Semsem - Ottawa
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.
Images
Reservation request for Semsem
Feedback
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.
I had Grandma's breakfast along with a traditional beans dish and shakshouka eggs, and everything was delicious!
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.
Genuine flavors. Fantastic bread and Middle Eastern ka’ak (similar to a bagel).
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!
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.
Full Menu
Main
Mini Zaatar Pie
Mini Cheese Fusion
Mini Akkawi
Sambousa Vegetables
Green Thyme FatayerDessert
Halawe
More information
QR-code link to the menu

This restaurant offers
Suggested nearby restaurants.
★ 4.8 / 5 (5416 reviews)Vegetarian Lebanese MediterraneanChickpeas
Terminal Avenue 500, K1G0Z3 Ottawa, CA
"Great food and great personal thanks they will be back"
★ 4.8 / 5 (1070 reviews)#4 Vegetarian in Ottawa Fast FoodLunch Box
St. Joseph Boulevard 2817, K1C1G6 Ottawa, CA
"Awesome sandwiches and the cookie dough is such a treat"
★ 4.8 / 5 (1448 reviews)Seafood Mediterranean Pizza BistroBistro Ristoro
17 Clarence St, Ottawa, Canada
"Truly amazing. The service, food, and place. The food is super tasty, the people working are very kind the place is very clean and cozy. Loved it!"