As the parents of three children, we’re in Guelph grocery stores every single week- sometimes daily! We thought it may be useful to compile a list of stores so that you don’t have to scour the internet to find them.
As Guelphites who spend a lot of time and money on groceries, we’ve been to every store located below. We are determined to provide you with the best solutions in town on every budget.
This list has all the best grocery stores in Guelph, from small stores to large chains.
For the sake of easy searching, we’ve group this into two parts: smaller grocery stores/ independent and large chain stores.
Note that we are not compensated in any way for this list, it is based on our own personal experiences!
Smaller Guelph grocery stores
1. Market Fresh, 10 Paisley St, Guelph
Topping our list is Market Fresh, located across from the main public library at Paisley and Norfolk Sts in downtown Guelph. Personally, we’re here all the time!
Market Fresh is your local gourmet store known to have the best pie in town- and the Portuguese tarts are incredible! The store focuses on fresh produce from the best local farmers and has an extensive range of baked items, prepared foods and full meat/ seafood counters.
Because it’s a smaller, boutique grocery store, they don’t have the wide variety of products that you’d find in a big box store. And, of course you’ll pay a bit of a premium to shop there but we think it’s justified.
Why go to Market Fresh?
- Gluten-free bakery items section
- Daily produce of fresh bakery items- Pecan Scones, Portuguese Tarts, Spanakopita Swirls & Kaiser
- Stands out for its Pizza and Pizza dough- can be made to order
- Wide variety of prepared foods from sandwichs to salads and desserts
- Often open when most larger grocery stores are closed!
Market Fresh Hours
Monday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Tuesday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Wednesday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Thursday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Saturday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Sunday9 a.m.–7 p.m
2. Angelino’s Fresh Choice Market, 16 Stevenson St S, Guelph
Securing the most positive reviews with a 4.6 rating is Angelino’s Fresh Choice Market. They’re all about the healthiest fresh vegetables and fruits. It’s an Italian rooted store with the best Italian delicacies, from imported to freshly made in-store items.
Why go to Angelino’s Fresh Choice Market?
- Their Italian Sausage and lasagna are a must-try! We’ve ordered the lasagna for many family events
- All types of vegetables and fruit with a variety
- Fresh baked goods
- An “old school” grocery experience
- Many prepared foods for those on the go
- Meat and deli counters
- They offer specific catering options, located here
Hours:
Monday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Tuesday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Wednesday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Thursday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Saturday 8 a.m.–6 p.m
Sunday closed
3. Ethnic Supermarket, 234 Victoria Rd S, Guelph
The newest game in town is the Ethnic Supermarket located in the former Lens Mill Plaza at York/ Victoria. It’s one of our kids favourite destinations these days as it offers so much!
As the name suggests, Ethnic Supermarket is the top Asian grocery store in Guelph, with a great variety of produce, international foods and a large takeout area. This is a larger chain out of the Greater Toronto area.
They also have a fantastic selection of south-Asian food items, making them a favourite among Guelph’s diverse population.
Why go to Ethnic Supermarket?
- Massive collection of Asian food items and reasonable pricing
- Convenient layout of aisles and reachability of products
- A variety of ethnic products, including fresh produce, meats, and spices
- Ready made foods such as noodles, rice, sushi and much more
Ethnic Supermarket Guelph Hours:
Sunday9 a.m.–7 p.m
Monday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Tuesday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Wednesday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Thursday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Saturday 9 a.m.–7 p.m
Larger chain Guelph grocery stores
1. FreshCo Speedvale & Stevenson, 330 Speedvale Ave E, Guelph
This is the only Freshco location in Guelph.
Fresh produce, quality meats, and competitive prices- if this is what you look for in a grocery store, look no further than FreshCo Speedvale & Stevenson.
This grocery store has a different selection of food items than other big stores in Guelph, like Zehrs and Walmart.
However, be sure to check your timing with the availability of shopping carts!
Why go to FreshCo Speedvale & Stevenson?
- Offers a great deal of frozen food, fresh produce, and ethnic food products
- Wine bottles are available at the other end of the parking lot.
- Competitive pricing- the store offers a price match
Hours:
Monday7 a.m.–10 p.m
Tuesday7 a.m.–10 p.m
Wednesday7 a.m.–10 p.m
Thursday7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday7 a.m.–10 p.m
Saturday7 a.m.–8 p.m
Sunday7 a.m.–8 p.m
2. No Frills, 2 Guelph locations: 35 Harvard Rd and 191 Silvercreek Pkwy N
One of the most famous and favourite among Guelph residents, Domenic’s NOFRILLS is the perfect balance of affordable pricing and high quality.
They offer a great variety of ethnic foods for students and families. And their friendly and helpful staff is worth mentioning. Watch for their weekly flyers to make the most of their specials!
Why go to NOFRILLS?
- Fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and a range of international foods- the Silvercreek location has a wide variety of hard to find ethnic foods to cater to the diverse neighbourhood
- Always stocked and is most appreciated for its cleanliness and high quality
- The store is busy, but there is ample parking lot
More information on Domenics (Harvard Rd) here: https://www.nofrills.ca/store-locator/details/0793
More information on Jones (SilvercreekPkwy) here: https://www.nofrills.ca/store-locator/details/3493
Map for Harvard Rd:
3. Metro, 500 Edinburgh Rd S, Guelph
As one of Guelph’s biggest grocery stores, Metro is a one-stop shop for those looking for fresh meat, vegetables & fruits, and bakery items.
Guelph’s only Metro location is also situated in a very convenient location and near the University of Guelph. It’s also located across the street from Guelph’s main mall- Stone Rd Mall.
Why go to Metro?
- In-store Starbucks and a pharmacy are a bonus!
- Offers weekly sales to balance out their pricing.
- Students can avail of a student discount on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Fresh bakery items- pizza, sandwiches, hot meals
- Wide variety of prepared food at the entrance
4. Zehrs: 4 Guelph locations (Hartsland, Clair Rd, Paisley and Eramosa Rd)
You probably don’t need an intro for this one because Zehrs is one of the most famous and favourite stores among Guelph locals. But, for the record, the store’s wide variety of selection, clean environment, friendly staff, and high quality has to be the reason behind its success.
Why go to Zehrs?
- In-store pharmacy, wine store and Joe Fresh
- Presidents Choice offering on foods
- LIkely the widest variety of product selection in the city
- Seafood, bakery, deli, prepared food and meat counters
Notes:
- The Clair Rd location is a “small format” store and is smaller than the other 3 locations
- The Kortright/ Edinburgh “Hartsland” location is in a highly populated student area and can be quite busy
- The Paisley/ Imperial location is located near Costco and does sometimes price match Costco
- The Eramosa location is likely the largest and most updated format in Guelph
Eramosa location map:
5. Longo’s, 24 Clair Rd W, Guelph (Best Choice)
With the most positive reviews and appreciation by the locals, Longo’s is the top grocery store in Guelph and a go-to store when you haven’t prepped any food at home.
Thanks to their wide variety of fresh and delicious bakery and pre-made meals, you can save time cooking as you shop. The local guides compared Zehrs and Metro to Longo’s only to highlight their ready-made meal options, seafood, and meat, to be the best!
Why go to Longo’s?
- In-house meat & deli counter, pizza oven, and liquor section
- Best and fresh pre-made bakery items and meals like pizza, salads, sandwiches, pasta, sushi, etc.
- In-store Starbucks and Electric-charge station in the parking lot
Hours/ online flyer/other details can be found here: https://www.longos.com/store-details/Longos%20Guleph%20Pickup
6. Farm Boy Guelph, 370 Stone Rd W
Initially a regional grocery chain in the Ottawa area, FarmBoy popularity grew and it expanded into the Greater Toronto area and is now one of Guelph grocery stores.
Many consider FarmBoy to be “Trader Joes North” with its high end feel and boutique type offering. The categories of products don’t go too deep here. You’ll find the top 1-2 brands in each grocery category.
The main focus of FarmBoy is prepared, ready to eat food along with fresh fruit and vegetables. You’ll pay a premium to shop here, but some of their clientele do well.
FarmBoy became so popular so quickly that it was purchased by The Empire Group (owner of Sobeys) in late 2018
Specific details for the Guelph location can be found here: https://www.farmboy.ca/stores/guelph/
7. Food Basics, 3 Guelph locations (Eramosa, Silvercreek and Clair Rd)
Food Basics is a fan favourite in Guelph grocery stores. In fact, many consider it a hidden gem. Owned by Metro, this discount division can sometimes feel like you’re stopping in a traditional grocery store but just paying less.
Why go to Food Basics?
- Massive selection of international food items- in particular the Silvercreek location
- Competitive pricing for staple goods- typically 5% cheaper than Zehrs or Longos
- Most larger locations have a pharmacy
Notes:
- Eramosa is the smallest and oldest location
- Silvercreek is a very large store and older location- likely has the best offering and ample parking
- Clair Rd is the newest and cleanest location
By now, you have in handy a list of the best grocery stores and markets in Guelph. Whether it is a go-to grocery store or a specialty grocery store like Market Fresh, you’ll know where to go.
Beth and Ryan have personally shopped in every single location mentioned above. Further, Ryan used to work in the grocery industry and has an eye for each of these stores.
Map of Silvercreek location:
Need real estate advice?
Make the right choice by choosing the best real estate agents in Guelph! Beth and Ryan Waller are your trusted Guelph real estate agents.
