Semsem

Name: Semsem
Address: 2430 Bank St, Ottawa, ON, K1V 0T7, Canada
Telephone: +1 613-733-5736
Price range: $20–30

Restaurant Info

About Semsem

Nestled in the heart of Ottawa, Semsem is a delightful brunch destination located at 2430 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 0T7, Canada. This cozy yet vibrant restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can indulge in delicious meals perfect for a laid-back brunch experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting the area, Semsem guarantees a satisfying and flavorful visit.

At Semsem, the menu is a fusion of healthy, hearty, and mouth-watering options that cater to all kinds of dietary needs. From vegan dishes to traditional brunch favorites, there's something for everyone. If you're a fan of quick bites, the small plates here are a fantastic choice, offering a wide array of flavors in one sitting.

Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing coffee to kick-start your day or craving a more filling meal, Semsem has you covered. They take pride in serving halal food, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a meal that aligns with their dietary preferences. The variety of healthy options on the menu means that you can indulge guilt-free, while their flavorful dishes offer a blend of nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied.

One of the best things about Semsem is its flexibility in service options. They offer delivery, so you can enjoy your favorite brunch items from the comfort of your own home or office. For those who prefer to savor their meals fresh, dine-in is also available, allowing you to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant. And if you're on the go, takeaway options are perfect for a quick and easy brunch on the move.

Whether you're catching up with friends, enjoying a solo meal, or having a cozy date, Semsem’s brunch vibe is ideal for any occasion. The inviting ambiance, paired with their excellent service, ensures that your dining experience is both comfortable and enjoyable. The combination of fresh, vibrant flavors and a cozy space makes Semsem the perfect spot to start your day, have a leisurely brunch, or enjoy a healthy meal.

Semsem takes pride in offering a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes that cater to those with plant-based diets. Their menu is thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their food preferences, can enjoy a fulfilling and tasty meal.

With its vibrant atmosphere, diverse menu, and exceptional service, Semsem is undoubtedly a go-to spot for brunch lovers in Ottawa. Whether you’re enjoying a cup of coffee, a hearty meal, or a quick bite, the restaurant offers everything you need to satisfy your cravings and elevate your brunch experience.

Restaurants Info

Semsem Menu

Sojok Sunflower

CA$17.00

For spicy sojok lovers, topped on our homemade dough with saute vegetables and mozzarella cheese, served with "Grandpa's dip". [Halal]
Semsem Twist With Feta

CA$11.50

Simit bread served with feta cheese, cucumber, and tomatoes. [Vegetarian]
Semsem Twist Plain

CA$4.50

Simit Bread. [Vegetarian]
Popie

CA$14.50

A light fluffy dough baked with marinated spinach, halloumi cheese, and herbs. [Vegetarian]
Cheese Overdose

CA$6.50

Order this five cheese overdose in a small or 16-inch loaf, topped with black seed and sesame seed. [Vegetarian]

Cheese Overdose 16"

CA$28.50

This is a 16" cheese overdose loaf of bread from our oven, topped with black seed and sesame seeds. Served with your choice of dip: tomatoe, zaytoon, or white dip. [Vegetarian]
Eggcellent With Cheese

CA$14.00

Three eggs on a pie topped with four cheeses (halloumi, white cheddar, yellow cheddar, mozzarella). [Vegetarian]
Eggcellent With Sojok

CA$16.00

Three eggs on a pie with sojok meat (Arabic spicy sausage). [Halal]
Majdoul

CA$18.50

A freshly baked twist of cheese and thyme, served with your choice of dip: zaytoon, white, or tomato dip. [Vegetarian]
Cheese Sunflower

CA$14.50

White cheese with fresh green thyme. [Vegetarian]

Falafel Plate

CA$10.00

Falafel served with a veggie plate and fresh pita bread. [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Qudsiye

CA$17.00

Traditional classic beans on a bed of hommos (served with assorted vegetables, pickles, pita bread, and olive oil). [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Classic Beans

CA$16.00

Mashed fava beans dish spiced with lemon and garlic (served with assorted vegetables, pickles, pita bread, and olive oil). [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Fava Beans With Tahini

CA$18.00

Mashed fava beans spiced with lemon and garlic, mixed with tahini, and garnished with whole chickpeas and parsley (served with assorted vegetables, pickles, and pita bread). [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Fatteh Tahini With Meat

CA$24.50

A Levantine dish built on layers of fried pita bread, chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, and marinated tahini with cumin and minced lamb meat (served with assorted pickles). [Halal]
Fatteh Tahini

CA$19.75

A Levantine dish built on layers of fried pita bread, chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, and marinated tahini with cumin (served with assorted pickles). [Vegetarian]
Mutabbal

CA$13.50

Roasted eggplant blended with tahini, lemon, garlic and garnished with pomegranate and parsley (served with assorted vegetables, pickles, and pita bread). [Vegetarian; Gluten-free]

Hummus

CA$15.50

Traditional chickpeas paste marinated with lemon (served with assorted vegetables, pickles, pita bread, and olive oil). [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Fatteh Yogurt With Meat

CA$23.50

A Levantine dish built on layers of fried pita bread, chica Levantine dish built on layers of fried pita bread, chickpeas, and marinated yogurt with garlic topped with top sirloin meat (served with assorted pickles). [Halal]
Musabaha Plain

CA$13.00

Inspired by the love of hommos this dish contains whole chickpeas marinated with lemon and garlic (served with assorted vegetables, pickles, pita bread, and olive oil). [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Veggie Beans

CA$18.00

Mashed fava beans dish mixed with tomatoes, parsley, coriander, and onions (served with assorted vegetables, pickles, pita bread, and olive oil). [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Fatteh Yogurt

CA$18.50

A Levantine dish built on layers of fried pita bread, chickpeas, and marinated yogurt with garlic (served with assorted pickles). [Vegetarian]
Musabaha Tahini

CA$15.00

Whole chickpeas marinated with lemon, garlic, and spiced tahini (served with assorted vegetables, pickles, pita bread, and olive oil). [Vegetarian; Gluten-free]
Fatteh Makdous

CA$21.50

Eggplant on layers of fried bread, sauteed onion and tomatoes, topped with garlic yogurt and garnished with parsley, pomegranate and almonds.

Mirage

CA$3.75

Mirage may be better known as "Namoura" a cultural dessert with a semsem touch.

Homemade In-House Display Selection

CA$4.25

(As per availability) anise cake, tahini cake, lazy cake, sesame bites.

Jasmine Tea

CA$2.00
Espresso 2 Shots

CA$3.25
Espresso

CA$2.50
Mocha

CA$4.75

Regular.
Black Tea

CA$2.00
Latte

CA$4.25

Regular.
Americano

CA$2.50
Cappuccino

CA$4.25

Regular.

Earl Grey Tea

CA$2.00
Yogurt Drink (Ayran)

CA$3.95

Yogurt drink is a cold beverage of blended yogurt prepared and cooked in-house.
Semsem Coffee

CA$5.25

A special semsem house-coffee.
Hot Chocolate

CA$4.95

Regular.
Semsem Drink (Karak)

CA$5.00

Our premium tea complemented with milk, cardamom, and saffron.
Brewed Coffee

CA$2.50
Mint Tea

CA$2.25

Halloumi Sandwich

CA$12.50

Pita bread filled with pan spread halloumi cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and mint. [Vegetarian]
Semsem Crust Halloumi

CA$12.00

A freshly baked (10 inches) dough topped with white halloumi cheese with sprinkled sesame and black seeds. [Vegetarian]
Duplex Crust, Lahem-Ajeen & Mixed Cheese

CA$19.00

A freshly baked (9 inches) dough topped with in-house marinated meat, tomatoes and spices and a lower layer of a mixture of 4 Cheeses with sprinkled sesame and black seed. Experience the magical combination of flavors as our Ground Meat and Mixed Cheese harmonize in every bite.
Semsem Crust Mixed Cheese

CA$12.00

A freshly baked (12 inches) dough topped with a mixture of four cheeses with sprinkled sesame and black seeds. [Vegetarian]
Duplex Crust, Zaatar & Halloumi Cheese

CA$19.00

A freshly baked (9 inches) dough topped with Thyme a lower layer of a Halloumi Cheese with sprinkled sesame and black seed. Experience the magical combination of flavors as Thyme and Halloumi Cheese harmonize in every bite.
Semsem Crust Labneh

CA$10.50

A freshly baked (10 inches) dough topped with our in-house prepared labneh and garnished with dried mint and olive oil. [Vegetarian]

Semsem Crust Zaatar

CA$8.00

A freshly baked (10 inches) dough topped with zaatar (thyme). [Vegan]
Duplex Crust, Lahem -Ajeen & Halloumi Cheese

CA$19.00

A freshly baked (9 inches) dough topped with in-house marinated meat, tomatoes and spices and a lower layer of Halloumi Cheese with sprinkled sesame and black seed. Experience the magical combination of flavors as our Ground Meat and Halloumi Cheese harmonize in every bite.
Falafel Sandwich

CA$10.00

Falafel wrapped in pita bread and topped with tarator (tahini sauce), pickled turnips, pickled cucumbers, radish, tomatoes, parsley, mint.
Lahem-Ajeen

CA$14.00

A freshly baked (10 Inches) dough topped with Marinated meat, tomatoes and spices
Duplex Crust, Zaatar & Mixed Cheese

CA$19.00

A freshly baked (9 inches) dough topped with Thyme and a lower layer of a mixture of 4 Cheeses with sprinkled sesame and black seed. Experience the magical combination of flavors as Thyme and Mixed Cheese harmonize in every bite.
Sojok Sandwich

CA$14.50

Baguette bread filled with sojok (spicy beef sausage), sauteed tomatoes, sauteed bell peppers, sauteed onions, assorted pickles, and mayonnaise.

Zaytoon Dip

CA$4.50
White Dip

CA$4.50

Tomato Dip

CA$4.50
Grandpa's Dip

CA$5.00

Grandfather's creation of old-style tahini salad with fine-cut parsley and tomatoes.

Grandma's Breakfast

CA$24.00

A blend of mini dishes comprised of fresh labneh, cheese, za'atar, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, jam, and Halawa. [Vegetarian; Gluten-free]
Dibis With Tahini

CA$6.50

Carob molasses topped with tahini (sesame paste), served with 1 pita bread. [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Shakshouke

CA$14.00

Three sunny-side-up eggs fried on a bed of saute vegetables, served with two pita bread. [Vegetarian; Gluten-free]
Meat Maqla

CA$26.50

Top sirloin meat stewed with tomatoes, onion, red bell pepper, and traditional spices (served with pita bread).
Grilled Halloumi

CA$14.50

Halloumi cheese served with pita bread, tomatoes and cucumbers. [Vegetarian; Gluten-free]
Labneh

CA$4.50

Our in-house made labneh with virgin olive oil. [Vegetarian]

Service Plate 1 (Served With All Our Soul-Full Dishes - Except With Falafel)

CA$6.00

Turnip pickles, radish, cucumber, tomatoes, chili pickles, and onion. [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Fig Jam With Sesame Seeds

CA$6.00

In-House Fig Jam. [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Halawe

CA$4.00

A sweet confectionary made with sesame. [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Service Plate 2

CA$6.00

Tomatoes, cucumber, and olives. [Vegan; Gluten-free]
Olives

CA$4.00

[Vegetarian; Gluten-free]

Restaurants Info

Restaurants Gallery

Business Info

Accessibility

Service options

Highlights

Popular for

Offerings

Dining options

Amenities

Atmosphere

Crowd

Planning

Payments

Children

Parking

Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in

Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection

Popular for breakfast
Good for solo dining

Serves coffee
Serves halal food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes

Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Has table service

Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi

Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students

Brunch reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait

Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Good for kids
High chairs available

Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Location & Contact

2430 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 0T7, Canada

Call Anytime : +1 613-733-5736

Opening Times

Right Now : Checking...

Monday :
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday :
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday :
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday :
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday :
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday :
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday :
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Restaurants Info

Customers Feedback

(5/5)

“ We went to SemSem for brunch and highly recommend making a reservation—it makes sense why the place is so popular! The food was incredible. We ordered the Grandma’s Breakfast, which came with an assortment of olives, olive oil, fig jam, za’atar, halloumi, and labneh, served with fresh pita bread and pickled vegetables. It’s a perfect choice for your first visit since you get to try a little bit of everything. I also recommend sharing it! We also had the Fatteh Tahini, which was honestly amazing and completely made my morning. It’s a warm yogurt-based dish with crispy pita and pomegranate bursts—full of flavour and texture. To drink, I ordered a pot of Karak Chai, and it was fantastic. A full pot is a lot—we were a group of three, and each of us had three cups (with a bit left over)! This was easily one of my favourite spots in Ottawa. The service was excellent, and the decor was super cute, featuring beautiful local art throughout the space. ”

Rohana Dasu

(5/5)

“ Small but nice restaurant. I got the falafel wrap to go. It was nice. Falafels were warm. Wrap had enough veggies and sauces. May be next time I will try the sit in. Pita not made here. You can try once. ”

Mal

(5/5)

“ Very friendly and considerate service, the waiter recommended a different bread to pair with the fatteh and it turned out great The food its self was tasty and the portion was generous, but the tea will be on my mind for a while. Such a perfect milk tea with strong tea and spice notes and just enough sweetness! The coffee was sweet leaning and not too strong ”

Thanh Nguyen

(5/5)

“ Food is delicious, authentic taste. The sunflower cheese pastry is so good, especially with their kark tea. A combination that will melt in your mouth. Hummus with meat was really good. Falafel, fatteh, hallomi and all the food we ordered was delicious. We had the pleasure to meet the owner who work there, hands on. It was so obvious that the owner treats her business as her baby. Highly recommended place. Edit after 1 year: Great food and amazing owner. Will come here every time we are in Ottawa ”

Moe

(5/5)

“ Nice little cozy restaurant with excellent food. We went for breakfast and ordered eggs with sojok, cheese sunflower, Fattah chickpeas with meat. They were tasty, fresh and perfect. Accommodating and welcoming staff, atmosphere was nice for us to talk and staff wasn’t bothering after every five minutes (which is becoming a case in some restaurants) ”

Usman Qidwai

(5/5)

“ One of my favourite breakfast places in Ottawa. Fresh ingredients and large portions for a fair price. The majdoul bread with zaytoon dip is a favourite! The shakshuka was very good, as was the fatteh tahini. Service is always good too. ”

Alysha S

(5/5)

“ Delicious and fresh dishes in generous portions great for sharing. Staff was friendly and helpful with the questions my friend and I had with regards to some menu items. Will definitely come back again! The place is a little small so I definitely recommend going earlier to avoid waiting too long. ”

Fiona L

(5/5)

“ Ordered. A variety of dishes and I was impressed. Everything tasted great. Prices are reasonable and best way is to preferred different plates and share with a group. ”

Maher Jebara