Whether you’re looking for all-day breakfast, juicy burgers, greasy goodies or old-fashioned milkshakes, Ottawa’s diners have you covered. From retro-inspired spots full of character and proper greasy spoons, to popular diners open 24/7 for all your comfort food cravings, come as you are and enjoy the homey tastes of Ottawa’s best diners.

Elgin Street Diner

The king of diners in Ottawa, the Elgin Street Diner is an Ottawa institution, and one of the most well-known spots in the city for breakfasts, late-night eats, and everything in between. As the only Ottawa diner open 24hrs/day, 7 days a week, it’s no surprise that this cozy and unpretentious spot in the heart of downtown is so popular.

Choose from breakfast plates piled high with bacon, triple decker clubs bursting at the seams, nine different kinds of poutine, and be sure to add a sweet treat from their extensive milkshake menu. The Elgin Street Diner also serves up homey Thanksgiving menu specials, and is one of the only restaurants in Ottawa open on Christmas day, ensuring you’re never left hungry.

Opening Hours: 24/7

Zak’s Diner- Byward Market

A fun retro diner in the heart Ottawa’s ByWard Market, Zak’s Diner has been satisfying Ottawa’s diner cravings for over 40 years. Family-owned and operated, Zak’s in known for their tasty burgers and shakes, all day breakfast, and sinful desserts including deep fried mars bars, homemade pies, classic banana splits, and New-York-style cheesecake.

Open late on Thursdays, and 24-hours on Friday and Saturday, Zak’s is the place to go for late night curly fries, pancakes at 4am, or a boozy brunch after a night on the town.

Opening Hours:

Sunday-Wednesday: 7am - 10pm
Thursday: 7am - 12am
Friday and Saturday: 24/hrs

Wellington Diner

A staple for those who live in Ottawa’s Wellington West neighbourhood, the Wellington Diner is a cozy spot to catch up with friends over a hearty meal. With breakfast flowing all day, they also serve up tasty homemade burgers, sandwiches and wraps, eight different kinds of mac n cheese, plus traditional milkshakes and root beer floats. They have a dedicated menu for kids, and have weekly specials including kids eat free Mondays, Tuesday 2 for 1 sundaes, plus an early bird breakfast special on weekdays for early risers.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8am-9pm

The King Eddy

Grab a retro swivel stool at the bar, or slide into a comfy window-side booth at the King Eddy, located in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Chow down on all-day breakfast, plus mouthwatering comfort foods like mac n cheese, corn dogs, deep fried pickles, footlong hotdogs and some of the best burgers in town.

The King Eddy is also well-known for its amazing hand-breaded Northern Fried Chicken; NFC for short. Indulge in a bucket, or opt for their unique NFC breakfast benny, topped with fried chicken and smothered in country gravy. A great place to bring the family, the King Eddy has a special menu for kids, plus spiked shakes for parents to take the edge off.

Opening Hours:

Sunday-Thursday: 8am-10pm
Friday-Saturday: 8am-11pm
Happy hour: 3-6pm

Fil’s Diner

Simple, delicious, casual and family-friendly, Fil’s Diner is a local favourite for breakfast, lunch, dinner and tasty snacks. Set in a former bowling alley’s seating area in Ottawa’s Wellington West neighbourhood, this fun 60s-style diner has been serving up diner classics for over 25 years. Gobble up their juicy burgers, sandwiches, wraps, fish and chips, homemade soups, all the deep-fried goodies, or get your bacon and eggs in until 3pm. Fil’s Diner also has some traditional homestyle meals like meat loaf and beef liver; sure to bring back some fond food memories.

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm, breakfast until 3pm

Al’s Diner

Unpretentious, with an uncomplicated menu full of all the comfort food staples, Al’s Diner is an unassuming diner worth a visit. Popular with workers in the local industrial park, this busy spot has made a name for itself as the place to go for good old-fashioned food.

Stop by for breakfast essentials like omelets, bennies and traditional bacon and eggs, or pop by for lunch, brunch or dinner and dine on homemade lasagna, meatball subs, burgers, sandwiches, liver and onions, and handmade signature pizzas. Al’s also has a relaxing outdoor patio, perfect for wings and a pint in the summer months.

Opening Hours:

Monday: 6am - 3pm
Tuesday-Wednesday: 6am - 7:30pm
Thursday-Friday: 6am - 8pm
Saturday: 6am - 3pm
Sunday: 7am - 3pm

Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner

For a more refined diner experience, head to Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner in Ottawa’s Wellington West neighbourhood. Their irresistible menu incorporates classic diner dishes with unique, unexpected and tasty twists, all with an undertone of health-consciousness.

Grab a table in the quirky diner adorned with second hand décor, and dig into some of their most popular dishes including the Jerk Benny, Shakshuka Board, Bird’s Nest, Chipotle mac and cheese, or loaded avocado. If you’re visiting with a less adventurous eater -not to worry, they also offer traditional dishes like bacon and eggs, blueberry pancakes, and chicken and waffles.

Opening Hours: Wednesday-Monday 9am-2pm