Instagrammable Cafés And Coffees in Durham’s Downtowns

Simple icon of two tall buildings. Downtowns of Durham

Looking to take a moment to yourself in a cosy café? We’ve got you covered with this list of totally Insta-worthy coffees, lattes and cafés in Durham Region’s downtowns.

Whether you’re catching up with a friend, warming yourself up during a day of shopping, or want to find the perfect little coffee shop for a moment alone, there are plenty of amazing options to choose from just east of Toronto. If cocktails are more your speed, check out our blog to find Insta-worthy Cocktails In Durham Region.

For more inspiration, follow us on social @DurhamTourism, or tag us on your adventures. Cheers to exploring!

Shortiss Café and Bar – Beaverton

Close up of three different coffees from The Shortiss Cafe in Beaverton.

Looking for a delicious new drink to try? Stop by the Shortis|s Café and Bar and try one of their signature colourful lattes. 

 

Bean & Basket – Pickering Village

Close up of three different coffees from Bean and Basket in Ajax.
Centre: @sizzle.with.stizzle | Right: @eastendmom

Swing by the Bean & Basket in Pickering Village for good vibes and delicious beverages. Browse through the goods for sale made by talented artisans or grab a chair to enjoy the natural light and peaceful ambiance.

Nexus Coffee – Port Perry

Close up of brightly coloured lattes from Nexus Coffee in Port PErry.Left: @itsbeckkaa

For a delicious treat, stop by Nexus Coffee Company in Port Perry. Their menu offers lattes for the traditionalists or matcha and turmeric drinks for those looking to brighten their Instagram grid.

 

The Bridge Social – Uxbridge

Close up of three different coffees from The Bridge Social in Uxbridge.

Meet a friend for coffee in a quaint and cosy setting at The Bridge Social in Uxbridge. While there, try their Maple Latte, made with local maple syrup, organic espresso and your choice of milk.

 

River Street Café – Sunderland

Close up of different coffees from River Street Cafe in Sunderland.

If you’re looking for delicious fresh baked goods to pair with your brew, explore downtown Sunderland and stop by the River Street Café. Housed in a historic building, this beautiful café serves everything from homemade soup to salads, sandwiches and of course, coffee.

 

Canter Coffee – Cannington

Close up of three different coffees from Canter Coffee in Sunderland.

Starting out from a trailer in Sunderland, Canter Coffee recently opened a bricks and mortar shop in Cannington where they are serving the same delicious flavoured coffees and baked goods.

 

Brock St. Espresso – Whitby

Close up of different coffees from Brock St. Espresso in Whitby.
Right: @maria.nikoviotis

Brock St. Espresso features lots of lovely seasonal drinks in so many different flavours. Whether it’s a tea latte to warm you up or an iced coffee to cool you down, stop in to see what’s brewing this season.

 

Gray & Co. Coffee Shop – Oshawa

Close up of three different coffees from Gray and Co. Coffee Shop in Oshawa.

Gray & Co. Coffee Shop is just a quick stroll from both the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and the Canadian Automotive Museum and has a cozy seating area. There is also a retail section so you can sip and shop. 

 

Sift Bake Shop – Newcastle

Close up of two different coffees with whipped cream and caramel and chocolate toppings from Sift Bakery in Newcastle.

Looking to indulge your sweet tooth? A visit to Sift Bake Shop in downtown Newcastle is a must. Pair your freshly baked cupcake or giant cookie with a latte. Bonus: they make their own syrups in house.

 

Roam Coffee – Bowmanville

Close up of three different coffees from Roam Coffee in Bowmanville.

With a variety of specialty teas and coffees to choose from, as well as yummy baked treats, Roam Coffee is a great place to meet up with a friend and find a quiet moment. Located inside Markets Ontario, you can pair your beverage with some shopping.

 

Upshot Coffee Company – Brooklin

Close up of three different coffees from Upshot Coffee in Whitby.

Meet a friend for lunch or a coffee at Upshot Coffee Company in Brooklin. With delicious sandwiches, baked goods and sweet treats, this café is a great place to relax and unwind.

 

Open Studio Art Café – Pickering Nautical Village

Close up of three different coffees from Open Studio in Pickering.
Left: @cool_beans_blog

Open Studio Art Café in Pickering Nautical Village features homemade sandwiches, baked goods and delicious drinks. Stop by to enjoy one of their live music or art nights, or meet a friend for lunch.

 

Enchanted Crystal Café – Orono

Close up of three different coffees with whipped cream from Enchanted Crystal Cafe in Orono.

Orono’s newly opened Enchanted Crystal Cafe updates their menu every month to bring new flavours of tea, hot chocolate, and lattes. Look out for special events like tarot readings and “sip and shop”.

 

Goldies Cafe- Ajax

Close ups of creatively garnished lattes from Goldies Cafe in Ajax.

Located next to Pat Bayly Square, Goldies is the perfect spot to meet up with friends. Known for their flights, you can sample four different flavours of hot chocolate, coffee, or mimosa.


Tell us about your favourite café

We’d love to hear about what you enjoyed the most. Tag @DurhamTourism in your social posts so we can follow along!