5 Best Cafés in Winnipeg
A cafés is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea to start your morning. It can also be an excellent venue to meet up with friends and family after a long work day.
Of course, cafés are famous nowadays for students looking for study spots that open overnight.
If you’re traveling to Winnipeg anytime soon or you’re a local looking for a good hangout spot, then we’ve got you covered.
We compiled a list of the best cafés in Winnipeg that you can visit. We also included the criteria we used to find these top spots and the average cost you will spend in one.
The Best Cafés in Winnipeg
Here are the factors we considered before rounding up our list of the best cafés in Winnipeg:
Here’s a list of the best cafés you can visit in Winnipeg.
1. L’Arche Tova Café
| Criteria | Rating |
| Food selection and quality | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Unique selling point | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Convenience | ★★★☆☆(3/5) |
L’Arche Tova Café first opened its doors in 2012 with the mission of showing the gifts of people with developmental disabilities.
It is a social enterprise with a unique business model, which allows the general public to interact with them and raise awareness.
This café was started by a couple who wants to give back to the community, Larry and Tova Vickar. They have been married for more than 40 years and have been helping others passionately.
This café stands out because it encourages social responsibility and builds a more emphatic society, one coffee at a time.
This café offers an all-day breakfast, which we love. You can choose from a wide range of options for food, drinks, and desserts.
Moreover, you can avail of its catering and takeout services, which is convenient. Its catering menu includes trays, casseroles, and a different variety of packages.
However, catering is only available during the café’s regular operating hours. If you need to order or cancel, a 48-hour notice is required, so make sure to call beforehand.
If you wish to takeout, you should also order during regular operating hours. You can choose from its all-day breakfast meals, burgers, sandwich platters, and more.
On the downside, this café closes on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays. It also closes early, at 2:00 in the afternoon, which can be inconvenient for some customers.
However, we understand that it provides a good working environment for its employees. So, visit the café early to get a table.
Pros
- Social enterprise for people with disabilities
- Unique business model
- Offers all-day breakfast
- Provides catering and takeout options
- Sponsored by multiple organizations
Cons
- Opens for four days a week
- Closes early
Customer Reviews
Family-oriented atmosphere
“Great place with quick and friendly service. Has a really fantastic family oriented atmosphere.
I also love their story and how they are supporting and giving opportunities to people in the community!” – Ashley Ziolkoski, Google Reviews
Reasonable prices
“This place is a gem. Excellent breakfast for reasonable prices, friendly and attentive staff and clean restaurant.
100% will return and have already told my friends about it 3 hours later!” – Jenny Kucheran, Google Reviews
2. Parlour Coffee
| Criteria | Rating |
| Food selection and quality | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Unique selling point | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Convenience | ★★★☆☆(3/5) |
If you’re an art junkie and a coffee lover, Parlour Coffee has the best of both worlds for you.
It is one of the best go-to places in Winnipeg if you want to spend a day sipping a good cup of coffee while basking in arts and culture. You can view different artworks, which are set up every few months.
This café opened in 2011 and has dedicated its business to creating an immersive experience centered around its specialty coffee. Since 2018, it has supported the Main Street Project, which is impressive.
The Main Street Project has served Winnipeg’s most marginalized residents since 1972. So, you’re contributing towards more stable permanent housing for the community for every purchase.
Aside from its community involvement, we love its high-quality specialty coffee.
Parlour Coffee offers ethically-sourced and fresh coffee from North America’s premier micro coffee roasters. It also sources its tea from Camellia Sinensis in Quebec, which assures you of its excellent quality.
Of course, we love its fresh baked goods served with its cup of coffee or tea. Its baked goods are from Tall Grass Prairie Bakery in Wolseley, a well-loved neighborhood bakery.
If you can’t get enough of its drinks, you can brew at home! This café offers retail products, including freshly-roasted coffee beans, high-quality tea, and coffee brewing paraphernalia.
You can visit Parlour Coffee at Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District, a convenient location for locals and tourists.
If you plan to visit this café, you can take significant bus routes or ride your bike since designated racks and street parking are available.
However, this café closes early, especially on Saturdays. It’s also closed on Sundays, so plan ahead before you visit.
Pros
- Strategic location
- Offers ethically-sourced specialty coffee
- Multiple payment methods
- Provides delivery and pickup services
- Supports the Main Street Project
Cons
- Closed on Sundays and holidays
- Closes early
Customer Reviews
Great atmosphere
“Delicious and great atmosphere. The staff are very friendly and also very stylish just saying.
Good vibes, I’ll definitely be back” – Adam Orbanski, Google Reviews
Professional and friendly staff
“My favourite cafe in the Exchange!! Very friendly staff, and beautiful place to sit and look out at Main Street.
Also, there’s interesting artwork in the cafe that changes up every few months. Espresso is some of the best I’ve had, and if you come early enough, there are also croissants and doughnuts.
Thanks for being here and making downtown enjoyable!!” – Sonia L, Google Reviews
3. Little Sister Coffee Maker
| Criteria | Rating |
| Food selection and quality | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Unique selling point | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Convenience | ★★★☆☆(3/5) |
Next on our list is a café in Winnipeg that offers a safe and inclusive space for the community.
Little Sister Coffee Maker is a Winnipeg community that believes thoughtfully-sourced coffee can spark meaningful connections.
It aims to bring the neighborhood together by providing a space for inspiring conversations and creativity.
More than its commitment to becoming an inclusive space for the community, its advocacies impressed us the most.
Little Sister Coffee Maker has been dedicating its efforts towards anti-oppression education by providing training for its staff about diversity in the workplace.
Moreover, it promotes local art by displaying them at the café and working with BIPOC artists within the creative community of Winnipeg. It also works with Black-run or Indigenous-run organizations, including the Art City and the Women’s Health Clinic.
This café opens daily, which is another thing we love. However, it doesn’t have extended hours, so make sure to visit before 5:00 PM.
It has two locations, but the River Avenue shop is currently inaccessible. If you wish to visit this café, you can go to its location on 539 Osborne Street.
You can also order through its online shop if you’re looking for merch or brewing kits. However, you should note that deliveries are only scheduled on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
Pros
- Opens daily
- Offers an inclusive space for Winnipeggers
- Has an online shop
- Raises awareness against systemic racism
- Provides retail and wholesale options
Cons
- River Avenue location is currently inaccessible
- No extended hours
Customer Reviews
Efficient service
“One of my favourite places to grab an espresso. They’re quick, friendly and if you do want to sit down to enjoy, the atmosphere is great.” – Micky Furlong, Google Reviews
Clean and comfortable space
“Just stopped here for the first time to get a coffee and a latte. In the heart of Osborne village. Staff were great and very friendly.
It is very clean looking inside and comfortable. They have great coffee, as well as beer on tap and done.
I didn’t have the food but it looked very yummy. They serve both sweet and savory foods. The pie looked so good!
I will definitely go back when I am back in Winnipeg.” – Dan Salhani, Google Reviews
4. Yafa Café
| Criteria | Rating |
| Food selection and quality | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Unique selling point | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Convenience | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
If you’re craving Arabic cuisine, you will love the next café on our list. Yafa Café will take you to the world of Arabic cooking without leaving Winnipeg.
This small coffee shop is dedicated to offering fresh and locally-sourced products while supporting local businesses.
It is an excellent addition to a multicultural community in Winnipeg, offering a distinct Arabic twist to various Canadian favorites. It has Arabic fusion, introducing a new flavor to the community’s dining experience.
It has opened many doors in the neighborhood, transforming it into a ‘New Arabia.’ If you’re up for this experience, you can visit this cafe between Polo Park and the Assiniboine Park/Zoo.
You can enjoy an excellent choice of lattes, hot chocolates, delicious drinks, and indulgent desserts. If you’re more of a tea person, Yafa also has a great selection of teas you can enjoy.
If you enjoy a good breakfast outdoors, make sure to drop by in the morning and order a manakeesh flatbread sandwich. This delicacy is traditionally baked in an open-flame oven early in the morning.
Yafa is also a safe and cozy space to relax with friends and family or enjoy your alone time. It’s an excellent place to comfortably meet different people in the community.
Beyond its great food and cozy space, Yafa connects with its coffee farmers, which is an essential aspect for us. Involving the community that grows and roasts coffee is one of the charms of local coffee shops, and Yafa has hit that spot well.
Yafa opens daily and closes later than most cafés. So, it’s also a good place for studying or working.
Unfortunately, online orders are currently for pickup only. You can call or send a message through its website if you have further questions about its delivery or catering services.
Pros
- Opens daily
- Locally-sourced coffee
- Specializes in Arabic cuisine
- Manitoba-sourced halal meat
- Provides cultural and economic support for women
- Offers catering option
Cons
- No delivery option for online orders
Customer Reviews
Best Middle Eastern Food in the City
“Best Middle Eastern food in town! Must tries in Mains- Koshary, Musakhan. In desserts- Basbousa, Om Ali.
Drink- Hibiscus tea, their hot chocolate is to die for, with an extremely rich and creamy texture! The ambience and the decor are perfect and it feels like you’re transported.
Very accessible by bus too. Will definitely be going back multiple times to try everything on the menu.” – Rashmita Chatterjee, Google Reviews
Wide selection of Arabic Food
“Fantastic wide selection of Arabic food. Menu shows photos of most items which can be helpful. Food is… amazing!
Rich in flavour, tasty, served hot. The spices are delicious.
Pricing is very reasonable for portion sizes. Decor is fun and cheerful with lots of bright colours.
Will definitely return, so good!” – Krista Tellier, Google Reviews
5. Across The Board Game Café
| Criteria | Rating |
| Food selection and quality | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Unique selling point | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Convenience | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
Of course, we can’t miss a fun café for this list!
Across The Board Game Café is one of the best places in Winnipeg for fun and relaxation. If you’re looking for anything board games, this café should be on your bucket list.
It is located in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District, which is an excellent addition to your trip if you visit the city.
It is a fully-licensed restaurant with an extensive board game store and a game library of 1600+ titles.
Everyone can enjoy its extensive board game library. You can choose from solitaire to different party games, regardless of your age or preferences.
Board games are a great way to bond with a group, so this café is a must-visit for families, especially during weekends or holidays. There are also game masters on evenings and weekends, which is a fun way to discover new games.
Everyone is welcome to join game nights at the café. Its space is on the main floor, which is wheelchair-accessible and features gender-neutral washrooms.
If you have group events for special occasions, this café also hosts group outings, company events, school trips, and more.
While the café’s extensive collection of board games is one of its highlights, the food and drink menus are also stars of the show. You can choose sandwiches, wraps, burgers, pizza, and more.
If you’re not much of a coffee lover but still want to visit the café, you can order from various beers and fruit juices. It also has snacks and milkshakes that kids will love.
Across The Board Game Café offers pickup and delivery services, which is convenient. Reservations are not required but are recommended if you’re visiting with a large group.
This café closes on Mondays, so make sure to visit during opening times to avoid any hassle, especially if you’re from another city.
Fortunately, it closes late until midnight, so you can enjoy extended game nights with your friends and family.
Pros
- Strategic location
- Fully-licensed café
- Wide range of food and drinks
- Extensive board game store
- Offers reservation, pickup, and delivery
Cons
- Closed on Mondays
Customer Reviews
Amazing experience
“Amazing experience. Walked in with no expectations.
Brought kids and we all loved it. The game master Michael made it great and knew we didn’t know any games.
The Oreo milkshake was a hit with the kids. I like their menu. Great vibe and design.” – Marina Havard, Google Reviews
Great ambiance and atmosphere
“Went in today with my co-workers. The ambience and the atmosphere was great.
The game master was patient and well versed with the games. The staff was very polite and welcoming as well.
Would definitely come again!” – Shawaiz Siddiqui, Google Reviews
FAQs about Cafés
And that concludes our list of the best cafés in Winnipeg! If you have visited any of these, you can share your experience with us.
If you’re looking for other restaurants with different specialties, you can also check these lists: