Our Story

What We’re About

The Toasted Walnut is a café, bakery and market situated in downtown Bowmanville, serving homemade meals, decadent pastries, squares, cupcakes and cookies run by owner Nicole Shah and her friendly staff. Every day you will find a new, delicious lunch special to temp your taste buds. Our mission is to create the freshest, tastiest homemade food using locally sustained products whenever possible, supporting our farmers and businesses.

Meet Nicole

Nicole’s passion for baking began at a young age. As Nicole grew, her love of baking also grew and expanded to cooking as well. Starting her career in hospitality at Georgian College and then carrying over to Durham College’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship program – Nicole refined her culinary and business skills that would become the backbone of The Toasted Walnut’s success. Nicole’s dream turned to reality at 23 years old when she first opened her doors at The Toasted Walnut – Nicole found the perfect space in downtown Bowmanville, on the main street, in 2013.

Nicole’s passion for creating delectable homemade fare and wanting to create an atmosphere where customers became friends and friends became family is key to her success. Our values at The Toasted Walnut are simple – serve only the freshest, tastiest homemade food, support our local economy and being honest, respectful and charitable whenever we can.

Late in 2020, Nicole’s aspirations of opening a larger café and bakery became a reality. The new location down the street has a modern farmhouse vibe, offering daily lunch specials, homecooked frozen meals, as well as a new larger menu of homemade baked goods to go. Nicole contributes her success to her enthusiasm, dedication, hard work, her team and most importantly, her customers. “My customers are at the heart of every decision I make.”

Our Atmosphere

The Toasted Walnut is not just a café, it’s a full-service restaurant, bakery, market and catering company, all in one. From full breakfasts and lunches to our homemade baked goods – there is something for everyone. Everything we create is made fresh in-house (yes, even the salad dressings!). Our desserts are made from scratch every morning before the café opens. Get here early for warm baked goods, straight from the oven!

This unique environment is perfect for the sweet tooth as well as the health enthusiast – our made fresh daily delicious salads are chock full of fresh fruits and vegetables. Constantly experimenting with new tastes and flavours, The Toasted Walnut’s menu and daily specials are worth visiting again and again!

Memories Made Here

A quiet moment – a joyful moment – a nourishing moment – all to be celebrated. Daily. Memories made here.