In 2023, we are going to romanticize our lives. Part of that includes our dreamy walks over to aesthetic and cozy cafes to enjoy our luxurious lattes. Toronto has no shortage of cute and intimate coffee shops that serve as the perfect backdrop for a romantic date, study spot, or a simple place to people watch.
Here are 12 coffee shops in Toronto that you need to put on your coffee-crawl hit list.
1. Pamenar
This trendy spot in Kensington Market is light, airy, and intimate. Enjoy some small bites while you catch up over a hot beverage. The coffee is strong and in the evening, the lights dim and you can transition to a cocktail.
Located at: 307 Augusta Ave
2. 135 Ossington
This minimalist cafe is serving handmade beverages and has an adorable market where you can bring home your favourite coffees, teas, coffee equipment, and even apparel. This cafe does simplicity the right way: locally sourced and with the intention of bringing people together.
Located at: 135 Ossington Ave
3. Wanda’s Pie in the Sky
This beloved little spot has the most comforting energy. Between the delicious food, fresh pies, and big mugs of coffee, you’re bound to have the set up for a perfect date. Share a slice of your favourite pie while gazing at people walking down the street.
Located at: 287 Augusta Ave
4. Forest Cafe
Forest Cafe has two major pillars in their business: coffee culture and community. This cafe is the perfect setting for all the moments you want to celebrate or simply unwind in an upscale ambiance. So kick back and relax with a hot cup of Joe and enjoy in the good times together.
Located at: 56 Forest Manor Rd Unit 5
5. I Deal Coffee & Wine
This adorable coffee shop is preserving the diverse neighbourhood and community around them. They believe in quality and sustainability, so you can feel good about the coffee you’re drinking. This spot has lots of natural light shining through the windows, and a light atmosphere for some cute drinks.
Located at: 162 Ossington Ave
6. Forget Me Not Cafe
This warm, laid-back, Korean inspired cafe is the perfect backdrop for your mid-day coffee date. They are serving up unique treats and locally sourced goods, right in the heart of Toronto. You’ll also be able to enjoy shopping in their boutique for an extra special gift to bring home.
Located at: 506 Adelaide St W
7. Balzac’s Coffee Roasters
This relaxed local chain has a multitude of locations across the city. They are serving artisanal coffees, baked goods, and sweet treats. Balzac’s is a great location for a study date, especially if you’re heading to the location at the Toronto Reference Library.
Located at: 789 Yonge St (and other locations across the city)
8. Cafe 23
Cafe 23 has the perfect comforting vibes adorned with cute, funky decor, making it an amazing spot to cozy up with your partner. They have delicious snacks to accompany your coffee and they make a mean London Fog. With certain areas being laptop free, it allows you to have an intimate, device-free space to connect with one another.
Located at: 728 Queen St W
9. Found Coffee
You’ll never feel lost at Found Coffee. Their brand sets out to make you feel “found”. Their community is inclusive and welcoming. This quaint little shop offers an array of espresso drinks and pastries in a modern, brightly lit interior.
Located at: 324 College St and at 189 Shaw St
10. Olivia’s Garden
Flowers and coffee are a match made in heaven. Inside Olivia’s Garden you can find Le Café which is their multi-roaster coffee bar. Enjoy a handcrafted drink surrounded by a gorgeous modern interior and exceptional florals. This is the ideal spot for the romantic!
Located at: 569 Crawford St
11. Creeds Coffee Bar
Creeds is a striking backdrop for every style of coffee date, event, and solo self care afternoon. Warm wood juxtaposed with cool marble finishes creates a stunning environment while you sip on their soothing drinks.
This predominant retail experience blends coffee bar with market, cocktails, and even dry cleaning! Such a quintessentially Toronto one-stop-shop in the trendiest of ways.
Located at: 450 Dupont St
12. Pera Cafe Toronto
This intimate Turkish-style cafe, breakfast spot, and bakery is just as cute as it is delicious. It’s location makes it perfect to pair with cafe-hopping, vintage shopping, and and more. They even have a heated patio to enjoy on the colder days.
Located at: 62 Nassau St, Kensington Market
So now that you have all your cafe inspo, all you need to do is text your date inviting them out! Your life can be as romantic as the movies, all you need is a pretty latte to make it happen.
Expand your Toronto bucket list of spots for later in the day (dinner dates, maybe?) with more Toronto date ideas!
Written by – Jenna Kaplan
