12 Diners in Ottawa That Are Turning Breakfast into a Culinary Adventure
Have you ever had one of those days where you’re craving milkshakes and bennies so bad that even your dreams are full of creamy shakes and gooey hollandaise sauce?
That happened to me last week. And since I have no idea how to lucid dream, I couldn’t even direct my dream to taste the good stuff!
The next thing I did when I woke up was go on a wild diner crawl across Ottawa, chasing down the ultimate comfort food like a food-fueled detective.
And guess what? I discovered Ottawa’s diners that are all about the classics – and then some!
Get ready for a serious food coma, because this list is your ticket to diving into the best diners Ottawa has to offer.
1. Zak’s Diner
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Website: https://zaksdiner.com/
Address: 14 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-241-2401
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, and Sunday – 7 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 7 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – Open 24 hours
Nestled in the Byward Market Square, Zak’s Diner is a renowned favorite among Ottawans looking to satisfy their cravings for hearty diner fare.
It’s quite known for its deliciously creamy milkshakes, which have (unsurprisingly) earned the name Zak’s famous milkshakes. It comes in a variety of flavors, so there’s something for everyone.
Most folks tend to go for the classics such as vanilla, strawberry, and banana. And who can blame them? It’s like sipping on nostalgia with every delicious gulp.
On the other hand, there are also adventurous foodies who like trying out creative flavors like butterscotch, piña colada, and lime.
Aside from this tasty little treat, make sure to try out the poutine, considered one of the best in Ottawa! It comes in six exciting flavors so you’re surely in for a treat!
2. Elgin Street Diner
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Website: https://www.elginstreetdiner.com/
Address: 374 Elgin St
Contact details: +1 613-237-9700
Operating hours: Open 24/7
Perhaps you haven’t experienced Elgin Street for what it truly is without visiting Elgin Street Diner – a standout gem in the neighborhood where a lot of locals flock for comforting diner favorites.
They’ve got everything – from club sandwiches and burgers to big breakfast plates and French toast, so there’s no craving left unsatisfied.
Most people come here for the poutine. I know, I know – no surprise there! This is Canada, after all, which means there’s an abundance of mouth-watering poutine options in every corner.
The poutine portions are quite generous, leaving anyone who tries it full and satisfied. Trust me, as someone who’s indulged in more than their fair share of poutine plates here, I can vouch for that!
Oh, and the best part? Elgin Street Diner is open 24/7.
3. Wilf & Ada’s
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/wilfandadasascratchdiner/
Address: 510 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-231-7959
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 2 PM
- Tuesday – closed
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 2 PM
Wilf & Ada’s is a modest-sized breakfast favorite along Bank Street. Despite its small-scale interior, it has a cozy atmosphere and an intimate charm that a lot of regulars love.
Make sure to get the eggs benedict, their bestseller, which delivers ridiculously rich flavors made unforgettable by the star of the show – the hollandaise sauce. It’s velvety smooth with a perfect tang, resulting in a mouth-watering bite!
4. Al’s Diner
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Website: https://www.alsdiner.ca/
Address: 834 Clyde Ave N
Contact details: +1 613-761-7488
Operating hours:
- Monday and Saturday – 6 AM to 3 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 6 AM to 7:30 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 6 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 7 AM to 3 PM
Al’s Diner is a laid-back eatery where the focus is all on the delicious menu that’s teeming with power-packed breakfast plates.
Here’s what I order if I’m looking for something incredibly indulgent: smoked salmon bennie that comes with tangy red onion, hollandaise sauce, and their perfectly crispy home fries. It’s a great way to start your day, but it can also be ordered at any time!
The bowl of chili served with garlic toast also hits the spot. However, some folks might not appreciate starting their mornings with something spicy so proceed with caution!
5. Fil’s Diner
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Website: https://www.filsdiner.ca/
Address: 1209 Wellington St.
Contact details: +1 613-728-9987
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Found along Wellington Street, Fil’s Diner is reminiscent of the classic 50s diner with its black-and-white tiled floors, vibrant neon signs, and colorful benches.
And of course, beyond its aesthetics, the menu is also a nostalgic delight, offering a range of comfort food favorites that perfectly complement its retro charm.
Make sure to get yourself some grilled cheese with bacon, featuring a savory twist that takes the beloved sandwich to the next level.
And, if you’re suddenly in the mood to go bowling, you’re in luck! Fil’s Diner is connected to West Park Bowling where you can play around or two after your delicious meal.
6. Wellington Diner
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Website: https://www.wellingtondiner.com/
Address: 1385 Wellington St. W
Contact details: +1 613-798-7800
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Located in one of the best neighborhoods in Ottawa, Wellington Diner is the name on everyone’s lips if they’re craving mean mac and cheese.
Aside from giving the most satisfying cheese pull, their mac and cheese is creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned, making it an irresistible comfort food choice.
It comes in seven different flavors, all of which take the classic to a whole new level. There’s the BBQ pulled pork mac, a favorite among The Best in Ottawa crew, which features slow-cooked pork and BBQ sauce.
For something really cheese and creamy, the carbonara mac is worth checking out. With 4-cheese bechamel sauce, along with bacon, mushrooms, and onions, you’ll immediately find yourself in culinary heaven in just one bite.
7. Rockin’ Johnny’s Diner
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Website: https://rockinjohnnysdiner.com/
Address: 1309 Carling Ave
Contact details: +1 613-761-7405
Operating hours:
- Monday – 7:30 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 7:30 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Rockin’ Johnny’s Diner is as cool as it sounds.
Sporting a nostalgic 50s interior, complete with retro booths, checkered floors, and a classic counter with swivel seats, it’s like stepping back in time to a classic American diner – or the set of Riverdale, depending on how you look at it.
And of course, what’s a diner without some deliciously indulgent milkshakes? It comes in several different flavors, but vanilla will always be the crowd favorite. After all, you can’t beat the classics, right?
Aside from sipping on these delightful shakes, the two-egg breakfast is a treat that shouldn’t be missed. Along with the eggs, it comes with home fries, toast, and your choice of meat.
8. John’s Family’s Diner
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Website: https://www.johnsdiner.ca/
Address: 1365 Wellington St. W
Contact details: +1 613-761-1010
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – closed
John’s Family’s Diner is a popular breakfast or brunch spot in the heart of the city. Its casual atmosphere adds to its allure because it creates a relaxed, welcoming vibe where you can enjoy a hearty meal without any fuss.
It’s also a plus that you can come in wearing your pajamas without anyone batting an eye!
The breakfast sandwiches are truly the star of the show, and if you don’t try it, I swear you’ll be missing out. For fans of the classics, there’s the classic BLT, which features the basic ingredients of bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
If you have an adventurous spirit, we’ll get along! I’ll recommend the peameal bacon & tomato for an elevated take on the classic. It’s a delicious twist that adds a gourmet flair to a beloved favorite.
9. Eddy’s Diner
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Website: https://www.eddys-diner.com/
Address: 777 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-565-7499
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM
Found at 777 Bank Street, Eddy’s Diner offers a classic, homey vibe that makes it a local favorite. And if the angel number isn’t enough of a sign to consider trying it out, then consider this your official invitation!
Their all-day breakfast is so good, you’ll be thankful you can order it throughout the day.
They have the classic egg breakfast options for those fans of traditional comfort food. They come with 2 eggs, toast, home fries, and your choice of meat and extras.
The 2 eggs with bacon, ham or sausage, and pancakes are what I call the mighty breakfast for its filling and satisfying combination. You’ll be all geared up for whatever life throws your way with this energizing meal!
10. Miss Molly’s Diner
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Website: https://www.missmollysdiner.ca/
Address: 1577 Laperriere Ave
Contact details: +1 613-366-5548
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 6 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7 AM to 2 PM
A hidden gem to most, Miss Molly’s Diner charms with its hole-in-the-wall vibe and down-to-earth menu.
Its welcoming atmosphere and delicious comfort food make it a must-visit spot for a taste of classic diner fare but don’t consider it as your ordinary joint.
With a unique blend of Canadian and Lebanese cuisine, their dishes aim to surprise and satisfy.
There’s no shortage of savory options here, and the Lebanese markouk sandwiches are a testament to that. Made with thin, crispy flatbread and packed with flavorful fillings, these sandwiches offer a delightful twist on traditional diner fare.
It comes in four different flavors, with beef shawarma as the highlight of the menu.
11. Bramasole Diner
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Website: https://centretownottawa.ca/business/bramasole-diner/
Address: 428 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-234-0502
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 2 PM
Bramasole Diner is a Centretown delight highly rated for being one of the best breakfast spots in the area.
The culprit? It’s definitely the hot sandwich, coming in fiery in three spectacular flavors – hot chicken, hot hamburger, and beef liver.
I know the latter doesn’t sound appetizing at all, at least that’s what I first thought. However, I was so surprised by its bold flavors and satisfying crunch that I immediately considered it my favorite!
I’m not hard to please, just adventurous and willing to give anything a try – even if it sounds like airplane food.
12. Meadow’s Diner
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VPZYGvNpQiVzJ8Du7
Address: 455 Preston St
Contact details: +1 613-567-5214
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 2 PM
To those seeking the road less traveled hiding in plain sight, Meadow’s Diner is a secret spot in The Glebe for affordable yet delicious breakfast plates.
The Canadian breakfast should be on everyone’s list of must-tries for its hearty and satisfying combination. It comes with irresistible ingredients of 2 eggs, back bacon or smoked meat, home fries, toast, and coffee or tea – it might as well be renamed “Breakfast of Champions”!