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17 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes In London Ontario From A Local (2024)

disclaimer

If you’re looking for the best coffee shops and cafes in London Ontario, you’ve come to the right place! We’re local Londoners who LOVE good coffee.

As local Londoners who adore a good, strong coffee and a cozy atmosphere, we’re here to guide you to the best place to get a hot coffee near you. And trust us, there are plenty of great coffee shops worth supporting in the city.

Whether you’re a student searching for the perfect study spot or planning out your next date night in the city, this list is for you.

Short on time? Here are our top recommendations:

Last updated January 2, 2024.

Table Of Contents
  1. Best Cafes in London Ontario
  2. Map of the Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in London Ontario
  3. Wrap Up: Best Cafes in London Ontario 

Best Cafes in London Ontario

From downtown London to the surrounding neighbourhoods of the city, here’s our list of recommendations for the best coffee shops and cafes in London, Ontario. We’ve personally been to almost every shop on this list, and where we haven’t yet ventured, we’ve heard tons of rave reviews that have convinced us of their worthiness.

1. Asmara Coffee House

I met the owner of Asmara Coffee House on my trip to test out what this cafe in London, Ontario had to offer.

⭐ 4.9/5 on Google Reviews

We absolutely adore Asmara Coffee House. In fact, we’ve featured it in our post on the top things to do in London, Ontario. Located just east of downtown, Asmara serves high quality organic coffee from East Africa.

One of their signature features is that they don’t have WiFi, instead encouraging customers to interact with one another in good old-fashioned face-to-face conversation.

The owner is often behind the bar making drinks and chatting with regulars, creating an intimate atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more.

Go to Asmara Coffee House for: high quality coffee with a social atmosphere.

2. Black Walnut Bakery Cafe

A photo from my recent coffee date at Black Walnut Bakery. Unfortunately, this location burnt down but is being rebuilt.

⭐4.6/5 on Google Reviews

One of London’s longtime favourite bakeries and coffee shops is the Black Walnut Bakery Café. With two locations – one on Richmond Row and one in Wortley Village – Black Walnut has been a family-run business in the city for over 10 years.

Note: The Wortley Village location is being rebuilt after a fire destroyed the building. Stay tuned for a completely new and updated café!

They are known for their delicious homemade baked goods, made entirely onsite, as well as their cozy dining atmosphere. In addition to their freshly made treats, they serve locally roasted, organic fair-trade coffee.

Black Walnut claims to be the only bakery café in London to offer an entirely from-scratch, in house menu using quality ingredients. Our personal favourite item on their menu is the cruffins – a combination of croissant and muffin.

Go to Black Walnut Bakery Café for: incredible baked goods and locally-roasted coffee.

3. Fire Roasted Coffee Company

⭐4.5/5 on Google Reviews

Fire Roasted Coffee Company is a well-known specialty coffee roaster located in London.

With two locations – one on Dundas Street just east of Adelaide, and one inside the Western Fair Market – they serve up ethically and sustainably-sourced single origin coffees, plus popular espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

I have lots of memories of grabbing a cup of strong, Fire Roasted Coffee while walking with my sister through Western Fair Market. If you find yourself exploring this weekend market in London, make sure you grab a cup to keep you cozy and energized.

Go to Fire Roasted Coffee for: the perfect cup of ethically-sourced coffee at the Western Fair Market.

4. Locomotive Espresso

A photo from my summer coffee date with an old friend at Locomotive Espresso, one of the best coffee shops in London Ontario

⭐4.5/5 on Google Reviews

Locomotive Espresso is a London favourite coffee shop, with two locations – one in Old South and one on Pall Mall Street.

With a modern urban atmosphere, both locations feature an outside patio for summer days and a great indoor social atmosphere. They serve up strong coffee and sweet baked goods made by Helmbaked, as well as fresh breakfast and lunch items.

One of my favourite summer memories is enjoying good conversation with an old friend over a strong iced coffee on the outside patio of Locomotive Espresso’s Old South location. If you find yourself in Wortley Village or Old South, you’ve got to check this place out.

Go to Locomotive Espresso for: satisfying barista-brewed drinks and summer patios.

5. Sidetrack: A Wortley Cafe

Me drinking a Pistachio Latte outside Sidetrack: A Wortley Cafe.

⭐4.6/5 on Google Reviews

Our new favourite place to grab some strong coffee in London is Wortley Village’s Sidetrack Cafe.

This funky spot features delicious menu items, including your favourite espresso drinks and even some never-seen-before menu items unique to this cafe.

One such drink that we’ve tried personally is the Iced Pistachio Latte. In all honesty, this drink was incredible. Genious, really.

Sidetrack Cafe isn’t really known for being a sit-down cafe, unless you wish to take a seat outside at their patio tables and chairs along Wortley Road (or if you manage to grab one of the few tables inside during the winter).

If you find yourself walking through Wortley Village and looking for a refreshing pick-me-up, we highly recommend getting a little sidetracked at Sidetrack.

Go to Sidetrack: A Wortley Cafe for: funky drinks in London’s most friendly neighbourhood.

6. 10Eighteen

⭐4.6/5 on Google Reviews

10Eighteen is a popular café located in Old East Village (OEV). It’s an independently-owned business that specializes in hand-crafted pour-over coffee and espresso drinks.

They also have a delicious menu of light meals and snacks, and even serve craft beers and wines. The chic café has a modern atmosphere and its menu is made in-house with Ontario-sourced ingredients.

Go to 10Eighteen for: laid-back atmosphere and quality craft beverages.

7. London Bicycle Cafe

I love the unique vibe I experienced when visiting London Bicycle Cafe in London Ontario

⭐4.7/5 on Google Reviews

The London Bicycle Cafe is located just south of the Fork of the Thames and Ivey Park. It’s newly opened location offers something totally unique to the London cafe scene, combining bike sales and repairs with community and great coffee.

While London doesn’t have many bicycle cafes that compare, my trip here reminded me of a similar bicycle cafe we stopped at in downtown Ottawa. It’s a prime example of the diversity of dining options coming to London as the city expands.

Go to London Bicycle Cafe for: browsing bikes or just having a great cup of coffee.

8. La Noisette

⭐4.7/5 on Google Reviews

La Noisette is the perfect spot for a delicious from-scratch baked breakfast or lunch. Their bakery is stocked fresh daily with to-die-for breads, bagels, pastries and more. The even have select gluten-free items available on Fridays.

La Noisette has both dine-in seating and an online storefront.

Go to La Noisette for: delectable desserts and carbolicious meals.

9. Plant Matter Kitchen

I have personally enjoyed the unique flavours of Plant Matter Kitchen Vegan Restaurant Cafe in London Ontario

⭐4.6/5 on Google Reviews

Plant Matter Kitchen, or simply PMK, is a Wortley Village favourite vegan cafe and restaurant. They create healthy, delicious and environmentally-friendly dishes full of flavour.

PMK uses only organic, whole food ingredients with no additives, chemicals or processing.

From classic dishes to globally-inspired plates to delicious coffee and craft brews, Plant Matter Kitchen is a must-visit restaurant and cafe in London’s Old South.

I may be far from a vegan, but having dined here personally, I definitely love the vibe and incredible favours of the food and drinks at PMK, landing it a list on our top recommendations for London cafes.

Tip: If you are visiting London and love the unique vibe that Wortley Village has to offer, consider booking a night at the Idlewyld Inn & Spa, one of London’s top boutique hotels that’s located a short 10 minute walk from PMK and the Village.

Go to Plant Matter Kitchen for: fine vegan fare and a social atmosphere.

10. CommonWealth Coffee Co.

We just tried the apple fritter and honey glazed donuts at Commonwealth Coffee Co and they are to die for!

⭐4.2/5 on Google Reviews

CommonWealth Coffee Co. is a trendy coffee shop in downtown London, located at Richmond Street and Dufferin Ave.

They serve up nitro coffee all the classic espresso drinks, as well as some of their own specialties. They’re also home to Boxcar Donuts, London’s only completely handmade artisanal donut shop. On our stop in to CommonWealth Coffee we tried the apple fritter and the honey glazed donut, and oh my, they are to die for (especially the fritter)!

Go to CommonWealth for: delicious specialty coffee and the best homemade donuts in London.

11. Rebel Remedy Health Bar

⭐4.7/5 on Google Reviews

Located on Dundas Street near Central Library, Rebel Remedy Health Bar is one of London’s top go-to spots for health food fare. The cafe serves up delicious espresso beverages, cold-pressed juices, kombucha and all kinds of healthy snacks and treats.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different than the usual or are trying to stick to your diet goals, Rebel Remedy is the place to go.

Go to Rebel Remedy Health Bar for: health-conscious items and delicious treats.

12. Saga Board Games & Coffee

A photo from my recent trip to Saga Board Game Cafe in London Ontario

⭐4.7/5 on Google Reviews

Saga Board Games & Coffee is a great spot for an interactive date night or group game play in downtown London.

They serve amazing espresso drinks, bar drinks and light meals, but their signature feature is their impressive selection of board games available to play while you hang out with your friends.

Saga is a great place to go for an interesting date night or simply a change from the usual coffee shop experience.

Go to Saga Board Games & Coffee for: a fun and interactive game night with your friends.

13. Reset Social Cafe

I noticed a very social vibe with lots of young adults in Reset Social Cafe in downtown London Ontario

⭐4.5/5 on Google Reviews

Reset Social Cafe is a downtown London cafe that loves to keep “social” at the forefront.

They roast their own coffee beans and serve up delicious espresso drinks, smoothies, fresh-pressed juices and more. There’s food too – from healthy snacks to full meals. They also serve up bar drinks and are open into the early evening.

Reset Social Cafe is a vibrant and welcoming place to hang out, meet new people and enjoy great coffee. It’s located on the main level of one of the city’s newer downtown apartment buildings and caters to the young adult crowd.

Go to Reset Social Cafe for: a social cafe experience in the heart of London.

14. Happiness

The owner of Happiness was very friendly on my stop in to this popular bakery cafe in London Ontario

⭐4.5/5 on Google Reviews

If “happiness” was a store, this would truly be it! Happiness in downtown London is a family-owned and run cafe that makes all their own delectable pastries, desserts and meals.

They serve up high quality espresso drinks and a plethora of specialty European sweets – from French macarons to beautiful mousse cakes, and more.

The atmosphere is vibrant, cozy and welcoming – Happiness is truly a unique spot that you won’t want to miss! They also have a second storefront in Masonville Mall – London’s best indoor shopping centre.

Go to Happiness for: delicious, handmade European treats and a warm atmosphere

15. The Bag Lady

⭐4.6/5 on Google Reviews

The Bag Lady is a central London eatery and cafe that offers something a little different from most other spots in the area.

The Bag Lady serves up unique, homemade all-day breakfast dishes made with fresh ingredients. They also have a selection of coffee drinks and other beverages to choose from, with dine-in, take out and catering available.

With their intimate and eclectic atmosphere and generous portions, The Bag Lady is sure to be your new go-to for all-day breakfast in London.

Go to The Bag Lady for: unique all-day breakfast dishes and a genuine atmosphere.

16. Nova Era Bakery

⭐4.4/5 on Google Reviews

If you’ve ever had a taste of Portuguese baked goods then you already know that Nova Era Bakery in London should be on your bucket-list. Thanks to a Portuguese colleague of mine, I was introduced to the incredible selection of pastries Nova Era has to offer…and have never forgotten.

This Portuguese bakery located in the Western Fair District serves up an absolutely mouth-watering selection of pastries and sweets, as well as high quality coffee drinks. They offer dine-in seating, take out and catering.

Nova Era Bakery is a great spot for a pastry indulgence or catch up with friends over a cup of coffee.

Go to Nova Era Bakery for: the finest Portuguese baked goods.

17. Edgar and Joe’s

My friends and I enjoyed coffee and a treat here at Edgar and Joe's Cafe

⭐4.4/5 on Google Reviews

Edgar and Joe’s is not just any old cafe. This unique restaurant operates with purpose, as it’s a branch of Goodwill Industries and strives to create an inclusive gathering space and community hub in the city.

With two locations – one in the SoHo neighbourhood (in the Goodwill Industries building) and one at the Innovation Works – Edgar and Joe’s serves fresh, from-scratch meals made from locally-sourced food and available at affordable prices.

This spot is perfect for catching up with friends while supporting a social enterprise that’s vital to our community. It’s a personal favourite among my friend group, and always offers affordable and high quality items that make you feel good about your purchase.

And when you’re done dining, consider heading into the Goodwill Thrift Store located onsite for some of the best thrifting found in London!

Go to Edgar and Joe’s for: supporting a vital community service while enjoying a delicious, affordable meal.

Map of the Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in London Ontario

Wrap Up: Best Cafes in London Ontario 

And there you have it! A local’s perspective on the best cafes and coffee shops in London Ontario where you can get a strong cup of coffee and delicious treats, in the perfect restaurant atmosphere to suit your mood.

We hope this inspires your next date night, study session or hang out with friends!