This summer, we made it our mission to explore Burlington’s dessert hangouts and share the ones that truly spread the summer magic, even as we enter the fall. We all know about the popular downtown Lakeshore hits, but these lesser-known gems fly under the radar while serving up the best flavours. They’ve won over our hearts (and our taste buds), and will certainly continue to carry on the summer spirit even as the leaves begin to turn.
In no particular order, let’s dive in.
D Spot Desserts Burlington
Late summer nights are only complete with a table full of waffles, sundaes, and milkshakes, and D Spot Desserts has them all (and more). Located conveniently in the Appleby New Street Plaza, D Spot is open late (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday and until 1:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), making it the perfect place to satisfy your late-night cravings. The menu is huge and packed with mouthwatering desserts: funnel cake, cheesecake, cookies, waffles, crepes, milkshakes, and so much more. You’ll also find soft serve, twisted tornados (think McFlurries or Dairy Queen Blizzards, but better), and scoopable ice cream.
Our personal favourites? The “For the Love of Rocher” cookie skillet, the “Caught my Eye” crepe, and the “Cookie Monster” waffle. Alongside the delicious food, D Spot has such a cute and aesthetic interior. It is so colourful and charmingly decorated, it is guaranteed to transport you back to your happiest summer days, even if you visit in the coming colder weeks.
Nani’s Gelato
Craving some freshly made, deliciously summery gelato? Nani’s Gelato is the perfect spot for you. Found at the southeast corner of Appleby and Dundas in the Fortino’s plaza, Nani’s Gelato is the spot to grab a cold sweet treat after some shopping or dining at any of the nearby stores and restaurants. Their gelato is made daily with some locally sourced ingredients and ever-changing flavours. The flavours are updated every two weeks based on what’s in season, so you can never be bored and will always have the best quality! (P.S. The autumn collection coming soon includes some delicious fall flavours like pumpkin, cinnamon, and apple flavours… but let’s not get too ahead of ourselves!)
Alongside our favourite, the classic gelato scoops, you can also find gelato pints to eat at home, gelato milkshakes, soft serve, gelato pies, gelato cakes, and so much more. Be sure to follow the local Instagram account at @nanisgelatoburlington for updates on flavours and more.
I Heart Boba
There’s nothing that screams summer more than a stroll down Burlington’s beautiful Paletta Lakefront Park with a delicious bubble tea in hand. I Heart Boba is there to extend summer with its doors open 6 days a week and fresh, flavourful boba available to transport you to those wonderful longer days. Our recommendations for you? The mango slushie with lychee jelly and fresh mango chunks, and the classic boba cream tea with tapioca pearls. Being only a 30-minute walk or 10-minute bike ride from Paletta, it’s the perfect starting point for an afternoon adventure. Grab your favourite fruity drink or creamy tea, then head over to explore Paletta’s gorgeous trails, sit by the lake and maybe even spot some swans and other local wildlife. I Heart Boba brings the perfect combination of sweet summer sips and an ideal location.
The Sunshine Doughnut Co.
What could be more summery than a family-owned doughnut shop with “sunshine” in its name? The Sunshine Doughnut Co. keeps the joy of summer alive year-round with its bright, iconic sign and irresistible doughnuts. Conveniently located close to Maple Avenue and Spencer Smith Park, it’s easy to grab a doughnut on your way to or from work, fueling your commute and bringing a little sunshine to your day. Classic doughnuts are served daily and include our favourites, the “Sunshine OG” (original glaze) and the “Burly Cream.” If you’re craving something new, Sunshine Doughnuts also offers a rotating seasonal menu with fresh-flavoured drinks, and the new September menu does not disappoint.
We hope the next time you crave that sweet, carefree, sunny summer feeling, you’ll know exactly where to go! From waffles to bubble tea, we’ve got you covered right here in Burlington!
