Mazarine Ottawa Review – Delicious Brunch Worth the Wait – Average EV Score: 8/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing.
Table of Contents
Mazarine Restaurant Overview
282 Kent St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2A4
Mazarine has become one of the more popular brunch spots in Ottawa, and it’s easy to see why. Located in the downtown area, the restaurant has built a strong reputation for flavourful dishes and satisfying portions.
One important thing to know before visiting is that Mazarine does not take reservations. On weekends, the restaurant is often packed, and it’s common to see a line forming outside while people wait for a table. If you’re planning to visit during peak brunch hours on a Saturday or Sunday, expect to wait.
Because of this, I would strongly recommend going on a weekday if your schedule allows. When we visited on a weekday, the difference was dramatic. Only three tables were occupied, and we were seated immediately without any wait at all. The more relaxed environment made the experience far more enjoyable.
The restaurant itself has a welcoming and comfortable feel. It’s not overly fancy, but the space is nicely designed and pleasant to sit in. The staff were friendly and attentive, helping create a smooth dining experience from start to finish.
Overall, the atmosphere feels exactly like what you want from a good brunch spot — casual, inviting, and centred around satisfying food.
Would return? Yes.
Shakshuka
Menu description: Two baked eggs, homemade shakshuka sauce, sourdough bread.
Enjoyment: 8/10
Price Paid: $20
Benchmark Price: $20
EV Score: 8/10
Order Again? Yes.
The Shakshuka from Mazarine was an excellent dish and one of the highlights of the meal.
The baked eggs were cooked perfectly, with soft whites and beautifully runny yolks. Cutting into them allowed the yolk to mix naturally with the tomato-based shakshuka sauce, creating a rich and flavourful combination.
The sauce itself was very well done. It had a healthy amount of tomatoes and delivered a comforting, savoury flavour that made the dish feel hearty without being overly heavy.
The sourdough bread on the side was perfectly toasted, making it ideal for dipping into the sauce and egg mixture. Each bite felt satisfying, and the texture of the toasted bread paired wonderfully with the softness of the eggs and sauce.
This was a very hearty and comforting meal, and it was surprisingly easy to finish the entire dish despite the generous portion.
Beef Melt Sandwich
Menu description: Ground beef, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, cheddar, mozzarella, topped with French fries served on panini bread.
Enjoyment: 8/10
Price Paid: $20
Benchmark Price: $20
EV Score: 8/10
Order Again? Yes.
The Beef Melt Sandwich from Mazarine was another standout item.
The sandwich was generously filled with well-cooked ground beef, and the portion size made it feel like a substantial meal rather than a light brunch option.
The combination of green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melted cheese worked really well together. Each ingredient added something to the sandwich without overpowering the others. The cheeses brought creaminess, while the vegetables added flavour and texture.
The panini bread was toasted very nicely. It had a pleasant crispness on the outside without becoming hard or overly crunchy. That balance made the sandwich easy to eat while still giving it the satisfying structure you want in a toasted sandwich.
The fries served on top were also excellent. They were slightly breaded and nicely seasoned, which gave them a great flavour. More importantly, the fries had the texture you want — crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
The combination of a hearty sandwich and well-seasoned fries made this dish extremely satisfying.
Overall, the Beef Melt Sandwich was delightful to eat and definitely something I would order again.
Final Thoughts
Mazarine has earned its popularity as a brunch destination in Ottawa. The restaurant can be extremely busy on weekends due to its no-reservation policy, but visiting on a weekday offers a much more relaxed experience.
Both dishes we ordered were excellent. The Shakshuka was hearty, comforting, and perfectly balanced, while the Beef Melt Sandwich delivered a generous portion with great flavour and texture.
Between the welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and satisfying food, Mazarine is a strong brunch option — especially if you can avoid the weekend crowds.
If you’re looking for more brunch spots in Ottawa, check out my other brunch reviews: