Pur and Simple Barrhaven – Great Brioche, But Not 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.

Pur and Simple Restaurant Overview

3101 Strandherd Dr #2, Nepean, ON K2G 4R1

Pur and Simple has quickly become one of Ottawa’s go-to brunch chains, and with multiple locations across town, it’s built a strong reputation for its bright atmosphere and wide-ranging breakfast and brunch menu. The Barrhaven location, in particular, is always busy. On my most recent visit, there was about a one-hour wait just to get seated, and the entire dining experience ended up taking close to two hours.

One important thing to note is that you can’t make reservations here on busy days. Instead, you just show up, and if it’s packed, you’re added to a wait list. On one hand, it would be nice if they allowed reservations, since it would make the process smoother, but on the other hand, it’s understandable given how popular they are. It’s the kind of place where all the tables are typically filled whenever I’ve gone, so clearly they aren’t hurting for customers.

The location itself is clean and modern, with a fresh, casual feel that works well for brunch. The décor is bright and inviting, and the menu is extensive, covering everything from eggs and pancakes to sandwiches and smoothies. It’s the type of spot where you could bring family, meet friends, or even go solo and still feel comfortable.

One advantage of this Barrhaven location is that it has a parking lot out front, which made finding a spot easy. That’s not always the case with other brunch places around Ottawa, where circling for street parking can add to the frustration of a long wait.

The staff here have always struck me as friendly and upbeat, managing to keep their energy high despite the constant crowds. Service feels efficient given how busy they usually are, and food tends to come out in a reasonable timeframe once you’re seated. Another thing I’ve noticed is that the food seems to be made with fresh ingredients. The produce looks crisp, the eggs taste fresh, and the bread and buns don’t feel like they’ve been sitting around.

Overall, Pur and Simple in Barrhaven does a lot of things right, but the long waits and the overall time commitment make me hesitant to prioritize it over other brunch options in the city.

Would return?: No.

Breakfast Brioche

😋 Enjoyment: 8/10

💰 Price Paid: $16

🎯 Benchmark Price: $16

📊 EV Score: 8/10

🔁 Order Again?: Yes.

The star of the meal was the brioche breakfast sandwich. Right from the first bite, it stood out as one of the better breakfast sandwiches I’ve had in Ottawa. The brioche bun was excellent — soft and fluffy but sturdy enough to hold everything together without falling apart. Inside, each ingredient was distinct and balanced, which is harder to pull off than it sounds.

The eggs were cooked perfectly, adding richness without overwhelming the other components. The protein was well-seasoned and satisfying, while the cheese tied everything together with just the right amount of melt. What impressed me most was that you could taste every element in each bite — nothing was lost or muddled.

It’s the kind of sandwich that feels greater than the sum of its parts. Simple, but well executed. Definitely something I’d order again if I found myself back at Pur and Simple.

On the side, the home fries were just okay. They weren’t bad by any means, but they were forgettable. They did the job of rounding out the plate but didn’t have the crispness or seasoning to make them memorable. For me, they were filler, not something I’d look forward to.

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Final Thoughts

Pur and Simple Barrhaven is a classic case of a restaurant where the food is good but the overall experience drags it down. The breakfast brioche was genuinely delicious, and I’d happily eat it again. The problem is that the wait times and crowds make the visit feel more like a chore than a treat.

I appreciate that they’re popular enough to draw big crowds and that they’re consistent enough to fill every table. The friendly staff and fresh ingredients also make a positive impression. Having a parking lot at this location is a practical bonus, and the modern, clean space adds to the appeal. But at the end of the day, a one-hour wait for brunch just isn’t something I’m willing to go out of my way for.

If you live in Barrhaven or happen to be nearby, Pur and Simple is worth a try — just be prepared to wait, especially on weekends. If you’re craving their brioche sandwich, it will deliver. But if you’re comparing it against other brunch options across Ottawa, there are plenty of places where you can get good food without the hassle of such a long wait.