As more job positions go full-time remote or hybrid, finding a great workspace can be essential. While cafes are a popular choice, not all of them were made equal. Unless you’re in a big Starbucks, I don’t see many setting options in these midtown cafes, so opt for one of the local Toronto coffee shops instead.
Istanbul Cafe and Espresso Bar
The back table in this midtown Toronto coffee shop almost always has a meeting or study group going on. The decor is cozy, with bookshelves and a fireplace, and there are lots of great lunch options.
Reward yourself with a seasonal baked good, rose latte, or organic wine after your big meetings. The south-facing windows also get great morning sun for your early risers.
Location –
174 Eglinton Ave E
Hours –
Weekdays – 8 am – 6 pm
Weekends – 9 am – 6 pm
Wifi – Yes
Best Menu Item – Baklava or specialty tea. Maybe the cheddar and chive scone?
At Origin Coffee
Not only does this cafe have amazing lattes and Turkish pastries, but there are also local art collections and beautiful handmade goods. One of the owners does beautiful mosaic work that you might have seen around sidewalks in midtown Toronto.
Maybe the cherry on top is the beautiful and super friendly golden retriever that can be found sleeping in the back corner.
Location –
687 Mt Pleasant Road
Hours –
Tuesday – Friday – 8 am – 5 pm
Weekends – 8:30 am – 5 pm
Wifi – Yes
Best Menu Item – Latte – they also give you dog treats if you have a dog in tow
The Social Blend
Located on Eglinton right next to La Carnita and Good Fortune. Come here for a beautiful box of Macaroons, or try their Korean-Style Dacquoise.
White subway tile and black decor make for a dramatic study spot. You can also pick up a birthday cake alternative. You can also occasionally find them in Holt’s if you are down in Yorkville. A small black coffee is $2.5 is and an americano is $3.5.
Location –
130 Eglinton Ave E
Hours –
Monday – Thursday – 8 am – 8 pm
Friday & Saturday – 8 am – 10 pm
Sunday – 10 am – 8 pm
Wifi – Yes
Best Menu Item – Their ever-rotating flavours of Macaroons
Boxcar Social
An adorable cafe in an old home near Summerhill. Come here to work for the day and take a bottle of currated wine home or meet a friend here after hours. The bottle shop doesn’t open until noon.
Their wine offering by the glass is $10 for a 5oz pour. They also have a range of pastries and Italian snack foods. If you end up loving them, you should check out their additional locations in Riverside, Harbourfront, Waverly, or Laneway.
Location –
1208 Yonge St
Hours –
Monday – 8 am – 4 pm
Tuesday – 8 am – 7pm
Wednesday – Friday – 8 am – 10 pm
Saturday – 8 am – 12 am
Sunday – 9 am – 5 pm
Wifi – yes
Best Menu Item – Arancini
Aroma at Yonge and Eglinton
Or any location really. There’s also one just South of St Clair. They are part of a global chain, operating in 4 countries with 200 locations. They serve Mediterranian-inspired food and give a little chocolate with every coffee.
A small black coffee goes for $2.15 and an americano is $3.15. And, they have an excellent range of vegetarian food. Their fig & cheese croissant is flavour-packed. The aroma hashed is a great filling and veggie-packed brunch.
Locations & Hours –
1407 Yonge St
Weekdays – 7:30 am – 4 pm
Weekends – 8 am – 4 pm
2300 Yonge Street, UC1
Weekdays – 7:30 am – 7 pm
Weekends – 8 am – 7 pm
Wifi – Yes
Best Menu Item – Grilled Halloumi & Sweet Potato Salad
La Boheme Cafe Patisserie
On Yonge North of Eglinton, this orange cafe serves pilot coffee and an incredible selection of sweets. You can’t go wrong with their baguette or any of their bread really.
They have an incredible back patio open in the summer that makes this a great spot to come for afternoon coffee with the girls.
Location –
2481 Yonge Street
Hours –
Monday – Saturday – 8 am – 7 pm
Sunday – 9 am – 6 pm
Wifi – Yes
Best Menu Item – Any of their Croissants
Yonge & Eligible Cafe
Located inside Mankind, this cafe just north of Eglinton has a wonderful patio and great pastries. The owner, Ajay, is super friendly as well!
They have all ranges of coffees and flavours, as well as Italian sodas. On the back wall, you’ll find a fridge packed with all manner of cold drinks, desserts, and pre-packaged lunches.
Location –
155 Redpath Avenue
Hours –
Monday – Saturday – 7 am – 8 pm
Sunday – 9 am – 7 pm
Wifi – Yes
Best Menu Item – Fresh Cannoli
Were there any great Midtown Toronto Cafes that I missed? Let me know in the comments below. I also have recommendations for midtown brunch spots. Happy snacking.
