Since its opening in 1998, 13th Street Winery (located near St. Catherines) has grown into a wine leisure paradise offering the full experience of wine, food, and art. For over three generations and 100 years of farming in the region, the Whitty family certainly knows the lays of the land – and it has come in handy in the success of the winery. The retail and tasting bar are open Monday to Saturday and offers a wide array of wines and styles for tasting and purchase.
Grab a glass a wine and explore the sculpture gardens or wander around the extensive grounds.
Doug Whitty, co-owner and president of 13th Street Winery, and a Niagara local is passionate about making Niagara a destination. “We would like to make our wine region yours. It is too beautiful not to share. There is a unique opportunity to celebrate local food and culture, to live off the land. As people in Europe have done for generations, enjoy the fruits of nature from your own region”.
The winery is less than 45-minutes from Oakville making it easy to discover and explore. Doug says, “In these difficult times where so many activities have become unavailable, visiting Niagara is affordable and accessible and a great day out. Right on your doorstep, it offers world-class food, wines, and experiences.”
Fridays and Saturdays a “to-go” menu is offered where you can enjoy house-baked goods and artisanal cheese either at home or casually onsite.
There is accommodation at the Vineyard Cottage with the Vineyard Farmhouse opening soon (available for booking through Airbnb), making it easy to enjoy a few summer days exploring the region.
If you have been meaning to visit the area, now is the time to explore and enjoy all that is on offer.
Summer is here and the timing could not be better. With social distancing recommendations still in force, our backyards are the place to be: chilled wine in hand, barbecue sizzling. Most wineries in Ontario are offering free delivery to your doorstep, making it is easy to avoid the lines at the store. It has never been more convenient or appropriate to support local wine producers. Niagara wineries, with their glacial soils and lakeside vineyards, are open for business, either with retail stores open, curbside pickup, or delivery (which is most often free with a minimum purchase). Here are our top picks to enjoy over the summer… (and nobody minds if you add a block of ice or two to your glass):
Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Collection Rosé ($16.95)
A luscious blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, and Gamay Noir, this light and fruity pink wine from the famous hockey legend is easy drinking and goes perfectly with most barbecue treats or even on its own as an aperitif.
Inniskillin Niagara Estate Series Riesling ($12.95)
Pinpoint freshness like a squeeze of lime with honey and fresh flower notes, Canada’s premier estate winery never fails to deliver.
Peller Private Reserve Pinot Gris ($20.95)
Laden with tropical fruit salad notes, this wine pairs with Asian inspired dishes. It is the perfect wine if you prefer something in between Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. It is not surprising that Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio is one of the most popular grape varieties in the world.
Château des Charmes Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95)
Beautiful pungent elderflower, lemon zest, and passion fruit aromas waft from the glass. This winery was established in St David’s Bench in 1978 and has been producing quality wines ever since. Best enjoyed young to preserve the fresh zingy aromas.
Konzelmann Pinot Blanc ($14.95)
This gem won a gold medal at the Ontario wine awards in 2019. It is a steal at the price for a high-quality tipple from a winery established in 1984. A creamy texture on the palate with a long, zesty finish. Perfect with roasted chicken on the barbecue.
Ravine Charmat Rosé ($27.80)
From a winery whose original building dates to 1802, Ravine’s wines are produced according to organic and biodynamic methods. Crushed raspberry fruit leaps out on the nose of this everyday sparkler, it is the perfect start to fire up the barbecue.
Southbrook Wild Ferment Chardonnay ($34.80)
Produced with biodynamic and organic methods, this wine was fermented using only the natural yeast on the grape. This Chardonnay matured in French oak barrels is as perfect as nature intended.
Stratus White ($39.00)
An exotic blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Semillon and Gewürztraminer; this serious white blend is produced sustainably and matured in French oak barrels. A rich, heady, layered wine that would go perfectly with grilled salmon.
Trius Brut ($29.95)
Home to Canada’s largest sparkling wine cellar, this Méthode Champenoise (Champagne method) bubbly is a traditional blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, like Champagne from France. It has notes of brioche and citrus with an apple and honey tart finish and is a fine example of the high-quality sparkling wines Ontario is capable of producing.
Two Sisters Blanc de Franc ($61.80)
The first sparkling Cabernet Franc in Ontario, this unique and exciting wine won the Sparkling Wine of the Year award at the All Canadian Wine Championship in 2019. Although made from a red grape, the wine is very delicate with small persistent bubbles and citrus and red currant flavours.
13th Street Gamay ($19.95)
A super versatile, lighter style of red that is best served well chilled. Raspberry and licorice tones with soft juicy tannins and a slightly smoky finish that makes it the perfect match for your summer barbecue.
Pub, a word conveniently shortened from the British term public house, is defined as an establishment licensed to sell alcoholic drinks. But for many, it has the deeper meaning of a meeting place or a place of social gathering. In many places around the world, especially in small English villages, the pub is the focal part of the community. Samuel Pepys, a British Member of Parliament and famed diary keeper, described the pub in the 17th century as being the “heart of England”. The Red Lion is the most common name for a pub in Britain where there are reportedly 656 establishments with this name.
Pubs date back to Roman times, when inns or taverns started popping up along the Roman road networks where travelers could obtain refreshments. When looking for the difference between a bar and a pub, reference is often made to Britain when referring to a pub, and the word has connotations of being a place to socialize, and not just to drink alcohol. A bar is often differentiated by having loud music and a dance floor.
Oakville and Burlington have many quaint and charming pubs where patrons can get a pint of English beer and meet up with friends. Nowadays, pubs have a huge range of beverages, from craft beers, fine wines and cocktails to gourmet food offerings, but there still seems to be a leaning toward a more British way. Items such as bangers and mash, and beef and ale pie appear frequently on menus as well as the quintessential British meal, fish and chips.
The King’s Arms (kingsarmsoakville.com) in downtown Oakville is one of the oldest pubs in the area. It was first opened in the mid-70s under the name “The Duke of Bedford” and changed its name to The King’s Arms in the ‘90s. The pub specializes in craft beer with an extensive range of products and offers traditional British foodsuch as steak and Guinness pie, as well as more trendy fusion items such as truffle brisket mac and cheese.
The Abbey Arms (abbeyarmspub.ca) located in Glen Abbey, Oakville, has a specialty brunch menu on weekends for earlier diners, and also caters to vegetarians with its house-made chickpea and cauliflower curry.
The Queens Head (thequeensheadoakville.com) in downtown Oakville offers an authentic pub atmosphere and is reputed to serve the best fish and chips in the area.Be prepared to wait for a table on a Friday night.
Not to be outdone, The Queen’s Head (the queenshead.ca) in downtown Burlington opened its doors in the 1990s and specializes in house pub pies. It also features traditional pub fare such as beef liver with bacon and onions. It hosts events throughout the year, including celebrating St Patrick’s Day.
The Pipes and Taps Pub (thepipesandtapspub.com) in Oak Park, Oakville also varies its food offerings from a trendy warm tandoori spiced Atlantic salmon salad to classic bangers and mash.
With 17 beers on tap, The Stout Monk (thestoutmonk.com) at Neyagawa and Dundas in Oakville, is certainly a beer destination but also offers game-day breakfasts and screens anything from the Leafs game to premier league soccer. They offer traditional fare like bison shepherd’s pie and also signature items such as Monk wings or Monk nachos.
In downtown Burlington, you’ll find Burlington’s oldest English Pub and Alehouse – The Poacher (thepoacher.ca). Also downtown is The Dickens Pub (thedickens.ca), where you can bite into half-price wings on Tuesday or sip $5 Caesars on Saturday before 6 p.m.
With St Patrick’s Day approaching, it is worth scouting out your nearest pub to make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun – and all the green beer. Throw on your most festive Irish gear and be prepared for everything from St. Patty’s inspired dinner specials, Irish dancers, and simply, a bangers and mash good time.
For many, a cup of coffee is simply part of a daily routine. But with Oakville’s vibrant coffee scene, cafes and coffee shops are becoming more than just a place to perk up. Whether you’re looking for a cozy nook to catch up with a friend or simply a warm bevy on a cool day, Oakville has you covered. Here are some of our favourite independent cafes and coffee shops.
Vereda Central is a wonderful new addition to bustling Kerr Street. Born from the idea of finding the best possible coffee beans from a variety of Columbian veredas, or small villages, their coffee is personally sourced, and all processes of milling, roasting, and packing are done onsite. They are extremely knowledgeable, friendly and talented baristas. They also offer one of the rarest finds in Oakville – FREE PARKING in the back. Be sure to check them out and enjoy the cozy space the husband and wife team have created.
This hip, environmentally conscious café focuses on clean, healthy eating, serving everything from an (outstanding) cup of coffee to a full meal. Start your day with a modern spin on traditional breakfast offerings, with a wonderful selection of loose-leaf teas and excellent coffee, locally roasted by Brothers Coffee Roasters.
This quaint, South American style café perched on Bronte pier is truly something special. With everything from their coffee to their nibbles, organic and fair-trade, you can feel good about eating here. Enjoy coffee, music, social justice, and equality all under one roof.
Located in the heart of downtown Oakville, Tribeca Coffee Co. is the perfect little hideaway serving outstanding coffee. Cozy and community-focused, it’s a great place to work remotely, play a board game with a friend, or stop for a warm drink after a busy day exploring downtown. The inviting coffee shop specializes in offering an array of different coffee blends, from house batch brewed coffees, to single origin. Looking for a hand pour or Chemex brew? This is the place for you.
This modern, upscale French restaurant, largely known for its unique multi-course dinners, wine pairings, and chic decor, also has a stylish little cafe tucked around the corner. In the summer, their floor to ceiling windows open wide and it makes the perfect spot to enjoy an outdoor coffee and pastry. Inside, you can enjoy Sunday brunch alongside a specialty coffee, such as a black sesame latte, or take it with dessert on a Friday night. We highly recommend the Lavender Latte!
Half coffee shop, half nail studio and lounge. Customers are able to get their nails done, all while enjoying Yellow Door’s cafe and bar. They offer wines and signature cocktails, but also delectable coffees poured to perfection. The coffee is sourced from De Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters, a local micro roaster that prides themselves on their high-quality ingredients. Bonus: the cafe space is one of the most stylish in town.
Bright, fun, and truly one-of-a-kind, Marylebone Café and Creamery is the ideal spot to come together with family and friends. Their hand-crafted freakshakes, pleasure jars, and baked goods are made with premium ingredients, and each treat includes a special touch. You really have to see it to believe it.
A staple in downtown Oakville for nearly a quarter-century. This independent coffee shop is casual, friendly, and inviting. From soup and sandwiches, to hot coffee, lattes, and dessert, this café not only serves up a large selection but brings out all the stops to make you feel right at home.
Boasting some of the best croissants this side of Paris. This cozy little café renowned for its croissants offers delicious cups of coffee, tea, lattes, and an assortment of handmade baked goods. All croissants, breads and pastries are individually hand rolled and made with 100% natural butter and finest quality ingredients.
Although famous for their gelato, La Dolce Vita has a wide assortment of drinks available at their café. Smooth espresso to Italian sodas, to gelato frappes and vegan chocolate mochas . No matter what you opt for, you’re in for a treat.
Firebat Coffee Roasters is truly a one of a kind. The founders of this roastery, husband and wife team Gustavo and Leena, decided to create a bridge between Canada and El Salvador through coffee. And while they aren’t necessarily a café, you can drop in to pick up a bag of beans and sample their coffee. They are especially knowledgeable on the coffee industry, and source all of their beans from small to medium scale producers in El Salvador, including coveted Gold Cup winners that you can’t find anywhere else. The result: some of the best coffee you will ever taste. This is a true hidden gem in Oakville.
Days of Wine & Chocolatestarts on Friday, January 31st . Yes, that’s right! We wanted to make sure you had four full weekends (Jan 31, Feb 1-2; 7-9; 14-16; 21-23) to partake in this popular February passport program so we bent the rules a little and are kicking things off the last day of January.
Purchase your passes today and get ready to explore the decadently sweet and savoury art of wine and chocolate pairing. Visit the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake weekends in February from 11am to 5pm and taste over 20 premium VQA wines expertly paired with chocolate-infused dishes.
Photo by Elena Galey-Pride
If you need a bit more convincing take a look at the mouth-watering pairings our wineries are proposing this round! Each year they seem to get even more delicious than the last. There is something for everyone, from classically sweet flavour combinations to unexpected surprises.
If you have a real sweet tooth and are looking for a decadent pairing, you will find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings including chocolate tarts, dark chocolate panna cotta shooters, brownies, shortbread cookies and more. But if savoury is your thing, we’ve got you covered too – cocoa Beef Bourguignon, chocolate infused BBQ pulled pork, white chocolate filled ravioli in a brown butter truffle sauce and chocolate chicken mole tostada are only some of the savoury options on offer.
Photo by Elena Galey-Pride
As always, this $55 touring pass can be used any weekend in February giving you plenty of time to make it out to our wineries and enjoy each unique pairing at a relaxed pace. To have an optimal experience we recommend a maximum of eight wineries per day.
The Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake encourage you to tour and taste responsibly. Please designate a driver who is not drinking and purchase one of our Designated Driver Passes or arrange transportation with one of our transportation partners. If you are traveling with a group of 8 or more guests, please have your organizer call ahead a minimum of 48 hours in advance to the wineries you plan to visit to discuss appropriate timing so they can plan for your group’s arrival and serve you better.
Download our pairingslist which comes with a handy map to help you plan your itinerary.
By Laura Vertucci, Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is a French word referring to the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and other meat products. However, with its growing popularity, many people use the term ‘charcuterie’to describe a sharing or snacking board. Nowadays, anything is included, from an assortment of meats to different accompaniments, such as toast and crackers, fruit, cheese, pickles, and sauces. Charcuterie boards work especially well with crowds – the foods are finger-style yet filling and easy to snack on. A well laid out board can easily accommodate a food intolerance or preference, with meat on the one side and vegan products on the other. Guests cutting carbs can do so without any fuss; gluten-free diets work equally well. And they look spectacular!
The word ‘charcuterie’ originated in France, meaning ‘pork butcher shop’. The style of cooking, which involves cured meats, includes pork products such as; ham, sausage, bacon, and confit. The person that prepares the meat is called a Charcutier. While the original French translation refers to pork, modern charcuterie boards include many other types of food, such as duck, goose, chicken, cheese, even vegan cheeses, and meats.
Readers of British origin may wonder how a charcuterie board differs from a Ploughman’s Platter or Ploughman’s Lunch. This is a traditional British dish that features bread, cheese, and pickles. On occasion, they may include ham. Unlike A Ploughman’s Platter or Lunch, a charcuterie board’s traditional mandate is to feature meat with a strong leaning towards pork.
The art of the charcuterie board is in the detail of its elements, and it’s always best to mix flavours and textures. For instance, chewy salami pairs well with a rich and smooth pâté, while spicy chorizo complements sweet fruits. Also, be sure to add some colour – fruit and vegetables do this effectively, while also adding some height to the board. To make the board multi-dimensional, breadsticks or vegetable sticks standing in a jar can be very attractive or a taller hunk of cheese can add visual appeal.
Due to their trendiness and popularity, charcuterie boards are available in many restaurants and stores. In Oakville and Burlington, we have many at our fingertips. While some offer the ingredients to prepare our own, others have fully prepared boards ready to order.
Block Co. in Burlington, uses the tagline “When all else fails, cheese”. They serve a variety of exotic and enticing cheese and meat boards and cater to events.
Farmhouse Artisan Cheese on Kerr Street prides itself as being Oakville’s only cheese shop. They also sell charcuterie from Ontario, Quebec, and Europe, as well as cheeses from Britain, three European countries, the USA, and Canada. They also have a delightful selection of the proper accompaniments. They offer cheese and charcuterie boards to serve at home and gourmet baskets as gifts.
The Culinary Pickpocket provides fine charcuterie catering and has a range of boards, from tapas to BBQ, and Fruits de Mer (seafood) to dessert.
The Sandwich Society, also on Kerr Street, has some exotic delicacies like truffle pecorino spread and salami with fennel seeds and offers a wide variety of different boards of all sizes.
Burlington’s Platter Company provides varied cheese and meat platters like the Artisan Cheese Platter, the Charcuterie Platter and the Custom Grazing Board which is the “I can’t decide” board and is a mix of many things.
The Sandwich Society
Creating your own charcuterie board is simple and can add a great impact to your regular entertainment dishes. These days there are no rules, so be bold and give your board your signature style.
Whether for date-night, an accompaniment to a party, or even for a work-place meeting – charcuterie boards are flexible, beautiful, and certainly a fun and tasty addition to any meal.
Featured restaurants from Downtown Oakville offering prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus February 19 – March 4, 2020
A Taste of Oakville is a unique dining experience where restaurants offer prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus. Participating restaurants will offer two-course lunch menus priced at $17, $22 & up, and three-course dinner menus priced at $20, $30, and $40 & up.
“Oakville is a food lover’s heaven, and A Taste of Oakville celebrates that,” says Sharlene Plewman, Executive Director Downtown Oakville BIA. “A Taste of Oakville is an excellent opportunity for foodies and residents wanting to try something new to get out and celebrate the award-winning culinary landscape of Downtown Oakville.”
This culinary event is brought to you by the merchants and businesses of Downtown Oakville.
A Taste of Oakville runs from February 19 – March 4, 2020. For more information on participating restaurants and menus, please visit atasteofoakville.com.
When planning a night out, whether for date-night or some friendly fun, there is plenty to do without hopping on a train and heading to downtown Toronto. With a variety of karaoke bars, restaurants with delicious food and drink and more, Oakville and Burlington have a bustling nightlife waiting to be discovered. Here are just a few ideas:
Friends Night Out
Joe Dog’s Gasbar Grill
Both sports bar and lounge, Joe Dog’s is Burlington’s party hot-spot. With a new Underdog Rec Room (ages 21+) featuring arcade games, DJ, and cheap-drinks, it’s no wonder this is a popular destination for friends to drink, eat, and boogie. Their wacky weekday menu features drink specials, such as $4.43 domestic bottles and $12.99 wraps. Not to mention their tasty Taco Tuesday. If you’re looking to let loose, eat great grub, and dance your heart out to everything from old-school hip hop and classic tunes – Joe Dog’s is your spot. 531 Brant Street, Burlington Joedogs.com
Joe Dog’s Gasbar Grill, Burlington
Beertown Public House
With a new location in Oakville and an already popular location in Burlington, Beertown Public House serves up locally brewed ales, many of which are brewed in Waterloo, Cambridge, and London, as well as brews from Burlington’s own Nickel Brook Brewing. Despite its beer-themed name, Beertown offers signature cocktails and wine in addition to their lengthy beer, lager and cider menu. 271 Cornwall Road, Oakville 2050 Appleby Line, Burlington Beertown.ca
Beertown Public House, Oakville
Chop and Wop Ristorante
New to Burlington with its fusion of Italian and Portuguese culture is Chop and Wop Ristorante. A unique fine dining restaurant, Chop and Wop’s focus is on providing a quality dining experience with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Browse through the menu of delicious Italian and Portuguese cuisines, wine, cocktails, desserts, and after-dinner drinks for an unforgettable night out. 4045 Harvester Road, Burlington Chopandwop.com
Karaoke
Moonshine Café
In the up-and-coming food district of Oakville, the Moonshine Café on Kerr Street delivers great food to enjoy while singing along to the nightly live entertainment. With Monday night jam sessions, kids open mic nights, improv comedy theatre, open stage and more, there’s always a good time to be had. 137 Kerr Street, Oakville Moonshinecafe.com
West End Social
At Oakville’s West End Social, there’s no shortage of fun. In addition to their delicious food and drink menu, West End Social also hosts a variety of events throughout the week including Rhythm and Relaxation Wednesday, Throwback Thursdays Karaoke, Live Band Sundays, and more. Sit back and enjoy a drink from the craft brew and cider menu, wine list and the always evolving cocktail menu while enjoying some evening entertainment. 2432 Lakeshore Road West, Bronte Village Westendsocial.ca
West End Social
Fun
Honey West
In the heart of downtown Burlington, enjoy seasonal menus, weekly specials and live entertainment at Honey West. Enjoy half-priced select bottles of wine on Tuesdays, half-priced appetizers on Wednesdays, $15 pizzas on Thursdays, $5 Honey West cocktails on Sundays, and live entertainment on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturday nights, and during the day on Sundays. Sample the delicious food and enjoy some live music just one block from Burlington’s waterfront. 399 Elizabeth Street, Burlington Honeywest.ca
Honey West
The Dickens
Now under new ownership, The Dickens has a revamped menu and endless social fun. FYI, if you haven’t tried their “Best of Times, Worst of Times Poutine,” you’re seriously missing out. Test your talents with their Tuesday Open Mic Night, or belt out your best rendition of Your Heart Will Go On with some Karaoke. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday feature live bands, drink specials – Jager Sundays whhhhaaat. 423 Elizabeth Street, Burlington Thedickens.ca
Carrigan Arms
If you walk into the Carrigan Arms any day throughout the week, the pub will be filled with live music, dancing, karaoke, trivia nights, and more. The Burlington bar boasts local talent with their live music and encourages nothing but fun for everyone with its neverending entertainment. Wind down after a busy Monday with trivia night or start the weekend relaxing to music from the Acoustic Duo every Friday. 2025 Upper Middle Road, Burlington Carriganarms.ca
If you can’t start your day without visiting your local café for a cup of coffee (or almond milk latte) you’re not alone. We have so many great cafés in Oakville and Burlington, but there’s also so many to explore in the surrounding area – and all of them offer something a little different. So why not switch up your routine and check out one of these Hamilton coffee shops? Hamilton has a thriving, unique café and coffee scene, that is sure to ‘perk’ up your day. Whether you’re looking for a new place to meet and catch up with friends, or interested in trying various locally roasted beans, Hamilton has got you covered. Here are some of our favourite independent cafés and coffee shops.
Redchurch Café provides a unique setting for its customers, located on the ground floor of a classic Hamilton building. And, unlike other cafés in the area, Redchurch is an art, coffee, prosecco, and beer café. The café is in partnership with The Assembly Gallery, an artist-run contemporary art co-op. There is always a curated art exhibition within the shop, and they also hold regular art events. It is a perfect spot to hang out and grab some beverages with friends, as you can check out the featured art exhibit at the same time.
Mulberry Street Coffeehouse provides the Hamilton community with high-quality coffee, mouth-watering baked goods, and a truly unique atmosphere. The building was originally built in 1887 and was converted into a hotel lobby and bar in 1906. In order to keep the history of the building alive, they have maintained the original medallion ceilings. As for their coffee, they only serve fair trade, organic, bird-friendly beverages.
This Australian inspired café should be on your radar. Salty Espresso provides simple and fresh food to the Hamilton community, as well as offering a beautiful beach-inspired atmosphere that makes it feel like summer. They proudly serve 49th Parallel coffee and tea from Vancouver, who work directly with the farmers who source their beans.
Steel Town Garage Co. is one of a kind in Hamilton. This coffee shop is more than ordinary, as it is also a lifestyle brand and shopping experience. The shop designs its own premium apparel, in addition to serving up amazing specialty coffees and espresso. The shop prides itself on its lack of conformity, providing an atmosphere with loud music and good conversation, perfect for the free spirits out there.
Durand Coffee has been around since 2016. The small shop named after the neighbourhood in which it resides was established by Christine Larabie and Chris Redmond. They pride themselves on their quality brewed coffee and offer a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This coffee shop is located in a converted house and is frequented by the members of the Durand Neighbourhood.
Democracy* is a local ingredient inspired café that is sure to satisfy anyone who walks through their doors. The café makes sure it emphasizes the importance of community in their shop through its inviting atmosphere. They specialize in everything from breakfast to fresh baked goods and scrumptious coffee. Democracy* also proudly features an array of vegan and vegetarian options so anyone can enjoy!
Vintage Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roastery that provides delicious bold coffee, transparent with where they source their beans, and accessible for everyone. They provide a sense of community within their shop and surrounding community, striving to make positive contributions to Hamilton’s artistic culture. Their café is where they showcase their coffees that they roast fresh every week. Each coffee has its own unique flavour profile, allowing the shop to have a diverse array of coffee to choose from.
Café Oranje can be found within Hamilton’s International Village. The café offers locally sourced baked goods that you can enjoy with one of their espresso-based drinks. Café Oranje offers a warm Euro-styled atmosphere that is perfect for anyone to enjoy. While you’re there, make sure to give one of their Dutch treats a try as well!
Smalls coffee is a petit, all-white, coffee take away spot tucked away from James Street North. The small coffee shop provides artisanal coffee and delectable pastries. The shop sources their coffee beans from Ontario micro-roasters such as Detour and De Mello Palheta.
Donuts, or ‘doughnuts’ depending where you hail from, have been enjoyed for centuries – but it’s really within the past decade that we’ve started seeing artisanal doughnut shops pop up throughout southern Ontario. These aren’t your ordinary doughnuts, either – these are elevated confectionaries that are re-defining their doughy, deep-fried predecessors.
Whether you’re craving a traditionally glazed ring of goodness, or a jelly filled lavender dipped treat, you can’t go wrong with a donut from one of these local shops.
This Portuguese bakery has a wide variety of Artisan breads, pastries, cakes, and tarts made fresh daily. Most importantly, the bakery has an array of different Malassadas, otherwise known as Portuguese Doughnuts. The pastries range in flavours from classic glazed, to cannoli.
Sunshine Doughnut Co. lives up to its name of being a warm ray of light. This specialty doughnut bakery was born from the same culinary geniuses behind Son of a Peach Pizzeria. Each doughnut is made in house, fresh daily. The bakery is full of exciting, colourful flavours that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
If you are from, or have been to the Burlington area, you have heard of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe. This Burlington staple is an award-winning bakery that is completely plant-based, gluten free, and peanut free. The mom and daughter run shop prides itself on their fresh made, sustainably sourced goods. Kelly’s menu includes a variety of decadent doughnuts, and regularly introduced seasonal flavours.
Donut Monster started as a fresh made doughnut supplier for independent coffee shops and grocery stores in 2015. They now have their own shop located in downtown Hamilton, where they make doughnuts seven days a week, fresh. They serve yeast-risen doughnuts that are pillowey soft, and come with numerous glazes and toppings, and introduce seasonal flavours regularly. The shop offers both vegan and traditional options along with different coffees and milkshakes. Donut Monster has also partnered with a number of different small businesses, and provide them with delicious fresh made doughnuts every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Daddy O Doughnuts is a colourful, old fashioned bakery that serves fresh artisanal doughnuts baked in a traditional British style. The bake shop thrives on their family recipes that have been passed down for generations, that are made with only high-quality ingredients. Daddy O Doughnuts does their best to provide their customers with eccentric old fashion doughnut flavours that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else, with both regular and vegan options. The bakery has a rotating menu that changes on the daily, but they keep their fan favourites in good supply.
