Best Brunch in Ottawa
From a scratch diner that smokes its own bacon to a bistro hidden inside a ByWard Market bakery, these are the 5 brunch spots that Ottawa locals swear by.
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.
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
| Spot | Style | Best For | Area | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilf & Ada's | Scratch diner | The full experience | Bank Street | No, walk-in |
| Gezellig | Refined seasonal | A special occasion | Westboro | Yes, OpenTable |
| Benny's Bistro | French bistro | ByWard Market morning | ByWard Market | No (Sat brunch) |
| Chesterfield's | Gastro diner | Creative comfort food | Wellington West | No, walk-in |
| Dukes | Modern brunch | Wed-Sun brunch | Bank Street | Yes, Resy |
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
🍴Featured Restaurants
Wilf & Ada's
Ottawa's most loved brunch spot. A scratch diner on Bank Street where almost everything is made in-house, from fresh-squeezed juices to house-smoked bacon. Walk-in only. Expect a line on weekends.
Gezellig
A refined Westboro restaurant in a converted 1950s bank building. Seasonal, locally sourced brunch on weekends and dinner service through the week. Reservations strongly recommended.
Benny's Bistro
A hidden gem inside The French Baker in the ByWard Market. Known for one of the best brunches in Ottawa with French-inspired dishes and fresh pastries steps away. Saturday brunch draws lines out the door.
Chesterfield's Gastro Diner
A self-described 'not so greasy spoon' on Wellington West. Serves brunch every day with a twist on diner classics — think Jamaican benny and chicken and waffles. Walk-in only.
Dukes
A modern brunch spot just off Bank Street, open 7 days a week. Known for sourdough pancakes, creative sandwiches, and a full drink menu with cocktails. A newer addition to Ottawa's brunch scene that's already a local favourite.
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