Get Your Pie Fix for Pi Day in Durham’s Downtowns

Simple icon of two tall buildings. Downtowns of Durham

In honour of pi day this year we bring you 9 places to enjoy a slice of pie while you explore the Downtowns of Durham Region

Pi Day, observed annually on March 14, was originally founded in 1988 as a celebration of the mathematical constant pi. Celebrations involve pi memorization competitions, discussions and pie eating. While we can’t help you out with the math side of things, we are experts on eating and shopping local. And eating while shopping local. And eating. So in honour of pi day, we bring you nine places to enjoy a slice of pie while you explore the Downtowns of Durham Region. When planning your adventure, don’t forget to check out our list of 33 Beautiful Downtown Boutiques for Local Fashion Finds.

1. Downtown Ajax: Dam Foods Caribbean Market

154 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax

To celebrate Pi day, why not try a slice of something sweet and spiced from Dam Foods Caribbean Market? Coconut Gizzada, a Caribbean delicacy also referred to as pinch-me-round, is a tart contained in a small, crisp, pastry shell, with a pinched crust. It’s filled with a sweet and spiced coconut filling. Yum! 

2. Downtown Beaverton: The Shortis|s Cafe|Bar

375 Simcoe Street, Beaverton

There’s no better pairing than a gourmet coffee with a slice of pie. Forget slices, and up your game with a mini cherry pie from The Shortiss Café Bar. Made daily in small batches, with light flaky crust and a tart cherry filling, these pies are too delicious to pass up. 

Overhead shot of mini cherry pies.

Mini Cherry Pie, The Shortiss Café Bar
Source: The Shortiss Café Bar

3. Downtown Bowmanville: The Toasted Walnut

50 King Street East, Bowmanville

Great pie takes time. So why not leave it to the professionals and pick up your perfect pie from The Toasted Walnut? They offer freshly baked fruit pies in flavours like apple, cherry and raspberry. Make sure to call ahead for ordering details and availability.

Overhead shot of fruit pies.

Fruit Pies, The Toasted Walnut
Source: The Toasted Walnut

4. Downtown Newcastle: New Massey House Restaurant

27 King Avenue East, Newcastle

Freshly made pies are delicious, but what about freshly made cream pies? Now that’s next level. If you’re looking for a treat, you’ll want to visit the New Massey House Restaurant for their freshly made coconut cream pie. While there, check out their full menu, specializing in Greek cuisine.

5. Downtown Orono: Orono Country Café

5348 Main Street, Orono

Nothing says pie like a quaint, small-town café. For delicious pie in a cozy atmosphere, stop by the Orono Country Café and enjoy a slice of their coconut cream pie or lemon meringue pie. Pair it with a coffee for a sweet treat or enjoy it as a finish to your meal.

Overhead shot of two pies.

Coconut Cream and Lemon Meringue Pies, Orono Country Café
Source: Orono Country Café

6. Downtown Oshawa: Cupcake Goodness

39B Bond Street East, Oshawa

Variety is the spice of life. So why not spice things up with home baked pie from Cupcake Goodness in Oshawa? They have handcrafted pies in flavours like apple, strawberry, blueberry, peach and cherry. And, if you’re looking for something a little more decadent, they also have chocolate peanut butter, banana cream, double chocolate and key lime. Contact them ahead of time to place your order for pick-up.

Chocolate Peanut Butter, Lemon Meringue and Coconut Cream Pie.

Chocolate Peanut Butter, Lemon Meringue and Coconut Cream Pie, Cupcake Goodness
Source: Cupcake Goodness

7. Downtown Port Perry: The Pantry Shelf

172 Water Street, Port Perry

Freshly made from scratch, flavours on deck at The Pantry Shelf in Port Perry include strawberry rhubarb, apple, peach, cherry, blueberry, pumpkin and chocolate pecan pie. Hot tip: the chocolate pecan pie pairs perfectly with coffee. If you have a hankering for a specific flavour, call ahead with your pie pre-order.

Cherry pie with lattice crust.

Apple Rhubarb, The Pantry Shelf
Source: The Pantry Shelf

8. Downtown Uxbridge: Annina’s Bakeshop

300 Durham Regional Highway 47, Goodwood

For fresh baked treats in the Uxbridge area, locals know to head to Annina’s Bakeshop where you can enjoy treats from their bakery or enjoy a meal in-house. And if you’re looking for pie options, good luck choosing from their 16 different varieties. With flavours like peach raspberry, banana coconut cream, pecan, and mixed berry. They advise pie lovers to call ahead to check the availability of current in stock items.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie, Annina’s Bakeshop
Source: Annina’s Bakeshop

NOTE: Residents are encouraged to follow public health measures when safely exploring their local communities, including washing hands frequently, wearing a mask and physically distancing from others.