Even though venues in the big cities steal the show, there are plenty of impressive cafes in Ontario. These vibrant getaways are the perfect places to relax and enjoy coffee without having to deal with massive crowds. Instead of catering to the masses, these cafes treat those who appreciate laying low. The best part is the fact that they are scattered throughout Ontario. Their tucked away locations provide the perfect excuse to explore new towns that are routinely overlooked.
Spring is officially here, which means it’s the perfect time of year to tour Ontario’s most beloved cafes. The weather is finally warming up, which makes it ideal to get out and explore. Fortunately, quality cafes are closer than most people in the big cities think. From picturesque venues on the lake to those nestled inside smaller cities, there’s plenty of cafes that need to be visited.
Even though they are infamous in local circles, finding the best cafes in Ontario can be a daunting task. These attractions aren’t widely seen on the internet, so their reputation is spread by word of mouth. For this reason, we compiled a list of the best cafes throughout Ontario. They feature enough charm and quality coffee to seduce even the most jaded traveler. Start exploring what Ontario has to offer by visiting these lovely venues!
Best Cafes in Ontario
Café #3: Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters, Kitchener – The logo says it all when visiting this delightful café. While the dove represents their friendly staff, the tiger embodies the untamed strength of their coffee. This café is so passionate about coffee that they offer “tiger training” at their roasting facility. They also send out members to train workers at coffee shops, so no one misses out on their caffeine packed revolution. Their snacks are just as tantalizing as their brews, so get amped about coffee at this inspiring café!
Café #2: Kuppajo Espresso Bar, Sudbury – Tucked behind a non-assuming stone exterior, this café is the epitome of a hidden gem. While the outside is nonchalant, the interior décor is inviting. The walls are covered in local art, but the drinks are where the action is at. From the colored latte art to coconut lattes, everything about their drink menu stands out. Their food is equally delicious, and the best part is nothing goes to waste.
On top of providing quality food, this café focuses on helping the community. Every night at closing time, Jasmine Serre and her family collect what hasn’t been consumed. From there they hit the streets and pass out coffee and extra muffins to those in need. This special touch is one of the many factors that make this café too charming to miss.
Café #1: Juniper Café, Kingston – When it comes to location, this café is in a league of its own. It’s nestled right on the shore of Lake Ontario, which provides breathtaking views for patrons. To access this brilliant venue, visitors have to weave through the Tett Centre. The creativity of this artistic oasis isn’t lost on the café, since it sports delightfully unique décor. From hanging plants to fresh wooden tables, everything in this café celebrates nature.
While the interior design and view are impressive, their products manage to outshine everything. Their food menu is 70% sourced from local food suppliers, and their coffee is equally organic. All their beans are supplied from farms that are inspected by Pilot Coffee, which ensures a rigorous standard. On top of quality coffee and organically sourced food, clients can indulge in wine and craft beers. These can be enjoyed while staring at the lake, which creates a truly romantic setting. These options make it the perfect place to go at any time of day, so don’t hesitate to stop by!