Whether you’re looking for the specialized equipment needed to take on a new culinary project, to replace everyday utensils that are past their prime, or to buy a Mother’s Day gift for a food-inclined loved one, Canada’s independent kitchenware stores will inspire you with cookware that’s both pretty and practical. These are the best places from coast to coast to find everything from sous vide machines to handmade dinnerware.
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Gourmet Warehouse
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
True to its name, this 19,000-square-foot shop founded by local chef Caren McSherry houses a dizzying array of kitchen gadgets, gear, and specialty ingredients in its sprawling, warehouse-like space. Newbies looking to build out their cookware arsenal will appreciate extensive collections from well-known brands like Le Creuset and Zwilling, while seasoned culinarians might benefit from niche products like canning and preserving tools. Come to Gourmet Warehouse prepared to be dazzled and taken in 1,000 unnecessary directions.
Britannia Kitchen & Home
Location: Calgary, Alberta
A local answer to mall mainstays like Williams-Sonoma, this stalwart in Calgary’s Britannia Plaza shopping centre offers all the essentials you’d expect from a general kitchen supply store plus some extras, such as eco-friendly cleaning items and eclectic snacks. At Brittania Kitchen & Home, tried-and-true cookware and hosting accessories are well covered, along with quirky items like the Chirpy Top Wine Pourer, a bird-shaped spout that makes a playful “chirp” sound when used to serve wine.
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KitchenGear
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
This unassuming kitchen emporium is brimming with useful and affordable prep devices, cookware, and gourmet pantry items. Though KitchenGear carries an excellent selection from international brands like All-Clad and Emilie Henry, this shop also caters to shoppers seeking Canadian-made products, such as durable wood cutting boards from Cape Breton-based Larch Wood or baking mix collections from Montreal’s Maison Zoe Ford.
June Home Supply
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Eye candy is plentiful at this hip homeware haven that’s light on cooking gadgets but heavy on stylish dinnerware and cookware. June Home Supply owners Joël and Danielle Cyr source their collection from small-scale producers, selecting items that embody pared-back sophistication. Shop for enamel saucepans, brass measuring cups, and beechwood serving bowls online or in their enviably aesthetic Winnipeg shop, which is connected to Thom Bargen Coffee.
Tap Phong
Location: Toronto, Ontario
It’s nearly impossible to find a culinary product that Tap Phong doesn’t carry. From kitchenware and household items to commercial cooking equipment and utensils, it’s all here at this shop beloved by pros and novice chefs alike. Wandering the store’s jam-packed aisles will leave you inspired to try something new, whether it’s picking up a special grill to make taiyaki at home or using a smoking gun to add an irresistible charred flavour to your meats and veggies.
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The Cuisinet
Location: Montreal, Quebec
This bright and tidy Montreal store is the first port of call if you’re looking for something the average cookshop may not stretch to, from spaetzle makers to hand-held spiralizers. At The Cuisinet you’ll find plenty of handy gadgets that fall into the didn’t-know-it-existed-but-now-I-need-it category, along with classic tableware from brands like Noritake and Lenox.
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Absolutely Fabulous at Home
Location: New Minas, Nova Scotia
Head to this cheerful shop in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley to hunt for stainless steel cookware, bread-making accessories, globally-influenced pantry items, and dozens of other everyday goods that you’ll find yourself compelled to bring home. Parents can check out colourful, kid-friendly kitchen tools from C.R. Gibson’s new Little Chefs line, while bakers will be captivated by the Absolutely Fabulous at Home‘s treasure trove of specialty items like English muffin rings and doughnut pans.
Urban Nest
Location: Miramichi, NB
Urban Nest is your go-to spot for timeless dishware and kitchen accessories. While you won’t find electric tools and appliances here, this well-curated homeware store is worth a stop for kitchen basics that are both elegant and functional. The simple, white porcelain Sophie Conran Bundt Pan by Portmeirion dishware collection is a perfect addition to any minimalist kitchen, as are the stainless steel cheese grater with white marble rest or the stoneware butter dish.
The Cook’s Edge
Location: Charlottetown, PEI
The Cook’s Edge appeals just as much to the home chef as it does to the polished professional with its line-up of Japanese knives, which range from high-quality blades for beginners to collectors’ items that’ll set you back several thousand dollars. While the shop is best known for this impressive kniveware selection, you’ll also find an array of other chef staples from pasta-making tools to whisks and microplanes.
Home on Water St.
Location: St. John’s, NL
Owners Peter Alyward and Don Moores’ flair for artistic merchandise displays makes Home on the Water St. an exceedingly browsable shop. You could easily spend a pleasant hour admiring shelves creatively arranged with polished All-Clad cookware and rainbow-hued Smeg appliances in this inviting, homeware shop. You’ll find it hard not to be tempted by the beautiful kitchen knives from Japanese brand Shun, as well as snacks from east coast makers like Rogers’ Chocolates.
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