There are few better ways to get to know a neighbourhood than by popping into a local café. From tiny, hole-in-the-wall places to large, bustling coffee boutiques, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of the community by stopping in and grabbing your favourite beverage. When it comes to coffee in Sidney BC, where the sea meets the sky, this incredibly quaint, walkable town is no exception!
Just north of Sidney town center, there is the little Lone Tree Bakery perched on the edge of the beautiful Van Isle Marina and is steps away from both EMR Sidney BC Properties. Stop in to grab a great cup of coffee and a freshly baked treat to-go and explore the marina. Or if you’re seeking some serious post-hike sustenance, order one of their famous “mile-high” sandwiches. It’s no wonder this little, unassuming café is considered the hub of this little community. A quick drive inland from the Patricia Bay Beach House, is The Fickle Fig, a rustic, farm market and bistro where farm-to-table isn’t a fad, it’s a way of life. Stop by for a relaxing latte and a decadent dessert, enjoy a hearty daily pasta or pizzette made with fresh, farm-grown veggies or grab a rich americano and browse the market for some of their fruits and veggies to take with you. With ample indoor seating in the bright, barn-style café and outdoor umbrella tables set among the garden, this charming café is sure to exceed expectations.
No matter where you’re staying, Sidney’s beautiful town center is perfect for exploring with ample parking, a huge seafront walkway and some truly incredible café experiences. 10 Acres Café and Market is an upscale but comfortable spot that offers a farm-to-table fare with a simple but refined food menu and some excellent coffee. Located just steps from the water’s edge, it’s a popular spot for locals and a must for visitors whether you’re grabbing something to go or settling in to sip while enjoying the view. Just on the other side of the roundabout, is the charming Quince Café and Ice Cream. While this bright little café seems unassuming, their entire menu is made fresh, in-house, daily. Its’ a wonderful little spot for a hot soup and panini on a drizzly day or a buttery scone and a perfectly pressed Lavazza at a sunny window. This hard working, little café even churns out some downright delicious ice cream. Right next door is the Beacon Café and once you’ve been, you’ll understand why it is a fixture of community. This bright, corner café offers comfortable seating, mouth-watering breakfast and lunch menus, and tons of to-go options. With lots of window tables and seasonal outdoor seating, it’s a perfect place to mix with the locals, people watch and enjoy some delicious, local fare. Stroll a little farther along Beacon Avenue and you’ll come to the relaxed, funky Red Brick Café. Whether you’re looking for a meal or a snack, this cozy spot offers some good honest food and coffee at great prices. Continue strolling up Beacon Avenue and you’ll come to a little cottage-style building set back from the sidewalk, home to Alexander’s Coffee Bar. This tiny little café doesn’t have a big menu or lots of seats – but what it lacks in variety and size, it more than makes up for in quality. It’s a perfect spot to pop in for a delicious, fresh pastry and coffee (the cream-cheese cinnamon rolls are delightful). Plus, while you’re waiting for your coffee you can peruse their small selection of specialty beverages and mugs. Enjoy an incredible coffee and pastry while you cross some souvenirs off your list – two birds, one stone! Just off the main avenue, you’ll find a great spot for anyone looking for quick, quality food and coffee on-the-go. La Pignatta is a bright, counter-serve café that offers a solid variety of in-house made soups, sandwiches and pastries, locally roasted Oughtred Coffee and organic teas. Just serve yourself and enjoy! Before you say goodbye to this beautiful town center, make sure you head over to the historic, Sidney Bakery. This community staple has been baking sweet and savoury breads and buns for over one hundred years! Stop in for some incredible, fresh baked treats, find a bench and watch the waves while you enjoy some of the local confectionary, alfresco.
Although it’s a small town at the top of the peninsula, Sidney is a wonderful place to visit year-round and touring the local café’s is a perfect way to get to know this unique, friendly community by the sea.
