There’s a unique energy to Toronto, which might have something to do with the permanent Torontonian coffee buzz! With an aromatic oasis on every block, caffeine junkies can take their pick. Even if coffee isn’t your thing, hanging out at a café with a pastry and a cup of tea is a must for experiencing the city’s vibe. So, whether you’re studying English in Canada or you’re just there on vacation, make sure not to miss these tantalising Toronto coffee shops.
Within walking distance of ILSC Toronto:
1. Jimmy’s Coffee
This is one coffee shop that knows how to brand: their yellow to-go cup lids let you know in a second where that takeaway coffee cup came from! Sip on your Americano surrounded by fellow students and pull up a window seat to watch the world go by on McCaul Street.
2. HotBlack Coffee
Right smack in the middle of downtown Toronto on the famous Queen Street, you’ll recognise HotBlack straight away with its bright red shop front. It’s even got its own private patio so on warm days, you can enjoy a little fresh air with a coffee popsicle right in the heart of the city.
3. Dineen Coffee Company
As far as Toronto coffee shops go, this swanky café is pure eye candy. An intricately tiled floor and gorgeous lighting make Dineen Coffee Co. the perfect place for an Instagram story and a latte.
Within walking distance of EC Toronto:
4. De Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters
This kooky café beckons you inside with its graffiti-inspired walls and umbrellas hanging from the ceiling. In addition to a mean cortado or cold brew, check out their selection of yummy chocolate bonbons in every colour of the rainbow.
5. Himalayan Coffee House
Taking latte art to the next level, this cosy little spot might surprise you with a dinosaur, snowman or a Minion smiling up at you out of your cappuccino foam. In addition to their amazing artsy lattes, they also have a whole host of iced coffee drinks, perfect for summertime.
More great options:
6. Everyday Gourmet
If you’re visiting Toronto, you’ll definitely be checking out the St Lawrence Market at least once. Grab a coffee at Everyday Gourmet inside the market and stroll the stalls to your heart’s content. Their coffee beans are local and roasted onsite, so you can’t get more authentic Canadian coffee than that!
7. Arena Coffee Bar
Right in Toronto’s uber-cool Distillery District, you’ll find this breezy brick paradise for coffee and sports lovers. With sports-themed décor, Arena Coffee Bar is a great place to get your caffeine fix and learn a thing or two about the Toronto Maple Leafs, the city’s much beloved hockey team.
8. Fahrenheit Coffee
This is without a doubt one of the most famous Toronto coffee shops. With three scrumptious kinds of espresso bean, you can choose the variety that best suits your taste buds or have the barista recommend one for you. If you don’t know what drink to order, try a cortado, the house’s favourite.
9. Quantum Coffee
Cool name, cool vibe – Quantum Coffee will even brûlée your brew with a blow torch in the form of a seasonal crème brûlée cappuccino. What could be tastier than that?
10. Strange Love Coffee
Sip on a flat white or a lover’s latte (with caramel, honeysuckle and cinnamon notes, of course) at this pretty little café in the hip Entertainment District. If you’re feeling peckish, a stripey raspberry croissant will hit the spot.
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