Kal's Place Restaurant — Restaurant in Ottawa

My Aunt invited my family out for breakfast this past weekend. I have nothing against my aunt, but I would not typically trust in her choice of restaurants. So, I was dreading this breakfast. My Aunt’s taste receptors have not matured beyond those of a typical eight-year-old. My Aunt’s spice cabinet probably contains the following: Heinz Ketchup and Pepper (and I have my doubts about the pepper). My Aunt’s idea of an exotic meal is chicken fingers and fries. My Aunt actually admits that she still regularly eats cereal for dinner, not because she has to, but because she wants to. If my Aunt went to prison and was only served bread and water she would find comfort in the fact that at least the prison food was decent. My aunt has NEVER ordered a pizza in her life … she is 71!

So, when my Aunt suggested we go to Kal’s Place, in a Kanata strip mall, I was prepared for a breakfast on par with the cafeteria at the Civic hospital. So needless to say, I had very low expectations.

Miraculously Kal’s was almost the exact opposite of what I expected. As you make your way inside you are immediately greeted by those trendy chalk boards listing daily specials, and a cozy décor of faux barn wood throughout. In fact, Kal’s reminds me more of a little neighborhood sports bar than a breakfast joint. There was even half a dozen TVs showing sport highlights, and several signed NHL jerseys suspended from the walls. Kal’s was busy both when we arrived and when we left. In fact, we would have lingered longer but there was a large group waiting for a table. Kal’s only has seating for about 35 and the two friendly waitresses had no problem keeping up with a nearly packed house. I never did see the bottom of my coffee cup since these waitresses were very generous refilling our cups at regular intervals. The waitresses also seemed to know every other patron coming through the door, so I have to assume this place has a lot of repeat customers. And I can see why, the food (at least breakfast) is pretty good and reasonably priced.

To spite my Aunt, I order the most exotic meal I could find which was the daily special: ‘asparagus benny’ (for only $10). It was excellent. The hollandaise sauce was near perfect and when I asked for the eggs poached hard … that’s exactly the way I got them. It’s amazing how many places screw up poached eggs. What’s more amazing is my Aunt has never eaten asparagus! Anyways everyone really enjoyed their breakfast and the entire bill for four of us was less than $45.

If Kal’s was in the Market or Westborough there would likely be lineups out the door for breakfast, and it would probably get a 5-star rating. Sadly, since Kal’s is located in a strip mall I can’t really justify a 5-star rating, although I reserve the right to change my opinion on my next visit. If you are hungry for breakfast, and just so happen to be in Kanata, I recommend you try Kal’s place. Hopefully you will be as surprised as I was. Oh and don’t forget to bring your ‘20% off any one item’ coupon for Bed Bath and Beyond! Assuming...

This is a restaurant you should visit if you haven't already - if you have you most likely return often for the great service and food. My mum and I have regularly frequented Kal's (before and after Covid protocol and have no complaints. We've ordered the liver, Kal's club, Pizza, Caesar salad and before Covid - their specials - all delicious and perfectly cooked. We have only experienced excellent service, a special shout out to Kim who remembers our wine preference and our usual orders - she makes us feel welcome and special - smiling as we enter and immediately accommodating - as if we are visiting her home. Thanks - these days that's hard to find. The restaurant is cozy - comfortable seating - the prices fair and the menu has excellent range for any family - we have our favourites but often wish we had ordered the same as other patrons as we see their choice go by...once you visit Kal's once I guarantee there will a second and third visit! Updating - now April 2023 - we still receive excellent service and food on every visit. We have now tried Chopped Sirloin, Fish and Chips, Chicken Parmesan, Burger with mushrooms, all excellent - we go every week if we can - Update Nov 2023. Still superb and superior to any local restaurant. The service is more than anyone could expect. Amanda and Kim are our usual expert servers - genuine welcome, smile and again superb service . The food is excellent - we have sampled numerous plates - not one disappointed us. We have eaten caesar salad all over the city and vote Kal's the very best. I challenge anyone to go there and leave...

I am genuinely concerned at how many people came on here to praise their bland, tasteless food. When I visited Kal’s diner I was greeted with dirty tables and floors as well as a weird smell in the air. I have it a chance and I really should’ve left on entry. There is a few things I found unpleasant about my visit. I mentioned cleanliness so I won’t again but the other stuff is food quality and service. My food was unseasoned, bland and just poor quality. The “Homefries” are mushy and gross and my food was cold. As for service the two waitresses that look like mother and daughter I think one was named Alyssa(she was our server) were horrible. I saw the “mother” put on overbearing fake friendliness and be minimalist kind to people coming in and the daughter barely spoke or checked in. I did overhear some conversations between the mother and daughter and have never been so disgusted in my life. These waitresses were talking about people like garbage and saying things that came off as extremely racist, rude and inconclusive. After my horrid experience I didn’t some asking around and from multiple sources found nothing but dirt on these two. Do not go here they ruined...