Anytime is breakfast time
All-day breakfast, scratch-made benedicts and homestyle lunch, served daily in downtown Kitchener.
Our story
A homestyle, chef-driven cafe in downtown Kitchener
Darlise Cafe sits just south of King and Queen, run by Red Seal chef Darryl Howie. Breakfast pastries are baked fresh every morning, and the hollandaise, Caesar dressing, burgers and our specialty muffins are all made from scratch, with the freshest ingredients we can get.
We're not licensed for alcohol, but we do pour real espresso drinks and smoothies alongside the full breakfast and lunch menu, and we set the table for everyone: vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan guests, and families with kids in tow.
- Hollandaise, Caesar dressing, burgers and our specialty muffins, all made from scratch
- Vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan options on the menu
- Family friendly, with high chairs, boosters and a children's menu
Meet the Chef
Chef Darryl Howie
Darryl Howie is a Red Seal chef, certified at George Brown College in May 1990. He owns and runs Darlise Cafe, and has led kitchens across the region: Charlie's Restaurant, Krebs and Ali Baba, Pinestone Resort in Haliburton, Del Dentes and Charcoal, and the Walper Hotel, where he served as Executive Chef. He was also a union Sous Chef at Mohawk-Woodbine Racetrack and owner/chef of the Rum Runner Pub.
Darryl teaches part time at Liaison College in Kitchener, passing the trade on to the next generation of cooks.
“I love to teach the art of cooking to anyone who wants to learn.”
Chef Darryl Howie
Gallery
A look inside Darlise Cafe
Scratch-made plates, a dining room worth lingering in and a kitchen that rarely slows down between 8am and 2pm.
What people say
Loved by downtown Kitchener
4.5 out of 5· 807 Google reviewsI have loved EVERYTHING I have tried, the chef puts his heart and soul into every dish he makes. I have no critcisms whatsoever! I see people complaining about the potato pancakes (rosti) and saying things are salty... Rostis are like better hasbrowns people, theyre meant to accompany your meal the same way a miso soup or bread with your sausage and eggs does! Its a bonus and I swear its got an...
Great food! Good variety on the menu but not so big that it’s overwhelming. Fairly priced for good homemade quality. We had an eggs Benedict special, breakfast burrito, and eggs and bacon. Ask for their homemade hot sauce! It’s 🥵🔥🔥 We went Sunday afternoon and didn’t have to wait for a table. It’s fairly big inside.
This is a cozy café in the heart of downtown Kitchener, perfect for breakfast or brunch. The food was fresh and tasty, with a couple of well-made vegetarian options that really hit the spot. The menu had a nice selection of dishes. What made the visit even better was the service. The server was genuinely kind, attentive, and made us feel very welcome throughout.
Visit us
Find us in downtown Kitchener
Walk-ins are always welcome. For weekend tables or a phoned-in order, calling ahead is the fastest way to reach us.
33 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON
Downtown, just south of King & Queen.
- (226) 647-9100
Fastest way to reach us, especially for weekend tables.
- darlisecafe@outlook.com
Hours
Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Thursday (today) 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Friday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Sunday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Parking
No dedicated lot, but the Charles & Benton parking garage is about 10 feet from our back door, entrance on Charles Street. $4.30 to $4.50 for the first two hours, free on Sundays.
Request a table or pre-order
This opens your email app with the details filled in for us. It is a request, not an instant booking, we will call or email to confirm. For weekend tables or a same-day order, calling (226) 647-9100 is fastest.