Crushed Almond Bakery Cafe — Restaurant in Kitchener

Prices seem to be rising pretty rapidly here but the food is quite delicious & fresh, there's subtlety & creativity, and servings weren't skimpy. Also, very cheerful service in a clean & cozy place with plenty of natural light.

Red lentil soup really impressed me, as did the salad. Both unique, well-balanced, packed with flavours. I'd have served the soup a bit hotter but that's consistent with my taste; I often prefer hot food so hot that it obliges one to enjoy it slowly. Tahini Açma was tasty and a decent size. I probably should've gone with the Turkish coffee but I was curious: with teas I find a lot of diversity so I had no idea what to expect. I like strong flavoured drinks and asked for it dark/strong. Maybe it was, for what it is -- being my 1st time trying a Turkish tea I have nothing to compare to. But to my taste, not a lot of flavour, less than I'd hoped. Maybe it wasn't the ideal pairing for what I ordered or I'm just not a Turkish tea guy. Wasn't what I'd ever call "bad" though. Hot & soothing palate cleanser -- perfect tempterature. Free refills also were kindly offered. The yogurt cake dessert was moist, very sweet, just big enough to share, another tasty & interesting creation. I'm guessing it was chopped pistachio on top? Might be another way of keeping the nuts as fresh as possible for peak flavour & try to chop them at the last minute but all in all I liked it. The whole lunch was better than most. Some of the desserts on the menu say they use a homemade sweet syrup instead of honey -- understandable as good honey is expensive, and I do appreciate the honesty. It was obvious the kitchen has some real talent and...

A cute little spot that makes you feel like a cat wanting to curl up by a window with warm tea and some treats. It's very cozy and welcoming. Did I mention the complimentary tea (bottomless I believe) if you dine in?

Do not miss out on treating yourself to some Acma. I overheard a group in the cafe describe it as a cross between a bagel and a croissant. And that's a pretty good description on the texture, and look. But the taste of the bread is its own thing and so so incredible. Take some home, and have a sandwich there!

Try the Turkish delights, they are not overpowering in sweetness so they are just perfect. Also try the delicious cookies at the counter and of course the San Sebastian cheesecake

If you are nervous about not knowing the food/menu don't worry, the people working the counter,and the lady running the shop, are very welcoming and helpful!

Final note, it does get busy sometimes so please be patient (that should tell you how good it is) I promise you however, it's...

Crushed Almond Bakery Cafe is a true hidden gem and an absolute must-visit for anyone who wants a genuine taste of Turkey. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, making you feel like you've discovered a new family favorite. The desserts are simply amazing. While everything is delicious, the baklava is an absolute masterpiece—perfectly flaky, nutty, and not overly sweet. It pairs beautifully with their authentic Turkish coffee, which is prepared perfectly. The strong, rich flavor of the coffee is the ideal contrast to the sweetness of the pastries, creating a truly unforgettable experience. It's not just a cafe; it's a little slice of Turkish culture. You can even do a little shopping, with a great selection of authentic Turkish goods available to take home. The owners are incredibly friendly and passionate about what they do. I would highly recommend Crushed Almond Bakery Cafe to everyone. It’s a wonderful spot that will transport your taste buds...