Hot, iced, blended or straight up, no matter how you take your coffee, Durham Region is serving up a sweet way to explore the area with its unique cafés and irresistible treats.
With a culinary scene rooted in local-first flavours, every stop offers something fresh and homegrown to enjoy alongside your java. If you’re not much of a coffee drinker, don’t worry Durham Region has you covered with refreshing teas, smoothies and plenty of delicious bites to enjoy!
From perfectly brewed lattes and steeped teas to cozy cafés serving up over-the-top waffles topped with ice cream and baked goods that hit both sweet and savoury notes, these six epic spots are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and they’re a delicious way to explore the flavours of Durham Region.
1.) Kareza Cafe
Where: 37 Debwewin Miikan, Oshawa, ON (View Map)
Downtown Oshawa, just one of 14 vibrant downtowns to explore across Durham Region, is full of local gems, cafés and shops that make it a great place to start and end your day! A cozy spot to ease into the morning is Karéza Café, where you’ll be surrounded by shelves of books and plenty of seating to relax and sip something warm.
Highlights include their mocha latte topped with chocolate shavings and the playful crème brûlée latte with its torched, crackable top.
For bites, the café serves an assortment of sweet and savoury pastries, but the honeycomb brie toast, layered with melted brie, fresh honeycomb and thyme, makes for a particularly satisfying and memorable way to savour the morning.
2.) BOND|ST
If you’re continuing your day exploring downtown Oshawa, a must-visit stop is BOND|ST Café. The café is tucked inside a historic space that doubles as an event venue, so while you might plan to return for a concert, it’s also the perfect spot for a spontaneous visit.
Step inside for a quick pick-me-up and try one of their summer feature drinks, like the bright and tangy Sour Peach Tea Sparkler or the bold espresso tonic, with a twist of lime. If you prefer the classics, you can’t go wrong with an iced and smooth americano or a creamy matcha latte.
The space is friendly and welcoming, making it easy to settle in for a moment of rest. Beyond pastries, they also serve light bites like sandwiches, just what you need to recharge before carrying on with the rest of your trip.
3.) La Casita Del Cafe
Where: 588 Lake Ridge Rd S, Ajax, ON (View Map)
Moving your way through the region, La Casita del Café, located in AJax, is a charming mobile coffee trailer you can find nestled at Vandermeer’s Nursery and Greenhouse. Set between rows of vibrant flowers and lush greenery, the trailer offers a dreamy outdoor space with plenty of patio seating. This makes it a fabulous way to start your morning before exploring the rest of the region.
Their menu is filled with creative drinks like the “Sunset Island” lemon tea, a tropical mix of guava, passionfruit and hibiscus, or the creamy banana matcha latte. Once you’ve grabbed your drink, you can relax on the patio surrounded by blooms or wander through the greenhouse to discover the perfect additions for your garden back home.
4.) Heaffles
Where: 1550 Kingston Rd, Pickering, ON (View Map)
This next spot invites you to pause, gather and indulge in life’s sweeter moments. Heaffles is a cozy café where handcrafted coffee and signature treats take centre stage. It’s a warm and welcoming place to come together, enjoy expertly crafted drinks and treat yourself to something special.
Their signature heart-shaped waffles, rooted in Scandinavian culinary tradition, are the star of the menu and pair deliciously well with an expertly crafted latte.
One standout we sunk our teeth into was the Hazelnut Crunch waffle, topped with chocolate sauce, fresh strawberries, bananas, mixed nuts, Nutella and whipped cream, all served with a scoop of creamy Raffaello ice cream.
5.) Tranquility Trails Farm
Where: 5240 Lake Ridge Rd, Ashburn, ON (View Map)
Tranquility Trails Lavender & Elderberry Farm is a distinct blend of Durham’s farm heritage and its ever-evolving culinary scene. Once a golf course, it’s been thoughtfully transformed into a family-owned regenerative farm where you can stretch your legs through rows of fragrant lavender, snap a few photos and even play a friendly round of cornhole.
The setting feels unhurried and airy, perfect for lingering among the blooms before making your way back to the café. There, cool off with a cold lavender or elderberry-infused lemonade that tastes like summer in a glass.
For something equally sweet, try the purple coloured lavender-infused macarons or sugar cookies made locally with the lavender and elderberries grown right on the farm.
It’s a tasty stop to make, connecting your visit from field to fork.
6.) Sea Salt Seafood Cafe
Where: 100 Westney Rd S, Ajax, ON (View Map)
The Sea Salt Café in Ajax first made its name by serving an epic seafood menu, with generous dishes like seafood boils piled high with crab legs, shrimp, mussels and corn that quickly became a favourite among locals craving a taste of the coast.
Conveniently located right across from the Ajax GO Station, the restaurant has since grown its offerings to include a welcoming café menu, perfect for an early morning start before the commute or a mid-day stop to recharge.
Guests can sip on creative drinks like the Biscoff Caramel Latte, made with swirled biscoff cookie spread, caramel and freshly brewed espresso.
Along with coffee enjoy a light bite with a savoury pastry filled with spinach and feta. From hearty seafood feasts to quick coffee breaks, Sea Salt Café is a versatile stop that feels just right for any occasion.
Sip something sweet, savour a treat and discover Durham’s delicious cafes
Sip something sweet, savour a treat and discover the delicious side of Durham Region. Each visit invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment, while every cup and pastry inspires your next adventure through the region. Visit Durham Region Tourism to start planning your next visit!
