List article written for a blogger covering cafés in Toronto, Canada.
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages globally, with billions of cups consumed yearly. Many individuals begin their day with coffee, and many make that first cup at home. Yet, few things are worse than looking forward to that caffeine jolt and finding an empty bag of beans waiting for you instead. Then, you’re forced to look outward for a coffee house along the way to work, errands, or appointments.
Maybe you have a favorite spot or look to the internet for a quick search and hope you don’t run out of time. Whether you need that emergency cup of caffeine or you’re simply looking to try something new instead of your usual brew, here is a compiled list of 15 of Toronto, Canada’s best (and most unique) coffee shops.
- Rooster Coffee House
Covering you from breakfast to lunch, Rooster Coffee House boasts a wide array of baked goods, wraps, sandwiches, and salads in addition to their coffee and tea offerings. Eight specialty bakers provide their pastries and bread daily. Dietary concerns? Rooster Coffee House has your back. They offer several gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan options on the menu. - Dineen Outpost
Located in one of Toronto’s oldest structures, Dineen Outpost is listed as Toronto Heritage Property. They craft solid lattes, but the building itself is worth a visit. It has mosaic-tiled floors, natural light, double-height ceilings, and seating intended for hours of sipping and lounging. - FIKA Café
The Swedish-inspired FIKA Café takes its name from the Swedish verb meaning “to go out for coffee.” It is located in the heart of Kensington Market, in a blue house. FIKA Café’s airy interiors create an ideal place to meet a friend for a cup of coffee or sit down with a good book (the back room features an entire wall lined with old books!). - Strange Love
Strange Love, a mood-enhancing café, has gone beyond giving people energy with its award-winning coffee. It has worked with a naturopathic doctor to create adaptogenic mushroom-powered products that help you relax, focus, and energize. Choose from one of its three boosters to add to your coffee, latte, or tea for a beverage that helps you accomplish what you need. - Fahrenheit Coffee
Independent coffee chain Fahrenheit Coffee has been voted the best Specialty Coffee House in Toronto since 2012, and it’s easy to see why. Three different espresso origins that rotate seasonally are always on tap, three locations, and a well-versed staff on brewing practices. Scones, croissants, and cookies are available to pair with your drink of choice. - NEO Coffee Bar
NEO Coffee Bar is an oasis away from the busy hustle in downtown Toronto. Sit back in their minimalist interiors and enjoy one of their Japanese-style pastries and specialty drinks. (Try the Kurogoma Hojicha Latte – a Japanese-inspired latte with organic milk, black sesame, and hojicha.) - Tandem Coffee
Tandem Coffee features blond wood benches and tables that create a zen feeling and a living wall of plants that bring the outdoors indoors. The multiple seating options provide the ultimate space for catching up on work e-mails. With its light atmosphere, you almost don’t mind. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff serves Black Sesame and Matcha Azuki Lattes with care. - Versus coffee
If you like to sit outdoors while you enjoy your afternoon latte, then Versus Coffee is a must-stop. Their umbrella-covered patio can accommodate more than 40 people. If a seasonal cocktail sounds more like your speed than a latte, they have you covered with options like the Chili Bone, which features rum, Dancing Goats espresso, chili syrup, and chocolate bitters. - The Library Specialty Coffee
The Library Specialty Coffee is an Australian-inspired coffeehouse that serves espresso-based beverages and pour-over coffees. With its unique “standing room only” tile mosaic flooring at the entrance and unconventional furnishings (milk crates and stumps are utilized as chairs), the Library Specialty Coffee invokes the vibe of a typical Aussie café. - Boxcar Social
Offerings up for grabs at Boxcar Social go beyond coffee. This hangout spot is ideal for when you want to switch over from coffee in the evening to something a little stronger. They have five different yet similar locations with a warm industrial appearance. In addition to the rotating coffee selections, they have wine, beer, whiskey, and pizza. - Jimmy’s Coffee
Who is Jimmy of Jimmy’s Coffee? Jimmy Hoffa, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Carter, your dad Jimmy — all your favorite Jimmy’s. The interiors are rustic and cozy at Jimmy’s, and every cup is topped with the signature yellow lid. Experts roast the Toronto establishment’s coffee in the traditional Italian style. - Little Pebbles
The artisanal bakery and coffee shop, Little Pebbles, creates freshly baked in-house treats using high-quality French and Japanese ingredients. They specialize in Asian-inspired French desserts that are unique (Croissant Cube, anyone?) and full of flavor (Check out the Black Sesame Chiffon Cake!). - Rustle and Still Café
Rustle and Still Café is a plant-filled café that pays homage to the owners’ Vietnamese heritage. The café is voted as one of Toronto’s best Banh Mi spots. In addition to Banh Mi sandwiches, they serve salads and ready-to-go chilled coffees like their popular Viet Iced Coffee. Their Arabica coffee beans come from farmers in Vietnam. - Balzac’s Coffee Roasters
Bringing Canadians together for over 25 years, Balzac’s Coffee Roasters took inspiration from the
grand cafes found in Paris. The design for each of the 17 establishments embodies its location’s cultural nuances and historical significance, which yields a distinctive personality to each café. So, even after you visit one of Balzac’s locations, it’s worth venturing over to the others. - HotBlack Coffee
Featured in CNN, the New York Times, BBC, and The Tonight Show, HotBlack Coffee is known for its world-class coffee, treats, and community involvement. Located on Queen Street West, their striking red exteriors and rock and roll tattoo-inspired logo are hard to miss.
A writer's portfolio. 