When it comes to food in Toronto, there is no shortage of breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots around the city. But what if you’re looking to relax with a cup of coffee? Luckily, Toronto’s cafe scene is as diverse as the city itself. From cozy, tucked-away spots perfect for reading sessions to bustling, design-driven shops that double as remote workspaces, there is something for every coffee lover. Whether you’re a die-hard espresso fan, looking for a latte, or just searching for a quick brew on your way to work, isure has you covered. This is our guide to the best cafes the city of Toronto has to offer!
1. Jimmy’s Coffee – A Toronto Staple for Espresso Lovers
If you find yourself exploring the city of Toronto, you’ll stumble upon one of the many locations of Jimmy’s Coffee. With locations ranging from downtown to the eclectic Kensington market, there’s probably a Jimmy’s near you! With their recognizable yellow cups and cozy atmosphere across eight locations, Jimmy’s has been a staple coffee shop for Torontonians for years, and for good reason! Whether you’re looking to relax and do some reading or swing by for a cup on your way to work, Jimmy’s has you covered with their warm, welcoming atmosphere and delicious treats.
Jimmy’s Coffee: 107 Portland Street, 2210 Dundas Street W, 191 Baldwin Street, 84 Gerrard Street West, 15 Ossington Avenue, 735 Queen Street West, 806 Queen Street East, 166 McCaul Street, 380 Royal York Road
2. Propeller Coffee Co. – Ethical Toronto Cafe Coffee Roaster in Bloordale Village
Located in the vibrant Bloordale Village neighbourhood, Propeller Coffee Co. is a must-visit cafe! As a specialty coffee roaster, their coffee is as delicious as their business plan. They ethically source and meticulously craft each cup of coffee they offer to you. Their massive space, tucked behind Lansdowne station, provides a cozy, laid-back, and open vibe that is perfect for a day of work, meeting up with an old friend, or catching up on some reading. This is a must for coffee lovers in Toronto!
Propeller Coffee: 50 Wade Avenue
3. Dineen Coffee – Elegant Downtown Toronto Cafe with Old-World Charm
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Dineen Coffee is a trendy café that boasts a breathtaking interior, featuring old-world charm. This elegant setting makes for an incredible way to escape the bustling streets of Toronto. Inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an array of business workers, tourists visiting the city, and locals escaping the noise that is downtown Toronto! Like the other two mentioned on this list, Dineen roasts their own coffee, offering popular choices such as Lattes and Cortados.
Dineen Coffee: 140 Yonge Street
4. Boxcar Social – Trendy Toronto Coffee Shop with Coffee Flights & Food
Located right by the ferry terminal, Boxcar Social is a go-to for Torontonians looking to escape the hustle and bustle and relax. Boxcar Social boasts many locations across the city, including two downtown, a secret laneway location off of College Street, and the infamous Harbourfront location. With a wide array of lunch items, alcoholic beverages, and, of course, coffee, Boxcar Social offers a great experience, complemented by its open and airy cafe interiors. If you really want to get fancy with your coffee, try out one of their coffee flights! This is a fun way to sample and enjoy different roasts and flavours that Boxcar Social has to offer.
Boxcar Social: 1208 Yonge Street, 499 Richmond Street West, 298 Markham Street (Alleyway), 235 Queens Quay West
5. Fahrenheit Coffee – Customizable Coffee Experience in Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market
Located in the heart of St. Lawrence Market is Fahrenheit Coffee. This spot has become a favourite spot for locals and visitors in the city. Despite its small size, the shop offers one of the coziest atmospheres in the city, with exceptional service to boot.
Unlike other spots listed, Fahrenheit Coffee allows you to customize your coffee order, enabling you to choose the type of beans you want for your beverage. Each bean is specifically tailored for a particular kind of drink, such as a standard drip coffee or a cappuccino. This can be daunting, so don’t hesitate to ask the barista for their recommendation. Each pick is of exceptional coffee that will be sure to leave you breathless.
Fahrenheit Coffee: 529 Richmond Street West, 120 Lombard Street, 181 University Avenue
6. Carbonic Coffee – Hidden Gem Cafe in Toronto’s Baldwin Village
A hidden gem in Toronto’s city, Carbonic Coffee is nestled in the quiet Baldwin Village neighbourhood, on Baldwin Street. They offer a peaceful and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed coffee experience. Located right near the Art Gallery of Ontario and the infamous OCAD University, you’ll find a ton of hip, artist-like individuals getting their caffeine for the day.
The cafe itself brews excellent coffee; some even boast that it’s the best in the city. Whether you’re solo, cozied up with a book or indulging in some time with friends, Carbonic has you covered in both taste and ambiance.
Carbonic offers a good amount of seating suitable for both smaller and larger groups, so getting a seat won’t be difficult, unless it’s a weekend. The spacious, charming, and airy area features couch-like seating areas and cozy nooks, ideal for unwinding.
Carbonic Coffee: 37 Baldwin Street
7. Neo Coffee Bar – Minimalist Japanese-Inspired Cafe in Toronto
With multiple locations across the city, you won’t have to travel far to find one of Neo Coffee Bar’s relaxing, minimalist cafes. There, you’ll find some of the best drip coffee the contemporary coffee scene has in Toronto. In addition, we offer meticulously crafted espresso beverages and Japanese-inspired pastries.
With their minimalist interior and emphasis on quality and detail, you’ll learn quickly why so many Torontonians make Neo Coffee Bar part of their coffee routines.
Neo Coffee Bar: 1661 Frederick Street, 12 Gloucester Street, 770 Bay Street, 61 Spadina Avenue, 130 King Street West (The Exchange Tower)
8. Sam James Coffee Bar – Iconic Toronto Espresso Bar with Multiple Locations
You honestly can’t mention the best cafes in Toronto without mentioning Sam James Coffee Bar. With multiple locations across the city, Sam James Coffee Bar has been a staple in Toronto’s Coffee Scene since first opening over a decade ago, and for good reason too!
These no-nonsense cafes serve up your usual suspects of espresso drinks, from cortados to Americanos. In addition to this, they’re stocked with baked goods and delicious drip coffee. Though most locations don’t have seating, they make the perfect stop before heading to work. Alternatively, stop by on your day off! If you find yourself in the Parkdale neighbourhood, be sure to stop by their location, which also houses the famous Robinson Bread.
Sam James Coffee Bar: 6 Brock Avenue, 297 Harbord, 141 Ossington, 150 King West (Path).
9. Pilot Coffee Co. – Freshly Roasted Coffee Across Toronto & the GTA
A true gem in the Toronto coffee scene, Pilot roasts their own beans on-site. So if fresh coffee is what you’re after, this is where to find it! The laid-back vibe of their locations is another reason many people choose to go here. The minimalist interior, combined with exposed brick, makes for the perfect place to kick back and savor a meticulously brewed coffee or a delicious espresso drink.
Pilot Coffee also offers its coffee at multiple cafes across the GTA, so even if you aren’t based in Toronto, finding a delicious cup of coffee should not be hard!
Pilot Coffee Co: 117 Ossington Avenue, 110 King Street West, 65 Front Street West.
10. Mercury Espresso Bar – East End Toronto Cafe for Coffee and Baked Goods
If you consider yourself a foodie or simply a coffee lover, you’ll definitely want to check out Mercury Espresso Bar. They have two locations in the East End of the city, one in Leslieville and one in Corktown. This cozy, relaxed coffee shop serves up expertly crafted coffee drinks and espresso beverages. In addition to this, they offer a wide selection of seasonal dishes and delicious baked goods.
Mercury Espresso: 915 Queen Street East, 465 King Street East.
Whether it’s a quick cup while on the go or a relaxing afternoon escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, nothing hits better than a good cup of coffee! We hope that with our list, you have discovered your next favourite cafe shop in the city! Looking for something a bit more filling? Check out our article on some of our favourite restaurants in Toronto!
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