Enjoy hearty brunch favorites like pancakes, big breakfasts, and crispy potatoes in a cozy setting, served until 3 PM.
Savor delicious dinner options such as oxtail pot pie and veggie fritto misto, with complimentary truffles to start.
Order fresh, light birthday cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and pastries made in-house for any occasion.
Sip on quality coffee, espresso, and other drinks to complement your meal or dessert.
Pick up baked goods, cakes, and meals for convenient enjoyment at home or on the go.
I went there for Saturday brunch, got the blueberry matcha pancakes and my brother got the big breakfast. The portion sizes are amazing, and the place has a great ambience. Our server was very sweet and kind. I found the coffee to be a little bit overpriced but it was still very good, the espresso was a little sour. 10/10 recommend and i would go again for the cookies and baked goods!
Sarah ❤️ was absolutely amazing! From the moment we sat down, her customer service was top-tier. She was friendly, super outgoing, and her personality made our whole brunch experience even better. She made sure our food came out on time, checked in to ensure everything tasted great, and truly went above and beyond to make us feel taken care of. The food was on point, and her positive energy made the entire visit so enjoyable. If you’re lucky enough to have Sarah as your waitress, you’re guaranteed an awesome experience
I ordered a birthday cake (gingerbread) and cupcakes (chocolate orange) to go. When we came to pick them up, we also impulse bought a cookie, a croissant, and a cinnamon bun; we ate those first and they were very fresh and delicious. The cakes were incredible - fresh, light, and super tasty. My whole family raved about them and they really helped make my birthday awesome. I’m expecting to order more soon, and my partner and I are planning to eat lunch or dinner there soon because the vibes, drinks, and menu seemed awesome.
We had been to Dessert First for several wonderful brunches but this was our first time for dinner. We shared the Parmesan Fries and Veggie Fritto Misto to start – then, we both had the Oxtail Pot Pie. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. True to their name, we were given two complimentary truffles before we ordered – a very nice touch! We are already looking forward to our next dinner at Dessert First!
Everything was fresh and tasted good! The blueberry pancakes and classic breakfast were both great, and the potatoes were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Coffee was good, service was prompt, and the food came out quickly. We found this spot after another brunch place nearby closed earlier, and we’re glad we did. Love that they’re open until 3 and really enjoyed the cozy, welcoming ambience. Seating is a little on the tighter side since one wall is all bench seating, but it still felt comfortable overall.

Indulge in sweet beginnings and savory delights in Ottawa's cozy brunch and dessert haven.
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Dessert First is a beloved Ottawa restaurant offering a delightful fusion of brunch classics, baked goods, and dinner specialties in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Known for generous portions, fresh ingredients, and exceptional service, we serve everything from blueberry matcha pancakes and crispy breakfast potatoes to oxtail pot pie and custom birthday cakes. With a 4.7-star rating from hundreds of reviews, our cozy spot on Bank Street is perfect for casual meals, celebrations, or a sweet treat. Open until 3 PM for brunch and offering dinner, we live up to our name with complimentary truffles and an irresistible dessert selection.
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