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    Semsem

    4.5 (21 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Order Semsem Takeout or Delivery

    Semsem Photos

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    SEMSEM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Good for kids
    Good for groups
    Good for working

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    Reviews With Photos

    a view of a cafeteria with tables and chairs
    Keith T.

    I REALLY don't want to review this place. I seriously want to keep it all to myself! Have you ever been to a restaurant where the food just took you on some kind of vacation? Yeah, this is that place. Freshly baked delicious bread that tastes as good at it smells. Perfectly fried falafel where the crunch on the outside is followed by a melt in your mouth texture on the inside. The fatteh was a party in your mouth. So here's the deal, if you've ever been to the Middle East, grown up in the Middle East, been in transit through the Middle East - this place will take you there. I don't know where they get their ingredients from but if you told me they fly them in daily, I would believe you! Don't you dare have a meal without ordering the mint tea - that's the bomb. Also, don't leave without a Karak chai. Lastly- make reservations - this place has a following and they will fight you for your spot so maybe call 2 or 3 days before.

    The pie
    Maha A.

    I would go again for the zaatar and cheese pie! Their falafel, hummus and foul are OK!

    Brit S.

    Our family isn't very familiar with Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine so we took a long time picking what to order, but we were all so impressed with what we got! The sojuk egg dish was great, the grilled halloumi was great, the bread and rolls were great. Friendly service. Very cute restaurant, definitely will try and stop in again! Not your typical brunch place but simply delightful!

    Fatteh Tahini - delicious tahini based dip with chick peas and pomegranate
    Arthur C.

    This has been a family-favorite for the last two years. The food is always fresh, the bread is always warm and the service very friendly. Our favorite dish has to be the Fatteh Tahini, but we often try other items in the menu. Recently we discovered the Kashkaval - a deliciously cheesy bread covered in sesame seeds (it's one of the favorites of our 5-year old). We recommend coming in early if you're thinking of having lunch, since the restaurant is pretty small and VERY popular.

    Hummus
    Anna A.

    Came here as a very large group for a family gathering. The place is small, but very cozy. We were provided with SO much food and quite a large variety. Everything we tasted was delicious...manaeesh, fatteh, etc. I personally wasn't a huge fan of the foul, but others seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. Their bread was definitely delicious and fresh out of the oven. The veggie platters were fresh and beautifully done. The service was great and you could tell they did their best to make sure everyone was happy. Great experience overall and I would definitely come back for their fatteh!

    Manageesh and after 8 bread.
    Bassam A.

    I came for a breakfast and it was above my expectation. The food is really delicious especially the Manageesh. The environment is good. If you like Mediterranean breakfast, this is a good place to visit.

    Lahm ajin

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Best brunch ever!!! A must try for breakfast or brunch, with family or friends!! Absolutely love it!!

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Love love this place, authentic Palestinian breakfast, the flavors hit all the taste buds, it's my go to breakfast place

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Super taste experiences from east to west of the Mediterranean

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    Broadway Bar & Grill

    Broadway Bar & Grill

    3.4(29 reviews)
    12.2 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)
    8.3 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)
    8.2 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)
    9.2 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

    Semsem - coffee - Updated May 2026

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