Nature's Oasis

There’s an enchanting hyper-local vibe going on at Nature’s Oasis café and market—from the cheery staff who create crave-worthy coffee drinks, protein-infused smoothies and rustic sandwiches and salads in the café, to shelves and shelves of locally sourced gourmet and home goods products. 

When current owner Jean Presby took over the longtime Lakewood establishment in March, she realized the market needed some TLC. She met with local vendors from Lakewood, Cleveland and all over Ohio to pack the shelves with artisanal goodies and source local ingredients for the scrumptious menu. She made it her mission to give the neighborhood a reason to come on back.

The philosophy extends to the café, where nearly everything is made to order and as fresh as possible. 

“We cut our own rosemary potatoes and prepare the sauces and other ingredients rather than relying on prepackaged shortcuts,” says Jean. “When we source ingredients, we stay local. Our bread comes from Breadsmith of Lakewood, around the corner on Detroit Road.”

What’s the top seller?

“People love our Sunrise burrito,” says Jean. “It’s loaded with egg whites, turkey sausage, cheddar cheese, roasted rosemary potatoes and house-made Southwest sauce. The pesto chicken sandwich is another customer favorite, with tempeh available as a delicious vegan alternative.”

They keep things real with the smoothies, too. 

“We only use frozen fresh fruit and no artificial ingredients,” she says. “Protein lovers can add pea, whey or hemp protein.”

And then, drum roll please, there’s the famous Italian dessert affogato, with a purely Cleveland spin. Mitchell’s vanilla ice cream is topped with a searing shot of espresso, with syrups and other toppings available to make it your own.

She reports the Buckeye Latte, made with Hartzler milk and rich peanut butter, is another popular specialty. Once you taste it, you can’t stop thinking about it.

The menu is always evolving, and the staff loves to try new things.

That spirit also carries into the atmosphere. The café and market occupy a cozy, inviting space with exposed brick, lovingly lived-in hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows that front the dining for prime people-watching. The café seats about 28, making it intimate without feeling cramped. As an added bonus the store is connected to Funktiniland, a store filled with works from local artists.

“We love our customers, we have many regulars, and we can’t wait to welcome new guests,” says Jean. “People like the call-ahead or order-online-ahead options for their breakfast or lunch, and delivery is available.”

A Gourmand’s Paradise

The market side of Nature’s Oasis features more than 100 local vendors that you won’t see many other places. Don’t miss the variety of gourmet Cleveland Ketchups (looking at you, Garlic Dill and Bacon and Bourbon) and mustards (right back at you, Jalapeno and Hot Honey), as well as DeMassimo’s pasta sauces, pastas, honey, vegan jerky, candles, chips, soaps and snacks. The refrigerated section features handmade pierogi—this is Cleveland after all. 

Jean takes pride in being the “first time on the shelf” vendor for budding local artisans. And to suit the artsy environs, a sour-apple green wall features dozens of eclectic art for sale from Funktiniland.

For Jean, it’s all part of creating something that feels authentic to the neighborhood.

After years in the business, Jean says she knows what she wants Nature’s Oasis to be: a place where people can eat well, shop local, discover something new and, maybe, most importantly, have a little fun.

Nature’s Oasis café & market

15613 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood

216-505-5333

NatureOasisStores.com