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    Dessert First

    3.9 (12 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Sliced lemon cake, with cake slices. The cake has two layers and plenty of buttercream, but the raspberry mousse filling itself is paltry.
    Robin F.

    My husband ordered a custom cake for his birthday a couple of weeks ago, and he picked it up this afternoon. The bakery is nearby, and the pickup process was simple, courteous, and relatively smooth. The cake was breathtakingly beautiful--see these pictures! But what stung was its value. The cake itself was delicious and moist, but the buttercream frosting was very dense. Further, the raspberry mousse did not have a strong raspberry flavour, and the layer was unexpectedly thin. The up-charge for the filling was disproportionately steep. Overall, the cake didn't quite meet expectations. We'll look elsewhere for a more conventional cake next year.

    Bread after defrosting and slicing
    Amanda B.

    Worth the hype! I stopped by on a late Sunday afternoon, an hour before closing, with the intention of just grabbing one of their popular breakfast sandwiches to-go. I ended up staying to eat my sandwich.. and left with a paper bag with a croissant, a Skor brownie, a frozen loaf of bread, and a bag of Happy Goat coffee haha. They have a coffee and tea menu, including a Madagascar vanilla latte, dirty chai latte, hot or iced espresso with condensed milk, and ginseng tea. Their dessert counter includes buns, cookies, bars and brownies, cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. The shelves weren't full, but it was the end of the day. They also do custom cakes. They have a limited hot food menu and they're all sandwiches - three breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese, and a cheeseburger. You can get a bacon and cheese, sausage and cheese, or breakfast sammie, all come with fried eggs. You can add bacon, tomato, and/or avocado for an additional cost. The sauce options include spicy ketchup, regular ketchup, and mayo. I got the sausage and cheese breakfast sammie with spicy ketchup and mayo, plus avocado and tomato. Delicious. I debated between the sausage and bacon but what won me over was that they order the sausage meat from a local butcher and make the patties themselves. The sausage patty was juicy and seasoned. The egg was fried, had that great yolky centre and fried edges like I like. The cheese was white cheddar, which I didn't expect but also one of my favourite cheese. There wasn't too much mayo, and the spicy ketchup was not too spicy and gave it just a little extra bite - I think they make it in-house as well, but not 100% sure. The English muffin was lightly toasted. Avocado was perfect. What else? I'd order this over and over. There was a sign on the counter that said 15% off all baked goods, excluding sandwiches and beverages, and another sign on the counter to order/pay that there was frozen bread available for 30%? off. I don't remember, I just said yes lol. They got me! The bread was a tightly wrapped unsliced loaf that was great for meals that week. I also got a croissant that I toasted for a breakfast sandwich I made at home the next day. The Skor brownie, though, I split with my husband when I got home and it was very decadent. I bought a bag of Happy Goat Coffee Company coffee beans. They were "The 'G'" multi-region house blend (there was only one kind there). I'm not a coffee drinker, but it was my husband's first time drinking it and he liked it. They also sell Tease teas and Dessert First house granola and shortbread cookies on the same shelf. There was house-made egg nog, City Seltzer, and a few other drinks in the fridge, and just a couple things left of their sweets like Nanaimo bars and funfetti cake jars. They also had frozen goodies like cakes and puddings, natural dog treats, and tons house-made ice cream and sorbet. I would've gotten a pint or two if I was going home right away. The space is very small with limited bar seating, and customers going in and out, but I'm sure it feels roomier when we don't have winter gear on. Will definitely be back soon!

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    11 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    8 months ago

    Slow service, rude staff, noisy and pricy for the quality. The food was only okay, the toast is dry and stone cold. Will never return.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Oh my gosh. A hidden gem. Cookies awesome and that nana thing was devine. If we lived here, we would be addicted.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Cake had too much frosting and less of the cake. We expected a cake that was more of the British kind. We were a bit disappointed.

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    Broadway Bar & Grill

    Broadway Bar & Grill

    3.4(29 reviews)
    16.4 km
    $$

    I made this account specifically so I could review this place. I've been going here since I was in…read moreelementary school (I'm 17 now). It's always been a special morning when we got Broadway for breakfast. They're a similar restaurant to Zak's Diner; with great food and their signature Homefries (that could sometimes use a bit more seasoning). You can get their Homefries anytime, even after breakfast, but their quality isn't as good as fresh in the morning. On top of just the food, the have amazing service. The staff is always happy for a quick chat or there for a good recommendation. In terms of speed, it depends on when you come, but provided you know what you want, it can be as little as 5 minutes (the time it'd take to drive to the store). Now to the Ambiance. The place is inspired by NYC's Broadway (specifically their Musicals) so the restaurant's walls are decorated accordingly. Overall, this is one of my favourite restaurants in all of Ottawa, and probably my favourite one for eating breakfast. My only qualm is asking that the Homefries receive more seasoning, but that is something so minor that it shouldn't result in the loss of a star from my review, and similarly it only really happens when I order takeout. Edit: I forgot to mention that from what I've seen, the owners are great people. Some of their staff have worked for over 10 years (some over 20), and they still have good things to say of their bosses (the staff, I mean), which is not something you tend to see. Also, this place is locally owned and operated.

    This spot is always full on weekends. Expect 10-20 minute wait. I took a take 1 ($19.50) 3 eggs…read morewith 3 meat, switch my ham for bacon. Service was quick breakfast was good.

    Photos
    Broadway Bar & Grill - 3 way egg omelette Spinach & cheese omelette Broadway omelette

    3 way egg omelette Spinach & cheese omelette Broadway omelette

    Broadway Bar & Grill - Breakfast menu

    Breakfast menu

    Broadway Bar & Grill - Take 1 breakfast

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    Take 1 breakfast

    ARC Lounge - Trio Santé - granola made in house (which was excellent by the way), fresh cut fruit, and your choice of yogurt (I chose plain)

    ARC Lounge

    3.9(14 reviews)
    0.9 km
    $$$

    Great service , great ambience! Beautiful layout on the plate…read more Fruit was plain and not fresh, said "it is not in the right season". I hope they can keep up with their quality of food.

    Breakfasted here twice during a weekend trip to Ottawa in November 2014. I was staying at the ARC…read moreHotel and my reservation included a daily breakfast credit at the ARC Lounge. I went pretty early both times and I was the first or second table there. I ordered the Trio Sante (a combination of yogurt, fresh fruit, and house-made granola) on my first visit and the ARC French Toast on my second. Both were excellent - I even dreamt about the french toast for awhile after =P There was just something about the contrast between the soft, rich, custard-like interior and the crunchy, oat-encrusted exterior in combination with a delicate spice, warm maple syrup, and tangy citrus butter... yum. To drink, I tried the drip coffee and a latte - both were average. The decor is modern and clean lines, with some elements from nature. It's bright and sunlight streams in from the windows. Basically, a great setting for a relaxing breakfast. Keeping in mind that both times I was one of only a few people there, service was appropriately attentive - i.e., there when it was necessary and not over bearing. Prices were on the high side, but probably on par with what would be expected in a hotel restaurant. I would come here again if I were staying at the hotel but, truth be told, there are other breakfast/brunch places in Ottawa that are higher on my list of places to go.

    Photos
    ARC Lounge - ARC French Toast - oat & cinnamon crusted cranberry focaccia with maple syrup and spiced orange butter. It was amazing.

    ARC French Toast - oat & cinnamon crusted cranberry focaccia with maple syrup and spiced orange butter. It was amazing.

    ARC Lounge - Latte. It was OK.

    Latte. It was OK.

    ARC Lounge - French toast. Up close and personal.

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    French toast. Up close and personal.

    The SconeWitch - Poached Salmon on a Herb & Onion Scone with Salad  https://www.instagram.com/the.wanderin.foodie/

    The SconeWitch

    4.2(250 reviews)
    1.0 km
    $$

    This place is a bit legendary. Scones and preserves are next level, coffees have also been great on…read moreeach visit. This visit was for breakfast. It's a very limited menu, which isn't an issue, but you should know! Essentially, it'll be one of their savoury scones, with egg and cheese, and ham if you wish. There was also a brunch options which substituted some fruit for the side salad otherwise included, and a side. The one quibble is that for the cost (tax and solid tip in, $60 for two of the Sconewitches and one brunch, and three lattés), you won't leave stuffed...but the food is that good. Not complaining, just advising!

    Pretty excellent scones! While they have a variety of jams available, they didn't have any clotted…read morecream, which was disappointing. I visited three times during my stay in Ottawa, and one morning, only three types of scones were available -- not sure if that happens often. While the lack of variety was disappointing, it was alright, as all the scones were still delicious. Whether you get the sconewitch or just a scone + jam, all good choices. The date and fennel one in particular was a less common flavour that I enjoyed. Soft gooey date chunks and fennel here and there providing a good contrast of textures and tastes. Spacious, well-lit, comfortable space with plenty of seating. I'd love to come back and try all the different things on the menu.

    Photos
    The SconeWitch
    The SconeWitch - Peach Cobbler Scone https://www.instagram.com/the.wanderin.foodie/

    Peach Cobbler Scone https://www.instagram.com/the.wanderin.foodie/

    The SconeWitch - Ham & Gruyere on cheddar cheese scone

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    Ham & Gruyere on cheddar cheese scone

    Ratatouille Bistro - Lobster Poutine

    Ratatouille Bistro

    4.8(23 reviews)
    2.1 km

    Ratatouille Bistro was exactly what I needed on my February trip to Ottawa. I flew in on Family Day…read moreand everything was closed, so I ended up eating at Starbucks. The next morning I was craving real food and found Ratatouille Bistro online. It did not disappoint. I went back multiple times during my stay. The dishes were incredible. The Short Rib Hash Skillet was rich, flavorful, and comforting with the braised short rib, wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, smoked cheddar, sunny side eggs, and crispy smashed potatoes. The Beef Brisket and Caramelized Onion Benedict on their homemade herb scone was just as good. Both dishes were memorable. The walk through the ByWard Market and Lowertown area in the snow made it even better. It felt cozy and cinematic being bundled up and heading to a French fusion cafe. I loved this place.

    I'm very mixed on Ratatouille…read more The concept is that the chef traveled a lot and learned different cooking styles and blended them into a French fusion. The techniques are good. I just wish that he spent a little more time working in seasoning foods. None of our food was bad but none of it was standout great. I take that back; the ratatouille Wellington did actually taste good if you don't mind readiness in your ratatouille, which I guess I don't mind but don't prefer. Our server was very into food and did a great job describing the dishes. I was a little put off that he sort of sat/leaned his butt on the table next to us while he did so. It was almost too chilly in the restaurant but bearable. 3 stars: If someone else really wanted to go back, i guess I would, though reluctantly.

    Photos
    Ratatouille Bistro - Seating

    Seating

    Ratatouille Bistro - Ratatouille Wellington with fries and a salad. It tasted good but what a strange appetizer!

    Ratatouille Wellington with fries and a salad. It tasted good but what a strange appetizer!

    Ratatouille Bistro - Meatballs and rustic sourdough toast

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    Meatballs and rustic sourdough toast

    Dessert First - desserts - Updated May 2026

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