Top 10 Toronto Uptown Coffee Shops & Cafés
The best cafés in Toronto are no longer just downtown - the uptown scene is definitely up-and-coming! For my picks of the top places you must visit when you’re north of the 6ix, keep reading!
Once you’ve finished reading about my picks uptown, check out my posts for the best Downtown and best Midtown coffee shops and cafés by pressing the buttons below!
AnotherLand Coffee and more
Anotherland Coffee is the newest Uptown coffee shop to open on this list, but it’s already made a considerable impact on the North York coffee scene.
As one of the only speciality coffee shops in Uptown Toronto, Anotherland provides an oasis for students and office workers alike who are craving well-prepared brews and tempting teas.
The coffee is reasonably priced, and the teas are excellently prepared (seriously - the teapots are adorable!). As for the food, Anotherland Coffee has a fun “toast bar” that allows guests to choose what food they want presented on top of a slice of toast (it reminded me of Danish smørrebrød, which is a healthier alternative to a traditional sandwich). There are even gluten free and vegan options now!
The decor of the café remains true to its name - its whimsical and colourful. Inside, there is ample seating inside. The feature I find most interesting is the balcony! It’s excellent during the warmer months as you can enjoy the nice weather while sipping your drink.
The service is also worthy of a mention - the owner of the café is incredibly kind, personable, and takes the time to chat while preparing your preferred cup of caffeine.
The café states on its website that it wants guests to “Feel free to imagine the life and the world you want to live in. We want to create it with you.” Next time you find yourself in Uptown Toronto, go up the steps of Another Land Coffee, and allow yourself to be transported to that world as you sip your drink!
N.B. The café is located on the upper level of the plaza in which it is found. It is located above Smoke’s Poutinerie, so go up to the stairs to the left of the Poutine Shop to visit it.
Nearest Subway: Yonge-Sheppard
Locations:
4714 Yonge Street
Noteworthy Feature:
There is a balcony!
Cocoon Coffee
Cozy up in Cocoon Coffee, a gorgeous little café in Uptown Toronto.
This café, while small in size, uses it’s space well. I’s decorated in a minimalistic fashion with pops of colour throughout. I really enjoyed some of the flowers and greenery, as well.
The coffee is well-made, and has a nice acidity. If you prefer your coffee more tangy, this is a good one to try! As for the desserts, I must say I was really a fan. Everything is made in-house, and tasted very fresh. I am particularly a fan of the salted brownie - I ended up buying two slices! I also recommend their macarons, of which I bought three to take home.
As well, the owners of the coffee shop were also incredibly kind, and really made me enjoy my stay. Good service always adds a little something extra special to any visit.
Also worth noting is that the café is an easy 20 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride away from Yorkdale Shopping Centre. It’s a great independent spot to swing by before or after your busy shopping experience!
Cocoon Coffee is a sweet little café to check out when you’re craving a calming oasis, and it’s well worth picking up some dessert while you’re there!
Nearest Subway: Yorkdale
Location:
855 Wilson Avenue
Noteworthy Feature:
Everything is homemade and delicious.
Haven brews
Haven Brews is a new speciality coffee shop that has perked up the uptown café game!
Every single milk-based drink I have ordered from Haven has had, aside from an excellent taste, stellar latte art. This is not surprising, given Haven runs latte art workshops! They also pay attention to the where they source their coffee. All of their beans are locally sources from roasters in the city.
The vibe inside is very calming. This is a perfect café in which to study, or bring a date. There is even a record wall, for those that want to bring home some music along with their memories.
The team originated from Hong Kong, and wanted to create a ‘haven’ in Toronto, where anyone can feel comforted. Their expert coffee brewing and friendly baristas have definitely hit that mark!
This new café is not to be missed!
Nearest Subway: Finch
Location:
222 Finch Ave W
Himalayan Coffee House
Himalayan Coffee House is a standout café that anyone - Uptown OR Downtown - should check out!
During specific times of the day (usually during non-peak hours), the cozy and comfortable café has it’s artistic baristas create actual art on its drinks - at no extra cost! Talk about bringing latte art to another level.
As for the ambiance, the café is dimly city but has plenty of character. There are books and some children toys on the shelf for those interested.
While all of their coffee drinks are worth trying (the Nepalese coffee is delicious), their blue lattes and matcha lattes are the real showstoppers here. You can request the amount of sweetness you want added to the drink, but I recommend going with their suggested amount.
If you want some drinkable artwork, Himalayan Coffee House is the place for you!
Nearest Subway: Eglinton
Location:
2552 Yonge Street
Noteworthy Feature:
Himalayan Coffee House has the best match lattes in Toronto - if you don’t want green matcha, there’s also blue matcha!
De Mello Palheta
Even if you haven’t been to many cafés uptown, chances are you’ve still tried De Mello Palheta’s coffee beans before.
As the suppliers for many cafés in the city, you can almost guarantee that any cup of coffee here will be well made. The coffee shop sells it’s own beans for those interested in roasting them at home.
The cafés is comprised of front room with a communal table and bar stools, and a back room with seating for pairs or groups. There is also a small patio space in the front for those who wish to sit outside in the warm spring / summer months.
The walls and tables of the café are infinitely cool, as they are decorated with fascinating graffiti art. The ceiling in the front room is also worthy of mentioning, as it is made up of multiple umbrellas.
Although De Mello Palheta is on the pricier side for a Toronto café, the coffee beans used are their own, and the desserts are mostly made in-house. Their top treat in my opinion is the matcha chocolate brownie - it’s super decadent.
With a cool space and dessert options for different dietary restrictions (Gluten Free/ Vegetarian/ Vegan) this café is a palhet-YA from me (don’t hate me for that awful joke, please. It’s 2 am).
Nearest Subway: Eglinton
Location:
2489 Yonge Street
Noteworthy Feature:
De Mello Palheta has fantastic graffiti art all around the café - cool A.F.
Dineen Coffee Company
The newest Dineen outpost - my favourite one - can be found uptown in a shopping plaza.
A much-needed addition to the area, this café brings a cozy (non big-chain) haunt for locals to enjoy a treat and a yummy eat.
The coffee is always expertly brewed, and there is a wide variety of treats available. There is even a flourless/ gluten-free option for those with food sensitivity.
The biggest draw (at the tine of writing) is by far the baristas themselves - they are such a friendly and lovely group, who ensure that you leave with a smile on your face! Literally - can’t fault any of them. The interior is very warm, welcoming, and cozy. It is akin to an English cottage, or upscale farmhouse.
Definitely check this one out!
Nearest Subway: York Mills
Location:
311 York Mills Rd
Noteworthy Feature:
To me, it feels like a cozy English cottage inside.
IN MEMORIAM
(CAFES THAT CLOSED)
Montchant
Recently opened in Toronto, Montchant is a gorgeously designed café with equally beautiful pastries.
The café’s interior feels very regal, with custom teacups and saucers, porcelain plates lining the wall, and comfortable seating. There are couches and tables available depending on what you prefer.
The real draw for this café are the pastries - they are high-quality, homemade, and are as visually beautiful as they are delicious. There are even flourless cakes for those that are following a gluten-free diet. Wow! There are also macarons and croissants, if you prefer your patisseries more à la française.
With excellent service and a pretty interior, Montchant is a welcome addition to Toronto’s Uptown coffee scene.
Nearest Subway: York Mills
Locations:
3467 Yonge Street
Noteworthy Feature:
The interior is beautifully decorated, and the cutlery and cups are unique!
Ok… but what do I put into Google Maps?
Thank you for reading, lovely! Happy sipping!
Did you like what you read? Why not read something similar:
