Best Coffee Shops in Toronto: Coolest Toronto Cafes

Living in the GTA and spending lots of time in the city, I’m always on the lookout for the best coffee shops in Toronto. Sometimes I’m looking to work on my laptop for a few hours, transforming these cafes in Toronto into my office for the day.

It’s possible that I’m wandering around downtown and looking for a cup of Joe on the go. Or I might be looking to rest my legs after exploring the city, taking a break in one of these cute Toronto cafes. It’s one of the best things to do in Toronto in winter, spring, summer and fall.

While I haven’t been to all of the independent coffee shops in Toronto, I’ve frequented quite a few. My ultimate goal is to list the best coffee shops in Toronto for every neighborhood. With that said, these are the best Toronto coffee shops to start your caffeinated journey.

I’ll keep adding to this list when I have more cafes to recommend. If you have a suggestion for me, please feel free to give a shout out to your favorite cafes in Toronto so I can check them out.

Best Coffee Shops in Toronto: High Park

Here are the best coffee shops in the High Park neighbourhood. This includes Roncesvalles, The Junction, Bloor West Village and Sunnyside.

Caked Coffee

Caked Coffee is a lovely family owned small business in Toronto that’s 100% vegan. It’s right down the street for High Park, making it the perfect pit stop after a stroll in the park. They are a bakery and coffee shop offering espresso beverages and freshly baked plant-based desserts.

You’ll find all of your caffeinated favourites on the menu, both hot and iced, as well as chai and homemade lemonade. There are cupcakes, cookies, sandwiches, flatbreads, and a selection of gluten-free goodies, too. This is one of my favourite coffee shops in Toronto with warm and friendly service, plus delicious food and drink.

The Common

The Common is one of the top independent coffee shops in Toronto with two locations, and I went to the one on Bloor (1028 Bloor St W). It’s a relatively big cafe in Toronto with open spaces that are rare in the city.

There are rows of church pews along one wall, and some smaller tables throughout the rest of the cafe. There’s no expansive posted menu here, just excellent coffee and espresso. It’s also a great place to get some work done, too.

I Deal Coffee / I Deal On the Park

I Deal Coffee has two locations in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood that are within a stone’s throw from one another: I Deal Coffee and Wine Bar and I Deal on the Park. This Toronto coffee shop has been a staple of the west end since 1999.

This coffee shop supports sustainable farming and trading practices to help the environment and local communities where the beans are sourced. Their coffee is organic, fair trade, and Rainforest Alliance Certified.

I Deal on the Park is a cute and cozy coffee shop with a limited amount of indoor seating and a patio outdoors. They serve coffee and baked goods. I Deal Coffee and Wine Bar has an extended menu with coffee, food, wine, and baked goods. You can also find their coffee at a variety of establishments around the city.

Best Coffee Shops in Toronto: West End

These are the best coffee shops in Toronto’s west end. The neighbourhoods featured here are Queen West, Little Portugal, Liberty Village, Ossington, Little Italy, Kensington Market, King West, Parkdale, and Chinatown.

Agenda

Agenda is a sweet little coffee shop in Little Italy. It’s bright and spacious, plus you get to share the space with a variety of wandering houseplants. I was also pretty charmed by the vintage decor, from the exterior sign logo to the wood paneling.

It’s a great spot to work on your laptop or study for that big upcoming test with your study buddies. While enjoying their delicious brewed beverages, you can also pair it with a vegan or gluten-free muffin. They also have light lunch fare, like the vegan daily house-made soup and sandwiches.

Balzac’s Coffee

Balzac’s Coffee (43 Hanna Ave #123) is one of the best coffee shops in Toronto, and definitely my favorite in Liberty Village. There’s no need to stop by the local Tim Hortons, Starbucks, or other chains when there’s a Balzac’s in the neighborhood.

The owner opened the very first Balzac’s Coffee over 25 years ago in Stratford, Ontario. She was inspired by a trip to Paris and wanted to open an authentic French cafe back home in Ontario. Now, there are 14 Balzac’s locations across Ontario, including three in Toronto.

Balzac’s Coffee has many vegan-friendly beverages that use a variety of plant-based milks. There’s always a great assortment, including almond, soy, oat, and even macadamia nut milk. You can also enjoy a vegan hot chocolate at Balzac’s if you choose a plant-based milk.

FIKA Cafe

FIKA Cafe (28 Kensington Ave) is one of the coziest and cutest coffee shops in Toronto inside a bright turquoise house in Kensington Market. The word “fika” is Swedish meaning, “coffee break” or “to go out for coffee”. It is a common practice in Sweden to invite friends to fika every day, which simply means enjoying coffee and a small bite to eat with them.

FIKA Cafe has hot and cold coffee beverages, as well as some small bites to eat. There is a carrot ginger vegan muffin on the menu, one gluten-free brownie, and several non-vegan desserts. I recommend ordering a flat white or cappuccino with soy or almond milk.

Found Coffee

You may have seen Found Coffee gracing numerous Instagram feeds due to its extremely photogenic exterior. Don’t worry, the coffee matches or even exceeds the beautiful aesthetics of this Toronto coffee shop. They are winners of “New Coffee Shop of the Year Toronto” at the Th3rdwave Awards in 2020.

Found Coffee has two locations in Toronto and one opening in Sydney, Australia. You know that the coffee must be good if it can stand up to Australian standards! Found Coffee also gives back to the local community and social justice initiatives with every cup of coffee you purchase. So, you can feel even better about drinking that daily cuppa.

Jimmy’s Coffee

Jimmy’s Coffee is one of Toronto’s best known independent coffee shops with eight locations across the city. I visited their first and original location (107 Portland) that’s inside an old house. You can’t miss the bright yellow door! While it might look fairly small from the entrance, there’s a back room with more seating and an outdoor patio (weather permitting). If you’re looking for more room to sit, there’s a second Jimmy’s coffee shop right across the street.

Jimmy’s Coffee is the place if you’re looking for notable and cool coffee shops in Toronto. I paired a cup of coffee with a vegan muffin, and I was delighted to see several plant-based treats in the display case. If you’re looking to get some work done in the city, Jimmy’s Coffee on Gerrard offers the most room as it spans three floors. The cafe in Kensington Market has an expansive patio, but this location is pretty popular.

Mallo Coffee & Bar

Mallo (785 Bathurst St) is a great little spot in the city for good coffee and friendly service. I was delighted to find that it wasn’t too busy when I was there. It’s a great place to work or study. However, there isn’t a huge amount of seating inside and I could see this place getting busy because the coffee is awesome.

You can’t help but fall in love with the bright colored tiles across the front of the bar. It’s also some of the best coffee in Toronto, too. And if you stay into the evening, Mallo Coffee transforms into a bar with hip cocktails and local brews.

Milky’s

Milky’s is a tiny cafe that leaves a lasting impression. Perhaps it’s the patterned wood designs that flow from the floor up to the ceiling. Maybe it’s the cute little decorations randomly spaced out on the minimal countertops. More than likely, the coffee will leave a great impression that will keep you wanting more.

In addition to the usual favs, Milky’s creates seasonal beverages that match the weather. They try their best to use organic and local ingredients. Plus, there are always vegan and gluten-free options available when it comes to both their drinks and baked treats.

Moonbean Coffee Company

Moonbean Coffee Company is another welcoming and cozy cafe in Kensington Market. They are a small batch roaster and cafe serving premium, high quality coffee. All of their coffee is roasted in-house with fair trade organic coffee, direct trade coffee and seasonal exclusives.

Moonbean serves hot and cold beverages with a wide variety of seasonal offerings. There’s ample space inside the cafe to meet your friends, as well as an outdoor patio out front. You can also order Moonbean’s coffee beans from their website.

Sam James Coffee Bar

Sam James Coffee Bar has five locations in Toronto, serving several neighborhoods in the city. It’s one of the best coffee shops in Toronto, and I visited their West Queen West location (917 Queen St W) across from Trinity Bellwoods Park.

There’s not a ton of space inside this coffee shop other than one longer bench, so I suggest taking your coffee to go. They serve their own locally roasted coffee beans and offer a menu featuring both hot and cold beverages. It’s a vegan-friendly space with plant-based milks, and they also offer vegan desserts by Tori’s Bakeshop at this location.

Strange Love Coffee

Strange Love Coffee (101 Spadina Ave) is a really cute cafe in Toronto, although there’s very limited seating indoors. When I visited, it was a chilly winter day and all of the seats were full. It’s totally understandable because it’s a popular spot and one of the best coffee shops in Toronto. I had no issue ordering my coffee for takeaway in this case. If you’re looking to dine in, check out their second location on Queen Street West with more seating.

Aside from espresso beverages and coffee, Strange Love also has a breakfast and lunch menu. There are several vegan options on the menu, including avocado toast, chia pudding, breakfast hash, vegan chili, chickpea smash, a Moroccan bowl, and a vegan kale Caesar salad. Although I only ordered a coffee, I’d love to return for a meal sometime.

Tsuchi Cafe

Tsuchi Cafe is a vegan Japanese cafe in Toronto that I’m sure you’ll love. They have a number of plant-based beverages that are super unique and unlike any others that I’ve seen in Toronto (that are vegan, anyway). Definitely try the Miso Caramel Macchiato if you get the chance.

Tsuchi Cafe is also really well known for their plant-based Japanese desserts. There are always a number of cheesecakes, including their traditional offerings and seasonal varieties. They also offer a vegan flan, matcha tiramisu, yuzu citron and a black sesame brownie.

Best Coffee Shops in Toronto: City Centre / Downtown

These are the best coffee shops in Toronto’s downtown or city centre. The neighbourhoods here include Downtown Yonge, the Financial District, the Entertainment District, Church-Wellesley Village, and South Core.

Dineen Coffee

Dineen Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Toronto with three locations. I visited the original location in the historic Dineen Building (140 Yonge St). This one really make you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie. Not only is it elegantly designed, but it’s inside one of the oldest buildings in Toronto (a heritage property).

Naturally, it was bustling with tons of people when I visited, so I took my coffee to go. You can’t go wrong with any cup of your favorite coffee beverage, whether it’s a latte or a mocha. Dineen Coffee also offers tea and iced coffee beverages.

They also serve food and desserts, but I’m not sure if they’re vegan-friendly. Dineen Coffee is one of the best Toronto coffee shops, so make sure that you stop by as you roam around Toronto.

HotBlack Coffee

HotBlack Coffee makes a pretty bold statement right from the start, that they have the best coffee ever. Be sure to visit so you can be the judge! I’m not sure if it’s the best coffee I’ve ever had, but it’s definitely one of the best cups of coffee in Toronto that you’ll find.

HotBlack Coffee has four locations: Queen Street West, Yonge Street, Bloor Street West and Charles Street East. I visited their downtown location on Queen West. It’s a delightful little cafe with friendly service. This place gets busy on weekday mornings as people head to the office, but the line moved quickly and I was greeted with a smile.

I love that they offer several vegan baked goods, though I’ll have to return to taste them for myself. Be sure to stop by HotBlack Coffee at any of their locations for some excellent bevvies.

Best Coffee Shops in Toronto: Old Town

Here are the best coffee shops in Toronto, the Old Town area. These neighbourhoods include the Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market & Esplenade, Corktown and Cabbagetown.

Fahrenheit Coffee

Fahrenheit Coffee is one of the top coffee shops in Toronto since it opened in 2011. There are two locations in the city, one in Old Town and one in the Fashion District. I stopped by the original location in Old Toronto and ordered a creamy oat milk latte.

Fahrenheit Coffee is continually voted as one of the best specialty coffee houses in Toronto for their expertly crafted beverages. They offers three different espresso origins which rotate seasonally. When I visited, they had the Diablo Brazil, Shakisso Ethiopia, and Ndundu Kenya. The flavour notes are described on a chalkboard for you.

Third Wave Coffee

Third Wave Coffee (42 Church Street) offers some of the most delicious coffee that I’ve tasted in a while. They focus on sourcing sustainable coffee beans while raising awareness of social and environmental justice issues at the same time. Third Wave Coffee supports coffee farmers threatened by climate change, and they also ensure that the roast the best coffee beans for amazing tasting drinks.

There’s a small, cozy seating area with a beautiful mural painted across the wall. Third Wave Coffee strives to create a destination where you’ll want to stay a while. Choose from coffee and espresso beverages with a variety of plant-based milks (including oat milk).

Versus Coffee

Versus Coffee (70 Adelaide St E) is a cozy and cute coffee shop in Toronto, serving up rainbow lattes, iced espresso beverages, and hot drinks (cortado, cappuccino, flat white, and more). They have a spacious patio out front where you can sip your coffee and do some people watching.

They have a vegan-friendly small lunch menu including a bowl and a vegan marzipan toast. Their Instagram account is full of pictures featuring artfully prepared lattes, including some colorful ones, too.

Best Coffee Shops in Toronto: Midtown

Here are the best coffee shops in Toronto’s Midtown area. This includes the neighbourhoods of Yorkville, the Annex, Koreatown, Queen’s Park and Wychwood Park.

The Good Neighbour Espresso Bar

The Good Neighbour Espresso Bar has three outlets in Toronto, including the one that I visited in Koreatown (678 Bloor St W). There are rows of tables on either side of this Toronto cafe, and it’s a great place to get cozy with a cup of coffee and perhaps your laptop.

They have brewed coffee and several different espresso beverages featuring beans from roaster Intelligentsia. The Good Neighbour has a minimalist design and you’ll immediately feel comfortable upon your arrival. You’ll find some of the best coffee in Toronto in a warm and welcoming environment.

Ninetails Coffee Bar

Ninetails Coffee Bar is a cute coffee shop on Bloor Street West in Koreatown. It’s described as a minimalist, light wood-accented cafe with espresso and matcha, as well as French & Japanese pastries. I love the Pokemon reference, too!

There’s minimal seating indoors and a tiny patio out front. We weren’t able to find a seat inside when we visited, although there was a spot outside where we could sip our coffee. The service is friendly and fast, and the coffee is delicious. I’d absolutely return again when given the chance!

Slanted Door

Slanted Door is an art gallery and cafe on Bloor Street West that I’ve visited multiple times and completely adore. You can’t miss the bright splashes of colour across the walls and front entryway. There are many works of art on display by local artists to enjoy while you sip your coffee. Perhaps you’ll fall in love with one of them and bring it home with you.

I love how Slanted Door has ample seating upstairs, as well as plenty more tables and chairs downstairs, too. On many occasions, I’ve visited Toronto coffee shops only to find that there isn’t any seating, and I rarely have this issue at Slanted Door. The coffee is also some of the best that I’ve had in the city, and might just be my favourite of all.

Sorry Coffee Co

Sorry Coffee Co (102 Bloor St W) is a small coffee shop at one end of the Kit & Ace clothing store in Yorkville. There’s a separate entrance for those who don’t feel like walking through the entire store to get to the coffee (ie. me!). It’s a really cute coffee shop in Toronto with a bright and airy design, marble countertops, and bronze fixtures.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a coffee shop inside a retail shop, but it’s quite delicious and flavorful. I tried a soy milk latte that was really tasty. This would be a great spot to meet a friend as you take a break from some retail therapy in a swanky area of Toronto.

Wildhearts Cafe

Wildhearts Cafe is one of the best cafes in Toronto, and you might miss it if you aren’t looking for it. It’s tucked down a side street off Bloor Street West in the Annex. But, for those in the know, you will line up and wait for their awesome coffee and espresso beverages.

I didn’t mind waiting to try the coffee here on a busy Sunday afternoon. Their front patio was completely packed, and there wasn’t much room to even move inside the coffee shop. When it’s this busy, you now the coffee is good! Try their espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, or freshly baked pastries.

Best Coffee in Toronto: East End

The East End region has some of the best coffee shops in Toronto. Check out these cafes in Riverside, Leslieville, Little India, the Beaches, and the Danforth.

Merchants of Green Coffee

The Merchants of Green Coffee (2 Matilda St) is one of the most spacious and coolest coffee shops in Toronto. It’s a really unique space, taking up the first floor of an old jam plant. Merchants of Green Coffee has been around since 1994.

It’s one of the only places in the city where you can buy green coffee beans (for those who like to roast them yourselves). If you’re seeking a brewed bevvie, stop by the Merchants’ Restoration Cafe for a fresh mug of coffee.

I love that the Merchants of Green Coffee offers one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable cups of coffee in Toronto. They’re mindful of every detail, from the source of the beans to their roasting and brewing methods.

Their flagship coffee is called “restorative coffee” because it’s the first solar dried coffee that’s produced off the grid and completely by women. They are coffee experts here and you’re guaranteed to enjoy some of the best coffee in Toronto here.

Tango Palace Coffee Company

Tango Palace Coffee Company (1156 Queen St E) is a lovely coffee shop in Leslieville for rich cups of coffee and yummy treats (with vegan and gluten-free options). From the exposed brick walls to the stained glass lamps and retro vibes, Tango Palace is a cozy and comfortable place to relax and get your daily dose of caffeine.

Customers of Tango Palace have enjoyed this wonderful cafe for over twenty years now, and I can easily see why it’s a neighborhood favorite. It’s open from morning to night (until 11:00pm!) and you can get some work done using their complimentary Wi-Fi.

Trinacria Espresso Italiano

Trinacria Espresso Italiano is a newer coffee shop on the Danforth, and it’s quickly becoming a darling of the neighbourhood. They are an Italian bakery serving authentic sweet treats and caffeinated beverages. It reminds me of a cafe straight out of Italy!

I ordered oat lattes at Trinacria that were rich and flavourful. The barista was very helpful and offered multiple plant-based milk offerings. They also have many pastries, like croissants, cannolis, and almond cookies. Be sure to get a scoop of gelato in the summer.

Best Coffee in Etobicoke

While I haven’t found as many amazing independent coffee shops in Etobicoke yet, I hope to keep adding to this list eventually as more pop up.

Yellow Cup Cafe

The Yellow Cup Cafe (225 The East Mall, Etobicoke) is for all of you west end coffee drinkers out there. It’s in the middle of a strip mall, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. The Yellow Cup Cafe is a cozy spot with vibrant walls where you can’t help but feel in a good mood.

It’s one of the loveliest independent coffee shops in Toronto with great service and lots of tables for many patrons (it’s a popular spot, so they do tend to fill up!). They also serve food here, but I didn’t see many vegan options (I’d love to see a vegan waffle or crepe on the menu!).

If you follow a vegan diet like me, you might want to stick to the beverages. The coffee is comforting and delicious, so I highly recommend getting your very own yellow cup today.

Best Coffee in Toronto Map

Even if you aren’t quite familiar with all of the Toronto neighborhoods, here’s a handy and convenient map that you can use to find all of the best coffee shops in Toronto. You can even save this map for future reference on your phone or computer in your Google account.

Looking for even more cool coffee shops in Toronto? I’ll keep coming back and updating this list (and map) with more recommended cafes as I visit them. I know that I’m missing a bunch and missing some neighborhoods.

There are just so many amazing independent coffee shops in Toronto that I am sure it will take many months to check all of them out. Have any recommendations for me? Be sure to leave them in the comments section of this article!

More Coffee Shop Guides

Anyone who knows me knows just how much I love coffee! When I travel anywhere, I’m always looking for the best cup of coffee and the cutest cafes. Here are all of my coffee guides, and you might enjoy these ones in particular:

• The Best Coffee Shops in Mississauga
• Best Coffee Shops in Belleville, Ontario
• Top Coffee Shops in Ottawa
• Best Coffee Shops in Kingston, Ontario
• Best Coffee Shops in Stratford, Ontario
• Thunder Bay Coffee Shops Guide
• Charming Coffee Shops in Perth, Ontario
• The Best Coffee in Billings, Montana
• Amazing Coffee Shops in Nashville, TN
• The Top 5 Cafes in Portland, Maine
• Best Coffee Shops in Huntington Beach, California
• 25 Amazing Coffee Shops in Glasgow, Scotland
• The Best Cafes in Copenhagen, Denmark

And if you’d rather make your own coffee, here are some great ways to brew coffee on the road, whether you’re at the airport, staying at a hotel, or camping outdoors. More of a tea fan? Here’s how you can host your own English afternoon tea party at home!

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