Best Brunch in Ottawa

Brunch in Ottawa is taken seriously. Every neighbourhood has its spot, every spot has a lineup, and everyone has an opinion. Rather than list 30 places, here are 5 that consistently earn their reputation.

For Hull and Aylmer on the Quebec side, see the separate Gatineau breakfast and brunch guide.

1. Wilf & Ada's — The One Everyone Agrees On

Wilf & Ada's on Bank Street is as close to unanimous as Ottawa brunch gets. It's a small scratch diner where almost everything is made in-house. The bacon is house-smoked. The juices are fresh-squeezed. The hollandaise is made from scratch. You can taste the difference.

No reservations. You wait in line, and you don't mind.

What to order: The Mariposa Duck Benedict. Braised duck, carrot chutney, homemade hollandaise. It's their signature for a reason.

Tip: Go on a weekday morning. Weekend lines start before they open.

Price: $$

2. Gezellig — The Refined One

Gezellig in Westboro is brunch for when you want something a little more polished. The restaurant sits inside a converted 1950s bank building with high ceilings and natural light. The menu changes with the seasons, sourced locally.

It's also a great dinner spot, but the weekend brunch is what lands it on this list.

What to order: The Brunch Benny with dill crème fraîche and poached egg. And the Butterfinger dessert if it's available.

Tip: Book ahead. Weekend brunch fills up fast. Reservations available on OpenTable.

Price: $$$

3. Benny's Bistro — The Hidden One

Benny's Bistro is tucked inside The French Baker on Murray Street in the ByWard Market. If you don't know it's there, you'll walk right past it. That's part of what makes it special.

The food is French-leaning, the pastries are fresh from the bakery it shares a wall with, and Saturday brunch is the main event.

What to order: The Eggs Benedict. Classic preparation, done right. Grab a pastry from the bakery on your way out.

Tip: No reservations for Saturday brunch. Arrive when they open at 10:30am or expect a wait.

Price: $$

4. Chesterfield's Gastro Diner — The Creative One

Chesterfield's on Wellington West calls itself a "not so greasy spoon" and backs it up. The menu takes diner classics and gives them a twist. Jamaican-style eggs Benedict. Chicken and waffles. Plantains as a side option. It's comfort food with personality.

Brunch is served every day they're open, not just weekends.

What to order: The Jamaican Benny or the Chicken & Waffles. Both are crowd favourites.

Tip: Walk-in only. Closed Tuesdays. Go early on weekends.

Price: $$

5. Dukes — The New Favourite

Dukes is a newer addition just off Bank Street and it's already hard to get in on weekends. The space is bright and modern, the menu is creative without being complicated, and they serve cocktails at brunch. Open Wednesday through Sunday.

What to order: The Sourdough Pancakes. Fluffy, tangy, and the reason half the tables ordered them. The Spicy Eggplant on a potato bun if you want something savoury.

Tip: Reservations available on Resy. Use them.

Price: $$

The Quick Comparison

Tips

• Weekday brunch is the cheat code. Same food, no line, at almost every spot on this list
• Wilf & Ada's and Chesterfield's don't take reservations. Arrive early on weekends
• Gezellig and Dukes take reservations. Book ahead, especially Saturdays
• Benny's Bistro is closed Sunday and Monday. Saturday brunch is the main event. Call ahead to confirm hours
• Dukes is closed Monday and Tuesday
• Parking is tight at all of these. Consider transit, biking, or delivery for the ones that offer it