Where to satisfy your sweet tooth in the city
Oh So Good Desserts and Coffee House, 25 York St.
Price: $$$
This delightful little hideaway is everything you want in a dessert shop: it’s romantic, artsy, and unique. It has many different kinds of delicious cakes, coffee, and tea. The low lighting and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal place for an intimate date, while the incredibly diverse range of cakes makes it an ideal place for your taste buds. I recommend the red velvet, the vanilla, or the Belgian chocolate cake.
The Cupcake Lounge, 6 Byward Market Square
Price: $$
This is probably the best dessert place in the city. The Cupcake Lounge offers all-natural, gourmet cupcakes that are made fresh daily. The store features a diverse assortment of cupcakes, with flavours like the simple but decadent chocolate dulce de leche, the hearty butterscotch bourbon, and the mouthwatering ginger lemon. There are also daily gluten-free flavours, including classics like chocolate, coconut, and raspberry. My favourite is strawberry, without hesitation.
Pure Gelato, 350 Elgin St.
Price: $
This is definitely the place to go if you’re looking for a delicious crepe or a scoop of gelato. There are so many scrumptious flavours to choose from, and options for those who are lactose intolerant, like lemoncello and raspberry. The casual, bright environment and neon décor makes it a great place for a fun night with friends. Although there’s also a Pure Gelato in the Market, the Elgin location is larger and serves more flavours. My favourite would have to be Bacio, a combination of rich chocolate and hazelnut.
Zak’s Diner, 14 Byward Market Square
Price: $$
This old-fashioned American-style diner is an exceptional place to go after a night out with friends, or for breakfast. It’s open 24 hours and offers a range of delicious food, all-day breakfast, and of course, wonderfully sweet desserts. After diving into a pile of syrupy pancakes and washing it down with a strawberry milkshake, you can treat yourself to my personal favourite: an old-fashioned banana split. The portions here tend to be super huge, so usually it’s best to share with your sweetheart or a friend.