Semsem - Ottawa

Breakfast, Cafe, Pan-asian Cuisine
Menu
Full menu with pictures, prices and categories.
Phone
You can call the restaurant via +16137335736
Reservation
Reservation request for Semsem.

Menu

A complete menu of Semsem from Ottawa featuring all 110 meals and drinks can be found here on the menu.

**Restaurant Review: Semsem – A Mixed Bag of Mediterranean Delights** Semsem is a vibrant spot serving up Mediterranean and traditional dishes, yet experiences vary widely. Patrons praise the homemade pita, delicious meat pies, and falafel, often considered among the best in Ottawa. Many recommend the cheese-stuffed bread and Grandmother's Breakfast platter for an authentic taste. However, inconsistencies in service and food quality persist, with some diners noting cold interactions and lack of timely attention. While the lively atmosphere makes it a popular weekend choice, it might be best visited during quieter times for a more enjoyable experience. Reservations are encouraged for brunch.

Last update: 11.12.2025 from: Fatima

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Feedback

★ 4.1 / 5 from 2480 reviews

Was Fatima Aparecida Dos Santos at Semsem a mag?
This is a fantastic little restaurant serving delicious traditional dishes. The meat pie and falafel here are undoubtedly the best in Ottawa. The service during our visit was excellent; we didn’t have to wait long for our food. And you absolutely have to try the cheese-stuffed bread—it's a must! View all feedback.

What Hanna Farah dislikes about Semsem:
We've ordered from Semsem several times, but we found the food to be disappointing. The fatteh was just okay, and the overpriced hummus was only mediocre. The only dish we really enjoyed was the majdoul; everything else did not meet our expectations. View all feedback.

ziad-k-2
Ziad 11.03.2024 - 19:55

I had Grandma's breakfast along with a traditional beans dish and shakshouka eggs, and everything was delicious!

ziad-k-3
Ziad 11.03.2024 - 19:55

I had the best Lebanese/Palestinian breakfast I've had in a long time! Everything was fresh, authentic, and delicious. The owner personally serves you, which adds to the charm of this family-run business. That might be why it's so fantastic! I highly recommend it.

hossam-e-2
Hossam 11.03.2024 - 19:55

Genuine flavors. Fantastic bread and Middle Eastern ka’ak (similar to a bagel).

fatima
Fatima 19.01.2024 - 01:56

This is a fantastic little restaurant serving delicious traditional dishes. The meat pie and falafel here are undoubtedly the best in Ottawa. The service during our visit was excellent; we didn’t have to wait long for our food. And you absolutely have to try the cheese-stuffed bread—it's a must!

aretha
Aretha 19.01.2024 - 01:56

Last week, two of us visited this lively restaurant for the first time after reading a detailed review in the Ottawa Citizen. The menu is extensive and can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers to this type of cuisine. We ended up ordering more food than we needed, and while everything was delicious, a few dishes were quite heavy. Next time, we plan to take our time and choose a better balance of flavors. The standout was definitely the homemade pita. Although the service was somewhat inconsistent, the owners were friendly and welcoming. We also appreciated how quickly and thoroughly the tables were cleared and cleaned. We will definitely return.

  • Main

    Mini Zaatar Pie
    Mini Zaatar Pie
    Mini Cheese Fusion
    Mini Cheese Fusion
    Mini Akkawi
    Mini Akkawi
    Sambousa Vegetables
    Sambousa Vegetables
    Green Thyme Fatayer
    Green Thyme Fatayer
  • Dessert

    Halawe
    Halawe

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