Best croissants you'll get. Coffee is excellent as well.

So good! The tuna loin is a must try. It looks small in the picture but it can get you full as a brunch. Service was good.

really delicious for the tuna loin and salmon. Fair price for the French branch. It is just a little hard to find, kind of like a mysterious place. Open kitchen makes the restaurant looks not that good. But food is definitely GOOD.

I love finding myself here for Brunch on Sunday's. Their specials are mouth watering usually. Love this place. The bread is very dreamy. I've only had one omelette that was a little dry or I would be 5 star all the way.

Im from California here in Ottawa on vacation with family, So we are looking for breakfast place and we stop at Benny's, the breakfast was amazing!! hands down the best good quality food. And coffee!!
You need to stop here for breakfast!!
And you need to get the French toast!!

Giving 4-star for their fancy menu, plate presentation, quality ingredients. My friend ordered Gravlax, I believe she had the most to eat. Her plate had a perfect balance of nutritive ingredients... As for us who had ordered a vegetarian meal, French Toast with Oatmeal: there wasn't enough food for the $17 we paid (barely 3 slices of a French baguette). I wished they had put some fruits,... more

This is a brunch place for people who don't like brunch. The food is absolutely delicious and innovative and not entirely dependent on the usual boring brunch egg varations. My wild mushroom bowl with other incredibly yummy goodness was out of this world. Everyone else loved their fabulous meals. Not super-cheap as brunch goes, but well worth it. Scrumptious!

I have always walked by this place when i lived in ottawa. I finally went and tried it today w a friend. I have to say although their brunch menu was small, the food was really, really good. The coffee was illy coffee which is good. The service was good. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was cozy and comforable. I would definately come back when i'm in town next time.

Can't say enough! Holy moly, these people were lovely. Nicest staff, amazing food, and portions that will seriously fill you (while still being quality and very thoughtfully presented). Great quality, and baked goods are absolutely up to fantastic French standard. Best Ottawa morning yet.

SO GOOD and SO GREAT for the price.

i had this stack of smoked salmon with greens, baby potatoes, and a fried egg, and they were very generous with the smoked salmon. the flavour was very well-balanced and VERY well-presented. after all, we eat with our eyes.

i would definitely come back here and try the rest of the menu.

This bistro is tucked behind a French bakery and is a true hidden gem. We had a delicious brunch here. We would recommend the goat cheese frittata and omelette (with a great mix of muchrooms). Clear this is a place that locals come to meet which is a testament to what a great place this is. Not a lot seating so you may not find room as this happened to one group that showed up. Overall highly... more

I admit I'm a huge breakfast fan, but the greasy spoon/mom and pop style. However, i really enjoyed this place, It's a bit more than what I'd like to pay for breakfast but then the food was delicious. If you're looking for the brunch breakfast this place IS the place for you. I like the place but then this place should be in front of the store not hidden in the back, but then again maybe some... more

Fantastic food, coffee and pastries. It is in the back of a french bakery. How can you go wrong? The menu is also not your typical brunch fare but absolutely worth it!

Delicious. Simple tasty food done well. Loved the cabbage remoulade with apple and mustard seed. I didn't have a long wait time.

Been going here since it opened

This is a real hidden gem of a restaurant and a first class bakery. As some of the staff here are from France you get the impression of being in Paris with out the cigarettes!
I have been always warmly greeted, sometimes service is slow which is due to the simple fact they want to get it right and I... more

Tasty Brunch

We enjoyed brunch at Benny's Bistro recently. The space is
large enough to accommodate a baby stroller and child friendly. Our brunch was delicious and I especially enjoyed the fritatta with the chipotle cream. Service was prompt and pleasant. This bistro does not take reservations and very popular on weekends but we had no problems getting a table during the... more

Superb- highly recommend

This is a wonderful little spot. Tucked inside behind a French bakery; it is not terribly big with a limited number of tables. We luckily were seated right away for Sunday's brunch. Both my husband and I could not stop raving about how good our meals were. I had the French toast and he had their version of the eggs... more

Amazing bistro food, don't let the decor fool you

This is another of my go-to places for lunch when I am in the byward market. The food is simply delicious. Will need to go back very soon!

excellent food, average service

We had to wait around 15 minutes for a table at 1 pm on a Sunday. The wait was worth it, because the food was very good! We ordered the smoked salmon potato gratin, vegetarian dish (mushrooms with creme fraiche), and I forgot the name of the third dish---but it had egg and potatoes. All the dishes were served hot... more

Terrible service, OK food

Won't be eating here again! I was shocked by how bad the service was the last time I ate here. Because I'm pregnant I ordered my eggs over medium. The food took ages to come and when it did my eggs were soft boiled, so I asked that they cook them a bit longer. So off the waiter went without... more

Brunch here is extraordinary, as advertised. The wait times are also extraordinary, as advertised! But you can beat the rush, we arrived just before 10:30 when brunch is served and we immediately got a table. By 10:45 there was a long lineup. So if lineups drive you crazy you absolutely need to manage that. But the food is really top notch and worth the effort.

Very small but amazing breakfast

Room for 10 small tables at the back only. The egg dishes are amazing, not large, but very tasty and original with unique blends of flavors for poached eggs with seafood etc. The staff are friendly sincere and worked hard to accommodate.

Great brunch

Walked into Benny's Bistro for Saturday brunch this past weekend. I heard usually it's pretty packed but I guess it's been really cold out so we only waited for 5 minutes and got a table. I got their version of eggs benny, they don't do it with an English muffin, it's with potato gratin instead. Their portions were kind of... more

Good food, service not exactly warm

I've lived in Ottawa for many years and until this week had no idea Benny's Bistro even existed. That might be because it's a large room at the back of a bakery in the Byward Market area. The food was excellent - I had the scallops and meat filled rolls with a glass of white wine. The bread was, as... more

Great brunch

Had a great brunch here. Ordered gravlax and the buckwheat pancake dishes. High quality food with complex flavours. Buckwheat pancake came with this apple and mustard see slaw that was amazing.

After checking out the yelp scene for brunch spots near the market this morning we headed to Benny's Bistro for Saturday brunch.

The inclement weather made for a quick seat and our friendly waitress had our drinks to us in no time although was sadly out of cassis for my Kir. I'm not sure what the reference to the decore is all about in other reviews; I found this little spot to be... more

Brunch, actual brunch! Tucked away inside the Boulangerie Français, this is officially my new go-to on Ottawa weekends.

Prices are a bit steep, but you're paying for quality. I decided to go with the most classic thing on the menu - two poached eggs over maple porc, all atop a beautifully dense potato square. Paired with coffee and a mimosa, I was as content as I could be and equally stuffed.

Quite disappointing

Brunch on a Saturday. Insipid coffee; fake "mimosas". The food: a small cube consisting of two poached eggs (hollandaise sauce missing: they no longer had any but were not told when we ordered it) over a tiny slice of pork and barely re-heated, tasteless slices of potato. Very hard to digest, especially with the bitter taste of having been ripped... more

A Quaint Brunch Place

Great Illy Coffee, great presentation and preparation of food, and great baguettes. The Sunny Side Up egg I had was made perfectly. I loved the atmosphere as the place had a vibrant look to it. The open concept kitchen also showed how attentive the chefs were in preparing the dishes. Would definitely go back again when I visit Ottawa the... more

I am the bride that Jennifer P. is talking about in her review.
I am still dreaming of the sandwich & salad combo I've had at the bistro. The food and service was delicious. Great atmosphere. Kind people. Delicious food. What more could you ask for? We really enjoyed ourselves.. and YES I will be back once I move to Ottawa (soon I hope). Thank you so much for the delicious meal I've enjoyed... more

I was visiting from out of town for my best friend's wedding when we stumbled upon this hidden gem. We had just finished getting out hair and makeup done and had about an hour or so to kill before we had to head off to the venue, and anyone who has ever been married knows how important it is to eat before the wedding chaos, as it is almost impossible to eat once everything has started. We would... more

Excellent choice for breakfast or lunch

Hidden behind a patisserie, this is the kind of restaurant that you tend not to notice unless you know it is there. But it offers one of the best lunch/brunch choices in the Byward Market area, with good quality ingredients creatively prepared and presented. The space is not in itself particularly interesting, and on hot days it becomes apparent that... more

Brunch with French Inspiration

My friend and I went for brunch for the first time, as I had been curious for some time about the good comments about a place tucked away from sight.
If you go to their website, you'll get an idea of the menu options, though the current menu being served for the summer isn't available.
My friend had the French... more

For Lunch – Outstanding

Tucked behind the Patisserie de France on Murray Street this jewel is only open for lunch and weekend brunch.
The menu is short, seasonal and features the freshest of the fresh often the same day from the market down the street.
Mains are crafted with care and fussed over until perfect every time. Accompaniments are intricate and always perfect compliments.... more

So delicious! Latte was delicious, Yukon Eggs were tops and the mushrooms, spectacular! So so good. The service was great too, not too in your face and not too lackluster.
The only reason I'm docking one star, and its the ONLY reason, is that it feels a little tomb like as there are no windows because of the location, if they had a breakfast patio, or some windows, 6 stars.
Wee bit pricey, but... more

Worth standing in the queue

Sunday brunch with our (Australian) son and (Canadian) daughter-in-law - this is obviously something of an Ottawa institution and deserves to be - the staff handled the queue very diplomatically and when we were seated service was friendly and prompt. Did I mention that the food is worth waiting for!!

If you are going to cheat on your diet, Benny's has the treats

Stopped in Easter Monday after a morning ski up in the Gatineau Park, for a tasty cappucino and a fresh chocolate croissant. Have been pretty strict with no gluten, low carb for the past seven months. Figured if I was going to cheat, this was the place to do it. Glad I did! If you like Illy espresso (I do)... more

Real food

Salmon gravlax knocks the socks off any Beaver Tails or grease drenched pastries elsewhere in the market. This was a beautifully presented and subtly delicious meal with fresh tasty bread to mop up the sauce. Service was speedy and pleasant. $18 isn't cheap but feeling healthy and satisfied was worth every penny.

An interesting place and menu. Decor is OK (I would definitely not say tasteful nor French/Parisian). Line-up can be (ridiculously) long on Sunday morning. Open kitchen concept is not necessarily a good thing when cooks do not wear pristine white cooking apron and cook hat.

Good ingredients, although the proportions of each of the components are not perfectly thought (too much of this in the... more

Good: Clean, tasteful decor. Kind of like an Ikea showroom.

Better: The menu offered interesting dishes not often seen on brunch menus. I had the vegetarian option; a mushroom/leek/squash amalgamation that was very tasty for the first few bites, but a little heavy on the pesto. My boyfriend had the pickerel and pot stickers. Well prepared, if a tad bland. Unfortunately, the dishes were... more

Delicious

I have dropped in to Benny's numerous times over the years since it opened. At one time they even served dinner but customers were scarce perhaps because of the lack of ambience and windows. The room is very plain. But you certainly cannot say that about the food. I always enjoy their weekend brunch. Very creative and tasty. You don't... more

Offbeat Great Food with a Twist

Their patisserie is fabulous. Their bistro in the back is great. Sometimes there is a wait for a seat, so grab a coffee up front, and read the newspaper in the patisserie while you wait for your seat. The wait is worth it. Excellent food.

Almost as good as in France

This place is so unassuming (inside a French pastry) and I love the atmosphere, simple but warm. The bread are from the pastry shop in front - fresh!
The breakfast/lunch is almost as good as we had in Paris.
The only complain I have is that in the weekend you could wait for a while for a table.
It is... more

Very good Sunday breakfast

This place is SMALL, therefore, one has to wait...and wait...and wait for a table if you are not there before the restaurant opens for brunch. We were there too early, so we left and came back. Arrived right when they opened and there was already a long cue. Thankfully, the open kitchen was entertaining for our children. We watch a... more

Wonderful for breakfast/lunch

Located in the "Byward Market" side of town, this restaurant is only open for breakfast and lunch and is kind of hidden down the hall in the back of the "French Baker" bakery. Nevertheless, it was the best breakfast we had in over a week in Ottawa. We've not tried lunch there but, from its menu, it looks as if... more

Very good brunch

Brunch dishes are inspired and well balanced (and you pay for it). The small, cozy place is low key and intimate.

Food too rich for my taste

I have been to Benny's bistro a few times. Every time I leave I am disappointed because I don't feel good because the food I ate was too rich. The ambiance is like a cafeteria and the tables are very close together. The menu is very interesting and of course I want to try something new when I go there... more

They Need to Review Their Customer Service Skills

I have been purchasing baguettes and on occasion other items from the French Baker (Benny’s Bistro) for years. Today at midday, I stopped in and stood by the pastry counter needing 2 pecan pies, 2 fruit flans and 2 apple cakes for the weekend as I was entertaining guests from France.
This public area of the shop is small and... more

This was an incredible find all thanks to Yelp! Since I knew we'd be spending several hours in Ottawa I took advantage of the VIA wifi and looked for a good lunch destination.

I think it's great that this place is tucked behind the bakery and located on the outer edge of Byward Market. Once inside you're met with a warm welcome and the decor itself is adorable. Don't get deceived by the small... more

Haven't been in a while, but food is still fantastique. Service was pleasant and thorough but not prompt. We did not mind because the espresso (and cafe au lait) were great. Brunch was gravlax with fingerling potato and runny sunnyside egg + a little dollop of black olive tapenade on the side (and tuna confit with consomme of smoked heirloom tomatoes). Both were so good we practically licked... more

Love the Brunch

This is a favourite place for brunch... I have been a regular for many years and have never been disappointed. This is not you traditional greasy spoon breakfast, but an unusual cut above, with unique dishes I have never seen elsewhere. Enjoy.

The Best French Bakery in Town

Benny's Bistro is a one of a kind french bakery/restaurant. I usually go there in the mornings for breakfast or brunch. My two favourite dishes to eat at the bistro are the stuffed french toast with roasted Royal Gala apple compote, brown butter oat crumble and salted caramel spread all over for $14.00 and the Yukon Gold potato with pumpkin... more

Good food if you're willing to wait

Let me start by saying that the food is excellent.
However, the location isn't great and neither is the decor - it feels like you're eating in an Ikea, including the noise.
Service is also quite slow and not particularly helpful.
However, if you're willing to overlook that, the food is great.

This is an experience that should not be missed

Wonderful lively atmosphere combined with incredibly good food and warm customer service. I am going to be regular here for sure. Love the tuna in smoked tomatoes sauce. Everything is good here though.

Great food, too bad about the location

There is often a line up for the Bistro on the weekends and, while the food makes up for it, the restaurant is located in a windowless square room at the back of the French Baker, which means you don't get any of the advantages of eating in the Market, people watching especially.

I LOVE this place

I was in Ottawa in February for work, and after some googling, I decided to visit Benny's Bistro.
I am a HUGE fan of breakfast food, and there is nothing better than a breakfast at the little restaurant behind the bakery.
I went here three times for breakfast within the week, and would have gone more often had they opened... more

Ottawa's best kept lunch secret

Benny's Bistro hides just behind the French Baker in the Byward Market downtown area of Ottawa. While the bakery makes arguably the best butteriest croissant in the world, their restaurant in the back serves up creative and scrumptious French cuisine, lunch-style. We have eaten here perhaps a dozen times and it is consistently superb. There are regular changes to the... more

Terrific spot. Wonderful food and service

Benny's is a 30 seat restaurant in the back of The French Baker and has been in operation for about 10 years. They offer a daily breakfast and lunch as well as brunch on the weekends. The goal in the food is to offer local and organic where possible but with a realistic approach. "We feature local, seasonal menus using... more

I was recommended this place from my brother who is a local of Ottawa and, judging by the Yelp reviews, I thought this was going to be a sure win.

When we got there, the place was jammed pack with patrons, and although we were passed numerous times by wait-staff, not one person acknowledged our arrival. We stood around awkwardly for a while, watching the guys in the kitchen create some... more

Totally delicious backroom bistro spot.

The menu was short, concise, and the specials were excellent. Chefs make the food from scratch in a well equipped kitchen, visible to customers.

Food today was excellent, well portioned and delicious. I had a lentil pilaf with duck breast: every part of it was done skillfully: The lentils were delicious, the duck roasted very well, and the vegetables... more

amazing little place for breakfast

unbelievable french toast, fabulous coffee. usually a long line here, but we were lucky, got in before the rush - a great place to start off a day of sightseeing starting in Byward.

Good food, inventive

Went in with the intentions of having an almond croissant and ended up having duck breast over brie stuff french toast, definitely would recommend this place. Its casual, good and has Illy coffee. Front of the shop is the bakery area, the smells are great when you come in. The back of the premises has the bistro and you can... more

Great brunch

Quite different than I was expecting, I enjoyed every bite. I don't think you can go wrong with any choice on the menu.
Fantastic coffee too :)

Benny's bistro is tucked away actually inside of a french bakery. I swear you wouldn't know where it was if they didn't have a small popup sign outside of the store (that has their wiener dog mascot on it).

A fair warning about this place is that it is constantly busy, so get your reservations in. The place probably has about 10-15 two person tables so it doesn't really hold a giant crowd.... more

skip this placet least on sunday,a

we went there on a sunday around lunchtime. were told only brunch, everything with eggs, mostly, was available. the service was awful it took about an hour to get served after our choices were made. the waitress seemed bored and put out by the presence of a very well-behaved 5 year old girl. perhaps on any day but sunday you... more

I chanced upon this gem of a bistro in Byward Market thanks to Yelp. It definitely lived up to the hype: food presentation was top notch, the flavours were great, and value wise it was an excellent meal. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is visiting Ottawa.

== Food ==
I had an tuna tartare, which was just lightly singed. It came with a fresh green salad and some tasty sauce... more

Perfect little spot for brunch

4 of us had a great Saturday brunch. All of the menu items looked great and they ranged from French Toast and Omelettes to a pasta dish. Everything was fresh, delicious and prepared with care. The dining room doesn't have any windows or natural light which is a bit disappointing for brunch, but the food more than made up for... more

A lovely little spot for brunch. Portions aren't huge but the quality of the food is outstanding. Great service. Cute Parisian atmosphere. We'll be back.

A Great Little Secret

This bistro is a great place for lunch. The food is absolutely delicious and extremely refined. It is going to be my place to go for lunch when in Ottawa. And on top of that there is a fantastic bakery in the front part. The restaurant atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired by the food more than makes up... more

Left unsatisfied, unimpressed, and with an empty wallet

I have heard from friends and colleagues that Benny's Bistro is a great place for brunch, and I do love brunch, so I had high expectations of this place. My top brunch places include Murray Street and Le Cafe at the NAC, to name a few. I would have ranked Bennys in this category before stepping foot in the door... more

Benn'sy Bistro is a great little cafe, tucked away in a far east corner of the Byward.

The front hosts the French Baker, with Benny's is located a short walk down a dark corridor in the back of it.

This is my favorite spot on a lazy fair-weathered weekend morning/afternoon; when I'm visiting the Ottawa area.

One of the things I love about this place is that the menu does rotate, so I never... more

Is it possible that lunch is even better than breakfast?
Wicked good gravlax with fingerling potatoes, greens, and a runny fried egg. If only Benny's had a window... although you can see through the front window of the bakery if you get table near the front and turn your head just right.

A lovely place to have a breakfast or brunch in the market. With simple, functional but attractive decor, it serves a variety of healthy, eggy, and creative choices, all served with the wonderful baked goods of La Boulangerie Française. Reasonably priced too for the market, and a welcome alternative to the all-you-can-eat buffet.

Will go again

My husband and I went to Benny's on June 20/10, Father's Day, after 1:00. Immeditely taken to a table, few people there at that time. Had to wait for a coffee, and even longer for the orange juice, but we weren't on a schedule so this was only a minor annoyance. Menu was interesting to speculate over, and had some... more

Score: 12/20. Great for brunch. Don't miss out on the bakery

Score: 12/20. Great for brunch. Don't miss out on the bakery!

nice experience: food is

nice experience: food is tasteful and you could sense the work behind it. Count on +40$ for 2 persons.

If you're ever visiting Ottawa on a weekend conference (like I do), this place is great for grabbing a delicious bite. Eggs with toast and bacon...just done right. Also, the servers converse in French first which means I get to practice a bit until they stare in utter confusion.

Limited seating but a quaint and enjoyable space. You can also grab the baked goods out front. It's tuck in the back... more

Best fritatta I have ever eaten

Our family of four ate here before hitting the canal to skate. It was really a treat. The place is quiet, charming, and inviting. The breakfast menu is not extensive, but we all found something to enjoy. My husband looked awfully happy with his croissant, the kids devoured their eggs, and I thoroughly enjoyed my mushroom, spinach, and goat cheese... more

very good but a bit expensive, limited menu for breakfast

very good but a bit expensive, limited menu for breakfast.

Long Time Ottawa Resident - Benny's Hidden Gem

I have lived in Ottawa for 25 years, eaten at most of the better restaurents in town.
Benny's Bistro is a true hidden gem, located at the back of the French Baker, which is the Market area (Murray Street).
Open only for lunch / brunch, get there early or the best stuff sells out.. No windows or views, not a... more

Great little Benny's Bistrot

Food is beautiful, scallops were scrumptious a marriage of flavours beautifully presented. Desserts were fabulous, lemon tartelettes were beyond delight. I loved the place which was full. I saw a famous aboriginal chief enjoying his meal. The beef was super tender, I was there 4 times and do not stop loving it and recommending it. Service is at times a... more

Awesome place for brunch

Awesome place for brunch but prepare to pay a little more than you usually do.

I have only gone there for breakfast on the weekend - very good and very different - but you pay the price for it. Very

I have only gone there for breakfast on the weekend - very good and very different - but you pay the price for it. Very enjoyable, but only once in a while

Such a little hidden gem. Charming and beautiful decorate...

Such a little hidden gem. Charming and beautiful decorated. Menu is simple or should I say simply delicious.

Really good French-inspired food in a relaxed bistro atmosphere with an open kitchen.