Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance features downtown Whitby as a ‘must-see’ during the holidays

Downtown Whitby has been featured in Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance as one of three ‘Holiday Adventures’ to visit in the province during the festive season.

A ‘Winter Wonderland’ in Whitby’s downtown joins downtowns in Peterborough and London as must-visit places in Ontario to enjoy holiday adventures and have a few delicious bites along the way.

Described as a “charming hub that is home to an eclectic mix of businesses,” the feature highlights some of the restaurants and cafes scattered around downtown Whitby.

Belle Vie Café and Bakery (117 Brock St. N.) – a café, bakery and brunch spot that bakes their flaky French artisanal pastries fresh every day. There’s lots of room to enjoy a coffee break or quiches perfect for a light lunch on the go.

Jacked Up Coffee (132 Brock St. N.) – launched in 2015 as a coffee truck operating out of a vintage 1965 Citroën truck. Today, they have three locations in Toronto along with the roastery and café on Brock St. in Whitby.

The Souk (124 Dundas St. W.) – an ethical café and marketplace with a middle eastern flavour.

The Souk

Brock St. Espresso (131 Brock St. S.) – delicious espresso drinks paired with sweet pastries, savoury empanadas, or even a scoop of gelato.

8-Bit Beans (100 Brock St. S.) – a café and a classic arcade with pinball machines, gaming consoles, and more than 20 classic arcade cabinets. The menu also features gourmet hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches and snack cakes.

8-Bit Beans

Marito’s Coffee & Things (105 Mary St. W.) – a Filipino-owned boutique coffee shop offering a high tea experience that includes scones with clotted cream & jam, finger sandwiches, macarons and a range of teas, all served on vintage dishes.

The Culinary Tourism Alliance post also showcased downtown spots offering more substantial fare, such as KB Food (120 Brock St. N.); 12Welve Bistro (244 Brock St. S.); Surf Kitchen (116 Dundas St. W.); Lloyd’s Lunchbox (111 Dundas St. W.) – a classic diner right in the heart of downtown – Antonio’s Italian Deli & Grocery (105 Byron St. S.); Tuscan Wolf Pizzeria (110 Dundas St. W.); and Portobello Road (118 Athol Street) – a plant-based fine dining establishment located just two blocks east of the four corners.

12Welve Bistro

Festive events and shopping in downtown Whitby were also noted, including the annual BIA Christmas Market at Celebration Square and Whitby Lights the Night – with both events happening last month – and unique shops in the core, such as Vintage 905, Words on Wood, Unique Town Boutique and Brock Street Brewery.