Our Guide to the 12 Best Toronto Coffee Shops in Toronto, Ontario

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Coffee Shop
3. Best Coffee Shops in Downtown Toronto

   3.1. Balzac’s Coffee Roasters

   3.2. Strange Love Coffee

   3.3. Dark Horse Espresso Bar

4. Top Coffee Spots in West Toronto

   4.1. The Library Specialty Coffee

   4.2. Fahrenheit Coffee

   4.3. Reunion Island Coffee

5. East Toronto’s Finest Cafes

   5.1. Rooster Coffee House

   5.2. Mercury Espresso Bar

   5.3. Boxcar Social

6. Hidden Gems in North Toronto

   6.1. Forget Me Not Cafe

   6.2. Merchants of Green Coffee

   6.3. Propeller Coffee Co.

7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

12 Best Toronto Coffee Shops in Toronto Ontario 

Introduction

Toronto, a vibrant metropolis known for its diverse culinary scene, is also home to an impressive array of coffee shops. From cozy neighborhood cafes to trendy downtown spots, the city offers a wealth of options for coffee enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore the 12 best Toronto coffee shops that stand out for their exceptional brews, unique atmospheres, and dedication to the craft of coffee-making.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Coffee Shop

Before diving into our list of the 12 Best Toronto Coffee Shops, it’s important to consider what makes a great cafe experience. Some key factors include:

1. Quality of coffee
2. Ambiance and atmosphere
3. Customer service
4. Food options
5. Location and accessibility

With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the best coffee shops Toronto has to offer.

Best Coffee Shops in Downtown Toronto

Balzac’s Coffee Roasters

Nestled in the heart of the historic Distillery District, Balzac’s Coffee Roasters is a Toronto institution. Named after the famous French novelist Honoré de Balzac, this charming cafe offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern coffee expertise.

What sets Balzac’s apart is their commitment to sourcing high-quality, sustainable beans and roasting them to perfection. Their signature blend, aptly named “A Dark and Stormy Night,” is a rich, full-bodied coffee that’s perfect for those who prefer a bolder taste.

The cafe’s interior, with its high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and vintage decor, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s ideal for both work and leisure. Don’t miss their delectable pastries, which pair perfectly with their artisanal coffee creations.

Strange Love Coffee

For those seeking a more contemporary coffee experience, Strange Love Coffee in the bustling Queen West neighborhood is a must-visit. This sleek, minimalist cafe has gained a reputation for its innovative coffee offerings and attention to detail.

Strange Love takes pride in their rotating selection of single-origin coffees, each carefully selected and roasted to bring out its unique flavor profile. Their knowledgeable baristas are always happy to guide you through their menu, helping you discover new and exciting taste experiences.

What truly sets Strange Love apart is their commitment to experimentation. From their signature “Strange Brew” cold coffee to their seasonal specialty drinks, there’s always something new and exciting to try.

Dark Horse Espresso Bar

With multiple locations across the city, Dark Horse Espresso Bar has become a staple of Toronto’s coffee scene. Their Spadina Avenue location, in particular, stands out for its spacious interior and bustling atmosphere.

Dark Horse is known for its consistently excellent espresso-based drinks, made with their house blend that strikes a perfect balance between bold and smooth. Their flat white, in particular, is often hailed as one of the best in the city.

The cafe also offers a range of delicious food options, from hearty breakfast sandwiches to fresh salads, making it an ideal spot for a quick lunch or a leisurely brunch.

Top Coffee Spots in West Toronto

The Library Specialty Coffee

Tucked away in the charming Bloor West Village, The Library Specialty Coffee is a hidden gem that book lovers and coffee aficionados alike will appreciate. As the name suggests, this cozy cafe is adorned with bookshelves and literary-themed decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

What truly sets The Library apart is their dedication to the art of coffee. They source their beans from some of the best roasters in the country and prepare each cup with meticulous care. Their pour-over coffees, in particular, are a must-try for those who appreciate the nuances of single-origin beans.

Don’t forget to pair your coffee with one of their homemade baked goods – the scones are particularly delightful.

Fahrenheit Coffee

Fahrenheit Coffee, located in the trendy Liberty Village neighborhood, is a small but mighty contender in Toronto’s coffee scene. Despite its compact size, this cafe packs a punch when it comes to coffee quality.

The passionate team at Fahrenheit takes pride in their craft, using high-end equipment and precise techniques to extract the best flavors from their carefully sourced beans. Their espresso shots are consistently praised for their rich, complex flavors and perfect crema.

While seating is limited, the friendly atmosphere and exceptional coffee make Fahrenheit a favorite among locals and coffee tourists alike.

Reunion Island Coffee

Reunion Island Coffee in Roncesvalles Village offers a perfect blend of quality coffee and community spirit. This bright, airy cafe serves as both a neighborhood hangout and a serious coffee destination.

What sets Reunion Island apart is their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. They work directly with coffee farmers to ensure fair practices and consistently high quality. Their rotating selection of single-origin coffees offers coffee lovers a chance to explore different flavor profiles from around the world.

The cafe’s spacious interior and large communal tables make it an ideal spot for remote work or catching up with friends over a expertly crafted latte.

East Toronto’s Finest Cafes

Rooster Coffee House

With its stunning view of the Toronto skyline, Rooster Coffee House on Broadview Avenue offers more than just great coffee – it provides an experience. This charming cafe, housed in a beautifully restored Victorian house, has become an east-end landmark.

Rooster takes pride in their house blend, a medium roast that offers a perfect balance of flavors suitable for both espresso-based drinks and drip coffee. Their skilled baristas consistently produce some of the best lattes in the city, complete with beautiful latte art.

The cafe’s cozy interior, complete with a fireplace, and their sunny patio make it a perfect spot for any season.

Mercury Espresso Bar

Mercury Espresso Bar in Leslieville is a no-frills cafe that focuses on one thing: serving exceptional coffee. This small, unassuming spot has gained a loyal following for its consistently excellent espresso drinks.

What sets Mercury apart is their dedication to the craft of espresso. They use a custom blend of beans, roasted specifically for espresso, to create rich, full-bodied shots with a perfect crema. Their cappuccinos and cortados are particularly noteworthy.

While the space is small and seating is limited, the quality of the coffee more than makes up for it. It’s the perfect spot for a quick espresso fix or a takeaway coffee to enjoy on a stroll through the charming Leslieville neighborhood.

Boxcar Social

Boxcar Social, with its location in Riverside, offers a unique concept that goes beyond just coffee. This multi-roaster cafe features a rotating selection of coffees from top roasters around the world, allowing patrons to explore a wide range of flavor profiles.

What truly sets Boxcar Social apart is their tasting flight option. Similar to a wine tasting, you can sample three different coffees side by side, each prepared using a different brewing method. It’s an educational and delicious experience that coffee enthusiasts will love.

As the day progresses, Boxcar Social transforms into a wine and craft beer bar, making it a versatile spot for any time of day.

Hidden Gems in North Toronto

Forget Me Not Cafe

Tucked away in the residential neighborhood of Davisville, Forget Me Not Cafe is a charming spot that lives up to its name. This cozy, flower-filled cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to linger.

While the ambiance is delightful, it’s the quality of their coffee that keeps patrons coming back. They serve a custom blend created in collaboration with a local roaster, resulting in a smooth, well-balanced coffee that works beautifully in both espresso-based drinks and pour-overs.

Don’t miss their homemade baked goods, particularly their famous scones, which pair perfectly with their expertly crafted coffees.

Merchants of Green Coffee

For those interested in the journey from bean to cup, Merchants of Green Coffee in Riverside is a must-visit destination. This unique spot is part cafe, part coffee roastery, and part educational center.

What sets Merchants apart is their focus on freshly roasted, green (unroasted) coffee. They source high-quality, sustainable beans from around the world and roast them in small batches on-site. This ensures that every cup of coffee served is at the peak of freshness.

The cafe offers a range of brewing methods, from espresso to pour-over to French press, allowing you to experience how different preparation techniques can affect the flavor of the coffee. They also offer coffee education workshops for those looking to deepen their coffee knowledge.

Propeller Coffee Co.

Located in the up-and-coming Lansdowne neighborhood, Propeller Coffee Co. is both a roastery and a cafe that has quickly become a local favorite. Their spacious, industrial-chic space invites patrons to watch the roasting process while enjoying their coffee.

Propeller is known for their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. They work directly with coffee farmers to ensure fair practices and consistently high quality. Their rotating selection of single-origin coffees offers a chance to explore different flavor profiles from around the world.

Don’t miss their cold brew in the summer months – it’s smooth, refreshing, and packed with flavor.

Conclusion

Toronto’s coffee scene is diverse and exciting, offering something for every type of coffee lover. From cozy neighborhood spots to sleek downtown cafes, each of these 12 coffee shops brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re a local looking to explore new spots or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Toronto’s coffee culture, these cafes are sure to provide a memorable and delicious experience. So grab a cup, savor the flavors, and enjoy the vibrant coffee community that Toronto has to offer.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit these coffee shops?

   Most of these coffee shops are busiest during morning rush hours and weekend brunches. For a more relaxed experience, try visiting during mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays.

2. Do these cafes offer non-dairy milk options?

   Yes, all of the mentioned cafes offer various non-dairy alternatives such as soy, almond, and oat milk. Some even offer house-made nut milks.

3. Are these coffee shops suitable for remote work?

   While all of these cafes welcome patrons to stay and work, some are more conducive to it than others. Balzac’s, Strange Love, and Reunion Island Coffee are particularly popular among remote workers due to their spacious interiors and availability of power outlets.

4. Do any of these cafes roast their own beans?

   Yes, several of the mentioned cafes roast their own beans, including Merchants of Green Coffee, Propeller Coffee Co., and Reunion Island Coffee.

5. Are these coffee shops easily accessible by public transportation?

   Most of these cafes are located in central areas of Toronto and are easily accessible by public transit. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specific location and plan your route accordingly.

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