Ottawa Foodies

I had plans to go for afternoon dessert with a friend of mine today. I was really craving some apple crisp or crumble or a variation thereof. My first thought was Oh So Good in the market. I've never been but I knew they had dessert. After reading some reviews on Ottawa Foodies and a few other sites, I decided against it.

I've always enjoyed Jak's, it's very close by and I figured even if they don't have exactly what I'm craving, I'm sure they'll have something I will love. They had the next best thing – apple cinnamon french toast made with cinnamon spiced molasses-oat bread and topped with apple compote, maple syrup and whipped cream. Luckily I was hungry enough to devour most of it. I even saved some room for a piece of my friend's dark chocolate ganache pie, so smooth and rich.

I had a lovely afternoon, sipping on tea and chatting while soaking up the sun through the window (desperately needed this time of year). Such a wonderful, cozy spot with consistently fantastic service.

Food was spot on today. Eggs benedict "Popeye" with spinach, roasted red pepper on biscuit. Yum! Sister-in-law had French Toast and said it was very, very yummy. Niece ate one and a half of her Serge Macs without tomato. The girl is a meatavore. Bill for four was around $75, but that included 3 juices, 2 coffees, 4 breakfasts, and three sides in addition to breaky. Service was prompt, but not invasive.

I'm on the fence about whether I prefer Jak's or Stoneface Dolly's. Right now, Jak's is winning.

I go there for breakfast every once and awhile. The food is excellent, although it can be a little packed. Based on the comments below, I would say they have certainly turned things around from 2007.

I'd like to go back for Supper some time.

Finally ended up trying this restaurant tonight.

The food was excellent. I can truly say i enjoyed everything i sampled. I tried a few dishes and they all seemed, to me, to be outstanding.

I will try the brunch sometime, but i highly recommend their dinner menu. I look forward to trying the other dishes soon. Price was really very reasonable too which makes it a gem.

we were craving eggs today and headed to jak's for the first time. i had the gruyere omlette with capicola and a tea biscuit: the eggs might have been delicious, but the meal arrived a bit cold and our server was in too foul a mood for me to bother with a send-back. the potatoes were perfectly done but the fruit bowl was really more like a garnish than something substantial. my friend ordered 'the standard' and seemed mildly satisfied. of note was the bizarrely incongruous soundtrack that included 'shaft' and the klf. while the overall experience was okay, i won't be rushing back.

Mmmm. Toasted beagle. Sorry, I could hardly resist.

We were back here on Saturday and I have to say, the bennies are really good; not in a classic sort of way, but in a way that leaves you wanting to lick the plate clean of the lemon diablo sauce (like a hollandaise, but with more flavour).

The portions have stayed about the same, whereas many other restaurants have decreased/upped their prices.

Still one of my favourites in the city!

Great breakfasts, the eggs are REALLY good, just perfect. The Montreal Benedict is GOOD. Lemony hollandaise sauce, smoked salmon, a perfect poaced egg on a good toasted beagel. Yum. Worth waiting in line for.

Dinner was overpriced and lackluster the one time I went. Disappointing.

I've always walked by here when i go to work but i never went in. i always wondered tho since i've been hearing a good buzz about them. then one day a bunch of my friends from toronto came to visit me and they asked where a good breakfast place would be that was nearby. and i sent them there.
The only thing they told me was. It was good, really tasty and well made. and this was back in feb during valentines weekend.

So i went with the wife one early afternoon in May.
I ordered the burger and she ordered the Benedict.
I was never a fan for benedicts but i'd have to say. i ended up eating hers and mine lol.

presentation was nice, clean and simple. and the decor was nice, a little cramped but still cozy.

I'm gonna wait till the weekday to go back as i always see a lineup on the weekend mornings.

By far a fan favourite. We've been frequenting this kitchen since it opened and come back for the things that matter most-the service is splendid and the food mouth watering. That steak frite is yummmmmy. Went there last week for a birthday dinner, had the inside out stuffed pork tenderloin. It was perfect-good portion, hot and tasty. I have had most of the menu items, and also really enjoy the tofu steak. It is marinated well and the texture upon serving is fantastic even if you aren't a tofu lover. The owners are super friendly (the main reason we go back time & again) and the atmosphere is lovely. I like being able to see the chefs creating in the window reflections. Haven't been for brunch yet, but will be going soon based on all the rave reviews!

I always saw Stonefaced Dolly's as being the best breakfast in town, no competition. However, as the months got warmer, I noticed an increasingly large line out their door (despite construction), and an increasingly short temper on their wait staff (whom I love dearly).

As a result, my partner and I tried Jak's a few weeks ago, and we are hooked. Not only is there no wait (though about half to 3/4 of the tables are full) to get in, the food is downright incredible, and the three times that we've been in the last two months, we have been impressed with the service.

The double standard breakfast (3 eggs, two meats, roasted potatoes, double order of toast, and fruit) is a good value and their other specialities breakfasts (omlettes with ridiculously amazing cheese, veggies and meats, or macs--fried eggs on your choice of bread with equally amazing toppings) are equally good in value and down right wonderful.

The only thing that this place is lacking is some good pancakes (found at Stonefaced Dolly's), otherwise I see them succeeding in the long run on account of word of mouth.