Café hopping has become one of my new favorite things to do. Ever since lockdown has been lifted, I have really come to appreciate and enjoy all the creative spaces and delicate sweets that I have discovered. With a hopeful return to campus next semester, I thought I would share a list of my top five favourite artsy cafés around the city! These spots not only have good coffee, but prove to be Instagram worthy too – which is always a plus. :)
- Coffee Lunar: 920 Yonge St #6
Named after the moon, Coffee Lunar is one of the most aesthetically pleasing cafés in Toronto.
The high attention to detail in decor and ambiance makes it favourite among the crowds. This coffee shop also makes for a great work and study spot. They even have lofi music playing in the background! While there are limited seats, it is still fairly easy to claim a spot if you come around noon on weekdays.
- Nomnomnom: 492 Parliament St
Nomnomnom is one of Toronto’s newest cafés tucked away in the Cabbagetown Area, east of Toronto. This Korean-style coffee shop is a perfect spot to visit with friends, take cute photos and enjoy unique drinks. They offer a selection of handcrafted specialty drinks such as the Purple Kiss (a sweet and sour ombre drink) and other coffee beverages. The Nomnomnom features open concept space complete with art installations by local artists that are definitely worth checking out!
Bonus: The café is also dog friendly!
- Carbonic Coffee: 37 Baldwin St
Carbonic Coffee is located in Baldwin Village and offers espresso drinks made with house-roasted beans, baked goods, and a stunning minimalist interior space for you to enjoy. Aside from the array of drinks, the newly renovated design of the coffee shop cannot go without mention The decorative ceramics and cool tones of the space make you feel like you’re in a quaint spot in Europe!
- Cafe23: 728 Queen St W
Located on Queen Street West and just a few steps away from Trinity Bellwoods Park, Cafe23 is an artsy Boho Parisian-style café. The shop serves amazing lattes and a wide variety of baked goods such as croissants, bagels and butter tarts. As for the café itself, Cafe23 looks like a regular independent coffee shop from the front, but the best part is really the backyard garden patio. The patio takes you away from the noise of the street where instead you’ll find yourself secluded in a secret garden surrounded by cute decor and plants.
Bonus: There is WiFi on both floors of the patio if you’re looking to stay and get some work done. Aim to arrive early to get a spot!
- Versus Coffee: 70 Adelaide St E
Known for their beautiful latte art, Versus Coffee is a favourite among locals. They serve great coffee and food (I love their croissants and avocado toast!) with a cozy interior and large patio. With a chic all white modern look, Versus Coffee serves minimalistic vibes that make it a perfect place to study or meet up with a friend!