Where are the best independent cafes and brunch spots on Markham's main streets?Both of Markham’s heritage main streets reward a slow coffee morning, but they feel different. Main Street Unionville is compact and scenic, with bakeries, brunch and dessert shops a short walk from Toogood Pond, and it fills with visitors on summer weekends. Main Street Markham in Markham Village is longer and more local, with pastry shops, a tea room and cafes along a working main street near Markham GO. For a quieter weekday work session, Markham Village often has more space. For a weekend brunch with a pond walk, Unionville is hard to beat. Hours change often, so check before you go.
Markham’s plazas are famous for bubble tea and dim sum. Its two historic main streets offer something different: independent bakeries, tea rooms and brunch spots in heritage buildings, where a coffee can easily turn into a morning.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, often suggests buyers spend a morning on each main street before choosing between Unionville and Markham Village, because the cafe on the corner says a lot about daily life nearby.
Side by side
| Main Street Unionville | Main Street Markham (Markham Village) | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Compact, scenic, busy on weekends | Longer, local, everyday |
| Best for | Weekend brunch, desserts, a pond walk | Pastries, tea, quieter weekday visits |
| Nearby | Toogood Pond and the Rouge Valley Trail | Markham GO station and the Saturday farmers’ market in season |
| Parking | Fills early on summer weekends | Generally easier on weekdays |
For a full comparison of the two streets, see Main Street Unionville vs. Main Street Markham.
A Unionville cafe crawl
A local business directory lists these independent spots along Main Street Unionville:
- Sweetie Pie, a bakery and coffee shop at 190 Main Street
- NextDoor Restaurant, known for seasonal brunch, at 139 Main Street
- Flavours of Unionville, for gelato, frozen yogurt and coffee, at 155 Main Street
- Old Firehall Confectionery, for handmade sweets, at 170 Main Street
Start with a pastry and coffee, walk the loop around Toogood Pond, then return for brunch or a sweet treat. Arrive early on summer weekends and during festivals.
A Markham Village cafe crawl
On Main Street Markham, the same directory lists:
- Cho-Kwok-Lat, for French pastries, cakes and chocolates, at 31 Main Street North
- Old Curiosity Tea Shop, for high tea and lunch, at 91 Main Street North
Pair a pastry with a walk along the main street’s heritage buildings and local shops. On Saturdays from spring to early fall, add the Markham Farmers’ Market at Main Street and Robinson Street, which in 2026 ran from May 9 to October 10.
Dreaming of a home near a historic main street?
Michael John Lau can show you homes within walking distance of Main Street Unionville or Main Street Markham, and explain any heritage rules.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Patio culture
From late spring to early fall, patios bring both streets to life. Unionville’s patios sit along a short, walkable strip close to the pond, so the street feels like an outdoor room on warm evenings. In Markham Village, patios are more spread out along a longer street, which suits a slower stroll. On both streets, heritage rules shape how storefronts and patios look, which is part of their charm.
Festival days on both streets
Coffee lines grow on festival weekends, but so does the fun. In 2026, the Unionville Festival filled Main Street Unionville on June 6 and 7, and the Markham Jazz Festival returned there from August 21 to 23. Main Street Markham hosted the Markham Village Music Festival on June 19 and 20, with more than 50 performers and a multicultural food fair. On these days, plan to arrive early, park further out and walk in, or take the GO train to Markham station for the Markham Village events.
Fall and winter are quieter, which many locals prefer. A warm drink and a heritage-street stroll on a crisp October morning is one of the simplest pleasures of living nearby.
Tips for remote workers
- Weekday mornings are quieter on both streets than weekends.
- Ask about laptop policies at busy brunch times, and order regularly if you stay a while.
- Bring headphones and a charged battery, since outlets can be limited in heritage buildings.
- For a full workday, the Markham Public Library branches offer free seating and Wi-Fi.
Living near a main street
Homes within walking distance of either main street are popular with buyers who want a village feel inside a large city. Both streets sit in heritage conservation districts, so homes nearby may have heritage rules for exterior changes. Check for any designation before you buy. For more on local food, see Markham’s food culture guide.
So which street wins?
Unionville wins for a picture-perfect weekend brunch and dessert. Markham Village wins for an easy, local weekday coffee and a walk to the GO train. Most residents enjoy both, depending on the day. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
A favourite cafe within walking distance is one of the small joys that makes a neighbourhood feel like home. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for brunch, Unionville or Markham Village?
Unionville is popular for weekend brunch and desserts near Toogood Pond. Markham Village is often quieter and more local, which suits weekday coffee.
Where can I get pastries on Main Street Markham?
A local business directory lists Cho-Kwok-Lat at 31 Main Street North for French pastries, cakes and chocolates. Confirm hours before visiting.
Is there a tea room on Main Street Markham?
A local business directory lists the Old Curiosity Tea Shop at 91 Main Street North, offering high tea and lunch.
Are Markham’s main street cafes good for remote work?
Weekday mornings are usually quieter. For a full workday, Markham Public Library branches offer free seating and Wi-Fi.
When is the Markham Farmers’ Market?
In 2026, the market ran on Saturdays from May 9 to October 10 at Main Street Markham and Robinson Street.
Is parking easy on Main Street Unionville?
It fills early on summer weekends and festival days. Arrive in the morning or walk in from nearby neighbourhoods.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Business listings are from the Markham Business directory for Unionville Main Street, as available on October 12, 2026. The Kaizen Real Estate Team is not affiliated with any business mentioned. Businesses open, close and change hours often, so confirm before visiting. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
