The 6 Best Cafes in Toronto [2023]

  • Last updated: September 14, 2023

Toronto has many cafes, and each one has its own unique look and menu! Some are old and cool, while others are modern and stylish. You can enjoy a nice coffee and yummy snacks at any of these cafes. If you need a place to work, study, or just chill out, these cafes are great choices – you’ll have a good time!

And for something more substantial, be sure to check out:

The Best Korean Restaurants in Toronto
The Best Ethiopian Restaurants in Toronto
The Best Mexican Restaurants in Toronto
The Best Halal Restaurants in Toronto

Summary

How we chose the best cafes in Toronto?

We chose the cafes based on popularity and the important questions to consider to show what makes a cafe successful:
  • Comfortable Furnishing: Do the cafes provide a comfortable and cozy setting? Can you get work done or study?
  • Menu Selections: Do the cafes offer a variety of delicious food and drinks?
  • Price Point: Are the menu and drinks affordable? Do they only take cash alone or card?
  • Customer Reviews: Do customers visit the cafe shops often? Did they have wonderful service and experience?

Best Cafes in Toronto

So, why wait? Let’s dive into the most outstanding cafes in Toronto!

1. The Oats Kafe

Oats Kafe offers authentic Vietnamese food and drinks, with a focus on ethically sourced coffee beans. The cafe’s interior exudes a natural, zen-like atmosphere that’s both comfortable and stylish. You can enjoy your beverages on their outdoor wooden chairs and tables.

Their coconut coffee is a crowd favorite, similar to a latte but with a delicious twist of coconut flakes. The almond croissant is another must-try, reheated for extra enjoyment. Don’t miss their Vietnamese coffee, which pairs perfectly with the salted egg cupcake – a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors thanks to pork floss, custard, and cheese toppings.

Business Information:

Address: 31 Phipps St Unit 2, Toronto, ON M5S 3C4
Phone: (416)-519-4657
Website: theoatskafe.com

Customer Review Highlights:

“Friendly staffs, tasty food, real quality Vietnamese coffee, and cozy vibe. Highly recommend for Toronto coffee lovers.”
“Came here to study with my friend and was so pleasantly surprised—amazing Vietnamese coffee, ambient jazz/bossa music, tasteful decor, and great service! Couldn’t ask for a better coffee spot in downtown Toronto“

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Unique coffee options like coconut coffe and their egg coffee to try! Their egg coffee machine can get quite loud
Authentic Vietnamese food and drinks Ethically sourced coffee beans
Ethically sourced coffee beans

2. Tandem Coffee

Visit Tandem Coffee in Toronto for a warm and welcoming experience. Try their delightful matcha latte and enjoy the inviting atmosphere. Don’t miss their signature black sesame latte and tasty treats like cat-shaped cookies.

Tandem Coffee takes coffee seriously, serving it piping hot and offering unique drinks. Pair your coffee with pastries from their neighbors at Roselle for an extra treat. Join them at Tandem Coffee for a cozy and friendly coffee experience. They look forward to welcoming you!

Business Information:

Address: 368 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1K9
Website: tandemcoffee.ca

Customer Review Highlights:

“Tandem is definitely a gem in Old Town Toronto. The owners brew good coffee, and serve you with their warm hospitality. The café itself is bright, yet cool even when the weather is hot outside. The only minus for me is that they don’t have wifi :< But I’ll come back solely for the coffee, especially cold brew. So good!”
“Excellent and friendly service! The location has so much character. My matcha latte was delicious, and not overly sweet like most places. Looking forward to trying their coffee, came home with a bag of beans.”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Piping hot and offering unique drinks! No wi-fi
A cozy and friendly coffee experience
Cat-shaped cookies

3. Milky’s

Milky’s is known for its seasonal specialty drinks and baked goods. The café’s unique design features wooden paneling and adorable Japanese figurines, cups, and bowls that create a friendly atmosphere.

A fan-favorite is the Fired Apple Cider, a taste of liquid apple pie topped with torched meringue, apples, and cinnamon. Pair it with one of their delicious butter croissants for a light and fluffy treat. All their pastries are sourced from local bakeries in the area.

Business Information:

Address: 760 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1T8
Phone: (647)-408-2442
Website: milkys.ca

Customer Review Highlights:

“Love this new local spot down the street from my house! The design is beautiful, minimal on a loud background, it's bright and the colours are warm and clean. Excited to see all the offerings coming up as they get going!”
“Amazing coffee! Well worth the walk to this area for me the selection of fun drinks will keep you coming back. Their baked goods also look amazing and I can't wait to try them all.”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Vegan option available! No seating, standing space only with a maximum of 4 customers
Seasonal specialty drinks and baked goods
Delicious butter croissants
Pastries are sourced from local bakeries in the area.

4. FIKA Cafe

Fika, a Swedish tradition meaning ‘coffee break,’ is now your daily escape at Fika Café in Toronto’s Kensington Market. Enjoy exceptional coffees, teas, and housemade pastries served by their friendly baristas.

Their cozy café, adorned with Scandinavian decor, is a tranquil haven in the heart of the market. Find solace in their back room filled with old books or relax on their peaceful backyard patio with a cold beverage and a good book, away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Business Information:

Address: 28 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2J9
Website: fika.ca

Customer Review Highlights:

“Me and my girlfriend went here to try out new cafes and this one was amazing. Their drinks were masterfully made and the cinnamon rolls were so tasty! I definitely want to come back and try out their Semla, unfortunately when we went they were out of stock but that just gives me another reason to go back and enjoy myself!”
“LOVE! I have been going to Fika every couple of weeks for their wonderful hot chocolate, but recently discovered that they serve a mean matcha latte!! I really enjoy their patio and their wall of open books - it's a great place to just be alone and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. also LE CREUSET MUGS!!?!”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Exceptional coffees, teas, and housemade pastries They stop selling food at 4 pm
Scandinavian decor
Their back room filled with old books
Peaceful backyard patio
Away from the city’s hustle and bustle

5. Fahrenheit Coffee

Fahrenheit Coffee, an independent gem since 2012, is all about great coffee and a cozy vibe. Walk in, and you’re welcomed by a warm, wooden interior. They’ve got tea, lattes, iced drinks, and ever-changing espresso flavors.

People love the latte here because it’s like a tasty hug – the rich coffee flavor and creamy milk go hand in hand. And don’t forget to grab one of their yummy treats. Want to know why this place is so famous? Give their coffee a sip, and you’ll find out!

Business Information:

Address:120 Lombard St, Toronto, ON M5C 3H5
Phone: (647)-896-1774
Website: fahrenheitcoffee.com

Customer Review Highlights:

“Mature Torontonian coffee and drinks. They walk you through the flavours. Eco friendly bring your own straw. Come as early in the day as possible, they sell out of delicious baked goods early in the day.”
“Great coffee! Cozy atmosphere! Baristas are friendly and very knowledgeable, im not a coffee expert but wow the quality is great! Only thing is dont expect to come here to study or stay a long time, its a quick stop coffee shop!”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Coffees with multiple origins available  You may encounter a longer wait time!
This shop is small and due to covid, the restrictions have been limited to 3 customers inside.

6. Dineen Coffee Co.

Dineen Coffee Co. opened in 2013 inside the old Dineen Building, one of Toronto’s oldest spots. This cafe looks really nice inside, with a vintage elevator and some old things like brick walls, a small balcony, pillars, and a big iron door.

But it’s not just about looks – they have yummy stuff like bakery treats, breakfast, sandwiches, parfaits, and good coffee. People love their creamy vanilla latte, and they have tasty things like pistachio loaf and cranberry lemon scones. If you’re in Toronto, check out this cool and old cafe!

Business Information:

Address: 140 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5C 1X6
Phone: (416)-900-0949
Website: dineencoffee.com

Customer Review Highlights:

What a cozy little place; I just happen to walk in randomly. A very pleasant atmosphere, great tea selection! It got a little busy but if you have some music in your ears, it is the best little place to get some work done”
“Love this coffee shop -- the building, design, atmosphere -- all make for a great experience, while sipping on a good Americano. Place can be very busy so seating can be a challenge especially during the morning rush.”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Outdoor dining available too!  It can get quite busy and loud
A perfect place to chill, study, work and catch up with friends!

FAQs About Cafes

At cafes you’ll usually see a broad range of drinks served such as coffees, latte, espresso, iced tea drinks. Baked goods like croissants and cookies along with lunch meals like sandwiches.

You can have board game gatherings, work on projects, go on dates, study and many more!

Cafe shops are places where people may meet, work, and drink. The aesthetics and design is very important as it attracts people, but also creates an environment where you can relish some creativity and planning!

Yes, some of these cafes offer a delicious vegan menu. Try out the exotic rosewater cupcake with no dairy from White Rabbit Caffe!

Conclusion

Toronto has many amazing cafes, and the list above showcases six of the finest. With a wide range of unique drinks and delicious baked treats, these spots are perfect for coffee enthusiasts looking for a cozy place to work and unwind!

And if you’re craving some fast food bites, we have these top picks just for you:

The Best Burgers in Toronto
The Best Veggie Burgers in Toronto
The Best Pizza Places in Toronto
The Best Fish and Chips in Toronto
The Best Poutine Restaurants in Toronto

Veronika Zotova

Veronika Zotova

Veronika Zotova is marketing manager at Local View Tech. She was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. Learn More About Veronika Zotova

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