The Top Breakfast Spots In Ottawa

Despite its unassuming exterior, Stone Face Dollys has firmly established itself as an Ottawa brunch favorite thanks to its large portions and quick, friendly service. The limited menu is primarily filled with breakfast favorites, including six different takes on the classic eggs benedict, as well as their specialty items, such as the New York strip steak, which is topped with onions, mushrooms and two eggs. The interior is airy and modern, although the outside terrace is also popular during the summer months.

Now with three locations across the city, the most central of which is just off Parliament Hill, it is easy to see why The Scone Witch is so popular. This charming bakery offers over ten different varieties of scone fresh from the oven every day, including sweet, savory and wheat-free options, which make for the perfect light breakfast before a day of sightseeing. For those looking for something a little more substantial, they also offer a range of ‘sconewitches’ and egg-based dishes.

Elgin Street Diner has been an proud Ottawa institution for over 22 years. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this classic diner serves large portions of timeless breakfast dishes, perfect to set you up for the day ahead or help you recover from the night before. Its all-day menu features omelets, pancakes, French toast and bagels, alongside their famous sandwiches, burgers and their famous poutine. Voted Ottawa’s Beat Diner by Xpress Magazine, when in Ottawa you’d be crazy to give this a miss.

The previous home of Stone Face Dollys, Jak’s Kitchen is situated in an often-overlooked area of Downtown. Most dishes are simple, but there are also a few more inventive items, such as the delicious banana bread French toast. Jak’s has a strong belief in using locally sourced and organic ingredients, used by Chef Ben Breitler to create some truly marvelous creations.

For still-warm, fresh baked goods, Art Is In Bakery is the place to go. This tiny joint produces great-quality breads, croissants, scones and beautifully delicate pastries, all under the watchful eye of their pastry chef Kevin Mathieson. Mathieson aims to combine the tradition of a Parisian boulangerie with the edgy vibe of a Brooklyn pop-up. The breakfast menu is a more gourmet version of your traditional brunch dishes, including an outstanding breakfast sandwich served on fresh bread with homemade lemon chive mayonnaise.

Wilf & Ada’s serves traditional breakfast fare and yet sets itself apart by describing the restaurant as a ‘scratch’ diner, meaning that all food is prepared from scratch and in house, fresh everyday. The menu offers less choice than some other places but the attention put into every dish is clear. The quaint diner interior makes this a very popular spot and there is limited seating, so get there early to avoid a wait.

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