London, Ontario’s coffee scene is surprisingly rich, with dozens of unique cafés tucked into every corner of the city. If you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll find spots ranging from laid-back hideaways to lively downtown hangouts—each with its own personality and perks.
Here’s a look at some of the best coffee shops in London, Ontario. These are the places locals actually go for a great cup, fresh pastries, and a vibe that feels just right. I’ll share what makes each café stand out and toss in some tips for getting the most out of your coffee adventures in the Forest City.
1. Asmara Coffee House
Asmara Coffee House is a bit of a legend among London’s coffee crowd. This specialty coffee shop really cares about its craft, and you can taste it in every cup.
The baristas here actually seem to enjoy what they do, and it shows. They take time with each drink, and the menu has a solid mix of classics and a few creative surprises if you’re feeling adventurous.
The space is cozy—good for catching up with friends, getting some work done, or just zoning out with a latte. People keep coming back for the friendly vibe and the reliably good coffee.
Rating: 4.9 (590 reviews)
Location: 700 York St, London, ON N5W 2S8, Canada
Contact: +1 519-913-3440
Website: Visit Website
2. Twins Café
Right on Richmond Street, Twins Café draws in a steady crowd. It’s a local coffee shop that’s earned its reputation with consistently good drinks and a chill atmosphere.
When you walk in, you’ll notice the space feels inviting—perfect for a quick caffeine fix or just hanging out for a while. The staff are genuinely friendly, which probably explains why folks become regulars.
They stick to the basics: well-made coffee and a handful of pastries and snacks. Nothing too fancy, but everything’s fresh and satisfying.
Twins Café is easy to swing by if you’re downtown, whether you’re running errands or meeting up with someone. It’s just reliable, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
Rating: 4.9 (397 reviews)
Location: 1135 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 2K5, Canada
Contact: +1 519-670-2611
Website: Visit Website
3. Browned Cafe
Browned Cafe is the spot for anyone who loves specialty coffee and treats that actually taste homemade. Their menu is built around quality ingredients, and you can tell.
They use Direct-Trade specialty beans and serve up some bold lattes and espresso drinks, plus a lineup of cookies, pastries, and sandwiches that feel more “crafted” than “mass-produced.”
Browned Cafe doubles as a coffee shop and a sandwich spot, with a focus on cookies that are kind of addictive. You’ll find it on Wharncliffe Road North—worth the stop if you’re in the area or just craving something a little different.
Rating: 4.7 (387 reviews)
Location: 275 Wharncliffe Rd N, London, ON N6H 2C1, Canada
Contact: +1 226-667-5799
Website: Visit Website
4. Reset Social Cafe
Reset Social Cafe brings a burst of energy to Talbot Street. It’s the kind of place where you can catch up with friends or just hunker down and get some work done.
They serve up fresh, house-made food to go with your coffee, and there’s plenty of breakfast and lunch options—plus sandwiches, snacks, and even fresh juices if you’re not feeling coffee. Tea drinkers are covered, too.
Reset opens early (7am on weekdays) and stays open until 8pm most days, so it’s a good bet whether you’re an early bird or more of a night owl. Sundays are a bit shorter, 9am-5pm.
The social vibe is a big part of what makes this place tick. You can chat with friends or just enjoy the buzz of people around you if you’re flying solo.
Rating: 4.5 (560 reviews)
Location: 503 Talbot St, London, ON N6A 2S5, Canada
Contact: +1 519-645-8888
Website: Visit Website
5. Variety Cafe
On Dufferin Avenue, Variety Cafe keeps things simple and welcoming. It’s a neighbourhood spot that’s built a loyal following among London’s coffee fans.
They focus on quality coffee and a comfortable setting. The service is friendly, and the vibe is relaxed—just a nice place to sit with your drink and maybe catch your breath.
Regulars come for the consistency, and newcomers usually end up coming back. There’s no pretension here, just good coffee and an easygoing atmosphere.
If you’re nearby and need your daily caffeine fix, this spot is an easy pick.
Rating: 4.7 (185 reviews)
Location: 466 Dufferin Ave, London, ON N6B 1Z7, Canada
Website: Visit Website
6. Amil-s-Cafe
Amil-s-Cafe is tucked away on Central Avenue and, honestly, it’s a bit of a hidden gem. Locals love it for the cozy feel and the simple, well-executed coffee menu.
You’ll get a warm welcome here, and the drinks are always solid. They do all the classic coffee beverages, and the food menu is straightforward but tasty.
The space works whether you’re in a rush or want to linger for a bit. It’s easy to find and even easier to settle in.
Rating: 4.9 (68 reviews)
Location: 450 Central Ave, London, ON N6B 2E9, Canada
Contact: +1 519-679-5858
7. Black Walnut Bakery Café
Black Walnut Bakery Café offers that rare combo of great coffee and seriously good baked goods. They roast their beans right on-site, and everything from the bread to the pastries is made fresh every day.
The team here—both bakers and baristas—clearly knows their stuff. You’ll get artisan bread, fresh-baked pastries, and a coffee menu that changes with the seasons. Cold brew and salads in the summer, hot soup and sandwiches when the weather turns.
People come for the food as much as the coffee, and the atmosphere feels genuinely local. If you’re looking for an independent coffee shop that actually feels independent, this is it.
Rating: 4.5 (1342 reviews)
Location: 724 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 3H3, Canada
Contact: +1 519-850-2253
Website: Visit Website
8. Artisan Bakery
Artisan Bakery is all about fresh sourdough, flaky croissants, and a cup of coffee to tie it all together. Everything’s made from scratch each day, and they use local, ethically sourced ingredients whenever they can.
The main shop is right across from the Western Fair Market, so it’s easy to find. They open early—8am on weekdays, a bit later on weekends—and if you’re out in Kilworth, there’s a second location there too.
You’ll spot their bread at local farmers’ markets, and yes, the sourdough is made with 100% Arva Flour. The menu covers pastries, sandwiches, and coffee, but honestly, the bread alone is worth the trip.
Rating: 4.6 (1,244 reviews)
Location: 864 Dundas St, London, ON N5W 2Z8, Canada
Contact: +1 519-601-9144
Website: Visit Website
9. Sidetrack: A Wortley Café
Sidetrack is right in the heart of Wortley Village and feels like a true neighbourhood café. They serve up fresh coffee, specialty drinks, and a few light bites—nothing too over-the-top, just good stuff.
You can grab your coffee to go or hang out in the cozy space. Sidetrack has built up a loyal following, and the staff seem to care about making people feel at home.
It’s the kind of place you end up returning to, especially if you’re in the Wortley area and want a spot that gets the little things right.
Rating: 4.6 (470 reviews)
Location: 136 Wortley Rd, London, ON N6C 3P5, Canada
Contact: +1 519-204-9055
Website: Visit Website)
10. Hasbeans Ltd.
Hasbeans Ltd. has roasted specialty coffee in London since 1969. Joel McMillan runs this family business now, carrying on a tradition that started with his grandfather Paul L. Smith five generations back.
You’ll spot freshly roasted, gourmet coffee beans from around the globe at their King Street shop. They focus on responsible sourcing and fair trade. The staff really knows their stuff and will help you choose the right beans for your taste.
Hasbeans keeps things small and personal to keep quality high. They roast and ship coffee all over Canada, and plenty of first-timers end up as regulars. You can swing by their downtown spot or just order online for home delivery.
They offer beans from all over, including Mexican varieties from Coatepec, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Staff picks highlight blends that show off their roasting skills.
Rating: 4.8 (209 reviews)
Location: 130 King St, London, ON N6A 1C5, Canada
Contact: +1 519-663-0237
Website: Visit Website
What Sets London’s Coffee Scene Apart
London’s coffee culture really stands out for its specialty brewing and local partnerships. Cafes here care about community connections and aren’t afraid to try new things with their coffee.
Emerging Coffee Trends
Third-wave coffee culture has taken root in London. Baristas treat brewing like an art, focusing on single-origin beans and slow-brew methods.
Many shops have pour-over stations and cold brew setups right on the counter. These approaches bring out the unique flavors of different regions.
Popular brewing methods include:
- Pour-over coffee stations
- Cold brew systems
- Espresso-based specialty drinks
- Single-origin coffee selections
Cafes here chase quality, not quantity. Instead of mass-produced blends, they go for carefully sourced beans with real stories behind them.
You’ll see more places offering coffee education. Baristas break down brewing methods and help you figure out what you’re actually tasting.
Focus on Local Ingredients
London’s coffee shops team up with local suppliers to craft unique menu items. You’ll come across Ontario dairy, local honey, and pastries from nearby bakeries.
Several shops work directly with Canadian roasters, cutting down on transport and supporting homegrown businesses.
Local partnerships often include:
- Ontario dairy farms for milk and cream
- Local bakeries for fresh pastries
- Regional honey producers
- Canadian coffee roasting companies
Menus shift with the seasons. Summer might bring local fruit syrups; winter, maple treats from the region.
Some cafes even grow their own herbs for drinks. You might catch fresh mint, basil, or lavender, either grown in-house or sourced from close by.
Community and Cultural Influence
London’s coffee shops have become gathering spots for more than just caffeine. Cafes host art shows, live music, and community meetings.
Many display local artists’ work, turning their walls into mini-galleries that change regularly.
Community features include:
- Local artist showcases
- Live music performances
- Community bulletin boards
- Meeting spaces for local groups
The city’s diversity shapes what you’ll find in cafes—Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, Italian espresso, and Canadian spins on old favorites.
Student life from Western University and Fanshawe College makes a mark, too. Lots of shops cater to study groups with quiet corners, solid Wi-Fi, and longer hours during exams.
Tips for Enjoying Coffee Shops in London, Ontario
When you go and what kind of atmosphere you want can totally change your experience. Supporting local businesses keeps London’s coffee scene lively and distinct.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) get busy with the work crowd. You’ll snag fresh pastries, but lines can be long.
Mid-morning (10:00–11:30 AM) is quieter—full menus, more open seats, just a better vibe if you ask me.
Afternoon (2:00–4:00 PM) works for meetings or studying. The lunch rush is done, but shops still buzz.
Weekend mornings fill up fast, especially Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Sundays after lunch are usually more relaxed.
In winter, people scramble for indoor seats. Summer? Patios go quick, so grab a spot early if you want to sit outside.
Choosing the Right Atmosphere
Open, airy cafés are great for groups or brunch. Look for high ceilings and loads of sunlight.
Cozy nooks are perfect for solo visits or quiet chats. Think comfy chairs and softer light.
Lively, energetic spots can actually help you focus if you like background noise.
Quiet study zones matter if you’re working. Some cafés love laptop users, others not so much—maybe check before you settle in.
Music volume, seating layout, even the time of day can totally change a place’s feel. Some spots change up the vibe as the day goes on, so it’s worth popping in at different times.
Supporting Local Businesses
Independent coffee shops actually keep more money circulating in London’s economy than those big chains ever do. When you buy your daily brew, you’re helping real people—local owners and their teams—make a living right here.
Try signature drinks or something off the house specials board if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a good way to support the café’s personality and, honestly, it’s just more fun than the same old latte.
Buy retail items like a bag of beans, a quirky mug, or even some local art if they’ve got it. Small businesses usually make a bit more on these, and you get something unique out of it.
Recommend your favourite spots to friends and family. A quick text or a casual mention goes a long way—word spreads, and suddenly your go-to café’s got a few new faces.
Follow their social media accounts—it’s an easy way to keep up with new menu items, random events, or seasonal treats you’d probably miss otherwise.