Anyone who’s spent any time in here knows there is no shortage of great restaurants. Narrowing it down to the best ones is no easy feat – especially when it comes to breakfast in Ottawa! Not to worry, we’ve compiled our top 5 list of best breakfast spots in the city. From the standard old school greasy spoon diner breakfast to more modern weekend brunches, you should find what you’re looking for in this list.
#1 – Elgin Street Diner – 374 Elgin Street (Downtown)
A greasy spoon diner on steroids, the Elgin Street Diner is hands down my favorite place for breakfast in Ottawa. With all day breakfast options and an extensive selection of breakfast plates, omelets, pancakes and French toast, you won’t have any trouble satisfying your breakfast craving. Go big with the Blue Plate Breakfast – the traditional breakfast, except more eggs, more meat, baked beans, and a delicious poutine instead of home fries! No – this is not a joke. Drop in, or order online!
Open 24 hours – Breakfast options vary throughout the day (all day options available)
#2 – Stoneface Dolly’s – 416 Preston Street (Little Italy)
I may not be able to figure out the connection between poker legend Doyle Brunson and this restaurant, but I can tell you they serve up a mean brunch menu! A traditional breakfast option starts the list off, but that barely scratches the surface. The chefs at Stoneface Dolly’s have really put their own creative mark on brunch. Most notable from the menus are the 8 different options of “Benny-Style Eggs”, the “Bobby Macs”, and the Jerk Breakfast Ribs. They don’t stop there – check out their full menu to see why you’ll definitely need to visit them more than once!
Breakfast served Weekdays 7:30 – 2:30 and Weekends 8:30 – 2:30
#3 – Jak’s – 479 Bronson Avenue (Downtown)
This very small breakfast venue is making a big impact on the Ottawa brunch scene! Coincidentally, they’re in the original Stoneface Dolly’s location and happen to be the only other restaurant on this list serving up the british “mac”. I was there recently and can’t wait to go back. Other than the simple décor, there’s nothing traditional about this place. Going out of their way to source everything locally, they bring you the freshest ingredients available. Have a look at the menu then drop in and see for yourself. I recommend the Hash!
Breakfast served Weekdays 8:00 – 3:00 and Weekends 8:30 – 3:00
#4 – Baker Street Cafe – 385 Richmond Road (Westboro)
Very popular among Ottawa residents. So popular, in fact, that you will most likely wait in line to get in. Not to worry – you’ll need that extra time to build up an appetite large enough for these portions! This is not a place you walk away from feeling anything but stuffed. If you’re not sold yet, let their menu seal the deal.
Breakfast served Weekdays 7:00 – 2:30 and Weekends 7:30 – 3:00
#5 – Pressed – 750 Gladstone Avenue (Downtown)
A neighbourhood gourmet sandwich shop with a very solid breakfast menu. Choose from their more traditional options like the diner breakfast, 3 egg omelette, and breakfast burrito, or treat yourself to their world-famous pressed waffles. With 8 extravagant waffle creations* (plus 1 weekly special) to choose from, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes!
*Waffle menu is reduced on weekdays.
Breakfast served Weekdays 9:00 – 11:00 and Weekends 9:00 – 2:00
As mentioned, narrowing down the many great options was a very difficult task. So many restaurants serving great breakfasts in Ottawa deserve credit. Therefore, here’s a list of honorable mentions to those who didn’t quite make the cut: Al’s Diner, Wilf and Ada’s, Reynold’s. When you’ve had your fill of our top 5 picks, give these guys your support, you won’t be disappointed!
