You find yourself in the bustling city of Toronto, where the streets are alive with the hum of people and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. You’re on the hunt for the perfect café—one that serves up a great cup of coffee and has an atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at ease. Fear not, for we have just the thing to aid you in your journey!
So grab your favorite mug, take a deep breath, and let the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee guide you on this enchanting journey. We promise, your taste buds will thank you.
For now, let’s discover the best cafes in Toronto together.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Good Cup of Coffee?
When you take a sip of coffee, you want it to be the perfect blend of smoothness, richness, and flavor. But what makes a good cup of coffee? Here are some key factors to consider:
Quality of Beans
It is important that the coffee beans used to make your cup of coffee are of high quality. Look for freshly roasted beans from reputable farms. High-quality beans have a higher oil content, resulting in a more robust flavor and aroma.
Brewing Method
The method of brewing also affects the flavor of the coffee. Each method, from the French press to the pour-over, extracts the flavor of the beans in a distinct manner. Choose a brewing method that satisfies your taste preferences and experiment with various brewing techniques to find the optimal cup.
Water Quality
The taste of your coffee is heavily influenced by the quality of the water. Mineral-rich water can alter the acidity and flavor of the coffee. To prevent impurities from affecting the flavor of your coffee, use filtered water.
Barista Skill
A skilled barista can make an enormous difference. The coffee’s flavor and quality can be influenced by the brewer’s skill and knowledge. Look for coffee shops with skilled baristas who are dedicated to their craft.
And these are the factors we considered in finding the best coffee places in Toronto.
| Best Coffee in Toronto | Google Rating | Google Reviews |
| Rooster Coffee House | 4.6 | 1,342 |
| HotBlack Coffee | 4.6 | 1,209 |
| FIKA Cafe | 4.6 | 996 |
| De Mello Coffee | 4.7 | 978 |
| Moonbean Coffee Company | 4.6 | 906 |
Where to find the Best Coffee in Toronto
Google My Maps Link:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1EuzQ4j8CSH_GLBzqHDk_x2GAdpzl6XQ&usp=sharing
From quaint and cozy corners to trendy and Instagram-worthy spaces, the coffee scene in Toronto is brimming with wonder and excitement. Here are our top picks for the best coffee in the GTA.
Rooster Coffee House
“The ideal spot to settle in and relax”
Rooster Coffee House’s excellent coffee and charming atmosphere make it a popular hangout. (Image source: Rooster Coffee House Instagram)
As we explored the coffee scene in Toronto, we found ourselves drawn to the charming Rooster Coffee House. This cozy neighborhood spot boasts a fantastic view of the city from across Riverdale Park East and a funky rooster theme that is both playful and welcoming. Its rustic decor adds to the atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to grab a coffee and settle in for a while.
Take a break from your busy morning at Rooster Coffee House. (Image source: Rooster Coffee House Instagram)
The coffee selection at Rooster Coffee House is excellent, and they even have some unique beverages like turmeric lattes and honey ginger lattes. But Rooster is notable for more than just its beverages. Their food is deliciously new, and the seasonal extras, like hot cider, are delightful.
Pricing: starts at $1.75
Pros
- Accommodating and friendly baristas
- High-quality coffee and sweet pastries
- Good spot for a date, with coffee and a view
Cons
- Limited indoor seating available when it is busy
Location: 479 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2N4
Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (1,342 reviews)
HotBlack Coffee
“Cozy up with a cup of coffee”
The minimalist design of the cafe creates the perfect atmosphere for coffee lovers. (Image source: HotBlack Coffee Instagram)
As coffee lovers, we were excited to try the offerings at Toronto’s HotBlack Coffee. The minimalist open-concept cafe, with its clean lines and inviting under-counter espresso machines, proved to be the perfect backdrop for our coffee-tasting experience.
The classic black cups with red lids that represent HotBlack Coffee add an elegant touch to your coffee break. (Image source: HotBlack Coffee Instagram)
From the first sip of the strong and smooth-tasting espresso, we knew that HotBlack Coffee was a cut above the rest. The iconic black cups with red tops added a touch of sophistication to the experience, while the homemade pastries, such as the jam cookie, provided the perfect complement to the rich, complex flavors of the coffee.
They have non-dairy options for drinks, and it’s the perfect spot for coffee lovers of all stripes to indulge in their favorite drink.
Pricing: starts at $3.00
Pros
- Pleasant and friendly staff.
- Has gluten-free and plant-based options available.
- Great environment to chill, study, catch up with friends, or gather your thoughts.
Cons
- Can be crowded with limited seating available.
Location: 245 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4
Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (1,209 reviews)
FIKA Cafe
“Charming Swedish inspired coffee”
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city at this bright and clean coffee shop. (Image source: FIKA Cafe Instagram)
Our hearts immediately melted for FIKA Cafe because of how homey and charming it is. This Swedish-inspired spot offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with its bright and clean interior and delicious coffee and treats. Taking inspiration from the Swedish tradition of taking a fika break, FIKA Cafe offers the perfect spot to take a few minutes for yourself and indulge in a sweet treat and a cup of coffee.
When it comes to coffee, FIKA Cafe doesn’t disappoint. With a great selection of coffee beans and creative drink options, there’s something for every coffee lover to enjoy. The oat latte and cortado with oat milk are particularly noteworthy, with their smooth and creamy texture and delicious taste. And for those looking for something a little different, the elderberry lemonade is a refreshing and unique option.
Pricing: starts at $3.95
Pros
- The seating, although limited, is comfortable and cozy.
- The staff is friendly and offers great service.
- The cafe has a cute patio in the back.
Cons
- Stops serving food at 4 pm
Location: 28 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2J9
Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (996 reviews)
De Mello Coffee
“Roasted to perfection”
High-quality coffee beans from around the world are available at De Mello Coffee. (Image source: De Mello Coffee Instagram)
One of Toronto’s best-kept secrets is De Mello Coffee. Its homey and rustic interior creates an atmosphere that is both welcoming and relaxing. The coffee shop’s specialty is creating one-of-a-kind coffee bags for special occasions.
At De Mello Coffee, coffee is more than a drink; it’s a way to connect with people and cultures. (Image source: De Mello Coffee Instagram)
In terms of the coffee’s flavor, each barista puts their own unique spin on things, which only adds to the cafe’s unique character. De Mello Coffee caters to all tastes, whether you drink your coffee black or in a latte. Coffee and conversation transcend cultural boundaries at De Mello Coffee, making it more than just a coffee shop.
Pricing: starts at $2.25
Pros
- Friendly and exceptional staff
- Different baristas make slightly different tastes
- Cozy, casual, and comfortable place to hang out
Cons
- Trouble with some orders online.
Location: 2489 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2H6
Google Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 (978 reviews)
Moonbean Coffee Company
“Coffee that is always on point”
Moonbean Coffee Company’s vintage aesthetic is the perfect setting for sipping a latte. (Image source: Moonbean Coffee Company Instagram)
For nearly two decades, Moonbean Coffee Company has served as an integral part of Kensington Market, drawing in customers from all over the neighborhood and beyond. Customers are encouraged to linger over their choice of fair-trade certified coffees and teas served in a charming, retro setting.
A classic latte from Moonbean Coffee Company made with love. (Image source: Moonbean Coffee Company Instagram)
Their commitment to roasting and brewing their own coffee means that each cup is brewed to perfection. The friendly atmosphere and affordable prices make it an accessible spot for all coffee lovers. So next time you find yourself in Kensington Market, make sure to stop by Moonbean Coffee Company for a cup of something delicious.
Pricing: Starts at $3.00
Pros
- Staff is always warm and friendly, even when the place is super busy.
- They have patio seating available for customers.
- Has lactose-free milk and a nice selection of coffee and tea.
Cons
- The baked goods selection is limited.
Location: 30 St Andrew St, Toronto, ON M5T 1K6
Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (906 reviews)
Sip, Savor, Repeat
In conclusion, Toronto is a city full of incredible coffee shops with unique personalities and offerings. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to work or catch up with friends, or you want to try a new and exciting coffee blend, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. From the earthy tones of De Mello Coffee to the cozy atmosphere and delicious drinks of Rooster Coffee House, and the fair-trade goodness of Moonbean Coffee Company, each café offers something different to explore.
So, take a break from your busy day, venture out to a new café, and enjoy the warmth of a delicious cup of coffee. Toronto’s coffee scene is waiting for you to explore it!