Best Restaurants for Coffee & Espresso in Toronto

Toronto is a heavily caffeinated city. We like coffee no matter what time, day or night. Here are my top five picks for a cup of joe around town:

Best Restaurants for Coffee & Espresso in Toronto
Stephanie Dickison By

The Rooster Coffee Company

1
333 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A 4R7

Owner Mike Cullen worked as a waiter and saved up money to open up his dream place - a neighbourhood coffee shop. He found the perfect spot just north of the Danfoth on Broadview and decorated the corner space with art deco furnishings from the former Cafe Brussels around the corner. He traveled the world to find the best coffee.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Si Espresso Bar

2
748 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2P1

Just down Broadview a bit is Si. This teeny space has a good strong cuppa with a great window for people watching. And don't let its small space fool you - it's fairly roomy inside, with lots of drink options, should you like your order a little more complex than the usual offerings.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Broadview Espresso

TORONTO, ON

What is it about Broadview? Is there something in the water? Just south of the other two above, across from Riverdale Park, lays one of the best views of the city line and a great cup of thick, strong java. A little front patio means that you can spend the summer outdoors and their second location on King St. E. offers more of a downtown vibe, but with the same great coffee.

Café Pamenar

3
307 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M2

Kensington Market is teaming with coffee shops, but there is just something about this one. Maybe it's the slim, white space lit with edison bulbs that feels both modern and charmingly old, thanks to the wood and antique touches. Maybe it's the insanely addictive brew. Whatever it is, it's worth the visit.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Sam James Coffee Bar

4
297 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M6G 1G7

The new location of Sam James at the corner of Queen and Ossington is so sexy, you should go check it out whether you like coffee or not. Of course, the coffee should be the reason for your visit. But with its sky-high ceiling, black-and-white interior and handmade steel bar by artist Jeremy Jansen, you’ll feel like you've been to a New York gallery. With a great cup of coffee as a bonus.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Stephanie Dickison Stephanie Dickison
Former editor of Dine.TO and industry expert Stephanie Dickison has been covering the Toronto food and restaurant scene for over a decade. In addition to profiling top chefs and interviewing celebs, her Open/Closed column is a must-read every Thursday for the newest openings, and latest news and events.
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