I ate at the Cornerstone while visiting Guelph for a conference with a couple of friends - one of whom is an omnivore, and the other is gluten-free. We stumbled upon this place when the ramen place we'd originally planned on going to was too crowded, and I'm glad we did! It was quiet and chill, and we were able to happily hang out for a while. There were good gluten-free options, and the whole menu is vegetarian, with lots of vegan choices. I had a really great vegan reuben; I've had a number of vegan reubens in my day, and this was one of the better ones (made with tempeh, so more appealing to those who like more natural, unprocessed foods.) Prices are great; around $13 for a sandwich. There aren't a ton of good vegetarian places in Guelph, but this is a solid option. Warning to my fellow Americans who are visiting here: they only take cash, or *Canadian* debit cards! read more

We love this place! Originally we stopped by The Common because we wanted to give it a try and heard it was supposedly kid friendly but it closes at 3 (???!) and so we went to this place and boy was it great! Super friendly staff, great vibes, amazing latte, and yummy vegan desserts. There's a whole variety of food on the menu and beautiful windows that our kids had an amazing time looking out of. Hope to come back again! read more

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Love this restaurant, and the renovations have really been such a lovely improvement while keeping the soul of the place. Delicious veg and vegan fare. Highly recommend the Vegan Reuben Sandwich. Friendly service! read more

My first time in Guelph my old high school friend and his gf took me here for brunch. Cornerstone is a cute, cozy and rustic restaurant, cafe and bar. I can see this place being a comfy place to be during cold winter months. I ordered their brunch special, croque madame with a side of potato wedges and salad. The croque madame is ham and cheese with fried egg all bake. It was delicious. The bread was crispy and the cheese was gooey. They also have a baked goods display and it's hard to resist getting a healthy snack right before paying your bill at the cashier. So I bought a pine nut cookie that was 4" in diameter and 1/2" thick. It was really good and very lightly sweet. I'd definitely come back! read more

Wow. It's kinda sad when a vegan restaurant can't get its dishes right. Too bad. I'd say skip the food here and head somewhere else. Only eat here if you like being lectured and told what to think. read more

Delicious vegan and vegetarian fare. Strong menu with diverse choices, including some terrific baked goods and inspired daily specials. Great atmosphere in a good location, especially for local transit. Service was super friendly, well informed, and perfectly attentive (care without being obtrusive). Excellent choice for a vegetarian business lunch or meet up with a friend. Highly recommended. read more

Not exactly sure how to place Cornerstone. It's part café, part diner, part resto, part bar. The old brick/wood vibe feels like a place you'd stop over when waiting for a train. Almost feels like a old west saloon. One thing I can say is that service is over the top. It's been a long time since I have had service this attentive which is why I pushed this to a 4 star. Thank you Adam! Cornerstone feels ingrained in the community, they have pictures from sponsoring a local hockey team, Santa Claus parade, etc. Food wise they have something for your needs all day, breakfast from simple bagels to omelettes and breakfast specials; lunch/dinner options- wraps, sandwiches, bowls, tempeh, burgers, quesadillas and enchiladas to name a few. The location has about 30 seats, high chair available. They take debit and cash only. I believe there is no Wi-Fi and no electrical power outlets so more of a place to read than work. It's a good place to hang out with friends. I'll be back read more

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The Cornerstone is a quaint downtown setting for locals seeking an authentic vintage-style atmosphere with a menu able to make most mainstream cuisine lovers slightly uncomfortable. Guests have many intriguing dishes to choose from while enjoying the selection of board games at their disposal. This thoughtful addition to the restaurant is wholesome and entertaining. Unfortunately, as much as I enjoyed the restaurant's tastefully appointed interior and complimentary entertainment, myself and my guest did not particularly enjoy the food. read more

The Cornerstone - a bowl of soup and a plate of sandwiches - Canadian (New) Near Me - Guelph, Ontario

This place by far is my favourite breakfast place in Guelph . I have been bringing my kids here for breakfast for the past 17 years and they love it as well. The owner is a great guy, which is good because the service can be a bit slow and some server just too hipster like, but owner sets them straight . Coffee is amazing :) and the migas are best in Canada . All vegetarian and worth the sometimes long wait . Guelph landmark :) read more

The cornerstone is my default hangout downtown. Though it's dang tasty, their food is not the best in town by far. Nor is their coffee. They do, however, have one of the greatest crowds and atmospheres available downtown. Lots of dark-stained old wood, stone (as the name suggests), and an outdoor patio that's sure to be full to the brim of trendyfolk taking their repose. Trendily. They have some of the nicest staff in town, usually willing to make exceptions, replacements, et cetera to their menu (I'm one of *those* customers), always with a smile. What's more, they have a good selection of good beers on tap! I guess I should mention that the Cornerstone is a vegetarian joint, and they offer a selection of vegan options that's unparalleled downtown. Check it out! Have a sit. read more

The Cornerstone - the entrance to a restaurant - Canadian (New) Near Me - Guelph, Ontario

mmmmmmmmyaaaa! Cornerstone is so delicious. Seriously tasty food. They don't skimp on quality of ingredients (bread is baked fresh by their partner joint next door) and they are priced for student budgets. Great staff and comfy atmosphere as well. I had the Tempeh Reuben and was blown away. Their sauerkraut and pickles knocked it out of the park! The soup of the day was a spicy carrot soup that had incredible fresh flavour. They really put some heart and soul into their food. Can't wait to go back for more...only problem was that the Reuben was so good that I will have a hard time trying other dishes. I'm hooked! read more

The Cornerstone - This pic doesn't do it justice-the tempeh Reuben and spicy carrot soup! Bread was to dye fo! - Canadian (New) Near Me - Guelph, Ontario

Went here while visiting my grandmother last week. Sorry I haven't reviewed sooner, but this was such a terrible meal that I forgot about it. I'm sure it's tough to get good help during a pandemic, but the place wasn't even very clean. Terrible disappointment on the food front as well. Don't recommend. read more

Very good breakfast omelettes, great coffee, and friendly service. A little slow on things like refills. Omelette I ordered cooked soft came out not really soft, but it was also not scorched. They sell a few baked goodies, too, and their lunch menu looks good, though I've only ever had breakfast at the Cornerstone. read more

You ever get the feeling you're not welcome? No? Stop by the Cornerstone and cross that off your bucket list. I didn't eat here. I looked at the menu and felt the holier-than-thou vibe, giving it that authentic vegan flair. Walked across the street and got a bucket of shame from Smoke's Poutine. read more

Although I am not vegan or vegetarian, I enjoy vegan/veggie restaurants. A few years ago I came to this restaurant and I really liked it but a lot must have changed since then. I had the sweet potato and brie cheese quesadilla. The menu price was $11.95. It did not have cheese in it. I asked our waitress who asked the cook and she came back and told us that in their recipe, they only put in one cube of brie cheese and that this was the standard dish. It was literally just regular unflavourful mashed sweet potato in a tortilla with sour cream on the side. No salsa no guac. Our server was a nice young woman she offered to take the dish back and add more cheese to it. I said no because the food already took too long to arrive plus putting my quesadilla back on the grill for them is unhygienic. I mean a quesadilla is SUPPOSED to have cheese. We also had the Texan Vegan pizza. They told us it was made with sri racha? The base was all mashed sweet potato with some super dry tempeh on top. It was dry and tasted like the smell of wet dog and was expensive for what it was. I am not sure why anyone would serve these dishes in a restaurant to be honest. The Legendary Antojitos were pretty good actually and the guac it came with was good too. The menu price was $13.95 which I feel is steep for what it was. The service was really good which is why it was hard to get super mad. Our server was kind and polite and another server let us sample beers before ordering one. This place should give their servers a raise. Although the service was good, unfortunately this snags the spot of the worst food I've ever had at a restaurant. read more

***4.5 Stars*** Vegetarian & vegan has never tasted so good - The Cornerstone is a gem in Guelph. The atmosphere has a bit of hipster vibe but there is no judgement here. The food speaks for itself; hearty, comforting and satisfying all wrapped in one. Get their famous Anjitos (sp?) - they are absolutely delish. They also make one mean of cup of coffee. Service was great as well. The reason they are not a full 5 stars was because they day we were there for dinner they had items that were sold out that we could not order. It was a bit of disappointment since we were only in Guelph for the day. I would highly recommend The Cornerstone to Veggies and Non-Veggies out there visiting/living in Guelph. read more

I was in Guelph for 4 nights at a conference and ate at this place twice. First night: they were having a "heatwave" by Canadian standards and turned off the cookers and AC. But were very welcoming and helpful despite such. I had an amazing vegan tofu club, great sangria, and took some vegan cowboy cookies to go with me. I was eager to try the rest of the menu so 2 nights later made it back. Second night: amazing vegan ruben ( prob not the best ive ever had but pretty damn good! ) witha pint of local lager and to top it off...vegan chocolate tofu cheesecake with raspberry sauce - yum! This was a super good vegan dessert! Thanks Guelph for having a great pub that isn't 100% vegan but has a ton of vegan options. The staff knows what vegan is and asks about your wants/ needs on the food. I am not sure I will ever have a need to come back to Guelph but if you happen to be there, check this place out. Ample bathrooms too so no wait - bonus! The servers were so nice, friendly, and helpful. They helped me make my way back to my hotel via busroute and were super sweet! read more

I just moved to the area from Vancouver... so was pleasantly surprised to find something I'd call "right off Main Street" (only there were a few less hipsters... but I really don't think it's possible for any location to outdo Main Street in this department). Anyway... moving on to the menu...I've never really had the opportunity to try reuben sandwiches... likely because they are almost always layered with lots of meat (something which I tend to stay away from). So... I was very excited to try the tempeh reuben here. I paired it with the roasted yam and maple soup. Although the latter needed some salt, I was impressed with the freshness and tastiness of each menu item. Coming back to the Vancouver for a second... the pricing here at Cornerstone is much in line with what you'd find out west... so I can see that locals might find it a tad expensive (but honestly, the food I had so far was worth the price!) Super excited to come back to this place! read more

Every time I go to this restaurant, it's absolutely fabulous. Their 'legendary antijitos' definitely live up to their name and all the other items I've tried from their menu are absolutely delicious as well. Sometimes it's hard to find vegetarian food that is tasty, but not here! The staff is friendly and the place has a cool, laid back atmosphere to boot! This is one of the best restaurants in downtown Guelph in my opinion. My only complaint is that they don't serve lunch until 2pm on Sundays. I understand people want later brunch on Sundays, but I think people should be given the option of lunch as well. read more

Ok, right off the start I will admit you can't be in a hurry when eating here. Before or after. Enough said about that BUT... When you do eat, it is good. A fine selection of vegetarian and vegan foods. A few choice beers are always on tap and the coffee (from Moonbean - saves you a trip to Kensington Market in Toronto) is tasty too. The prices are realistic without being overboard. In other words, I'd say it is affordable. Conveniently located by the trains and buses in downtown Guelph. read more

Loved it. Great hangout and foodie place. Excellent service and coffee. I tried the tofu and chocolate cake and it was genuinely delicious. Whether you live in Guelph or just stopping by, Cornerstone is a place to try. read more

We love this place! Just finished breakfast and it was fabulous. Had the scrambled tofu and so yummy!! Our server Thuy was a sweetheart and very helpful. Such a happy little Vegetarian/Vegan place to try. read more

Good wholesome fresh food. Nice environment and feel. Rustic, antique, and natural. I love coming in here when i have time. The coffee is amazing and nutty, and they have a great menu at a reasonable price. They are also open late for evening fun! My only complaint is service can be a bit slow. read more

Hmmm. This used to be our favorite place for breakfast in Guelph, but something has changed -- the coffee. Cornerstone no longer serves Guelph-based Planet Bean Fair Trade coffee! The stuff they are serving now is AWFUL (Blue-something from Toronto). We tried the medium roast, then the dark roast and literally could not drink it. Ended up paying extra for 2 Americanos. So for cheaper (?) coffee beans vs the great ones - Across The Street (!) - at Planet Bean, you have lost 2 loyal, regular customers...$39 for 2 this morning, so think we will find somewhere else. Food fantastic. Good service. Recently switched to Terrible coffee. read more

There's so much I love about The Cornerstone! The cozy atmosphere, the staff, the decor, the coffee, the FOOD but the price is a little bit much for me. I know, I know. It's vegan and organic and all fresh so they have an excuse for the high price, and I am OK with it! But being in a University neighborhood, for me, it seems a little much. But you know what, that's ok, because they make up for it with their DELICIOUS antojitos (hint: try them). It's one of my favourite places to go and work on a project, or even to just kill time. It's classy, chic, and comfy! What's not to love? read more

Cool place to hang out and grab a coffee, but took forever to get our food. Found a hair in my breakfast burrito.. They had no problem taking it off the bill and otherwise looked good. I'd recommend just getting some kind of coffee or tea with a cookie or something. The crowd is sort of university hipsteresque, so expect a lot of people in that age range and atmosphere. Decent pricing. read more

Very slow service, food is not great and this area of downtown is really going downhill. They also seem to have issues with cleanliness from the local health inspection reports on www.checkbeforeyouchoose.ca read more

I've eaten here twice, and enjoyed it both times. The portions are a bit small, but not inappropriate for the price. I will likely eat here again. read more

Staf not very helpful. Was dusty, and back was not clean. Didnot like that the bread was left oit in the open. Any body could sneeze on it and touch it. Vegies were not fresh. read more

This was an awesome little place to have brunch! The atmosphere was great. Our server Thuy was a sweetheart and very helpful. It was very busy, and Thuy was a champion. The good was fantastic. You must try the scrambled tofu.....Bill and Kelly (Cambridge) read more

I really appreciated how quiet the restaurant was on a late Wednesday morning (I sat for 2 hours), and it is a good place to people watch through the windows. Super meat-eater that I am, I ordered a cappuccino, a bok choy soup, and a tempeh Reuben sandwich and really enjoyed all of it. The ambiance is chill, not a lot of pretentious yappy customers around at that time of day, and they have a soft-volume of Arcade Fire going in the background. I think the tables could have been cleaner, the coffee cups 2 sips larger, and just a little bit more customer service would have really made it a 4-5 star place. read more

Small and unique venue. The pad-Thai I had was delicious, very filling. For someone who doesn't like veggies I found it quite good. A unique atmosphere, not a lot of light so you may want to bring your readers. Small but broad menu. I think anybody could find something they they would like here read more

The Cornerstone - Pad-Thai with one of their rice bowls in the background - Canadian (New) Near Me - Guelph, Ontario

Pretty average. I ordered an egg sandwich on a bagel. It tasted fine but nothing special. Also had salad spilled on the plate from my friends meal.. just not much attention to presentation. I also got a fruit cup. It was grapes, apples and pears. The grapes were good but the apples and pears were all brown.. looked like they had all been cut up a couple days in advance and were old. My aunt ordered the tofu ranchero and her guacamole was super brown. Same thing, just looked a couple days old. The service was nice but food was quite average. Probably wouldn't back. read more

I really like the food here a lot, in fact, I would give this place 5 stars but for an incident 8 or so years ago. On my first ever visit, I was shown the door for bringing in an outside coffee! They were so bitchy and argumentative, all the while implying I was some kind of corporate sell-out (it was from the Second Cup!) Instead of offering me one of their cups to pour it into, or any diplomatic option whatsoever- they threatened me, quoted city bi-laws at me. I think I may have included the F word in my aghast response, resulting in my being loudly 'turfed' much to my (and my friends') embarrassment. Guelph is supposed to be mellow, man! It's funny how quickly the hippie thing can mutate into a self-righteous aggro vibe, eh? Anyhow... it was enough to keep me away from this place for the next five years! When I was finally successfully dragged there after much resistance (and believe me, I was still kinda hiding my face in case the same server was there) the food was just great. So they lose one star on account of that piece of ancient history... I've been there on a pretty regular basis ever since and NEVER had anything but great service and delicious food; the strong point is the sandwiches. The club, tempeh Reuben... the soups are reliably great, the beer is a nice touch, too. It's really worth a visit. The Mexican options maybe suffer from a little Canadian bland-itis (Antijitos excluded, of course). I've since forgiven the long-departed po' faced waiter (and the unhelpful ex-"manager") who gave me so much shit back in the day! Highly recommended! read more

Love Love Love!!! I work in downtown Guelph, and have slowly been trying out the restaurants in the area - recently had food at the Cornerstone and have been back 3 times within a 2 week period to try more. The menu isn't *huge*, but its a smaller restaurant, so not to be expected. Its vegetarian and vegan, and looks to be quite healthy as well. Princes are decent, and the actual restaurant is cute. Staff is nice as well. The food is really delicious. So far I've tried the spinach & hummus wrap, curried chickpea walnut wrap, and the black bean burger. All of them were absolutely fantastic, and I am completely addicted to this place. I pretty much want to try everything on the menu - and its always nice to be in a vegetarian restaurant and know I can eat everything on the menu. Fantastic restaurant - a must try for any vegetarians in the area. read more

I love everything about this restaurant. The food is excellent. Lots of great vegetarian and vegan options that even appeal to a meat eater like me. They offer a small selection of great local beers on tap, any of which I would take over Coors any day. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming. You can come in on your own to write and enjoy the music. You can come in with a friend and have a relaxing lunch. You can come in for drinks with a group and occasionally you'll catch local music acts using the front window as a stage. I think the only problem with it is that the indie/hippy/hipster image turns some people off. And they are really missing out. read more

An amazing spot for vegan food, beer and coffee! The waitress we had was amazing and helpful throughout our lunch experience. The food was fresh and delicious. Great portions and fair prices! Definitely a must visit when you're in Guelph! read more

Great service, decent prices. I was a little skeptical when I saw it on the menu, but I absolutely loved their Pad Thai. Definitely will come back to this restaurant. read more

This place has such a good atmosphere. They have a great patio too! I've only tried their spinach dip here and they are too good to be true!

Pretty good breakfast considering its vegan. I'm not usually one to visit these places but I was pleasantly surprised. Worth giving it a shot. read more