Cost: $$
Sunset Grill keeps it straightforward and classic but absolutely nails the execution, which is why they stand out from the crowd. Their signature Sunset Pancakes are everything you’d want—three buttermilk pancakes that are light as air yet packed with flavour!
And if you’re into something with a bit more flair (and a whole lot sweeter), the cinnabun pancakes are a must-try. You get three pancakes with this as well, layered with cream cheese frosting, a dusting of icing sugar, and just the right touch of cinnamon.
What makes Sunset Grill so worth it is not just the quality—it’s all the customisable add-ons. Chocolate chips, whipped cream, Nutella—you name it, they’ve got it.
| Pro tip: Make sure to try their house-made sweet strawberry lemonade or tangy blueberry lemonade, too—they’re absolute crowd favourites! |
