The SconeWitch (Elgin) — Restaurant in Ottawa

Would have given 5 stars, but the visit this morning, Thursday, May 16, was not nearly as superb as our visit on Tuesday, the morning of the 14th. Tuesday the eggs were sublime, creamy and moist; the sliced mushroom topping had a freshness and fullness to it; the herb and onion scone was oven fresh, flaky, and crispy. So, Tuesday was a solid and definite 10! (I was told "Cameron" was cooking, check before you go and make sure he's there. He really seemed to enjoy what he was doing, always smiling and energetic.) Thursday, was a 5, at best ☹️. The eggs were overcooked, twice; the mushroom topping looked like it had been tortured; the cold, heavy, scone tasted at least a day old. I had to ask for it to be reheated, they did, without even offering me a fresh one. I was heartbroken after my earlier, stellar, experience. (I was told who was cooking this morning, but I won't name her. I watched her over cooking every portion of scrambled eggs, with little expression, and low energy, she just didn't seem to enjoy her work, and my meal suffered.) I noticed that there were more than a few plates left with scrambled eggs on them (unlike Tuesday morning). Scrambled eggs might seem easy to make, but it actually takes attention and care, like Cameron's, to create light, creamy, melt in your mouth eggs that prompt rave reviews and make travellers come back a second time in one week. I'm not sure whose fault the stone cold, day old tasting...

Visited Ottawa this past weekend and discovered this little gem less than a block from our hotel. On our first visit, we kept it simple - coffee and various scones with jam - which were very good. This is when we noticed the breakfast plates that other customers were ordering. Back at the hotel that night, we checked out the breakfast menu online and this morning all three of us ordered different combinations of the breakfast plates, referred to on the menu as "brunch". The variation I had was comprised of a fresh baked vanilla-cream scone with wild blueberry and raspberry jam, brilliantly smooth scrambled eggs topped with melt-in-your-mouth mushroom ragout, all accompanied by fresh cut fruit. I paired this a delicious salted caramel latte. The only thing I would mention to everyone is that it can get quite busy and it isn't overly large. Think cafe, which it is, more than restaurant. This is not meant to discourage anyone from visiting, just something to keep in mind (and I can only comment based on my two weekend morning visits). On our first visit on Saturday, we readily found a table, however Sunday morning we had to wait for some room to clear up, however, it did by the time our orders were brought out. However, when we left there was quite the lineup to order. Aside from the food, all of the staff were very friendly and quite knowledgeable about their products. When in the Ottawa area, be sure to...

I have a new addiction to scones after visiting this place. I really wish I could have taken some pictures of the food but it disappeared into my mouth before I could get the chance. I'll give a breakdown of different aspects of this place below but for the Coles Notes version, you definitely owe it to yourself to try this place.

Layout: lots of wooden chairs and tables at different heights. The place is always busy but I've never had to wait long to find a spot to sit. Weekends are definitely busier but during the week isnt too bad. Very clean and spacious.

Food: excellent. If you like scones and breakfast fare then you've come to the right place. I recommend the breakfast special with mustard glazed ham over eggs, vanilla scone with blackberry jam. They also do scones of the month which helps keep things fresh. There are sweet and savoury options depending on your craving which you'll eventually want to try.

Coffee: this gets a special spot because I love my coffee and I am a huge fan of whichever blend they are serving. I would have bought a bag for home if I wasnt already overstocked.

Price: a little pricey, but not much more expensive than anywhere else. I dont mind paying for quality and contributing to small businesses and this place definitely checks both of those boxes.

Overall, I cannot say enough good things about this place. You owe it to yourself...