Top Places to get a Cappuccino in Downtown Toronto
Toronto is full of coffee shops, featuring brews from around the world.
But given how prominent the Italian community is here (almost 500,000 Torontonians identify as Italian-Canadian, representing 8.3 percent of the population), you can’t go wrong with a cappuccino in this town. Here’s a definitive list of the best cappuccino places in the city.
This chic Summerhill coffee house is a neighbourhood hotspot serving up some of the best coffee in Toronto. Located in a charming two-storey Victorian house, it offers a buzzing downstairs bar as well as quiet upstairs seating where you can hide away with your cappuccino and a book. Not sure what kind of cappuccino to get? The knowledgeable baristas will guide you through the selection with ease.
One of Toronto’s most essential food stops from the moment it opened, this lower-level King West locale will draw you in from the street with its dazzling pastry counter and glass-walled kitchen where you can watch talented pastry chefs making the magic happen. In addition to fabulous coffee, Forno Cultura offers an ever-changing range of sophisticated sweet and savoury treats like frolle di ricotta made with sweet fresh cheese, dried fruits and a hint of orange zest; as well as a lunchtime lineup of pizza and panini that keeps regulars coming back every day of the week.
Zaza has some of the best coffee makers in Toronto and recreates an authentic Italian café experience in each of its five locations. The beans are roasted in Italy using artisanal methods and the quality is evident in every sip. The friendly, informal ambiance and a good selection of daily newspapers make it a great spot to stop in for a quick morning joe or a relaxed weekend ritual.
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior of this Danforth café. The full range of espresso-based brews are rich and flavourful and the friendly staff will have you coming back every day. Doors open at 5:30 AM for the early morning crowd.
This traditional coffee house with three Toronto locations takes its craft seriously. In addition to serving fabulous cappuccino and all manner of other espresso-based beverages, they offer barista classes every quarter from their Lombard Street store.
Communal tables and fast WiFi have turned this Spadina café into one of the city’s most popular co-working spaces. In total, there are six locations around the city offering sweet and savoury pastries baked in-house and a range of gluten-free treats.
Pilot’s founders Andy and Jessie Wilkin travel the globe to source the best beans and develop an ethical, direct-trade supply chain. The full-service roastery has seven locations across the city known for on-tap cold brew and kombucha as well as classic cappuccino.
This popular café near historic St. Lawrence Market serves up excellent coffee and Japanese baked goods in an inviting, minimalist space. It’s a great place to find a moment of peace in the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto.
Hale Coffee in the Junction is an essential stop for coffee aficionados. Their business goes beyond brewing, providing barista training and also distributing coffee equipment. The spacious, bright interior and comfortable seating make it a great place to work and socialize.
Ciao from Toronto!
