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Read MoreThe 13 Best Coffee Shops in Toronto [2022]
Toronto is a coffee lover’s dream come true. With so many independent coffee shops and roasters in the city, there’s something for everyone! Whether you like your coffee black, with milk and sugar, or flavoured with all sorts of syrups and spices, Toronto has got you covered.
In this article, we will introduce you to 13 of the top coffee shops in Toronto – each one unique in its own way. So whether you’re looking for a new place to get your caffeine fix or simply want to explore some of the best that Toronto has to offer, read on!
Summary
How We Chose Our Top Coffee Shops
Toronto is a city with vibrant coffee culture and it should come as no surprise that there are hundreds of independent cafes, each with its own brand of caffeine magic.
We tried to include a variety of shops, from those serving up single-origin pour-overs to cafés dishing out the classics.
To help you narrow down your list of options, we use the following criteria when choosing our top coffee shops.
Coffee Quality
We focus on finding great-tasting coffee when choosing the best cafes in Toronto. A good cup of joe is not only a morning pick-me-up but also an experience and we like to highlight the ones that get it right (and wrong).
Service
We love places that not only serve great coffee but also offer excellent service. From baristas who make sure your cup is never empty to owners and staff who really go the extra mile to make you feel welcome and satisfied, we believe service is key when it comes to a wonderful customer experience.
Ambiance
We like cafes that come with their own unique charm, whether this means vintage décor or an awesome view. A great atmosphere really enhances your coffee experience and makes you want to spend more time there to soak it all in.
Reviews
We check out a number of customer reviews to see what others have experienced at the coffee shop. We want to know that you’re going to get a great experience when visiting, from the quality of the products served to the friendliness of the staff and other patrons.
The Best Coffee Shops in Toronto
Now that you know how we chose our top coffee shops, let’s take a look at 13 of the best places to visit in Toronto!
1. Fahrenheit Cafe
Fahrenheit Coffee has been voted the best specialty coffee house in Toronto year after year. They offer three different espresso origins which rotate seasonally, making sure that their customers always have something new and exciting to try.
Their drinks are expertly crafted and our personal favourite is the Cortado – a delicious mix of espresso and steamed milk!
What’s more, the staff are always friendly and willing to accommodate orders – ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied with their experience. If you’re looking for something deliciously smooth, then look no further than Fahrenheit Cafe!
Business Information:
Address: 120 Lombard St, Toronto, ON M5C 3H5
Phone: (647) 896-1774
Website: fahrenheitcoffee.com
Customer Review Highlight:
Lovely cafe with great coffee. Coffees with multiple orgins available. The place is small though. Therefore due to covid restrictions they have limited entry to 3 customers per time. So you may encounter a wait. Great snacks as well.
- sasika gunasekara
"One of Toronto’s best coffee spots. I go each week to pick up coffee beans and delicious pastry (chocolate croissant is delicious)!"
- Pierre Campeau
2. Versus Coffee
Versus Coffee is a coffee shop that opened its doors in the summer of 2016 in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood in downtown Toronto. Versus distinguished itself mainly by having a unique interior design and a beautiful patio that could accommodate over 40 people – making it perfect for gatherings or just enjoying your favourite drink with friends!
They strongly value the sense of community and believe in supporting local businesses. To achieve this, they partner with local roasters and suppliers – ensuring that their business helps to support others in the community as well. What’s not to love?
Plus, their latte art is beautiful – just take a look at their Instagram page for proof! Their coffees are aromatic and taste amazing, plus customers love the food served here too – especially the avocado toast! The avocado comes on rye bread with goat cheese, chilli flakes and olive oil making it an irresistible dish.
Business Information:
Address: 70 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON M5C 2R6
Phone: (647) 987-5470
Website: versuscoffeebar.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"Amazing cafe, great bakery (love butter croissant) snd their colourful late. They have lactose free milk which was amazing for our allergy. Definitely recommend this beautiful coffee shop"
- Shirin Montebare
"Absolutely love this spot. It’s always good & the staff is friendly and efficient. Their avocado toasts never disappoint and I went for the breakfast sandwich this time and it was fresh to order & delicious! Coffee is slightly overpriced but that’s Toronto for you! Highly recommend and cute little patio to boot. "
- Justine Lewis
3. HotBlack Coffee
Led by Momi, a National competition barista. HotBlack Coffee’s mission is to provide consistently world-class coffee and innovative drinks. All natural and prepared daily from scratch with fresh seasonal ingredients – their food is simply great!
Not only do they have some of the best coffee in the country, but their food menu offers something for everyone – ensuring that you’ll never get bored of eating here!
With friendly service and great vibes make HotBlack Coffee a favourite among customers, who come back time and time again for the amazing food made in-house as well as rich coffees with unique flavours. The ginger brew latte is definitely one of our personal favourites – it’s perfect when you’re looking to warm up!
Business Information:
Address: 245 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4
Phone: (416) 840-6141
Website: hotblack-coffee.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"This has quickly become my go to destination for coffee meetings. Very friendly staff, quick service, affordable goodies, and wide range of coffee specialties—you can’t go wrong here. The patio out back is particularly quaint, almost Old Town Montreal vibes."
- Charlie Lyons
"Busy coffee shop with unique drink options. They have nailed their flavour profiles. Tried a ginger infused coffee - amazing. Cappuccino is on point. Would recommend for all coffee lovers."
- Halli Berry
4. Tandem Coffee
This shop is lively and the staff love to help out customers. Tandem Coffee is a charming coffee shop that provides artisanal beverages. This vintage-style shop is a great place to get some great food and drinks – especially their iced sesame lattes!
The flavour of black sesame and espresso works very well, making it at the perfect sweetness level for all kinds of people. Customers have loved pairing their drinks with the delicious pastries in store, like the almond croissant which is both flakey and moist – perfect for those who are always on-the-go!
Plus, the store offers a variety of unique items like vintage toys, cameras and vinyl discs – perfect for those who appreciate nostalgia! If you’re on the east end, then be sure to check this place out!
Business Information:
Address: 368 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1K9
Website: tandemcoffee.ca
Customer Review Highlight:
"Love the ambience, super friendly service by the owners, and the awesome ice drip that I had. Very interesting spot with unique interior filled with some vintage items for sale. Next time would love to try the pastries. Arigato"
- Mohamad Rizal
"Tandem Coffee is so warm in the best of ways! Such a cozy place to warm up and enjoy a artfully made drink. My first experience there was so lovely, the owners care so much about service and making all guests feel comfy and welcome in the space. Will absolutely be returning for more AMAZING drinks:"
- Serena Thornton
5. Boxcar Social
This place is not just a coffee shop but also a wine bar. Boxcar Special has an amazing selection of Ethiopian and Columbian beans, making it the perfect spot for any coffee lover.
With plenty of space to relax, this shop provides the perfect atmosphere for sipping some coffee and enjoying one of their delicious pastries. However, be sure to come early because they tend to run out of good selections pretty quickly!
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale then look no further than Boxcar Social – they have a great menu of food and drinks to choose from at prices that won’t break the bank.
You can’t go wrong with any choice here, plus they also have a nice patio for outdoor seating which makes it ideal weather permitting!
Business Information:
Address: 1210 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W1
Phone: +1 844-726-9227
Website: boxcarsocial.ca
Customer Review Highlight:
"My new favorite working spot! This place is so nicely decorated, it feels like home. Prices are fair and the quality of the drinks is amazing. I had the chai latte and a hot chocolate -- easily one of the BEST hot chocs I've ever had. The patio is quite nice as well so you should definitely use that if the weather allows. Pet friendly, perfect music selection... this place has everything and I'm in love!"
- Vicky Gómez
"I truly loved this place. Staff was very polite and respectful. Drinks were amazing. They also serve alcohol which is great. Atmosphere was incredibly nostalgic. I couldn't get enough of this place. This place is going on my schedule to visit every week."
- Shayan Taheripoor
6. Moon Bean Coffee Company
Moon Bean Coffee Company is a specialty coffee shop that uses fair-trade coffee beans. They opened their doors in 1995 with the goal of making excellent coffee for all to enjoy.
You have your choice of coffees, which come from single origins or specially created blends – but this shop isn’t only known for its coffee! They also have an impressive 40 tea options to choose from.
Feeling a little peckish? No problem – Moon Bean has you covered with their in-house baked goods that are available in vegan options too! Plus, if the weather’s nice then why not take advantage of their open patio and enjoy your coffee with friends?
Business Information:
Address: 30 St Andrew St, Toronto, ON M5T 1K6
Phone: (416) 595-0327
Website: moonbeancoffee.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"Really nice, cozy place with friendly staff. Also, at least when I was there, they weren't playing music which made it really nice for reading, unlike many other coffee shops which play it, and far too loud. Great cappuccino too"
- Patrick Mirek
"This is my fave coffee shop in and out of Kensington. I live 25 min drive and I come here just to get their lattes. They also have super delicious deserts. Can't wait for this to reopen so I can come enjoy my coffee with cake on their patio."
- Victoria S
7. Ezra’s Pound
Ezra’s Pound is all about sustainability. They use only sustainably grown coffee beans, which are also organic. Their main goal is to make good coffee and create less waste for the environment – that’s why they use biodegradable cups to serve their coffee in!
Not only does this shop strive to be environmentally friendly, but they also use high-quality ingredients to give customers the best experience with their drinks. Their coffee-based drinks are well known in the community, but they also have a variety of tea options that customers love too!
The coffee here is in a league of its own, and this may be because of the passionate employees who love delivering the best cup possible every time.
Business Information:
Address: 238 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V7
Phone: (416) 929-4400
Website: ezraspound.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"The interior is clean, tastefully decorated with plenty of seating. The menu offers a good selection of standard cafe fare for average prices. The espresso is potent and full bodied. The staff is friendly and the wait is reasonable."
- Bianca Devins
"Cozy interior, high quality coffee and a small menu of organic foods freshly made to order. The staff seem very sincere and friendly. They also sell bags of coffee to take home, bit I haven't tried it."
- Sam Bentley
8. Dineen Coffee
Dineen Coffee is a boutique coffee house found in the historical location of Toronto listed as a Heritage property. In addition to their amazing coffee, they can offer catering services within 24 hours!
They have a lot of specialty blends to choose from and cold drinks like iced mochas, teas, and lattes. A favourite here is the vanilla latte which comes with added vanilla syrup for sweetness. For food, we highly recommend the pistachio croissant which always gets repeat customers!
This coffee shop has an incredible atmosphere with beautiful decor – it’s definitely worth checking out!
Business Information:
Address: 140 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5C 1X6
Phone: (416) 900-0949
Website: dineencoffee.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"Really delicious coffee in a fantastic converted historical space. There is even a tiny antique grated elevator with such intricate design. They've left some of the original features in the space, including the raw brick wall, the tiny balcony above the coffee bar, the original pillars and the giant ironworks door set into the brick. Very cool. Will be busy, but quite a bit of seating space inside and out."
- Jordan Jones
"Not as expensive as it looks! Atmosphere is fantastic and the drinks are delicious. Dineen's is usually busy but there is inside and outdoor seating. Best London fog I've ever had."
- Valerie
9. Early Bird Coffee & Kitchen
Early Bird has been serving up some of the best coffee in Toronto for years now, and they’ve gained a well-deserved reputation for being one of the city’s leading specialty coffee roasters.
What makes them so great? It all comes down to their focus on detail – from sourcing only the highest quality beans to providing top-notch customer service, Early Bird is always aiming to create an exceptional experience for their customers.
Plus, as a multi-roaster cafe, they’re constantly bringing in new coffees roasted by some of the most renown roasters from all over the world! If you’re looking to try something new every time you visit Early Bird then this is definitely your spot.
Not only do they sell great coffee, but the team at this store also specializes in selling natural wines that are made with minimal chemical and technological intervention. This means you’re getting everything you want out of wine without any of the extras that you might not need or want.
So if you’re looking for something new and exciting to try then be sure to check out their selection – we promise you won’t be disappointed!
Business Information:
Address: 181 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
Website: early-bird.ca
Customer Review Highlight:
"Super cool space and a good variety of beans. You can choose which means you want to use. I paid 50 cents extra and tried beans from a roaster in Germany that were delicious. They also have a pretty big food menu - I didn't try any food so no rating on that."
- L K
"The Early Bird is such an amazing place to go if you are looking for fresh coffee, sandwiches or protien balls. I tried all three and was blown away by the presentation, taste and service Not to mention the gorgeous interior decor in this new location steps away from Union Station "
- 6 Kat
10. The Library Speciality Coffee
The Library Specialty Coffee is a new Australian-based coffee shop that opened in 2018. They focus on their espresso-based coffee, making it the perfect place for picky coffee drinkers.
If you’re looking to buy some smooth blends, The Library Speciality Coffee offers choices from around the world. A favourite here is the Matcha Latte – a rich, slightly bitter drink with creamy latte art and comes in vivid green colour.
If you’re looking for a snack this shop also sells a small selection of pastries to choose from!
Business Information:
Address: 281 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G1
Phone: (647) 350-8839
Website: thelibraryspecialtycoffee.com
Customer Review Highlight:
Their coffees are truly extraordinary. Really. Didn’t expect to find coffee that could taste delicate and rich at the same time. If you love specialty coffee, and are looking to try new flavours, this is your place. Loved their pour over coffee!"
- YM Lee
"This place is truly a hidden gem in downtown - amazing coffee and quick and efficient service. My go-to is their iced lattes with a bit of simple syrup. So creamy and the espresso is perfect."
- Amy Lin
11. Jimmy’s Coffee
Jimmy’s Coffee is all about making sure their customers are happy. This shop opened up in 2009 and has been serving the best Americano around ever since.
They offer a lot of cold brew options to choose from, ensuring that everyone can find something they like. Plus, Jimmy’s always serves fresh high-quality coffee with a friendly smile – you can’t get much better than that!
If you’re looking for unique drinks then this cozy shop is definitely the place for you – their coffee is roasted in a traditional Italian style by baristas with years of experience, meaning you’ll be able to taste the difference.
So if you’re looking for somewhere cool to hang out during summertime then make your way over to Jimmy’s Coffee!
Business Information:
Address: 191 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 1M1
Phone: (647) 352-5466
Website: jimmyscoffee.ca
Customer Review Highlight:
"Jimmy's coffee is just so amazing. Kensington location holds a special place in my heart; the first one I ever visited. The staff are so kind and the food & coffee is so good, literally anything you pick is gonna be really damn good don't worry"
- Ryanne Florence
"The staff is always friendly when I come to this Jimmy's. Friendly and efficient! I have a bit of an obsession with the americano at Jimmy's. Something about it is just so comforting. The cold brew is also AMAZING on a hot summer day. I always make sure to recommend it to people. Keep up the great work! "
- Scotty F
12. Rooster Coffee House
![The 13 Best Coffee Shops in Toronto [2022]](https://torontoblogs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/w8DJepZcsF-1024x505.jpg)
If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee and some delicious baked goods, then Rooster Coffee House is the place to go. Offering espresso drinks and pastries in an industrial space with huge windows, this cafe is perfect for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy their food in a comfortable setting.
What’s more is that they also sell wellness drinks infused with plenty of vitamins, making Rooster Coffee House the perfect place for anyone who wants to try something new. We highly recommend you try their matcha latte – it’s the specialty of the house!
Plus, the seating loft provides plenty of room for customers to spread out and get lost in their thoughts while they drink their morning brew.
Business Information:
Address: 479 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2N4
Phone: (647) 530-4779
Website: roostercoffeehouse.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"Such a cute and chic coffee shop. I really love the interior design and rustic decors. A convenient location for those who go for morning walks and need a daily dose of caffeine. It’s right across Riverdale Park so, you can grab a coffee or a pastry and walk over and enjoy the Toronto skyline! I highly recommend the cappuccino."
- Anna P.
"Cutest coffee shop in the Riverdale neighborhood! They have a little patio seating in front for those who wanna chit chat outside with friends or family. I love getting my chai tea latte here and service is always great. They always make my drinks perfectly and I never have to wait long."
- Karen Twin
13. Mos Mos
Mos Mos is a coffee shop that uses an international blend of coffee to serve its customers. Every cup is smooth and contains a lot of flavours – making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for something new and exciting.
Opened in 2014, this shop has become well known for its global coffee selection. Whether you’re interested in trying blends from Kenya, Australia or India, they have something here for everyone to enjoy!
They make sure their customers fall in love with the coffee served here – with my personal favourite being the White Lao. This drink is aromatic, sweet and provides plenty of energy thanks to its strong coffee flavour!
Business Information:
Address: 655 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5G 2K4
Phone: (647) 800-9726
Website: mosmoscoffee.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"Quaint unique concept, using individualized stickers to ensure your order is accurate; excellent tasting coffees and the like...add to that.. great customer service, and you have a positively definite recommendation!"
- Trevor Pedley
"This place has become one of my favorite coffee shop. And I don't even like coffee that much.
Friendly staff. Well knowledge. And nice matcha options, though, not all locations have the same menu. My favorite location is in the PATH under the CIBC building."
- Paulo Valadares
FAQs About Coffee Shops
A specialty coffee shop is one that specializes in bringing high-quality roasted, ground and brewed coffees to customers. They often provide small bites such as pastries or desserts alongside their beverage selection.
Yes! Most stores that focus on specialty coffee sell beans in addition to their drinks. A large part of being a specialty shop is serving high-quality, ethically sourced coffee – so buying pre-ground coffee elsewhere would defeat the purpose of opening a specialty store.
Cold brew is a specific way of making coffee. It’s made by steeping coarsely ground beans in cold water for extended periods of time – usually between 12 and 24 hours. The result is a highly caffeinated concentrate that can be easily mixed with water or milk to create an iced coffee!
Arabica coffee is known to have significantly less caffeine content than Robusta coffee. This is why Arabica beans are often used in specialty shops – they carry a much lighter caffeine punch!
Conclusion
Toronto is a coffee lover’s paradise, with dozens of amazing cafes serving up some of the best brews in the world. From small independents to large chains, there’s something for everyone when it comes to coffee shops in Toronto.
To help you narrow down your options, we’ve put together a list of the 13 best coffee shops in Toronto. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a place to work on your laptop, these spots will never disappoint. So go ahead and indulge – Torontonians know how to do caffeine right!
For other places with great drinks in Toronto, check out these posts:
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