One of my favourite things to do is just hangout at a local coffee shop, chat with friends, read a book, get some work done, and enjoy the atmosphere. Perhaps you are also a café frequenter? Or simply need a place to relax and be productive? This list will hopefully offer you some great options in downtown Toronto!

FIKA

Named for the Swedish term meaning “coffee break” Fika is a staple in Kensington Market. This cute café has a warm and cozy vibe, with comfy seats by a fireplace, and a communal working table set to the backdrop of a wall covered in book pages. With twinkle lights set up during winter, and a lovely front patio set up during summer, Fika is a year-round treat. Speaking of treats, they have a variety of baked goodies, including an amazing vegan carrot cake. To drink, you can choose from coffee, teas, lattes and water on tap. Freshly prepared food is on order, featuring salads and the common Swedish open-faced sandwich. I love spending time here, either grabbing a tea with a friend, sitting by the fireplace to read, or getting some remote work done.

CAFÉ PAMENAR

Kensington Market is the home to many coffee shops and bars, and Café Pamenar is one of its special hybrids. A hot spot amongst locals, Pamenar takes socializing seriously with a front patio, indoor seating, and a back patio. You will find people coming in groups, catching up with friends, stopping by to read a good book, or coming in to work on their computers in a calm setting. When day turns to evening, the coffee shop becomes more bar, serving up alcoholic beverages. Needless to say Café Pamenar has something for everyone.

DARK HORSE (on Spadina)

Dark Horse may be a chain within the Toronto area, but I am willing to look past that when it comes to their Spading Ave. location. I love coming to this coffee shop to get some work done at one of the two large communal tables situated by the two floor-to-ceiling windows. The warm natural light makes it feel like you are sat in a bubble where it is summer year-round. If you aren’t looking to spend your time working, there are also secluded individual tables up the steps behind the counter. These seats are great for having more private chats, whether it be amongst friends, or perhaps a business meeting. Not only are there many hot and cold beverages on the menu, there are also some options in the cooler from Village Juicery. Who says coffee shop choices are aways unhealthy? Personally, I have enjoyed many a salad and sugar-free iced tea here.

EARLY BIRD

Sometimes all the stars align and the universe delivers you the coffee shop that provides you with everything you could want. For me, this is Early Bird Café & Kitchen. Located in one of my favourite downtown areas, on Queen St. West, this café is the perfect combination of bright, natural light, and delicious food and drink with all the dietary variations you could want. I am addicted to the Kombucha on tap, plus they have both regular green matcha lattes, and blue matcha lattes. The overnight outs with fresh fruit is delicious, and this café is widely known for their pink eggs-benedict (the Hollandaise sauce made pink naturally with beets). A cool atmosphere that fosters socializing and quiet time to yourself. You will find many posts on my Instagram located here!

VERSUS COFFEE

Versus Coffee has the perfect marriage of a bright/airy feel with modern eclectic decor. Though space is limited, the tall ceilings give the feeling of space, ultimately creating a place that delivers intimacy with room to settle in and spend an afternoon. You can hangout on your own, or grow your group by inviting your friends, either way you will be glad you hit up Versus. It is no secret that I love a matcha latte, and it is my number one pick at this beautiful centrally located shop.

THE WALTON

The Walton is the classiest destination on this list. With charcuterie on the menu, dainty pastries by the bar (yes it becomes a bar at night) and the loveliest private back patio open every summer, you will want to have all your get togethers here! I highly recommend the Fizzy Pink Lemonade, it is a real treat, and makes for the perfect summer beverage. Don’t count out The Walton during the colder months, as there are plenty of hot drinks (coffees, teas etc.) to choose from. Of course, there is also wifi - the remote workers dream.

When you need a change of scenery, want to discover some nice spots around Toronto, or are looking for your next favourite coffee place, I hope you can enjoy these favourites as much as I do!

Ella

Images: Ella

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