The best breakfast in downtown Ottawa comes in two kinds: cheap diner plates on Elgin, Bank and in the ByWard Market, and slower weekend brunches in pubs and bistros. Elgin Street Diner is still open 24 hours, Zak’s runs through the night on Fridays and Saturdays, and most of the smaller places close by 2 or 3 p.m., so go early.
If you’re reading this, I assume you share the same appreciation for food as I do. Personally, one of my favorite meals is breakfast!
When I’m traveling or just having a weekend to myself at home, nothing makes me happier than starting my day with something delicious and there are some great Ottawa restaurants to choose from.
Here are my favorite spots for the best breakfast in Ottawa, all of them downtown. I chose to compile two separate lists since there are two ways to eat breakfast, on the cheap or as a baller. As there are many great places to eat in Ottawa, especially for breakfast, I figured I would keep my focus downtown since if you’re visiting Ottawa, you’ll likely be staying in this area.
Updated October 2026: we checked every place on this list. Two have closed, two have new names and several have changed their hours. The closed ones are gone, the names and hours are corrected, and the Travel Dudes team has added two newer picks, marked below.
Cheap Ottawa Restaurants for Breakfast
Zak’s Diner
Location: 14 ByWard Market Square (a second Zak’s is at 220 Elgin Street)
This establishment is great, they serve all day breakfast and make some great milk shakes. I can honestly say that I have rarely been at this diner during regular breakfast hours. But if you’re out on the town and are looking for what I like to call “Drunch” which is Brunch when Drunk. Then you will love this place. In the wee hours of the morning, this place is packed, but if you have a little patience you’ll be fine!
The Market location is no longer open around the clock every day. It opens at 7 a.m. and runs 24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights only. The rest of the week it closes around 11 p.m. (midnight on Thursdays).
Elgin Street Diner (ESD)
Location: 374 Elgin Street (at Frank Street)
This is another great place that’s open 24 hours, serves breakfast at all times, and has great milkshakes. BUT, the one thing that sets ESD apart from the others, is that instead of homefries with your breakfast, you can upgrade to a side of poutine. Or, just go ahead and order the hangover breakfast. It will certainly cure that hangover! This is also a diner which is very busy in the wee hours of the morning, but really on a Saturday and Sunday, they are pretty much busy all the time. The service has always been fast in my experience, and if you are new to poutine, you should definitely check it out!
The Lieutenant’s Pump
Location: 361 Elgin Street (South of Somerset)
This is a great place for pints after work but their brunch is fantastic! Be prepared to wait in line, as this is a fan favorite in Ottawa. Huge menu with lots of options, the prices are right and the pump knows how to serve brunch! Brunch is only available on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wilf & Ada’s (formerly Ada’s Diner)
Location: 510 Bank Street (South of Gladstone)
This is a little restaurant with a big heart. It’s usually pretty busy, but the turnover is quick so if you have to wait to get a seat, it shouldn’t be too long. The menu has a lot to offer, the price is certainly right and if you’re looking for something different, and that isn’t a chain, this is perfect!
The diner started as Ada’s in 1951 and now trades as Wilf & Ada’s. It opens at 8:30 a.m., closes at 2 p.m. and is closed on Tuesdays.
Bramasole Diner
Location: 428 Bank Street (North of Gladstone)
This is my favorite place for breakfast. It’s a little hole in the wall with a lot of character, fast service, and consistently great food. I am a little partial to this place since I live very close by and frequent it often. But other than me just loving this place, I find it has everything the others have but is just dedicated to breakfast. If it’s busy, you can expect to wait. But you don’t usually have to wait long! Bramasole’s is no chain and the menu rarely changes. But if you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast with the right amount of grease to cure that hangover, Bramasole’s is for you. Might I recommend the Bram-Slam for those of you who are big breakfast eaters!!
Bramasole now opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 2 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. on weekends. Bring cash, because it doesn’t take cards.
The King Eddy (Travel Dudes addition)
Location: 47 Clarence Street, ByWard Market
Eggs at 9 p.m. are normal here. The King Eddy serves its all-day breakfast from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, which makes it the easy pick when you land in the Market at lunchtime still wanting eggs.
Baller Ottawa Restaurants for Breakfast
The Manx
Location: 370 Elgin Street (North of Gladstone)
Another fan favorite in Ottawa. You must be prepared to wait in line or get there early! The atmosphere is probably my favorite thing about this pub, it feels like you’ve gone back in time. The place is small which is why it gets so busy, but the food really speaks for itself. I will be honest, I haven’t been to this pub in years, one of the reasons is that I hate waiting in line.
Brunch runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Jax (formerly Jak’s Kitchen)
Location: 479 Bronson Ave (South of Gladstone)
This is a great little spot that is often forgotten! It’s a spot that we often need to be reminded of. The prices aren’t much higher, but the quality is worth it. The options are minimal, but I think whatever they do, they do it right. I think everyone should try and eat here once for any meal, and try not to go back.
The restaurant now goes by Jax. Breakfast runs Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it is closed on Mondays.
Benny’s Bistro (Travel Dudes addition)
Location: 119 Murray Street, ByWard Market, inside The French Baker
Breakfast here comes out of a working French bakery in the middle of the Market. Benny’s serves breakfast Tuesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and a walk-in Saturday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Hours have shifted here before, so call 613-789-6797 before you go.
When to Go and Getting Around
Weekend mornings are the crunch, and both pub brunches on Elgin are known for line-ups, so arrive at opening if you don’t want to wait. Most diners here close by 2 or 3 p.m., which catches visitors used to brunch running into the afternoon.
Everything on this list sits within a 25-minute walk of Parliament Hill. Elgin Street and Bank Street run parallel through Centretown, about 500 meters apart, and the ByWard Market is a 10-minute walk east of Parliament. Jax on Bronson is the only one slightly out of the way, about 15 minutes west of Bank Street on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a 24-hour breakfast place in Ottawa?
Yes. Elgin Street Diner at 374 Elgin Street is open 24 hours every day of the year. Zak’s Diner in the ByWard Market stays open all night on Fridays and Saturdays only.
Where can I get breakfast in the ByWard Market?
Zak’s Diner on ByWard Market Square, The King Eddy on Clarence Street and Benny’s Bistro on Murray Street are all inside the Market. The King Eddy serves breakfast until late evening, which helps if you start your day slowly.
What time do Ottawa breakfast places close?
Earlier than in many cities. Wilf & Ada’s, Jax and Bramasole on weekdays all stop at 2 p.m., and pub brunches at The Lieutenant’s Pump and The Manx end at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Plan on being seated by 1 p.m. to be safe.
Do I need cash for breakfast in Ottawa?
Most places take cards and tap payments. Bramasole Diner on Bank Street is cash only, so take some Canadian dollars if it’s on your list.
Which Ottawa diners are closed on certain weekdays?
Wilf & Ada’s closes on Tuesdays, Jax closes on Mondays, and Benny’s Bistro is shut on Sundays and Mondays. The Lieutenant’s Pump and The Manx serve brunch on weekends only.
I hope this post helps you make your breakfast choices when in Ottawa. For more of the country, see our Canada travel guide, and once you’ve eaten, our guide to royal Ottawa attractions covers what to see next.
