Categories > Guides and Tips
6 Brunch Spots in Ottawa That Are Too Good to Gatekeep
As a busy adult, breakfast is my most neglected meal of the day because of, well, “life.” Not all of us have the luxury of time to prepare fulfilling meals in the mornings akin to those that our parents used to make—good times!
Believe it or not, I’ve benefited from this dilemma. More specifically, it forced me to explore Ottawa and discover brunch spots where I could spend my awkward morning-to-noon times to get something hearty.
From Canada’s best cafes to its underrated gems, I’ve seen them all! So, whether you’re looking for a place to start your day or simply craving breakfast menus as a night owl, I’ve got you. Keep reading to learn your next stop!
Wilf & Ada’s
Media credit: wilf_ada
Address: 510 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613-231-7959
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Wilf & Ada’s is one of those scratch diners where you can expect nothing but freshness with all their offerings. Moreover, their commitment to sourcing their products from locals is a commendable feat that I think is worth highlighting here—but I digress.
One of their bestsellers is the Blackstone Benny, which is essentially eggs benedict with a bit more pizzaz. The biggest draw of this dish is their homemade hollandaise sauce which you can never go wrong with, as it adds more flavour to the perfectly poached eggs.
However, we noticed that their menu is a bit more limited compared to other brunch spots in the area. We like to think, however, that it’s a quality-over-quantity type of beat, as it only means that their dishes are all made-to-order.
Pro tip:
Keep in mind that they don’t accept reservations and that the place itself is a bit small compared to other cafes. The best time to visit it is as soon as it opens at around 8:30 AM or before it closes at 1:00 PM.
Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner
Media credit: wilf_ada
Address: 1300 Wellington St.
Contact details: +1 613-680-8990
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, to Friday: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner will immediately charm you with its artsy vibe as well as the sweet and savoury aromas coming from their kitchen. Moreover, its widely varied menu will allure you, which is why it’s hard to recommend just one dish—bear with us.
If you’re a dessert-for-brunch type of person, we can’t recommend the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Crunch enough. Everything about this dish is nailed to a tee, from the fluffiness of the bread to the generous drizzle of authentic Ontario maple syrup.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something savoury, you can opt for their bacon (or turkey bacon) and sausage. They also offer gluten-free and vegan meals, so plus points for inclusivity!
Pro tip:
Commuters can enjoy the convenience of taking the bus and departing at the Wellington/Clarendon bus stop to get to Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner.
Wild Oat Bakery, Cafe & Farm
Media credit: wildoat_bakerycafe
Address: 817 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613-839-3336
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: $
Website
Menu
Calling all bread enthusiasts out there! Wild Oat Bakery, Cafe & Farm is the bread-lover’s haven you’ve been looking for in Ottawa, as it offers a wide variety of baked goods, all of which use organic flour!
Their butter croissants are perfect for those looking for light meals in the mornings—without sacrificing flavour, of course. Their flakey texture is perfectly complemented by the melted butter, and you can pair it with one of their delicious cups of joe!
They also offer a wide variety of beverages on top of coffee. For instance, they serve refreshing smoothies that use the freshest locally sourced fruits—go for their strawberry-banana!
Pro tip:
Wild Oat Bakery, Cafe & Farm also offers a wide array of vegan dishes that don’t compromise on flavour! Check out the items labeled with “V” on their menu, or better yet, ask the staff members!
Art-Is-In Bakery
Media credit: artisinbakery
Address: 250 City Centre Ave #112
Contact details: +1 613-695-1226
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
- Thursday and Friday: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM to 2 PM
Art-Is-In Bakery couldn’t have had a more fitting name, as they put artistry into making their fresh pastries. You don’t have to look further than their chocolate croissant to get this, as the perfectly flakey pastry and gooey chocolate will take your breath away.
However, they’re more than just your typical bakery, as they offer gourmet and elevated dishes too! A must-order is the croque monsieur—their version is packed with melted cheese and smoked ham—yum!
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something light and healthy, you can opt for their crunchy garden salad. Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete meal without ordering one of their espresso-based drinks, and for this, we highly recommend the macchiato.
Pro tip:
While you’re here, be sure to explore the City Centre shopping centre to discover more hidden restaurants and cafes! You can also come here after dark to play pool and drink cocktails at Orange Monkey Bar & Billiards with your friends!
Cocotte Bistro
Media credit: cocottebistro_ottawa and metcafehotel
Address: 123 Metcalfe St.
Contact details: +1 613-216-2912
Operating hours:
- Monday: 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM
“Fancy” and “brunch” typically don’t belong in the same sentence, but they’re the two best words that describe Cocotte Bistro. So, if you’re on a date but craving brunch dishes, consider this spot!
Right off the bat, their Parisian decor will create a romantic atmosphere with you and your date—not to mention the warm lights that make the setting dreamier.
However, the dishes are still the main highlight of this restaurant, and one of the best offerings here is the Full American breakfast. Two eggs, bacon, sausages, crispy fried potatoes—what more could you ask for?
Pro tip:
You know what they say: It’s five o’clock somewhere! If you want to add more excitement to your meal, you can order one of their classic mimosas—considering that it’s not a work day, of course.
SemSem
Media credit: semsemcanada
Address: 2430 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613-733-5736
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
If you’re feeling adventurous right as you wake up, you can treat yourself to some Middle-Eastern breakfast meals at SemSem! One of their main ingredients for everything here is chickpeas, and you’ll find it most distinctly in their homemade hummus.
Some of their bestsellers are the sandwiches—great to eat on the go to start your busy day. Our favourite out of the bunch, however, is the falafel sandwich, which uses pita bread as the wrap before drizzling the filling with their delicious tahini sauce and pickled cucumber.
We were also surprised to see their wide selection of freshly baked goods! They aren’t your typical pastries, but they’re still worth trying, especially the poppy, which consists of halloumi cheese, marinated spinach, and herbs.
Pro tip:
If their savoury dishes left you wanting something sweet, you can cross the street and head to La Brioche Pastries and Bakery for one of their delicious homemade cakes.
