Staff-Approved Spots: Local Cafés and Hidden Gems in Kitchener-Waterloo
By Condo Culture
As the winter chill settles over the region, our team is excited to share our favourite local cafés and lunch spots to warm up, grab a bite, and connect with the community. Here are our top picks for the season:
Kim H. – City Café
“The best stone-fired bread, bagels, freshly made pizza, and tuna melts to get your mouth watering. Great staff and work culture. Just drop your payment in the bus fare container. They are still using the honour system!”
Cindy M. – Mark’s Caribbean Kitchen
“Amazing fresh foods made in-house! Once they run out of their homemade delicious delights - you're out of luck. Platters for Two are a lot of food. Reasonably priced.”
Catalina W. – Roux Bakery & Raja Chettinad
“I love Roux Bakery; you’ll catch me ordering a Flat White or a Decaf Long Black. Their baked goods and bread are amazing (everything is sourdough based), but their coffee is just as good too! It's a really cute small shop in Belmont Village. And for lunch on a cold winter day: takeout from Raja Chettinad — their lamb Rogan Josh is always satisfying!”
Mariah B. – Seven Shores & Café Pyrus
“In Uptown Waterloo, Seven Shores is my go-to, it's often busy during lunch but there’s lots of seating and they provide cozy blankets! They also have a community room available for rent. The Fresh Spring Rolls $8.50 are my favourite, delicious and healthy.
Cafe Pyrus, in Downtown Kitchener, is a Vegetarian cafe with a welcoming atmosphere and decor that features work from local KW artists. My favourite is their Chickpea Melt which is only $9! Everything is delicious and made from fresh, local, organic ingredients.”
Naheed S. – Givral Deli - 210 King St E # 203
“It’s the top-tier spot for banh mi sandwiches in Kitchener. The spicy chicken satay or the BBQ pork are both delicious - and under $7!”
Sharon M. – Covenant Café
“This is the cutest cafe run and owned by Mennonites. They have crafted a creative delicious menu in an inviting welcoming space. Offers great food and drinks. Delicious artisan sandwiches, muffins, desserts, and amazing coffee! So many choices!”
Try out these local gems to experience some of the best of Kitchener-Waterloo this winter.
Stay warm and happy exploring,
The Condo Culture Team