The Best Coffee Shops In Midtown, Toronto

This independent cafe is located on the corner of Highbourne and Eglinton, nestled quietly into the heart of a residential neighborhood. Right away, you’ll notice Crosstown Coffee Bar’s rustic and comfortable vibe and will be drawn in by the cafe’s relaxing music and its very friendly and exceptionally knowledgeable baristas. Not only does Crosstown have a passion for micro roasting and excellent coffee, but it also offers an assortment of delicious treats, including gluten-free and vegan options. When the weather is nice, take advantage of the cafe’s outdoor seating, and watch the world go by.

Rachel’s Coffee House is an independent cafe in the Yonge-Davisville neighborhood and a great spot to catch up with friends and to people-watch. The place is cozy, but spacious, with plenty of seating, and it has a great patio area for summertime hangouts. This cafe prides itself on serving only fairtrade, organic coffees from local roasters and boasts a long list of espresso drinks and delicious alternatives, from its macadamia latte to matcha lemonade. There is also a range of sandwiches, salads and sweet treats available.

This modern, independent hangout, located just a few steps from Yonge and Eglinton, is a burst of fresh air in an otherwise rather serious, corporate area. Serving traditional Turkish dishes and hot beverages, Istanbul Cafe is filled with cozy sofas, wingback chairs, and pillows where you can sit and enjoy perfectly brewed coffee. Beautiful gourd lamps hang over the tables, and colorful Turkish ceramics and photographs are mounted on the walls. Be sure to check out the signature traditional Turkish coffee served on a beautiful silver tray alongside Turkish delights.

One of the most popular cafes in Trinity Bellwoods, White Squirrel Coffee Shop, has a second location in another part of town, Rosedale. Teaming up with Freshii, the cafe is located inside the chain’s franchise. But worry not — you’ll still find the same fairtrade and organic coffees, handmade breakfast muffins and communal tables that make White Squirrel so popular. White Squirrel also sells Greg’s Ice Cream, featuring a selection of innovative flavors, from roasted marshmallow and grape nut to a stout variety made with real beer. The custom roast here is provided by the Ontario-based company Mountain View Estates.

Located at the foot of Casa Loma, a stone’s throw from Dupont subway station, Ezra’s Pound is the self-proclaimed ‘leader of Toronto’s espresso culture’ and is widely known for its use of sustainable, locally-sourced coffee and organic, plant-based, and cruelty-free products. You might pay a bit more for your coffee here, but rest assured it will be full of bold, robust flavors. If you’re looking to grab a tasty snack, baked goods are made from scratch by Ezra’s Parisian-trained pastry chef.

A go-to spot in swanky Yorkville, this popular espresso bar is a great place to chat with friends over lunch and coffee. Located right opposite the famous Yorkville Rock and founded by coffee lovers, Goldstruck prides itself on using high-quality beans and the most innovative coffee machines. The decor is industrial-chic, with a relaxing and cozy atmosphere that invites visitors to enjoy a selection of house-baked pastries, sandwiches and smoothies, away from Toronto’s hustle and bustle. Coffee-wise, locals love the vanilla raf and halva latte.

From the moment you walk into this delightful little cafe, you’ll be greeted by the delicious smell of Nutella and crêpes. CocoaLatte also has a wide selection of mouth-watering soups, sandwiches, desserts and drinks, making it impossible to choose just one thing. Favorites include the California Club, which is served with smoked turkey breast, bacon, avocado, cheddar cheese, mixed greens, mayo and mustard. Wash it down with the infamous Nutella latte — worth every calorie. Although the place is on the smaller side, it’s clean and visually appealing and offers comfortable seating.

If you’ve never tried a Korean-style macaron, we recommend picking one up at Yonge and Eglinton’s popular specialty coffee shop. The Social Blend’s signature macaron flavors include matcha KitKat, blueberry cheesecake, tiramisu, and earl grey, with innovative new varieties brought out each month. As well as serving a wide selection of ethically sourced coffee from specialty roasters around the world, the cafe has plenty of board games for visitors to enjoy. It’s open during evening hours too, making it a great alternative to a night out at a bar.