Best Cafés & Coffee Shops in Toronto – A Local’s Guide
Living in Toronto and spending most of my time in its cozy corners and caffeine-fueled pockets, I’m always chasing the next great coffee shop. Whether I’m grabbing a to-go latte before a walk, catching up with friends, or setting up shop with my laptop for the afternoon, this city is full of spots that feel like a second home.
There’s something special about finding the perfect coffee shop. Whether you’re looking for a cozy nook to read in, an aesthetic spot for your next Instagram post, or just a solid cup of coffee, Toronto’s café scene has it all. After years of exploring, I’ve rounded up 50+ must-visit cafés and coffee shops in the city, from hidden gems to well-loved classics.
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1. Forget Me Not Café
Tucked into a charming little shop in the west end, Forget Me Not is part café, part florist, and full of heart. The vibe is quiet and cozy – perfect for journaling, catching up with a friend, or sitting solo with your thoughts and a lavender latte. I love browsing their homewares and dried florals after I’ve settled into a comfy window seat with a cappuccino. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon and instantly want to tell everyone about (but also keep to yourself).
📍 506 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1T5
2. Pilot Coffee Roasters
Pilot is the kind of place that does everything right. They roast their own beans, have sleek cafes across the city, and their nitro cold brew is a summer essential. I love their Ossington café for a relaxed morning sit-down or their Union Station shop when I’m on the go.
📍 Multiple locations
3. De Mello Coffee
There’s something playful and warm about De Mello. From their bold bag designs to their creative drinks, it feels like a coffee shop that doesn’t take itself too seriously—but still delivers on quality. Their “Dancing Goats” espresso has saved many of my tired mornings.
📍 2489 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2H6
4. Rooster Coffee House
If you haven’t watched the sun rise over the city from Rooster’s Broadview location, you’re missing out. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the Toronto skyline, it’s a peaceful perch above Riverdale Park. The coffee is always on point, and the pastries are worth grabbing.
📍 479 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2N4
5. Versus Coffee
Versus is small and tucked away, but has big heart. I found it by accident one afternoon and ended up staying for hours. Their fun seasonal lattes (hello, rainbow latte!) and friendly vibe make it a low-key downtown favourite.
📍 70 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1N8
6. Boxcar Social
Boxcar is the Swiss Army knife of coffee shops—it serves amazing third-wave coffee by day and seamlessly transitions into a wine and cocktail bar at night. Their Summerhill location feels like a grown-up treehouse with the coziest nook seating.
📍 Multiple locations
7. Hailed Coffee
The minute you walk into Hailed, you’re greeted with the scent of cardamom and warm hospitality. Their halva latte is my go-to, and the interior – white, bright, and minimalist—makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a peaceful oasis.
📍 801 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y5
8. Found Coffee
Found is a total vibe: all white walls, beautiful wood finishes, and just enough greenery. It’s quietly chic, and the coffee is top-notch. It also wins big on community—every time I go, I overhear strangers becoming friends.
📍 189 Shaw St, Toronto, ON M6J 2W7
9. Balzac’s Coffee Roasters
Balzac’s is the ultimate “sit and stay a while” kind of place. Their Distillery District location feels lifted from a European film, complete with antique mirrors and soft lighting. I usually go for a classic Americano and lose track of time people-watching.
📍 1 Trinity St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
10. Café Pamenar
Right in the heart of Kensington Market, Pamenar feels like an artist’s retreat. Their back patio is one of the best in the city—quiet, leafy, and relaxed. The espresso is strong, and the creative crowd always inspires.
📍 307 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M2
11. Dineen Coffee Co.
Stepping into Dineen feels like entering a grand old European café—ornate tile floors, leather banquettes, and golden light pouring through massive windows. I usually visit the original location on Yonge Street, and while it’s often packed, it’s still one of my favourite downtown spots to people-watch with a cappuccino in hand. Their espresso is bold and velvety, and the ambiance makes even a Tuesday feel like a special occasion.
📍 140 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5C 1X6
12. LaLa Bakeshop
LaLa is a Vietnamese-inspired café and bakery, and it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. I first stopped by for their famous pandan croissant, but now I come back for the iced Vietnamese coffee and the pastel, dreamlike decor. It’s got that perfect mix of warmth and whimsy—like a café straight out of a modern fairytale.
📍 672 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1B1
13. Milky’s Coffee
Milky’s is tiny, but every inch of it is designed to perfection. The first time I visited, I was mesmerized by the wood-panelled interior that flows seamlessly from floor to ceiling. It’s quiet, calm, and ideal for when I want to take a moment to myself. They also rotate seasonal drinks that are always a little quirky and very, very good.
📍 760 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1T8
14. Early Bird Coffee & Kitchen
Early Bird is where café culture meets brunch culture. Their Queen Street West location is one of my favourites for a weekend treat. The avo toast is legendary (yes, it lives up to the hype), and their lattes always come with the smoothest microfoam. I like to sit near the window and watch the Queen West fashion parade pass by.
📍 613 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B7
15. FIKA Café
“Fika” is the Swedish word for a coffee break—and this place embodies that philosophy perfectly. Located in a turquoise house in Kensington Market, FIKA is quaint and cozy with a book-wall interior and calming vibes. Their lavender latte is my absolute favourite, especially when paired with one of their house-made baked goods.
📍 28 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2J9
16. Strange Love Coffee
Strange Love blends wellness and café culture in the most approachable way. Their adaptogen-infused lattes are great for anyone looking to support mood or focus—though honestly, I’m just in it for the delicious taste. The Queen West location has more seating than the original, and the space is always bright and positive.
📍 101 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5V 2K2
17. Dark Horse Espresso Bar
Dark Horse is where I go when I need to get work done. It’s spacious, full of natural light, and has plenty of outlets. Their espresso is strong and consistent, and the vibe is very modern-industrial. It’s also a great place for casual meetings or coworking.
📍 215 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2C7
18. Neo Coffee Bar
This café is all about clean lines, calm spaces, and delicious Japanese-inspired treats. Neo feels more like a Zen retreat than a coffee shop, which makes it perfect for those days when I need to reset. Their matcha roll cake and yuzu lemonades are stunning, but I keep coming back for their excellent pour-overs.
📍 161 Frederick St Unit 100, Toronto, ON M5A 4P3
19. Propeller Coffee Co.
Propeller feels like a creative workshop space meets high-end roastery. I discovered it after a long walk on the West Toronto Railpath, and now I love making a ritual out of that route. It’s tucked away in an industrial area, but once inside, it’s airy, welcoming, and smells like fresh beans. Their filter coffee is always dialed in.
📍 50 Wade Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 2Z3
20. Rustle & Still Café
Nestled in Koreatown, Rustle & Still offers a fusion of Vietnamese and Korean flavours—think pandan lattes, yuzu sparkling tea, and Vietnamese coffee with sweet condensed milk. It’s warm, plant-filled, and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into someone’s beautifully curated living room.
📍 605 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1K6
21. Reunion Coffee Roasters
Located in the heart of Roncesvalles, Reunion is part café, part roastery, and 100% community-driven. I love popping in on weekends when the farmers market is in full swing. Their sustainable sourcing and B Corp status mean I always feel good supporting them, and their cappuccinos are rich, balanced, and expertly made.
📍 385 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2N1
22. Himalayan Coffee House
This peaceful East York café offers something totally different. Inspired by Himalayan flavors and hospitality, the space is tranquil and filled with earthy textures and warm drinks. I discovered it on a snowy afternoon, and their masala chai with oat milk brought me back to life.
📍 2554 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1L3
23. LIT Espresso Bar
LIT was one of the first specialty cafés I fell in love with in Toronto. Their Roncesvalles location is small and cozy, with that local, come-as-you-are feel. They roast their own beans, and their baristas always know how to make a killer flat white.
📍 221 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2L6
24. Café 23
This Victorian-style house-turned-café is my secret garden go-to. Their back patio feels like something out of a storybook, surrounded by greenery and gentle music. The coffee is consistently great, and their pastries (especially the butter croissants) are some of my favourites in the city.
📍 728 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E8
25. Pigeon Café & Bar
Right in the heart of the Entertainment District, Pigeon Café on King Street West has become one of my favourite pre-movie or post-meeting stops. It’s got that downtown charm without the chaos — cozy seating, smooth espresso, and some of the friendliest baristas around. The space feels sleek and calm, perfect for catching your breath between errands or grabbing a light bite before a night out. Try the flat white or their cold brew if you’re visiting on a sunny day.
📍 337 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1J5
26. LaMoon Café
LaMoon adds a Thai twist to the Toronto café scene, and it’s just as charming as it sounds. The coconut iced coffee and Thai tea lattes are both must-tries, and the café itself is airy, floral, and oh-so-aesthetic. It’s a great spot for content creation and conversation.
📍 811 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1
27. Fungo Café
This café is for the curious and the health-conscious. Fungo specializes in mushroom-based drinks, but don’t let that scare you—try the chaga or lion’s mane latte, and thank me later. The earthy, modern space is calming and perfect for focused solo visits.
📍 233 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2E2
28. Coffee & Clothing
A café and vintage store in one? Yes, please. Coffee & Clothing is where I go when I need a pick-me-up and a new denim jacket. Their drinks are solid and well-priced, and I always find something unexpected in the racks.
📍 841 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y8
29. RGLR Coffee
Don’t let the name fool you—RGLR is anything but average. This micro-café on King West serves bold, beautiful espresso and a few small bites in a no-nonsense, minimalist setting. I like to drop in for a quick jolt before meetings or during a downtown stroll.
📍 548 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3
30. Savory Grounds Coffee Co.
Tucked away in the Beaches, Savory Grounds is cozy, quaint, and full of charm. It’s the kind of spot where regulars are greeted by name, and there’s always jazz playing in the background. I love bringing a book here and settling in for a slow afternoon with a maple latte.
📍 283 Scarborough Rd, Toronto, ON M4E 3M9
31. Grinder Coffee
Grinder has this cheeky, community-focused vibe that I absolutely adore. It went viral for inviting Ryan Gosling to TIFF – and while that was hilarious, the coffee is what really shines. Their east-end spot on Gerrard feels like a neighborhood hub. I love sitting near the window with a hot Americano and watching the streetcars roll by.
📍 1021 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Z6
32. Queen Garden Café
Located inside a lush plant shop, this café is a total oasis. You’re literally surrounded by greenery, from hanging ferns to full-blown fiddle leaf fig trees. It’s where I go when I need a break from the city noise. Grab a hot chai or matcha and browse for a new plant friend – trust me, you’ll leave happier than you arrived.
📍 1233 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1C2
33. Dineen Outpost (Riverdale)
A softer, more relaxed version of the original Dineen, this east-end outpost still has the brand’s elegant touches but with a quieter vibe. It’s the perfect place for a slow morning or a midday coffee break while exploring Riverdale and Leslieville. Their chai latte here is my fave.
📍 1042 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Z5
34. The Social Blend
If you love Korean-style cafés, this one’s a gem. Known for their luxurious macarons and stunning tiramisu lattes, The Social Blend is just as sweet as it sounds. It’s got a polished, modern feel, and everything—from the drinks to the branding – feels elevated.
📍 130 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, ON M4P 2X9
35. Louie Craft Coffee
Louie is low-key and welcoming—just the kind of place I love for writing or casual work catch-ups. The baristas are always friendly, and their espresso has this nice nutty richness to it. Bonus: it’s in Liberty Village, right by a bunch of cute local shops and bakeries.
📍 1187 King St W, Toronto, ON M6K 3C5
36. Little Pebbles
I first visited Little Pebbles on College Street and instantly fell in love — everything from the airy, minimal interior to the delicate flavors in their drinks and pastries felt like stepping into a quiet Tokyo café. Their matcha lattes are smooth and earthy, and I never skip a slice of their Japanese-style roll cake. They also have a second location tucked inside Kensington Market, which is just as charming and cozy. Whichever you visit, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down.
📍 688 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C1
📍 Also at: 160 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 3K7
37. Hale Coffee (Stackt Market)
This shipping-container café is part of Stackt Market, one of my favourite places to wander. Hale’s coffee is clean and strong, and the outdoor seating here is unmatched in warmer months. I love grabbing a cold brew and people-watching from one of the picnic tables.
📍 28 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5V 0C6
38. Hello 123 Café + Bar
Technically more of a plant-based brunch spot, but their coffee game is strong. The turmeric latte and cold brew are especially good, and it’s a fantastic place for vegan food lovers. I always feel good after eating here—and caffeinated too.
📍 1122 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H9
39. Manic Coffee
A College Street classic. Manic is no-frills, focused, and perfect for strong coffee lovers. I’ve had some of the best espresso of my life here. It’s the kind of café where you come for the coffee first, then stay for the laid-back vibe and casual chats with strangers.
📍 426 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T3
40. Ezra’s Pound
Tucked just north of the Annex, Ezra’s Pound is homey, charming, and full of character. Their espresso is consistently great, and their food menu includes some stellar baked goods and sandwiches. I like coming here in the fall when the leaves start to turn on Dupont.
📍 238 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V7
41. Merchants of Green Coffee
This east-end treasure is more than just a café—it’s a movement. Housed in a converted warehouse with rustic charm, Merchants of Green is one of the most sustainable, environmentally conscious coffee roasters in Toronto. They roast beans onsite, host educational workshops, and even sell green coffee beans for home roasting. It’s a vibe for slow mornings and deep convos.
📍 2 Matilda St, Toronto, ON M4M 1L9
42. Moonbean Coffee Company
A true Kensington Market original, Moonbean roasts all of their coffee in-house and leans into cozy, eclectic vibes. It’s the kind of place where you can linger with a book or listen to someone softly strumming a guitar. Their fair-trade, organic beans make a rich cup every time, and their house chai is something special.
📍 30 St Andrew St, Toronto, ON M5T 1K6
43. Tango Palace Coffee Company
Walking into Tango Palace feels like stepping back in time. This Leslieville staple has vintage lamps, soft lighting, and the kind of soul most modern cafés can’t manufacture. Open late and full of character, it’s where I go for an evening latte and quiet reflection.
📍 1156 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1L2
44. Barretto Caffè
Tucked away in North York, Barretto is one of those rare cafés that feels like a downtown-quality spot in the suburbs. It’s sleek, modern, and surprisingly quiet – making it a dream for remote work or a low-key meetup. Their espresso-based drinks are top-notch, and they’ve got a small but curated selection of pastries. If you’re north of the 401, this is the kind of place you bring a friend to and feel like you’re in the know.
📍 1300 Don Mills Rd Unit D101, Toronto, ON M3B 2W6
45. Good Neighbour Espresso Bar
This Koreatown café feels like a well-loved living room with great coffee. It’s a solid study spot and a favourite for locals, thanks to its chill vibe and rotating espresso selections. Their pastries are always fresh, and it’s not unusual to run into a friendly pup or two on the patio.
📍 678 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L2
46. Tsuchi Café
Tsuchi brings the art of Japanese desserts and plant-based drinks to the west end. I was blown away the first time I had their miso caramel latte—it sounds intense, but it’s perfectly balanced. The vegan matcha tiramisu and black sesame cheesecake are next-level.
📍 688 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C1
47. Slanted Door Café
Part café, part art gallery, Slanted Door is one of the most unique spots in the Annex. Vibrant, colorful murals line the walls, and upstairs seating makes it ideal for long writing sessions or low-key hangs. The coffee is rich, and the energy is always inspiring.
📍 1206 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N2
48. Sorry Coffee Co.
Hidden inside the Kit and Ace store in Yorkville, this little café serves seriously good espresso in a bright, stylish setting. The name might be ironic, but the quality isn’t—every latte I’ve had here is smooth, hot, and photo-worthy. A perfect stop between boutique shopping breaks.
📍 102 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1M8
49. Wildhearts Café
Tiny and tucked away, Wildhearts is one of those places that instantly feels like home. It’s a favourite among locals and has a fiercely loyal following. The baristas remember your name, and the espresso has a punchy kick. There’s usually a small line out the door—and that’s how you know it’s good.
📍 684 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L2
50. Ethica Coffee Roasters
Tucked into a corner of the Junction Triangle, Ethica is effortlessly cool. The interiors are full of texture and clean lines, and their pour-overs are always dialed in. It’s a quiet space with attention to detail in both design and drink. If you’re into coffee and aesthetics, this place is your dream.
📍 213 Sterling Rd Unit 109, Toronto, ON M6R 2B2
51. Café Bellem
Café Bellem is one of those rare gems you wish more people knew about. Nestled in a quieter pocket of the city near Midtown, it has a clean, warm aesthetic, amazing espresso, and the kind of seating that invites you to stay awhile. The staff here are always lovely, and the atmosphere is ideal for focused laptop time or a solo coffee date with yourself.
📍 829 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1C2
Map of the Best Coffee Shops in Toronto
To make your café crawl easier, I created a Google Map featuring all 50 spots on this list. Save it on your phone and hit up a new neighbourhood every weekend!
Click here to view the map
Whether you’re a lifelong Torontonian or just visiting, this city has a café to match every mood—from moody, plant-filled nooks to bright, bustling community hubs. These 50 spots are just the beginning of Toronto’s rich coffee culture.
If I missed your favourite, let me know in the comments or send me a DM—I’m always adding to the list. Until then, happy sipping. ❤️
