One of my favourite parts about Toronto is the café scene. There’s just something about sipping a latte and romanticizing life while the city buzzes around you. I can’t be the only one who thinks it makes studying feel a little more cinematic. With how dreadful being a student can sometimes feel, study dates are a must, whether they’re with a friend, a partner, or just a good old-fashioned solo date. That being said, making the trek downtown just for coffee can feel a bit much. Lately, though, I’ve realized that Mississauga has its own little gems that prove the city is slowly (but surely) catching up to Toronto’s café energy. Here are some of my favourites, not too far from the UTM campus.
📍 Studio.89
Where: 2520 Eglinton Ave W ~10 mins from UTM
Located across from Erin Mills Town Centre, Studio.89 is a cozy, community-focused fair-trade café with a welcoming atmosphere. I learned the hard way that parking can be a little tricky (look for the visitor parking in the building of the cafe), but once you step inside, the warm seating, shelves of board games, and tasty treats make it worth the effort. The best part? It’s a completely vegan café, so you can sip your usual go-to drinks guilt-free while supporting sustainable choices.
Go For: My personal faves are their almond milk mochas or hot chocolate!
📍 Coffee Culture
Where: 1220 Eglinton Ave W ~8 mins from UTM
At the corner of Eglinton and Creditview, Coffee Culture is a familiar favourite for coffee and breakfast. While it’s not the most “study-friendly” spot (limited outlets and, from what I remember, no Wi-Fi), it’s still a cozy place to get a bit of work done — just maybe not a multi-hour grind session. The semi-circle tables also make it a solid choice if you’re coming with a group. I stopped by after a walk through Riverwood Conservancy one morning, and it was the perfect cozy reset with coffee and a bite.
Go For: Breakfast classics and their seasonal fall menu.
📍Halo Espresso Bar
Where: 3024 Hurontario St ~10 mins from UTM
Right in the heart of Cooksville (near Hurontario and Dundas) sits my favourite Mississauga café. Don’t let the daunting area scare you away. With plenty of parking at Cooksville Library, you’ll be glad you stopped by. As soon as you walk in, the rustic, casual-comfy vibe and the smell of freshly ground coffee beans instantly set the tone. With lots of tables, outlets, and an extensive drink menu, it’s the kind of place that makes long study sessions actually enjoyable. The coffee quality here is top-notch, the baristas are very friendly, and it strikes the perfect balance between cozy and focus-friendly. Honestly, hours have flown by here for me, whether I was working remotely during my internship, catching up with friends, or grinding through math problems on a study date. Bonus points for the fact that the atmosphere feels “local” in the best way — not too polished, but warm and authentic.
Go For: The Kinder Latte and Nutella Latte are special must-tries!
📍 Crepe de Luxe
Where: Erin Mills Town Centre ~10 mins from UTM
Tucked inside Erin Mills Town Centre is a charming little café and crêpe spot, where the setting is just as delightful as the food and drinks. The crêpes are an evident standout. They are light, flavorful, and beautifully plated, and the coffee always comes with that extra touch of presentation that makes it feel special. Seating is split between the café itself and a section outside the mall, so you can choose to cozy up inside or people-watch among the mall’s bustle. Because it’s in the mall, it can definitely get busy, and I’m not 100% sure about the outlet situation. Still, it’s a surprisingly nice place to study for a bit or hang out with friends. The staff are warm and welcoming, which makes the experience feel more personal despite being in a busier location. And of course, the best part? You can always treat yourself to a little shopping spree after as a study reward.
Go For: Their crêpes paired with a caramel macchiato; a sweet combo that never disappoints!
📍 Buka Maranga
Where: 6465 Millcreek Dr ~15 mins from UTM
A little further out past Streetsville, at Millcreek and Erin Mills, you’ll find Buka Maranga, a spacious café that makes it easy to settle in and focus. Unlike trendier, more aesthetic spots, this one feels a little more down-to-earth with a range of tables, plenty of outlets, and a warm, no-fuss atmosphere that makes it a true student staple. The décor has a cozy charm, and I find that it never feels overcrowded, even on busier days. The coffee is excellent (their lattes are smooth and very nice to look at every time), and it’s one of those rare places where you can actually spend hours studying without feeling rushed.
Go For: Long study sessions with any flavour of latte.
📍 The Local by Masrawy
Where: 2275 Britannia Rd W ~12 mins from UTM
Right past Streetsville at Britannia and Millcreek, The Local by Masrawy is one of the most aesthetically pleasing cafés on this list and also one of the newest! The vibe is bright and welcoming, with comfy seating (think cushions galore) and plenty of outlets, making it ideal for long study sessions or a nice study date. The staff are super friendly, and the owner is especially warm (he also runs the restaurant next door, which has amazing Egyptian food if you’re ever in the mood for more than just coffee). What really sets this café apart though, is its drink menu: from their matchas, to Kashmiri iced chai, to lattes with a twist. Plus a bonus for those of us with a sweet tooth: giant chewy cookies and croissant options that pair perfectly with your drink of choice. It’s a spot that feels both pretty and practical, which is why it’s quickly become a favourite for students looking to mix studying with a little indulgence.
Go For: Tiramisu and Biscoff lattes are must-tries along with a fat cookie on the side.
📍 Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co
Where: 271 Queen St S ~7 mins from UTM
Qamaria is a new Yemeni café in lovely downtown Streetsville, located just off Mississauga Road. This may or may not be known, but Streetsville already has its fair share of great coffee stops, and this one stands out for its gorgeous interior and genuinely cozy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where you can comfortably crack open your laptop or gather with friends without feeling rushed. With a wide range of drinks, lots of seating, and that warm Middle Eastern café feel, it’s quickly becoming a local favourite. Especially on a gloomy study day, its coziness and unique flavours are a nice reminder that Sauga’s café game is elevating.
Go For: Their pistachio latte or the signature Qamaria latte, both have made people swear they’re unlike any coffee you’ll get nearby!
Honourable Mention: Patco
Okay, so not technically a study café, but Patco deserves a special shoutout! Started by UTM student Hanna Paras back in 2020, what began as a personal project during the pandemic has now grown into a small but mighty coffee brand. I have frequently caught their pop-ups at the Food District in Square One, and trust me, the coffee is worth it. What makes it even better is that Patco has sustainability at its heart. They use glass bottles with a return system instead of piling on single-use waste. So while it’s not a spot to open up your laptop, grabbing a cup here feels like supporting both good coffee and good intentions, and who doesn’t love cheering on a UTM-grown business?
There are still plenty of spots around Mississauga, especially around UTM that I haven’t tried yet, Ridgeway Plaza and Lakeshore included. There’s more to explore, which may just be the incentive for me to make a part 2! For now, these are the cafés I’ve frequented and can confidently say are worth checking out, whether it’s for a study date, a coffee catch-up, or a solo moment with your laptop and latte.