The 10 Best Coffee Shops In The Financial District Toronto

If there is one part of Toronto that understands the importance of a good cup of coffee in the morning, it is the hustle and bustle found on Bay Street. The Financial District may be synonymous with bankers, lawyers and skyscrapers, but it is also a culinary haven, and home to some of the city’s best-kept coffee secrets. From French inspired menus, to the perfect Italian one shot, these 10 coffee shops have your caffeine needs covered.

1. Maman Toronto

Restaurant, French

The warm and eclectic interior of Maman, perched on top of First Canadian Place’s food terrace, transports its guests to a sunny day in the South of France. This SoHo favorite recently opened up in the downtown core of Toronto, serving up coffee from Brooklyn-based Toby’s Estate. If you’re not in the mood for the regular drip coffee, latte or cappuccino, make room for their lavender hot chocolate or green tea latte.

2. Sam James Coffee Bar

Bar, Coffee Shop, Coffee

The line-up around rush hour and the smell of strong fresh brews means you are getting close to the Sam James location in the PATH. Coffee is their business, and that becomes strikingly obvious when you look over to the thin coffee bar ready for guests to slam their espresso, or admire their coffee art. Their skilled baristas make sure every cup is the best you’ve ever had.

3. Dineen Coffee Co.

Dineen Coffee Co.

Dineen’s historic exterior and beautifully designed interior with floor-to-ceiling windows, patterned tile floors and a large chandelier that used to hang in the Royal York, is a treat for the eyes. This local favorite is always buzzing with Torontonians, either typing fiercely on the plush red-leather banquette, or enjoying a book on the outside patio. Dineen serves their own signature Temperance or Feature blends, and makes everything from lattes to cortados.
Dineen Coffee Co., 140 Yonge St, Toronto, ON +1 416 900 0949
https://instagram.com/p/18rMALLSos/

5. M Square Coffee

Bar, Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee

With their prime location tucked away in a quieter spot of the PATH, M Square is the ultimate coffee break. Grab a seat at the bar and chat with the friendly baristas and learn about their multiple roasters, including their go-to Phil & Sebastian from Calgary. M Square is always serving up the freshest flavors, cupping coffees from multiple roasters, including Canadian locals like Transcend, Bows & Arrows and Rosso.

6. Nadege

Patisserie, Pastry Shop, Pastries

The Financial District rejoiced when this French patisserie opened its third boutique in the PATH. This chic space welcomes Francophiles to come in and try Nadege’s rainbow of macarons, whimsical cakes, chocolates and baked goods. Nothing complements a fresh croissant quite like an Americano made with Detour beans, or a latte played up with some coffee art.

7. Café Plenty

Café Plenty

Inspired by the European food cultures found in Paris and London, the fresh white interior of this café draws you in and makes you never want to leave. Café Plenty specializes in gourmet breakfasts and lunches, both of which go hand-in-hand with a freshly brewed coffee to keep the day running smoothly.
Café Plenty, 1 King St W, Toronto, ON +1 416 585 7842
https://instagram.com/p/BD8pu1vrSij/

8. Pilot Coffee

Cafe, Food Kiosk, Coffee Shop, Coffee

Pilot Coffee’s kiosk in the Great Hall answered the cries of commuters and tourists in search of coffee at Union Station. Pilot Coffee is directly involved in every process of their business, including picking the perfect green bean and guaranteeing that the farmers receive fair wages. Their team brews and extracts each batch meticulously to make sure every roast brings out the full range of each bean’s flavor profile.

9. Balzacs

Balzacs

Even on your way out of the Financial District, you’re still able to grab a cup of gourmet coffee thanks to Balzacs’ newest location at UP Express. Balzac’s artisanal coffee methods bring out a robust mix of flavors in their traditional Balzac’s and Farmers’ blends. Their amber roast, Atwood Blend, goes down smooth with a supple, caramel finish.
Balzacs, 7 Station St, Toronto, ON+1 416 306 0555
https://instagram.com/p/BBz4I3tK_vc/

10. Zaza Espresso Bar

Bar, Canadian

For a true ‘La Cultura del Caffe’ head to Zaza Espresso Bar where it is their mission to serve the most authentic cappuccino and espresso in the city. Zaza’s coffee beans are roasted and imported from Italy, where the company has perfected its traditions for more than 40 years. If you really want to get your day started with a jolt, this is the café to grab your Italian double shot.

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