Address: 332 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 3C3

Phone: +1 519 432 1118

Price Range: $$$$

Website: https://store.you.ca/

YOU Made It Café

London, Ontario may just have its best-kept secret in YOU Made It Café. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this charming eatery isn't your typical café—it's a social enterprise operated by Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU). The mission? To empower youth by providing them with hands-on training in culinary skills. So yes, when you sip that coffee or bite into a sandwich, know you're supporting a fantastic cause. 👏

Starting with the beverages, the coffee here is top-notch, making it a perfect spot for caffeine lovers. The hot drinks menu is diverse, featuring options like Chai Latte, White Mocha, and Matcha Latte. For those who prefer something cold, the Peach Passionfruit Lemonade and the Iced Dirty Chai come highly recommended. Make sure to try their Sweet Cream Cold Brew that's both refreshing and smooth.

Breakfast at YOU Made It Café is a delight. The Classic Breakfast offers a perfect start to your day with local Ontario eggs, crispy bacon, home fries, toast, and their delightful 'Mushed by YOU' jam. For those with a larger appetite, the Farmer’s Breakfast loads your plate with three eggs, both bacon and farmer’s sausage, home fries, and a grilled portobello mushroom. If you're in the mood for something sweet, the Waffle Breakfast is a must-try, featuring a homemade Belgian waffle topped with espresso butter, fresh berries, and whipped cream.

Moving on to lunch, their paninis are crowd favorites. The Turkey Cranbrie Panini combines deli turkey, creamy brie, and their tangy Cranberry Chutney on ciabatta bread. The BBQ Cheesesteak Panini stands out with succulent roast beef, sautéed green peppers, crispy fried onions, melted provolone, and a delightful blend of Kentucky BBQ sauce. For vegetarians, the Portobello Press Panini is a winner, loaded with grilled portobello mushroom, creamy avocado, juicy tomato, red onion, and vegan cheese.

One cannot ignore the café's salads. The Cobb Salad here is unbeatable, featuring crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, juicy tomato, gorgonzola cheese, bacon, and hard-boiled egg slices, all drizzled with a herbed vinaigrette. For those looking for something lighter but equally satisfying, the Arugula Salad with its hints of fresh and tangy flavors will do the trick.

Want a quick snack? The café’s bagel options offer something for everyone. The Jalapeno Cheddar Bagel and the Bagel Breakfast Sandwich, featuring an Ontario egg, melted cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, are especially popular. If you’re looking for something sweet, don't miss the homemade Pop Tart, which pairs wonderfully with any of their delicious drinks.

Not just a dining spot, YOU Made It Café doubles up as a catering service, providing a variety of affordable options fit for any event. Their rooftop terrace is perfect for hosting wine and cheese events or enjoying a summer evening BBQ, offering wonderful views of downtown London as well as some great local eats.

As a regular luncheon spot for many downtown employees and a cozy corner for tourists waiting for their buses, the café’s ambiance is welcoming and relaxed with a touch of historic charm, thanks to its setting in a renovated Victorian building. Service is generally good, though can be a bit slow at times—understandable given its role as a training café. Don’t let that deter you from visiting; the food and atmosphere more than make up for it.