Is there a meal more perfectly indulgent and utterly unique than brunch? This much-loved dining experience is the perfect time to break bread and connect with family or friends, without the dishes. 

Brunch is a meal that is meant to take place at a slower pace and is a chance to catch up with friends and family and savour the bounty of the day ahead with each bite of your French toast. Savour the uniqueness of a hearty brunch at one of these top spots only a short drive from Ottawa. 

Mill Street Crepe Company - Almonte

Located in the charming town of Almonte, this crêperie offers a taste of France without having to cross the Atlantic and is a must-visit whether you prefer a savoury or sweet option for your weekend indulgence. Slice into a crepe loaded with double smoked bacon and creamy brie, enjoy a bit of a Canadian twist with mouth watering pulled pork topped with local maple syrup, or enjoy the rich hazelnut flavour of a Nutella-filled crepe.

Post-Brunch:

With your body sufficiently fueled by crêpes, take a post-brunch stroll down Mill Street to discover unique finds for your home and self at boutique shops like Tin Barn Market and Cheerfully Made Goods.

Belong Sharbot Lake - Sharbot Lake

In the small town of Sharbot Lake just off Highway 7, brunch at Belong Sharbot Lake is truly next level brunchness. With a menu crafted by the well known Chef Brad Long, you can expect something special from a meal here. For brunch, think sparkling mimosas, a haddock and pickerel platter, eggs benedict with smoked salmon, or cast iron seared king salmon on wild rice. 

Post-Brunch:

Stock up on cured meats from Seed to Sausage or grab a cup of coffee and a homemade donut for the road from Cardinal Cafe + Shop. 

The Nook Creperie - Pembroke

Treat your tummy to a cozy trip to Paris at this crêperie in downtown Pembroke. Indulge with crêpes packed with yummy ingredients like creamy brie, caramelized onions, prosciutto, or a French toast filling. With brunch side options that include cheddar jalapeno hashbrowns (yes, please!), fruit or yoghurt parfait, and mains featuring yummy sweet or savoury crêpe recipes, your taste buds will quickly discover the 'joie de vie.' Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don't forget to order a yummy mimosa to accompany your meal!

Post-Brunch:

Keep your taste buds jumping for joy even after brunch with a visit to The Urban Gourmet Co. and continue on the cozy-train by popping into Pick-it-Fence downtown Pembroke to uncover unique home décor items, warm blanket scarves, comfy Ottawa Valley Apparel, and more.

Waterfront Gastropub - Carleton Place

The brunches you remember from your childhood await at the Waterfront Gastropub in downtown Carleton Place. This brunch runs both Saturday and Sunday, year round, and is where you will find your traditional favourites – the “big breakfast”, hearty omelettes, eggs benedict, French toast and more. In summer you can dine overlooking the Mississippi River as it flows past their outdoor patio.

Post-Brunch:

There are so many things to do in Carleton Place! Check out the Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum to get a sense of the history here (ask about their spooky past), then head downtown for some shopping.

Freska - Carleton Place

Breakfast is served all day long at Freska, which means you are guaranteed some great brunch dishes that will fill you to the brim. A must try is one of their "Freska" griddles, featuring pancakes, French toast or waffles with sides and smothered in pure Lanark County maple syrup. If eggs are more your brunch dream come true, order one of their eggs Benedict dishes. For those looking for lighter fare, their fresh fruit bowl, yoghurt, or avocado toast will keep the top button on your pants done up tight.

Post-Brunch:

You can find handmade, one-of-a-kind items at The Dress Shop on Bridge Street.

Wheelers Pancake House - McDonald's Corners

When thinking about brunch, why not go straight to the source for maple syrup? Wheelers Maple is located in McDonald's Corners and serves breakfast all day, almost every day of the year. Naturally when you order one of their famous pancake dishes you can smother it in Wheeler's maple syrup (yes, as much as you want). This makes a nice drive out in the country, and the best part is you can stretch your legs (and work off your breakfast) afterwards one one of their maple trails. 

Post-Brunch:

Wheelers is only a short drive to Perth, where you will want to tour the downtown to visit some of their boutique shops. A few must-stops are Queen Bee Millinery, a local hat maker who is elevating the hat scene in Perth, or find unique home furnishings, including high end comfy blankets, table settings, linens and more at Red Brick Emporium.

Zak's Diner - Carleton Place

Remember the days when having brunch meant leaving a restaurant so full all you can think about is taking a nap? Zak's Diner is a favourite spot if you're looking for old-fashioned, plate-loaded meals, dished up 1950s style. At Zak's whether you choose their eggs Florentine or Benedic, French toast, pancakes, omelette, or old fashioned bacon and eggs, you won't leave hungry. A must add on to any breakfast is one of their famous milkshakes (because milkshakes can still be for breakfast, right?). 

Post-Brunch:

After brunch, browse the high end clothing store right next door to Zak's, Acquisti Life. If you are longing for the fixings of your own brunch at home, pop down Highway 7 to The Cheddar Stop to stock up on local cheeses and specialty items, not to mention pure, sweet, Ottawa Valley fudge and maple syrup.

Finnigan's - Renfrew

Ask anyone from Renfrew where the best brunch spot is and the answer will be Finnigan’s, hands down. Their Sunday brunch is hearty enough you won’t walk away hungry and includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, homefries, pancakes,French toast, beans, and more!

Post-Brunch:

You can walk off your meal in downtown Renfrew by stopping in Pick-it Fence for home décor and fun gifts. At Ottawa Valley Coffee you can take home some of their delicious roasted beans to brew up local deliciousness at home.

The Sterling - Almonte

There is brunch and then there is BRUNCH. The folks at The Sterling in Almonte bring everything they’ve got to their brunch menu, and all of it is inspired. With everything from bottomless mimosas to bacon benny, the Sterling Standard (two eggs, double smoked bacon, breakfast banger, sourdough toast, maple baked beans, home fries, and the kitchen sink haha), Welsh rarebit and Belgian style waffles, the dishes here are epic. And did we mention the bottomless mimosas?

Post-Brunch:

You will want to work off some of the decadence from The Sterling's brunch! From the restaurant, head down to Metcalfe Geoheritage Park to wander the waterside trail. You can also connect to the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail as it passes straight through the centre of Almonte. 

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