Toronto’s Growing Café Scene
As coffee culture continues to grow, so does the number of unique cafés. Between beloved classics worth returning to and many new spots popping up, Toronto’s café scene has something to offer everyone.
The Broadview Hotel (Café + Bar)
106 Broadview Ave.; thebroadviewhotel.ca
A strip club in its past life, The Broadview Hotel is now a chic go-to spot in Toronto’s east end. Nestled inside the hotel, Café + Bar offers an energetic atmosphere with beautiful decor and bright airy windows. Guests and locals can start their day with a variety of freshly-baked pastries (the vanilla custard beignet comes highly recommended) and coffee, or choose to finish the night with a handcrafted cocktail.
School
70 Fraser Ave.; schooltoronto.com
In Toronto’s west end, you’ll find an adorable school-themed café that truly lives up to its name: drinks in beakers, menus that look more like worksheets, a single apple placed on every table and report cards as checks. The café is housed in a restored industrial space featuring large windows and tons of natural light. Their Super Cheesy Bacon Cheddar French Toast and Black N Blue Flapjacks are delicious, indulgent, and make for some great weekend brunch choices. This might be the only time you’ll actually want to go to school!
Early Bird
613 Queen St. West; early-bird.ca
The food and coffee at Early Bird are totally worth the wait you might encounter at the front door. This café brings modern art to your plate in the form of bright, colourful, healthy food options. Their standout dish is an avocado toast that features slices perfectly shaped into roses. Whether you’re looking for a spot to grab a quick bite or somewhere to settle in with your laptop and get some work done, Early Bird provides a great atmosphere for either.
Reunion Island
385 Roncesvalles Ave.; reunionislandcoffee.com
You’ll know Reunion Island takes coffee very seriously upon walking in. This coffee shop is well known for the tiles at the entrance that spell out “coffee,” which is a perfect photo opportunity. They put an emphasis on sustainability and ensure that their coffee is sourced responsibly. It serves as the perfect place to caffeinate and prepare for a productive day.
Dineen Outpost
1042 Gerrard St. East; dineencoffee.com
Known for its pink marble tables, pink velvet couches and gorgeous interior, Dineen Outpost serves up some great coffee and pastries. The space is beautiful, classic and incorporates “TORONTO” into the tiles at its coffee bar (another popular photo op!). This café has two other locations, but Dineen Outpost is best for meeting a friend for coffee and a croissant.
Café Victor
30 Mercer St.; victorrestaurant.com
A contemporary restaurant, Café Victor is located inside of Hotel Le Germain. This café provides both hotel guests and Toronto residents with a casual yet unique dining experience. With something for everyone, the menu changes seasonally and features plenty of signature house-made cocktails. It’s also a great place to host events and private functions, with a variety of spaces to choose from.
Cops
445 Adelaide St, West; copstreats.com
If you’re craving something simple, this is the café for you. Cops is new to Toronto but comes from the same people who opened local favourite Baddies. This café serves up fresh mini doughnuts in two flavours (cinnamon sugar and the daily glaze, which changes every day). You won’t find any fancy lattes or cappuccinos here because Cops focuses solely on serving quality drip coffee. The all-pink interior certainly sets the scene, especially if you’re looking for a cute photo to post. Stop by with friends or grab some doughnuts and coffee to go!
