New neighbourhood bakery will blow you away

East Kildonan

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/11/2023 (1036 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

At the corner of Edison and Roch there is a bakery, however not the one that long-time East Kildonan residents may remember. But let me tell you that this new bakery is about to become your new favourite.

I would like to welcome Cottage Bakery + Eatery to the neighbourhood! I recently met with manager Ali Esfahani, who is also the son of the owners. He told me that prior to opening, they met with the previous owners and had their support to open a new bakery and restaurant in the location which had been home to their beloved institution for over 60 years.

Cottage Bakery is not new to Winnipeg; it has been in business at its original location on Pembina Highway for over 90 years. Esfahani said they “have expanded to this Kildonan location due to the tight-knit community.

“East Kildonan is a warm community that is truly accepting of everyone,” he noted, adding that, for an area with a population of 75,000, there are three bakeries in the area.

Cottage Bakery + Eatery is proud to bake its bread and pastries fresh daily, and Esfahani said that they offer a “unique, one-of-a-kind experience with fresh bread served in each of our featured meals.”

Their restaurant serves breakfast all day and lunch seven days a week. Esfahani said their breakfast sandwich is a very popular menu item (he used the word “iconic”), boasting that it is served on fresh-baked filone bread with eggs, bacon, cheddar, and mayo. Another breakfast favourite is the eggs benedict on homemade scones, however there are also omelettes, pancakes, bacon and eggs, and the item I endeavour to try — breakfast poutine.

Esfahani says that their homemade soups at lunch are a neighbourhood favorite (especially the vegetable borscht), and they also offer hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, salads and more.

I have saved the best for last — the bakery. I purchased a boxful of assorted treats on my way out and must admit I went back the next day and the day after. Yes, seriously!

Every baked item I tried was absolutely amazing and I will go as far as to say that it was the best cinnamon bun I have ever had. We also had Napoleon slice (wow), cheesecake (wow), tarts, bread, cookies… All I can say is go and try it — I promise you will not be disappointed.

Meeting Ali Esfahani was a highlight because his positive attitude was warm, welcoming, and contagious. Again, I say ‘welcome!’

Find Cottage Bakery on Instagram — @cottagebakerymb