I have a confession to make. I LOVE coffee. Every morning I start my day with a good cup of java. And my love for coffee bleeds into my travels. Wherever I travel to I am always on the hunt for the best cafes. And as a frequent visitor to the city, I’m in search of the best Toronto coffee shops. The following are my picks for the best places to grab a coffee in Toronto.
First, a bit about coffee
Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks! And people have been drinking it for hundreds of years. Some say that coffee originated in Ethiopia. While other evidence shows the discovery of coffee was in Yemen. Regardless, it has spread across the world and I thank whoever truly found it!
I’m not a coffee snob. But that said, I’d rather visit a local independent coffee shop opposed to a big chain like Tim Hortons. And I’m always up for trying out different types of coffee drinks.
A couple things I look out for when getting coffee is whether it is either fair-trade coffee or direct-trade coffee. Most people have heard of fair-trade coffee. If you haven’t, fair-trade coffee is coffee that is certified as having been produced to fair trade standards.
The mission of fair-trade coffee is to support a sustainable and financially stable standard of living for coffee farmers. But to be stamped fair-trade producers must adhere to certain requirements, then apply, and then pay a fee to be licensed.
Direct trade coffee is different by cutting out the middleman – or Fair Trade organization. It lies between the farmers and the roasters, directly. This brings roaster together with smaller growers. And also more control over quality. Because direct trade creates long-term and mutually beneficial relationships it is not only sustainable but also transparent. To learn more check out this post.
Top Coffee Drinks
Latte – It’s a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. The term latte is taken from the Italian caffè latte. Did you know caffè latte means “milk coffee”? But now there are an array of types of lattes. You can get flavour shots, like vanilla or my favourite – hazelnut. And of course, there is the fall classic the pumpkin spiced latte.
Cortado – A cortado is a drink that mixes espresso with equal parts warm milk. It’s usually served in a small glass and is of Spanish origin. And while it is steamed it’s not frothy like most Italian coffee drinks. I’ve even added two places to get a great cortado in Toronto below.
15 Top Toronto Coffee Shops
I’m on the hunt to discover all the best coffee shops in Ontario and am starting out in Toronto. Below are my top picks for the best Toronto coffee shops.
Dineen Coffee Co.
Set in a historic building, Dineen Coffee Co will transport you back in time is a purely classic café. Built in 1897, the Dineen Building is one of the oldest structures in Toronto and was the home to W. and F. Dineen Co, who made fur clothing. It’s now one of the best Toronto coffee shops.
As soon as I walked in I was struck. Dineen Coffee Co has a posh vibe without being arrogant. From the striking large spoked chandelier, that once hung in the Royal York Hotel, to the rich red leather banquettes, you’ll easily fall in love with its style.
Walk across the hand-painted tiled floors to the marble countertop and you’ll be served by stylish servers with gingham shirts and polished grey vests. I recommend trying their signature Temperance Espresso Blend. It’s a mix of Mexican and Brazilian beans that offer a smooth taste with hints of citrus.
This location is only one of many Dineen Coffee Co. locations in Toronto! All have a lux vibe!
Address: 140 Yonge Street
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Jimmy’s Coffee
Another of my top picks for Toronto cafés is Jimmy’s Coffee. There are a bunch of locations across the city, the Portland St. one is the original, but my favourite is the Gerrard St. location. This location is in another historic building, built in 1875.
This is a great coffee shop on many levels – literally. This 3-storey building has all the warmth and charm a great café should have. Each floor offers something unique, with a hodgepodge of furniture, antiques, and photographs. If there was a café for a writer to sit and scroll his masterpiece, this is it.
Jimmy’s Coffee is great and locally roasted in the traditional Italian style. And if you’re getting it to go their sunny yellow lids will brighten your day. And don’t forget to check out the side of the building for the huge Mount Jimmy’s Rushmore mural – with Hendrix, Page, Buffett, & Morrison painted by Christiano De Araujo.
Address: 84 Gerrard Street West
Related Post: Favourite Cafes Around the World
Fika Cafe
If you’re looking for fun and funky cafés in Toronto then head to Kensington! It is chalked full of great ones. But my favourite coffee shop in Toronto’s Kensington neighbourhood is Fika, housed in a turquoise-painted 1902 brownstone. And how cool is it that fika is a Swedish verb that means “to go out for coffee”? So it’s a perfect name for a café.
Fika Cafe is purely Scandinavian inspired. From its light and minimalist décor to their traditional Swedish cinnamon buns, and even their logo is the Dala horse, a symbol of Sweden. Every space in Fika offers something special. The front space is cozy, the back room has an entire wall lined with old books that would excite any Instagrammer, and for those beautiful days there is a back patio to relax and soak up the sun with a great iced coffee.
And if you’re visiting during the summer I highly recommend their signature iced coffee. It’s made with espresso, milk, cardamom bitters, simple syrup, and topped with fresh mint. It’s tasty, refreshing, and if you don’t believe me – it was named the world’s best by Conde Nast Traveler. I’d dare to say Fika Cafe has the best iced coffee in Toronto!
Address: 28 Kensington Avenue
Café Cancan
If pretty and pink is what you’re after then Café Cancan is the Toronto café for you! If Breakfast at Tiffany’s Holly Golightly had a café Café Cancan would be it. With pastel pink walls, Tiffany blue banquet seating, dashes of bright colours, cute details, and florals, it is one of the prettiest Toronto coffee shops.
Café Cancan is a French bistro with delicious French food. It’s a great place to grab brunch with your girlfriends, take your date to for drinks at night, or grab a coffee. And in my humble opinion Café Cancan has the BEST cortado in Toronto.
If you’re planning to visit on the weekend and don’t want to sit at the bar consider making a reservation.
Address: 89 Harbord Street
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Balzac’s
Another one of my favourite Toronto coffee shops is Balzac’s. While Balzac’s roots are in Stratford Ontario, the chain has spread across Toronto.
The creator, Diana Olsen, was inspired by the grand cafés of Paris, as well as Honoré de Balzac. Balzac was a French novelist who had a penchant for coffee.
And one of my favourite Balzac’s locations is in the Distillery District, Toronto’s only pedestrian village. The neighbourhood is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in Toronto for its famous Christmas market.
The Distillery District’s Balzac’s is set within the historic site’s 1895 Pump House. It’s arguably the grandest Balzac’s coffee shop. Two floors, with a massive Vaudeville chandelier, exposed brick walls, and round tables, it will transport you to Paris.
What should you order? Balzac’s has a variety of unique coffee blends. But I recommend the Atwood blend, inspired by the Canadian author Margaret Atwood. It’s smooth with hints of caramel and cocoa and made from organic, shade-grown beans. And for those who don’t know, Atwood is a dedicated bird lover who has a home on Pelee Island. And for each pound of coffee sold, Balzac’s will donate $1 to the Pelee Island Bird Observatory.
Address: 1 Trinity St Distillery District
Purple Penguin Cafe
If you’re looking for a cute little café in Toronto’s east end than pop into Purple Penguin. It’s decked out with purple chairs, little penguin figurines, and even a purple tree for Christmas.
The owner is originally from Korea but loves her little slice of Toronto coffee culture. The best part about Purple Penguin is the scrumptious apple fritters. These aren’t your run of the mill stock. Purple Penguin’s apple fritters are fresh and made to order. Small and filled with a slice of a granny smith apple.
Pair a fritter with a matcha latte and you may order more to go!
Address: 889 Queen Street East
Maman
French café culture can be found right here in Toronto. Hidden in First Canadian Place’s upper level food court is Maman. Tucked behind a false wall that screams southern France with its bicycle, fragrant baked goods, and whispers of French. Yes! The staff even speak French to each other and many of the menu items are labelled in French.
The first Maman opened in Soho in 2014 but quickly opened up shops across New York, in Montreal, and Toronto. Every detail, from the tiled floor to the rustic furnishings and hints of greenery will make you feel like you’ve found a charming Provence café.
Be sure to pair your coffee with one of their tasty baked goods. My top pick is their nutty chocolate chip cook which was also named as one of Oprah’s favourite things in 2017.
Address: 100 King Street West in First Canadian Place
Calii Love
One of the top Instagrammable coffee shops in Toronto is Calii Love. From its Aloha tiled front step to messages found throughout the shop with inspiring messages, you’ll be snapping shots all over.
But Calii Love is so much more than being one of the best photography spots in Toronto. It’s all about living a good and healthy life with everything from smoothie bowls to wellness lattes.
It’s a great place to relax with a friend, get some work done, or catch some easy breezy vibes. Their clean lines, palms and cacti all lend to a beachy atmosphere – making it the perfect winter café. And for those who love street art they’ve got a fun piece to pose with – Calii Love wings.
Address: 100 King Street West in First Canadian Place
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Simit & Chai Co.
One of my new favourite coffee shops in Toronto is Simit & Chai. With exposed brick walls, high ceilings, rustic wood, and plants it has a fresh and welcoming feel. Simit & Chai use local and fresh ingredients coupled with old-fashioned techniques to offer the best quality and the closest thing to Turkish food and coffee you’ll find in Toronto.
They’re known for fresh-baked Turkish bagels called simit. These bagels are nothing like North American ones. A Turkish bagel is a circular bread that is rolled and covered in molasses, light and tender. You can find a wide array of other treats but I recommend grabbing a bagel and cup of Turkish coffee.
Address: 787 King Street West
The Black Canary Espresso Bar
The Black Canary Espresso Bar has been serving up coffee for over 10 years in the city. Once located on Yonge Street, at Dundas Square in a comic book shop, it’s now located just north of St. Lawrence Market.
Inside you’ll get a cozy and fresh feel with all the lush plant life. I love their motto, ‘a little cafe with a big heart!’ Along with fun latte art and Detour coffee, Black Canary Espresso Bar also sells plants!
Address: 61 Sherbourne Street
Page One
Looking for where to find fun and colourful lattes in Toronto? Check out Page One Café, coffee shop slash bar. Located in a converted warehouse dating back to 1910, Page One is a hip and friendly café that is full of students, writers, and other eclectics.
It has a cool literary vibe with its wall of typewriters and is known for its latte art. But beyond the delicious vegan chili and colourful lattes there’s something more to this coffee shop.
While I don’t encourage people to frequent public washrooms, Page One’s is the exception to the rule. Littered across the walls are quotes from literary giants that read witty and downright comical in the ways they’re presented.
A couple examples are, “words are but wind” by Jonathan Swift with an arrow pointing to the hand dryer and “perhaps all pleasure is only relief” by William s. Burroughs with an arrow pointing to the urinal. If there was an award for the best coffee shop bathroom in Toronto this would win!
Address: 106 Mutual St. Unit #8
Pilot Coffee Roasters
Arguably the most popular coffee roaster in Toronto is Pilot!
Pilot Coffee Roasters was founded in 2009 with a goal to serve ethical, direct trade coffee to Torontonians. Now they have multiple locations across the city!
One of my favourite Toronto coffee shops is the Pilot Coffee location in Leslieville. It has a cozy vibe and fabulous patio in the summer.
When you visit, I highly recommend ordering a cappuccino and one of their awesome cookies. Plus, don’t forget to grab a bag of their coffee beans to bring home. And if you want expert advice in making it, check out their brewing guides on their site, like how to brew with a French press.
Two other great locations to check out are their adorable Union Station spot and in First Canadian Place, on the concourse level.
Address: 983 Queen Street East
Marvel Coffee Company
The true super hero of this Toronto coffee shop is the coffee itself!
Marvel Coffee Company has two locations, my go-to being the one just off the Danforth. Inside you’ll find a simple and chic design. With brilliant white marble counters, the stand out in this coffee shop are the drinks and desserts!
Along with coffee, Marvel serves up smoothies and an array of baked goods. I highly recommend their fresh, flaky almond croissants!
For those looking for a good cortado, Marvel is one of the best coffee shops in Toronto for this strong beauty!
Address: 792 Carlaw Avenue
Sam James Coffee Bar
With three locations plus a coffee roaster, Sam James Coffee Bar is one of the best Toronto coffee shops!
Sam James Coffee shops are all about real coffee for real people! For over ten years, Sam James life changed after serving a coffee expert a bad cup of joe. Now, he’s on a mission to serve consistent quality coffee in Toronto.
Along with tasty baked goods, you’ll fine a good solid cup of coffee at Sam James Coffee Bars. My favourite location is Harbord in Little Italy, with its cool mural inside. This was the first spot he opened. And my second pick is the PATH location, with its edgy modern esthetic.
Order up their Butter Knife espresso blend!
Address: 297 Harbord Street
Strange Love Coffee
The search for cute coffee shops in Toronto will lead you to Strange Love Coffee!
Just off Spadina you’ll find Strange Love Coffee. Actually, you’ll more than likely meet the line up out the door for it first! However, it’s worth the wait!
Strange Love Coffee is not your normal coffee house. While many visit for the straight up coffee, many flock through its door for something more. They’ve dubbed themselves “a mood-altering café.” Not for any crazy psychedelics but for their mushroom boosts.
Owners Chris and David partnered with Dr. James Yoon, a naturopathic doctor, to utilize naturopathy and Chinese herbal medicine. In turn, they’ve created mood boosts that can be added to your coffee. These mood boosters come in a range of effects including helping with focus, energy, or relaxation.
Pop in and try one out! Plus, don’t forget to check out the south side of the building for some Toronto street art!
Address: 101 Spadina Avenue
More Picks for the Best Coffee Shops in Toronto
The sheer volume of Toronto coffee shops is astronomical! However, with countless visits to Toronto I’ve weeded out many and narrowed down a few more cafes you should check out!
Hula Girl Espresso Boutique – This is one of those fun Instagrammable cafes in Toronto! Walking in you’ll find a quirky and retro decor. There’s everything from exposed brick walls to antique signage. Even their bags of coffee add more pops of colour with their comic book inspired designs. Hula Girl was inspired by Hawaii and its incredible coffee. And that’s exactly what you’ll find here.
Golden Gecko Coffee – Another cute coffee shop in Toronto is Golden Gecko! With a bright yellow splash of colour inside, a gecko as the mascot, it’s no surprise its owned by an Aussie turned Torontonian. You’ll find strong Australian coffee and tasty baked goods here!
Moonbean Coffee Company – Moonbean is another Kensington Market gem! And it’s been serving coffee for over 30 years! This cozy spot, with a year-round patio, offers coffee made from house-roasted beans. Plus, you’ll find a line up of over 30 loose-leaf teas and delicious treats.
NEO Coffee Bar –With three locations, NEO is one of the best Toronto coffee shops for a cortado! It’s all about the coffee and incredible Japanese-style pastries here! They have a minimalistic design that makes what you order the main attraction.
Boxcar Social – With multiple locations across the city, Boxcar Social is another staple in the Toronto coffee scene. And they’ve got a new location that’s tucked into an alleyway in Little Italy that is adorable. It’s one of the hidden gems in Toronto! Inspired by Japanese listening bars, it has a relaxed vibe with plants dotting the shelves and a record player spinning tunes.
For all the café aficionados like myself, I hope you’ll try out one of my top picks for Toronto coffee shops. Toronto is a city full of diversity. And its cafés are no different!
Check back often for more great places to get a coffee in Toronto!
Do you have a favourite Toronto café?
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