Best Ottawa Brunch; 10 Delicious Spots You Need To Try Now
There’s no better way to celebrate the weekend than with a feast with friends at one of Ottawa’s best brunch spots. From cozy and unassuming restaurants serving up inventive cuisine, to luxury brunches with bennies and bubbles, there is a brunch place to suit every taste, and for every occasion.
1. Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner
Tucked into a tiny corner in Ottawa’s Wellington West neighbourhood, you’ll find one of the most popular and unique brunch restaurants in Ottawa, Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner. Enter the small cozy restaurant and be greeted with tastefully mismatched quirky furniture and decor including, or course, chesterfields. Take your time scanning the delicious menu over a foamy cappuccino or espresso martini, then select from brunch classics, or tasty dishes with unique twists.
Must-try’s:
Mains: Jerk Benny, Shakshuka Board, Bird’s Nest, chicken and waffles, double blueberry triple stack pancakes
Sides: Chipotle mac and cheese, loaded avocado, breakfast poutine, jerk plantains with mango salsa
Vegetarian friendly: Yes, with many vegan options as well
2. Art-Is-In Bakery
Known for some of the best artisan bread in the city, Art-Is-In Bakery is one of the best brunch spots in Ottawa, and a favourite of locals and visitors alike. Their hip dine-in café and seasonal outdoor patio are the perfect places to enjoy their extensive menu featuring tasty breakfast classics, sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, sinful pastries, juicy burgers or their famous sourdough pizza. Don’t forget to take home a loaf of their famous Dynamite bread, or a box of sweet treats to go.
Must-try’s:
Mains: Crispy pickle melt, brunch burger (topped with sunny side eggs), croque monsieur, French toast stack,
Pastries: Kronuts (also known as the “O-towner”), cinnamon buns, buttery croissants, chocolate espresso brownies
Vegetarian friendly: Yes
3. Jax
Whether you’re looking for a plate of traditional bacon and eggs to start your day, or something a little more exotic, then head to the city’s Centretown neighbourhood to Jax. Tucked into an unassuming location on a busy main street, this cozy bistro is a popular secret among locals, and one of best brunch places in Ottawa. Jax takes pride in sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, so you can chow down knowing you’re helping to support local small businesses in the Ottawa region.
Must-try’s:
Mains: Smoked-salmon bagel, Balderson omelet, bison burger, fried chicken sandwich
Sides: Roasted pork belly, sage-cured peameal, house-smoked tofu
Vegetarian friendly: Yes
4. Marzanine Restaurant
Marzanine is one of Ottawa’s most highly raved-about brunch spots, specializing in Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Step into the light and airy restaurant decorated with bright Mediteranian blues and whites, and devour a delectable brunch made with fresh, local ingredients.
Must-try’s:
Mains: Shakshuka, Shawarma eggs benedict, Avocado Labneh toast, Halloumi omelet, Ashta pancakes
Drinks: Turkish coffee, pistachio latte, iced Yuzu vanilla matcha, peach mimosa
Vegetarian friendly: Yes
5. The King Eddy
A go-to spot for brunch in Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market is the popular King Eddy Restaurant. Open 7 days/week, and 24hrs/day (Thursday through Sunday), the King Eddy serves all-day breakfast and brunch daily from 8am-4pm. A relaxed and comfortable space, the King Eddy is kid-friendly with a full children’s menu, while thirsty parents can still enjoy a proper brunch while sipping on a selection of wine, beer and specialty cocktails.
Must-try’s:
Mains: Northern Fried Chicken Benny, sour cream pancakes, Morning Glory sandwich, King Portobello brunch plate
Sides: Fried dill pickles, Bailey & The Jets spiked coffee, “R.I.P.” (Reese In Peace) Sundae
Vegetarian friendly: Yes
6. Wilf and Ada’s
If you’re lucky enough to get a table at this popular Ottawa brunch hot spot, it’ll be worth the wait. Wilf and Ada’s, with its exposed brick walls, open kitchen, and cozy, intimate feel, is the go-to spot for brunch in Ottawa’s Centretown neighbourhood. Known for their satisfying brunch comfort food, and tasty twists on the classics, they also have weekend sweet and savoury specials, worth a second visit.
Must-try’s:
Mains: Buttermilk French toast, Eggs in purgatory (shakshuka), Blackstone benny, spicy meatball melt
Vegetarian friendly: Yes
7. Headquarters
Need a cut and a cappuccino? Then Headquarters is your spot! Located in the ByWard Market, this cool Ottawa brunch spot is part hair salon, part restaurant, allowing you to elevate your look, and your brunch game. Enjoy a specialty cocktail while you get a blowout, then head to the restaurant or patio to enjoy their extensive menu of inventive cuisine. You don’t need a haircut to dine, but it’s certain many around you will have perfectly trimmed ends.
Must-try’s:
Mains: Cinnamon croffle, avocado toast, truffle parmesan fries, crispy French toast
Drinks: Watermelon Margarita, Raspberry mimosa,, Tiramisu latte, Burnt honey latte, iced matcha lemonade
Vegetarian friendly: Yes
8. The Third
A warm and inviting space to enjoy a brunch with friends, the Third is a mainstay on the Ottawa brunch scene. Located in the hip Hintonburg neighbourhood, this popular local restaurant is known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. With a small but mighty menu, and a great selection of local brews, the Third is a fun spot to gather with friends any day of the week.
Must-try’s:
Mains: Breakfast nachos, Flattop burger, Mish Mash Hash, eggs benny, French toast, homemade scones
Vegetarian friendly: Yes
9. Gezzelig
Under the helm of Ottawa culinary guru Stephen Beckta, Gezzelig is an elegant, chic and cozy spot for brunch in Ottawa. Nestled in the heart of Westboro Village, the exquisitely decorated restaurant is located in a converted 1950’s bank building, with soaring ceilings and tons of natural light. Select 2 plates per person for a set price from their brunch menu, including appetizers, mains and desserts, and add on a kir royale, mimosa or foamy cappuccino to complete your meal.
Must-try’s:
Mains: Breakfast poutine, Banana bread French toast, Gezellig huevos, “butterfinger”
Vegetarian friendly: Yes
10. Feast and Revel -Andaz Hotel
Snuggled into the ground floor of Ottawa’s Andaz hotel, Feast and Revel is a chic spot for a boojie brunch. With a modern and contemporary vibe, and upbeat atmosphere, Enjoy brunch favourites like avocado toast and salmon lox, or try a unique twist on the classics with a roast beef and avocado egg benny. For lighter appetites, they also offer berry bowls, baked goods, smoothies and of course those tasty frothy cappuccinos.
vibrant restaurant and coffee bar seamlessly blends contemporary design with an inviting atmosphere
Must-try’s:
Mains: Roast beef and avocado benedict, salmon lox, coconut chai pudding, avocado toast
Vegetarian friendly: Yes