Starving Artist Waffles & Espresso

Delicious! Big portion for the price. Service was great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Went for brunch and tried the egg benny waffle. The flavor was decent, but the waffle itself was too soft and lacked the crispiness I expected. Service and atmosphere were okay, but I think the waffles could be improved to make the experience better.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

The ingredients were fresh but the food tasted average and portions weren’t that generous so it felt overpriced for what it is.

Visited around 10:45 a.m. on a Tuesday. The café is tucked beside Shoppers Drug Mart, with plenty of parking available. You pass through a charming patio to enter, which was shaded nicely thanks to the size of the Shoppers building.

Given the recent heatwave, we opted to sit indoors. We were greeted at the door and offered the choice between a two-person table tucked farther inside or a four-person table closer to other diners. We chose the smaller table for a bit more privacy and ease of conversation.

Menus were provided right away, followed shortly by tap water. When our server checked in to ask about drinks, we let her know we were fine with just water. Later, when we were ready to order, she came promptly when we called her over.

A standout moment: we ordered just one smoothie, and she kindly asked if we were sharing, then offered to split it into two cups without us even asking. A thoughtful and appreciated gesture.

The Pineapple Banana Smoothie was a highlight. It was perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, and incredibly refreshing.

My sister ordered the Halloumi Benedict. She noted that while the waffles leaned toward a sweeter flavor on their own, the combination of waffle, egg, and halloumi was well-balanced and worked beautifully together. The egg was jammy and spot-on in terms of taste, texture, and presentation.

I had the Fully Loaded, which features a potato waffle topped with bacon bits, sour cream, chives, and cheese. It leaned a bit salty, but not overwhelmingly so, still quite enjoyable overall. I loved the potato waffle which has the slightly crispy edges but was soft to bite with a texture that resembled mash potatoes. As someone who isn't usually crazy about waffles, which was such a nice alternative.

Each of our mains came with a side salad (lightly dressed and refreshing) and a choice of fruit salad, maple baked beans, or potato salad. We both chose the fruit salad, which was impressively varied with orange, grapefruit, watermelon, blueberry, blackberry, and banana.

Note: Payment is cash or debit only.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’m posting this as a warning to anyone with nut allergies or sensitivities! As someone who grew up with a family member with allergies coffee was always generally safe. If you like vanilla lattes be careful because they will apparently give you a vanilla almond latte automatically without advising you of the almond.

I took a sip and it tasty nutty. I asked our server in case maybe I got the wrong order as it tasted nutty so I assumed almond milk. She went to check and then told me the vanilla latte is a vanilla almond flavour. I advised that I ordered a vanilla latte so if I could just have that. She took the vanilla almond (that I took only one sip of) and then I received the vanilla latte. It wasn’t very good but I didn’t want any hassle. When I went to pay I noticed I was charged for both lattes! I was shocked because I couldn’t understand why I would be charged for a drink I didn’t even order. She told me we charge for all drinks. I reminded her of the situation and both workers were very irritated. The other worker looked surprised when she heard me say that I ordered a vanilla latte not an almond one. They both had a reaction and it made the experience very awkward and uncomfortable. I’m posting this so people are aware how hidden the almond is if you ask for a vanilla latte. So please be cautious if you have any sensitivities or allergies! I don’t like nuts so I tasted it right away but this could have been way worse if I was allergic since that is not what I ordered!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

Good food, kind, helpful and attentive staff. Thank you for a pleasant experience.

Food: 5

Service: 5

Was visiting friends in the area and they took me here for breakfast. I had the Breakfast Waffle and a Vanilla Almond Latte. Exceptional!! Beautiful presentation, the poached aggressive was cooked to perfection. It came with caramelized bacon which i am not a fan off but that's me. Thry could have maybe served it with slightly more bacon but I LOVE bacon so no judgment. The service was attentive but not over bearing. HIGHLY recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had a really disappointing experience at Starving Artist. The staff in the kitchen, especially one particular lady, were extremely rude and unprofessional. I wasn’t even speaking to her, yet she felt the need to respond rudely. The overall environment felt unwelcoming, and to be honest, it seemed like there was clear bias and discriminatory behavior, especially toward people of color.

The food took way too long to arrive, even though the place was nearly empty. On top of that, no one seemed friendly or willing to provide good service. It’s honestly not worth your time or money. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.

Love the potato waffles.

Awful logistics and service. Sat down for 30 minutes after order and nothing came. Looked over at the kitchen and no one is working on any orders. Finally waved someone down and then miraculously an ordered is entered and I was given some excuse about kitchen mixups. No apology given until confronted. Food has also gone downhill compared to before. Such a shame that used to be a gem of Markham.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

Worst chicken waffles I’ve ever had. Inedibly dry and bland chicken. Horrible portions for $20 (1 wing and 1/4 breast).

Their waffle benedict is soooo yummy!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice brunch spot with a dog-friendly patio! We had hot and iced lattes, Sammy Benny with fruit salad, and the Brunchwich with bacon — everything was good. Chill atmosphere and friendly service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Went here for my girlfriend’s birthday! She got the strawberry banana waffle (served on a mini waffle) adorable! And I got the traditional Benny with caramelized bacon and house made hollandaise.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Waffle Benny, Churro Starving 4 Waffles, Benny, Hollandaise, Mini

Wow awesome place.