Ottawa’s top-tier spots for delicious French toast
French toast, or pain perdu, has become a brunch staple that is so much more than just a way to reclaim stale bread. Often topped with refreshing fruits and yummy maple syrup, these places provide unique takes on the classic French dish that will keep you coming back for more.
Benny's Bistro
119 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M5Named in honour of the owner’s beloved dachshund hound, Benny, this Bistro has crafted up a French answer to a North American tradition: gourmet brunch. Settle into the sophisticated yet relaxed bistro surrounded by blue, red and yellow walls and prepare yourself for some truly extravagant French toast. Stuffed with aged white cheddar and topped with a roasted apple compote, brown butter oat crumble and salted caramel, it’s like no other pain perdu in town.
Wilf and Ada’s
510 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z4Ottawa foodies love the idea of this made-from-scratch diner that sources many of its ingredients from local farmers and showcases Ottawa artists. Long line-ups are not uncommon on weekends as Wilf and Ada’s menu attracts regulars and newcomers year-round with revolving dishes that change according to the season’s harvest. The top-notch French toast also varies, but is usually served on house-made bread and made with buttermilk batter, fruit compote and maple syrup.
Union Local 613
315 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J8Southern-style resto and speakeasy Union Local 613 is part of a community of Ottawa restaurants, which value local culture and create unique takes on common food and drink recipes. The communal seating and casual, dimly lit ambiance reflects the restaurant’s community oriented approach to great food. For a show-stopping item, sample the soulful malted French toast with banana custard, bourbon whip, braised pineapple, cocoa nibs, mint and bacon.
Manx Pub
370 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1Tucked in a cozy basement, The Manx is a casual spot that offers delicious meals and a wide selection of craft beers. The pub is also a hub for the local arts scene with regular live music nights and fiction and poetry readings. It’s known for fun nights out and mornings spent recovering with the help of some hearty brunch. The banana bread French toast comes with fresh berries, whipped cream and maple syrup.
Black Thorn Cafe
15 Clarence St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5P4Located in the former home of a carriage mechanic in a building that dates back to the 1870s, this ByWard Market spot has retained its historic charm. Make yourself comfortable on the patio, by the bar, or in the back room by the fireplace and enjoy some French toast made with cranberry focaccia that’s been coated in a spiced batter, crème anglaise, bacon or sausage and warm maple syrup.
Jak's Kitchen
479 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6J7Keeping with recent trends of sourcing local, seasonal and organic produce, Jak’s Kitchen only provides the best available ingredients and prepares them with a thoughtful, personalized take. The casual setting will make you feel right at home while you enjoy the tasty banana bread French toast with cinnamon apple compote, maple syrup and whipped cream.
Gezellig
337 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E7Why not treat yourself to some brunch and a mimosa at this beautifully converted 1950s bank building with high ceilings and tasteful art pieces covering the walls? Gezellig is Dutch for cozy and sociable, and the restaurant definitely creates a welcoming atmosphere that will make you want to stay and chat with friends all day. Savour some egg bread French toast Chantilly with a seasonal compote and maple syrup.
Urban Pear
151 Second Ave, Ottawa, ON K1S 2H6Have an upscale gourmet brunch at this Glebe restaurant that aims to only serve fresh Canadian ingredients. The green walls and subtle art pieces add a charming touch to the urban and trendy setting. The stuffed French toast is an elaborate concoction of many delicious flavours: cinnamon poached pears, triple-cream brie, fruit compote, vanilla infused maple syrup and caramel cream cheese.
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