50 Best Cafes near East York

“I was eating across the street when I looked out the window and noticed Yaya’s. I looked at my parents who I was sitting with and being Greek said would you guys want loukoumades? I went as they were closing and they literally went in the back, made fresh dough and started making me my order. When I tell you these loukoumades are the real deal they are the real deal. The best loukoumades in the city. The owner was super friendly and I wish them all the best. Will definitely be back!“

“We had an appointment and we're early, so we decided to check out the Cafe. We ordered our food, and then realized that I'd forgotten my wallet in the car, parked a distance away. The woman behind the counter generously gave us our meals free of charge. This rarely happens in our world anymore. We have gratitude and we are thankful that there are still beautiful, giving human beings out there. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
LEE knapp“

“loved the cheese and spinach pitas everything is super fresh. Flavoured coffees are also great.“

“Great latte !! 👍😊☕️ practicing social distance :)“

“A Decadent Taste of Greece at Macchiato

Had lunch at my favorite Greek Gyro spot Tzatziki on Mt.Pleasant today for lunch. Was in the mood for dessert, and the staff told me about their sister location in Pape Village, a 24 hour Coffee and Dessert spot with homemade decadent pasties and desserts.

I love the food at Tzatziki so made my way to Macciato Espresso Bar to enjoy a desert on their outdoor patio.

From the moment the plate arrived the aroma of warm custard, buttery pastry, and a hint of cinnamon was irresistible. I gently cut into the bougatsa, the phyllo giving way with a delicate crackle, scattering golden flakes like confetti on the plate.

The first bite was pure comfort and elegance. The crisp, buttery layers melted into a velvety custard—warm, smooth, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. The dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar added a gentle spice and light sweetness that made each bite feel complete.

The textures played in perfect harmony—the satisfying crunch of the pastry followed by the soft, creamy center. As I lingered over each mouthful, the buttery and spiced notes stayed with me, making it impossible not to close my eyes for a moment and just enjoy.

Paired with a Ice Cold Freddo Cappuccino coffee, it was the kind of treat that turns an ordinary lunch into a memorable one.

Found my new favorite dessert spot and will be coming back for more!“

“Lit, is my go to afternoon pleasant coffee time. Great staff, friendly and helpful. Good vibe and never disappoints.“

“BEST FREEDO IN CANADA“

“We had such a great experience at Aroma. The food was really tasty and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. Our baby even enjoyed it. She loved their omelette and ate so well. It was just a really nice outing overall. We’ll definitely be back.“

“Ins風小資咖啡廳，唔錯！“

“Great people and delicious food! 😋“

“Hi 👋 to all the Staff @ Haven Brews, Elena and Albert want to thank you for your kindness and generosity. The food at Haven Brews is always fresh and delicious 😋 The Customer Service is top notch, the staff very professional, courteous and helpful. The environment is refreshing, soothing, relaxing, and overall, a very warming, nice, and positive atmosphere 😊 Thank you so much for all that you do for the community. Kind regards, Elena and Albert“

“Our clinic was lucky to sample the Mocha and it was delicious! Highly recommend!“

“Very good cafe bake shop I highly recommended“

“The blueberry lemon cupcakes ? Incomparable and one of a kind ! I love this place though I don’t frequently go it never fails me and the hospitality and customer service are by far extremely wonderful“

“I lined up to try a nut cream sample at Vegandale and ended up getting the fair special of a chocolate cream pistachio matcha and oh my glob it was good. The cream isn’t too sweet and actually a little salty but the flavours and textures are incredible. They give you a wooden paddle so you can eat some of the cream off the top, then stir the rest into your drink for a creamy, rich treat. This is the most decadent whipped cream and far surpasses any dairy variety I’ve had in the past. It’s incredible. I will be dreaming about this stuff.“

“The food was so delicious and a very eclectic menu. A little gem of a restaurant. 😀“

“A quaint, cozy place with a cute outdoor seating. This Persian cafe has wonderful brunch menu. I had the Dutch baby pancake with berries on top, with bacon and eggs on the side. Don’t get fooled by the front, go to the back and have a seat at the outdoor area. Fabulous.“

“Wonderful food choices in a well designed setting.“

“Lisa and the team at MBC are the Bomb! Her work and attention to detail is amazing. I literally had a vision and she made it come to life numerous times! HIGHly recommended ❤🌼💚🍪“

“My first visit here today—and definitely not my last! This place is absolutely incredible. The service is warm, welcoming, and truly community-oriented. The food is top-notch, with authentic Italian quality that’s hard to find. The gelato is out of this world—I tried the orange zest, peach, and pistachio, and each one was perfection.
What really stood out was the owner, Joe. He’s incredibly kind, carries himself with strong values, and genuinely cares about the community. He welcomes everyone with open arms, radiates true Nono vibes, and even shares wisdom that stays with you long after you leave.
The space itself is also a gem—tucked away beneath a plant shop, it offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels like a hidden escape from the busy streets of Moss Park.
Thank you, Joe, for making such a lasting impression. I can’t wait to come back!
Affordable ontop of all of that!

Did I mention he supports local artists?
I also love the no iPad/computer rules as it creates an environment that’s quiet and intimate.
If you’re someone looking for a quiet intimate experience with quality food then this is your place!

10/10“

“I’d been craving a good Chopped Cheese since my trip to New York, and Berkeley Cafe absolutely delivered! The sandwich was spot on, and their bagels are a must-try too — simple, fresh, and delicious. The service was excellent, and I loved relaxing on the clean outdoor patio surrounded by trees. Definitely looking forward to coming back!“

“Today Jan 3, 2025 was my first time here. Beautifully decorated, Clean, generous size delicious baked on the premises blueberry scones, good coffee, friendly helpful staff and owner. I spent a long time working on the crossword puzzle sipping my two cups of coffee. I wasn’t rushed. Felt very comfortable. I wish them well, and I shall return for sure.“

“Everything a community coffee shop should be! Great coffee, their ice cream is always a big hit and their toffee milk chocolate cookie is the best. Even more - The owners are great supporters of the local community! Thanks from Team Shmooz!“

“Friendly service and delicious foods, I'm especially a fan of the fresh-baked croissants, which can be used for tasty sandwiches! The espresso is superb and the Mango Dragonfruit Hibiscus Iced tea is a must try in the summer time :) They even give my dog a treat when he comes to visit, 10/10. 🥐☕“

“I came for brunch on a Thursday 11am and easily found seating. I ordered the match latte (pictured) and the smoked salmon sandwich. Everything was great except I had hoped that the croissant would be warm and crunchy. It was cold just like the rest of the ingredients.
I’m also giving the service only 4 stars because the machine suggested minimum 15% tip for counter service. I believe when you have to pick up and drop off your own plates, that deducts 5% from the total service. I also work in service and this is how Ive always done it. It’s kind of unfair to have that be the lowest suggestion, but I understand that I could just calculate it myself (yet another task added when I just want to enjoy my free time).

Dietary restrictions: Some good gluten free options“

“Amazing food with great selection. Food always come fresh and tastes delicious!“

“I recommend you to try every food and snack that they have because it’s all delicious. I really enjoy the taste of cassava purée with shrimp , shrimp pie, grilled picanha, cheese quiche… They cook with great ingredients from Brazil and the flavor reminds me of grandma's food“

“The owner is so nice, and really knowledgeable about Pu-Erh teas. He is patient, and the food he makes is amazing! The prices for the teas and food is reasonable (student budget friendly lmao). I remember when this was at a different location down the street and he had chalkboard menus - updated now and looks awesome. Interior decor is 100% instagramable with the arwork and the wood seating. You gotta come here at least once if you're around here, it's worth it.“

“I love this place around the corner in my neighborhood. It’s a family run restaurant, the chef father makes so delicious and juicy bagel&sandwich, the cookies baked by the son are also very impressive 😍😍😍 what is more impressive is the price, All Day Breakfast:a bagel with a coffee , only costs 5.99CAD, 6.77 after tax. Nowadays this price can only buy a cup of coffee in Toronto 😅😅 A bagel alone like that would cost at least 12 CAD!!!! When I firstly saw the ad saying All- Day Breakfast 5.99 on the wall, I thought that must be a scam😂😅 Buz similar meal like that in the campus food trucks are at least twice the price. Then one day I finally tried to walk in Papamio’s, it did cost that less and the boss even gave me a cookie for free as a new client 🤩🤩🤩“

“Amazing flavor. There are not many Bingsu spots in Toronto, but I would say this location creates the perfect blend. Price is slightly high. I would reduce it by 2 dollars to make customers feel more welcome. The tip system is a little pressuring on top of a heavy price. I would definitely recommend for flavor wise if money is not really a concern.“

“It’s very cozy space especially if you were friends.“

“Had a nutella latte this morning with extra foam and skim milk! LOVED the decor of this cafe and all the unique products they sell for coffee and wellness. If it wasn't for COVID, I could definitely see myself coming by to get some work done. I will be back again!“

“People say hidden gem and whatnot but this is the only place I'd really miss in this area. You legit cannot get better coffee in Toronto, coffee island is probably the only one on this level. A small crew means it's always high quality and the food is nice. Just order ahead if you are in a hurry and spanikopita goes fast so have a backup order in mind. Looking forward to trying the new sandwiches. Personal favorites: oat cap, oat chai, spanikopita, sausage egg muffin. If you combine this coffee with the bagel place up the street you'll have the best lunch ever.“

“Amazing Amazing Amazing, I tried the Rosetta Alla Vodka and Lasagna Calabrese.. Very excited to become a regular. Thank You 😍“

“So… my wife and I have been regulars at this gem of a restaurant ever since we moved into the neighbourhood over a year ago. We’ve always had our go-to favourites—the Truffle Mushroom Pasta (absolutely addictive!) and the Fresh Grilled Salmon (perfect every single time).

But today, we decided to branch out and try two of the Chef’s specials: the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta and the Sea Bass with layered potatoes. OMG—both dishes were out of this world! Flavor-packed, beautifully presented, and cooked to perfection. These weren’t just good… they hit it out of the park.

Looks like our “all-time favourites” list just got an update. Bravo to the Chef and team—this place keeps surprising us in the best way possible!“

“Always pulling consistent shots. Great flavour.

Only feedback would be to froth the milk individually. Have had cappuccinos turn out to be more like a latte because the barista frothed a larger pitcher and then poured it into smaller ones to make multiple drinks.

I can understand it saves time in a high volume shop but it changes the consistency of the drink visit to visit.“

“heart eyes.....................................“

“This is a wonderful local coffee shop. They make delicious croissants and scones. I've brought them to some functions and everyone loves them! Support local business. Very friendly service.“

“Really nice coffee, with notes of raspberry/ cotton candy? Great service too. They have a lot of pastries to choose from, as well as some savoury menu items, like croissant sandwiches too. A few tables outdoors. Seats and tables are plentiful inside. There are also two larger tables for sharing with power points to charge your devices - perfect for work and study!“

“Super Rico, amo los waffles. El personal Bien amables y atento. Lo recomiendo Vuelvo a ahí 🙌“

“best chaat, street pani puri, Falooda, Kashmiri chai“

“Fika Cafe is one of my go-to spots in Kensington Market. Their Fika iced latte is my favourite (cardamom, milk, syrup, and espresso). The space itself is just super cozy, with a unique book-themed wallpaper and a cute little back patio that’s perfect for unwinding and catching up with friends.“

“Try out their freshly stocked beans.“

“Unique and delicious pastries and snacks. Everything is baked in house and made fresh everyday. Cake slices are the best in the area. Cookies, scones, buns, muffins, all amazing.
Breakfast sandwich is unreal. Can get it with or without meat.
If busy, service can be slow, so maybe not a quick stop if you are a line, but worth the wait if you have the time.
The birthday cakes actually taste as good as they look. Highly recommend ordering way in advance !“

“I love supernova atmosphere, It's full of plants and art.
The coffee is good, a bit dark for my liking.
The savory scones are to die for. I am always late. You can call in the morning and ask them to save any pastry you may be craving.
The staff is always ready with an smiles.“

“lovely place, as it says in their website the owner praises good quality and fresh ingredients. A few options in the hot menu for brunch/breakfast but nicely done, a good variety of sweets, cookies and parties, all excellent eats too. A hidden gem.“

“Great range of dim sum and main dishes. Seaweed bites, won tons, fried dumplings, ‘prawn’ steamed dumplings, meat bauzi and bean curd were all delicious. Shop at the back selling freezer goods and vegan moon cakes. All very affordable, we would definitely come back. Took our meat eating parents who also enjoyed everything.“

“Stopped in, got a couple of lattes and cookies. Lattes were smooth and just the right balanced taste - perfect. The chocolate chip cookie was thick and decadent. Definitely going to be a regular local spot. Jason behind the counter was charming and worked on getting the coffee just right - they’ve been open less than a week! If you’re around Queen & Coxwell, this is a place to check out.“