Warm, casual and oh so good: The Purple House Cafe exceeds all expectations

The Purple House Cafe in Gananoque is one of those places where you instantly feel at ease. Intentionally small and easygoing, the inviting atmosphere envelops you like family, the food soothes you, and the ambiance guides you to think of your visit as more than just a meal. You know those hip, rustic spaces - where dining becomes an experience, and it feels like you have discovered something special that you’ll tell your friends about later. The Purple House Cafe is that and more.

Owner Kerry Coyle said operating a restaurant like The Purple House Cafe started as a daydream while living out west. It has now been a reality in Gananoque for over two decades, evolving into a seasonal go-to for mouth-watering wood-fired pizza and delicious desserts in a relaxed setting.

Opening the space in 2012 as a small coffee shop, Coyle said it started as a cafe and bakery concept. “I did all of the baking myself, prepared fresh salads and lunches, and featured products from local businesses whenever possible — local milk, baked goods, and specialty items from nearby producers,” she said. “From the start, supporting local farms and businesses was an important part of the vision.”

Fast forward two years, and the first wood-fired pizza oven was built - causing the restaurant to evolve overnight. “We started serving pizza alongside our cafe menu during the day, but it quickly became clear that maintaining two separate concepts was difficult. Eventually, we made the decision to focus entirely on wood-fired pizza and outdoor table service — a turning point that helped shape The Purple House.”

Ever evolving, a second pizza oven was added several years ago to accommodate the increasing volume of pizzas they were producing each night during the busy summer season.

Today, The Purple House Cafe is known not only for its wood-fired pizzas, but also for its atmosphere. Views of the St. Lawrence River complement eclectic gardens, patios, and charming open-air dining. Coyle said the smell of wood-fired pizza, coupled with relaxed energy comes together to create something that feels uniquely Gananoque.

The Purple House menu

Seasonality and local sourcing continue to guide much of the menu planning at The Purple House. “We grow as many of our own herbs and vegetables as possible and prioritize purchasing from local farmers whenever we can,” Coyle said. “There is something exciting about watching the growing season unfold and incorporating those fresh ingredients into the menu.”

While the menu does not change drastically from year to year, Coyle said she enjoys introducing seasonal features and experimenting with new ideas. One of her personal favourites is the chicken, bacon, and strawberry pizza with brie, pesto, basil, and balsamic glaze, which is featured during strawberry season. “It has developed a loyal following over the years, and guests ask about it regularly,” she said. In the spring, they even feature a fiddlehead pizza as another seasonal special. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available on the menu.

Desserts have become another important part of the experience at The Purple House Cafe. Crème brûlée is a staple on the menu. They now also source cheesecakes from a local bakery while continuing to create seasonal dessert specials inspired by local fruit harvests. Looking ahead to opening in May, Coyle said there’s a good chance guests will see rhubarb featured somewhere on the dessert menu.

While there are no major changes planned for this season, Coyle said they’ll continue building on the cocktail program introduced last year after adding a new bar space to the restaurant. “Expanding our cocktail offerings feels like a natural extension of the experience we have always hoped to create - thoughtful, welcoming, creative, and deeply connected to the community around us,” she said.

The Purple House doesn’t take reservations, only accepting walk-ins. Coyle said that’s largely due to the size of the restaurant and the aim to keep the casual feel. Another fun fact: friendly dogs are welcome on the outdoor patios.

The upcoming 2026 season

This season, The Purple House Cafe is opening in mid-May, operating on weekends only before expanding to seven dinner services a week in June, along with weekend lunches. July and August remain the busiest months, with full lunch and dinner service seven days a week. Hours shift again towards fall, with the restaurant closing at the end of September this year.

Coyle said Gananoque is a place of beautiful community, and one of the things that makes it truly special is the way people genuinely care for one another. That is even evident in her staff. “What truly sets the restaurant apart is the people behind it,” she said. “I have been incredibly fortunate to build a team of long-term staff who care deeply about this place.” She said that sense of connection and community naturally extends into the experience they provide to guests. 

To that end, the Purple House also wholeheartedly welcomes families and children. Over the years, the onsite outdoor puppet theatre has become a small tradition for many local kids, who return summer after summer to play and explore while their parents enjoy the patio. “Seeing generations of local kids grow up coming to The Purple House has been one of the most rewarding parts of building this business,” Coyle said.

Experience The Purple House in Gananoque on Facebook @purplehousecafe or on Instagram @thepurplehousegan - better yet, drop in at 165 Main St. in Gananoque or call 613-463-9296.