13 under-the-radar coffee spots in Toronto

Hey espresso enthusiasts – happy International Coffee Day! We’re celebrating with a list of our favourite independent coffee shops in Toronto. After polling our agents and staff, we narrowed the picks down to this top 10 list of awesome caffeine purveyors:

1. Amadeus Patisserie
7380 Bathurst St, Thornhill

This premium French pastry shop is gourmet all the way, with Paris-worthy coffees, cakes, cookies, tarts...and other amazing baked treats.

“Their cappuccino is fantastic and their baked goods look like pieces of art!” – Jessica Spodek, Sales Representative

2. Krave Coffee
781 St. Clair Ave.

You can get tasty coffee, baked goods, sandwiches and salads – plus it’s licensed, so you can totally rosé all day as you soak up the last few weeks of warm weather.

“Fantastic little patio and great vibe, inside and outside. Great coffee, great snacks, and it’s owned by one of my good friends.” – Grace Alzate, Sales Representative

3. The Only Cafe
972 Danforth Ave.

This laid-back, bohemian coffee shop/pub is the perfect place for a little Americano and chill. Take your cup to go, or stay and try out their tasty vegetarian menu.

“The Only Cafe on the Danforth is great. It’s a café by day and a bar by night, with an awesome back patio.” – Adam Avenus, Sales Representative

4. Yellow Cup Café
225 The East Mall, Etobicoke

This homey little spot is a well-loved hangout for locals who love a great cup of java – and what may well be the best crepes in the GTA.

“Yellow Cup is my go-to. It’s super unique and has a variety of coffee, food and sweets. The Snickers latte and Nutella-strawberry crepe are my favourites!” – Jovana Kipic, Sales Coordinator

5. Tandem Coffee
368 King St. E.

This unpretentious Corktown sweet spot has delicious coffee and personality to spare.

“The couple that own and run the shop are very nice and they feature small batch roasters.” – Kathleen Gook, Sales Representative

6. 5 Elements Coffee & Espresso Bar
131 Avenue Rd.

Need an inspiring spot to get some work done when working from home is weighing heavy? This gracious space has free wifi, great snacks and some truly impressive latte art.

“This place is the best: such a great spot for meetings, plus great coffee and food!” – Nicole Spivak, Sales Representative

7. Pilot Coffee Roasters
Multiple locations

A favourite haunt of true coffee connoisseurs, Pilot is known for their commitment to ethical sourcing and brewing a quality cup. Their coffee is so good, in fact, that they supply coffee shops across the city with it! Also, if you’re a fan of cold brew and you don’t know this place...go.

“Pilot Coffee is definitely my pick for best coffee shop! They have a few locations, but their warehouse location with the coffee bar at Greenwood and Gerrard is the hippest.” – Bruce Chin, Sales Representative

8. Rooster Coffeehouse
479 Broadview Ave.

An inviting space with truly great coffee, brewed and served with genuine care.

“Great coffee and the best view of the city.” – Manuel Anzoategui, Sales Representative

9. Remarkable Bean Coffee and Tea
2242 Queen St E.

This shop is serious about quality coffee that doesn’t just taste good, but does good in the world. Every cup is made of organic, fair trade, sustainably-grown coffee that’s meticulously roasted is small batches, right on site.

“Remarkable Bean for homemade savoury muffins and pies and rocket fuel espresso!” – Marion Halmos, Chief of Staff

10. Page One Cafe Bar
106 Mutual St.

Love latte art? This popular cafe/pub/hotspot takes it to the next level, with colourful designs crafted by professional baristas. And the coffee doesn’t just look pretty...they take quality pretty seriously here too.

“Page One near Ryerson campus is definitely a well-loved spot.” – Craig Ferrie, Sales Representative

11. Early Bird Wine & Coffee
613 Queen St. W.

Exceptional coffee. Great natural wines. Delicious, healthy food, creatively prepared. And a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Really, it’s everything you need.

“Great coffee, eclectic brunch and a cool, laid-back vibe!” – Marc Ronné, Sales Representative

12. Coffee Bouquets
7 Riverview Gardens

Looking for something a little different? This small cafe offers artisan-roasted, Viennese-style coffee, and stocks exotic and rare beans you won’t find anywhere else.

“Coffee Bouquets on Bloor and South Kingsway is an amazing “one-man-show” kind of place. The owner speaks everything COFFEE, does his own roasts and, of course, makes great coffee!” – Anna Kuzmenko, Sales Representative

13. Seb's Cappuccino
1928 Danforth Ave.

Old-school and unpretentious, this Danforth classic is a favourite local hangout.

“I'll happily grab a coffee here and another for the road. Seb picks his blend of beans personally with at least 4 or 5 varieties in each batch. And don't mind the goodfellas, they're focused on the football (soccer) on TV.” – Gareth Reid, Sales Representative