10 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in Toronto

Toronto’s vibrant coffee scene is bustling with dozens of independent cafés and places to perk up. Whether you’re searching for perfect spots to snap Instagram-worthy shots or simply seeking the best places to enjoy a caffeine boost, you’re bound to fall in love with several Toronto coffee shops. Here are 10 of our favorite spots you should check out when you need a caffeine fix.

Curl up with a book at Balzac’s Coffee

When in doubt, step into one of Balzac Coffee’s picturesque locations across the city. There’s a reason it has been around since the 90s. At Balzac’s, you’ll find artisanal drinks made with fair trade organic coffee, sugar, and cocoa, as well as organic and locally sourced milk. While all the locations are charming, the rustic ambiance and stunning exposed brick of the Distillery District location make it the best place to visit.

Travel in place at Boxcar Social

Boxcar Social is not just another coffee shop; it’s about whisking you to places you’ve never experienced, offering the best coffees, wines, craft beers, and whiskeys from around the globe. With flavors from various regions, there will definitely be something to pique your interest. Their avocado toast is also highly recommended. By day, it serves as a café, and by night, it transforms into a bar, making it an ideal spot for both work and social gatherings.

A taste of Asia at Rustle & Still Café

For the most authentic Vietnamese coffee experience in Toronto, look no further than Rustle & Still Café. Located in Koreatown, the café sources its top-quality Arabica coffee beans directly from farmers in Vietnam. The menu showcases Vietnamese flavors, featuring freshly made banh mi sandwiches and an array of Asian-inspired coffees and teas. Enjoy a strong iced coffee sweetened with a hint of condensed milk. The chic Scandinavian-inspired decor, wood furnishings, and abundant greenery make Rustle & Still an excellent spot to catch up with friends or unwind during a busy day.

Sip and shop at Sorry Coffee Co

Sorry Coffee Co is a visual delight, featuring stunning marble counters and copper accents. Nestled behind the clothing and lifestyle store Kit and Ace, this coffee shop may be small, but it’s big on flavor. Sorry sources its coffee beans from Toronto-based roaster de Mello Palheta, and the takeout cups feature designs by local artists. With a name that playfully captures the essence of Canadian politeness, be sure to try their Canadiana latte—you won’t regret it.

A Toronto staple: Jimmy’s Coffee

Each Jimmy’s Coffee location is unique; however, two things remain certain: you’ll always feel at home, and you’ll recognize the iconic yellow takeout lids. Jimmy’s is the perfect spot to relax and get some work done, with several locations featuring lovely cozy patios across the city. The coffee is locally roasted in the traditional Italian style, and the nitro cold brew is a must-try.

Get fancy at Dineen Coffee Company

With its smooth marble tables, red leather banquettes, and intricate tiled floors, Dineen Coffee is ideal for those seeking a posh and elegant environment. Located inside a Toronto heritage building, the café features a chandelier that once hung in the historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel, adding a touch of history. The coffee is sourced locally from Social Coffee Roasters, and unique blends such as the Temperance blend (named for the main location by Temperance Street) are created on-site.

Drink the art at Versus Coffee

If you’re in the mood for vibrant drinks, Versus Coffee should be your top choice for colourful lattes. Like Sorry Coffee Co, it sources its coffee from local roaster de Mello Palheta. Additionally, Sloane teas—another local staple—are also available. Beyond coffees and teas, there’s a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. The minimalist white interior and soaring ceilings create a spacious feel despite the cozy size.

Go retro at Forget Me Not Café

You won’t forget the cozy and intimate atmosphere of Forget Me Not Café. This charming spot features adorable vintage decor and offers cute gifts and kitchenware for purchase. It’s both a café and a gift shop. Be sure to try the Nutella latte and matcha cookie while enjoying the nostalgic décor.

Get together at Tandem Coffee

This quirky little spot is perfect for coffee dates or for catching up on your latest read, especially since there’s no WiFi. Tandem’s boho-modern space features wood accents, eclectic decor, and even a lovely plant wall. It offers classic café staples as well as unique drinks, particularly its Asian-inspired items like the delicious black sesame latte and a sugar cookie shaped like the Japanese waving-cat figurine, maneki-neko.

It’s all funky at Rooster Coffee House

If a black-and-white aesthetic filled with sunlight appeals to you, Rooster Coffee House is your place. The tiled walls and floors, eccentric lighting fixtures, and quirky decor create a wonderful atmosphere to relax while indulging in your favorite brews. With three locations in Toronto’s east end, each within a 10-minute drive of each other, you can explore and find the best coffee, including a must-try matcha lemonade!

To all coffee lovers out there: if you haven’t already added café-hopping in Toronto to your bucket list, what are you waiting for?