Amelie CameronTired of the usual work-from-home or office routine? Welcome to the cozy world of coffee shops – the perfect oasis for any digital nomad looking for the perfect space to feel motivated.
As people who like to work remotely ourselves, we’ve tried and tested quite a number of cafes in Toronto throughout the years.
With firsthand experience and careful curation of our top picks, you can trust this comprehensive list to lead you to your next go-to work spot.
Who knows? You might even see one of us there typing on our laptops right beside you!
- 1. Reunion Coffee Roasters
- 2. Hale Coffee Company
- 3. Boxcar Social
- 4. Cafe23
- 5. Creeds Coffee Bar
- 6. Café Zuzu
- 7. Krave Coffee
- 8. Dineen Outpost
- 9. Hotblack Coffee
- 10. NEO Coffee Bar
- 11. Beatrice Society Cafe
- 12. AM Coffee Studio
- 13. Found Coffee
- 14. Dark Horse Espresso Bar
- 15. Claudia's Coffee
- 16. Sam James Coffee Bar
1. Reunion Coffee Roasters
Website: https://reunioncoffeeroasters.com
Address: 385 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2N1, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-551-3431
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Reunion Coffee Roasters is a simple, no-fuss coffee spot adorned with white tiles and hanging plants. The big windows invite a generous amount of sunlight in – a huge plus for digital nomads who need a little Vitamin D.
Even if you find Reunion packed in the middle of the afternoon, the atmosphere still feels cozy and inviting.
Their tables provide ample space for your laptop, as well as a setup with a mechanical keyboard if you please. And of course, their coffee is remarkable. However, we urge you to try the breakfast sandwich for the ultimate experience.
2. Hale Coffee Company
Website: https://www.halecoffee.com
Address: 300 Campbell Ave Unit #103, Toronto, ON M6P 3V6, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-352-4253
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hale Coffee Company is a stylish locale with an interesting industrial interior and inviting allure. Their shop is also bright and airy because of the glass windows, high ceiling, and vast space.
It definitely appeals to those working remotely who want to avoid cramped spaces.
As for their menu, the latte is a standout choice with its perfect balance of bitter and sweet. After all, we personally love being able to savor the taste of the espresso even when drinking a cup of latte.
Complete the experience by ordering the breakfast wrap – a delightful concoction made with bacon or/and sweet potato, egg, tomato, aged cheddar, and guacamole.
3. Boxcar Social
Website: https://boxcarsocial.ca/pages/harbourfront
Address: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Canada
Contact details: +1 844-726-9227
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – closed
- Friday – 9 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Boxcar Social is a renowned spot for its delicious eats, tasty coffee, and impeccable ambiance. Remote workers will surely enjoy the interior embellished with indoor plants and bathed in ample sunlight coming from the windows.
You can also choose to sit on their patio during the warmer months, which we personally prefer.
Their chai latte is definitely the standout choice for us, but the matcha latte is also a worthy contender. Oh, and they also have a lot of other drink options so you don’t have to limit your options to coffee and tea.
They also have smoothies and tons of other non-coffee options like turmeric latte and hot chocolate.
4. Cafe23
Website: https://www.instagram.com/cafe23coffeebar/
Address: 728 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E8, Canada
Contact details: +1 514-994-0465
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM
Cafe23 is a popular spot known for its stylish and artsy interior. Its unique style definitely appeals to digital nomads who feel extra inspired when immersed in a creative space.
The only downside is that most tables indoors are on a smaller scale, but still enough for one laptop to fit – better leave those ASMR-worthy keyboards at home!
Anyway, while the interior has its own charm, you should also try out grabbing a seat on their patio – an equally enchanting spot as if plucked straight out of someone’s garden.
Oh, and don’t forget to order a matcha latte and ask for oat milk. It’s one of the best ones we’ve tried in the city, hands down!
5. Creeds Coffee Bar
Website: https://creeds.com
Address: 450 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 3P3, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-923-2500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
The top reason why Creeds Coffee Bar made it to this list is because of the beautiful open space they offer, making it an ideal spot for typing away on your laptop.
In fact, you’d see a lot of fellow digital nomads here; you might even see us here from time to time, the ones who are on their third cup of coffee fully engrossed on their laptops, thinking of another word for ‘perfect’.
Aside from the cafe, they also have a grocery store inside where you can grab a few things after you finish working.
6. Café Zuzu
Website: https://cafezuzu.com
Address: 555 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2B7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-815-2660
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM
Inspired by Italy in the ‘50s, Café Zuzu is a welcoming hangout spot, calling to anyone looking for a stylish vibe to complement their coffee and meals.
While the vibe is more like a restaurant than a coffee shop, we stand by our choice of it being an ideal working spot. In fact, you’d see a few folks bring out their laptops as soon as they’re finished with their meal.
If you want a more intimate space, you’d love their patio even more.
After working, make sure to reward yourself with a tasty cocktail for a job well done!
7. Krave Coffee
Website: https://web.facebook.com/kravecoffee/
Address: 781 St Clair Ave W #2, Toronto, ON M6C 1B7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-652-9929
Operating hours:
- Monday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 7 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Krave Coffee is a charming little shop that has earned a spot on our list because of its terrific ambiance and delectable coffee.
The red-bricked accents, white walls, and wood textures add a warm and welcoming atmosphere that we really adore. This inviting atmosphere extends to their equally charming patio, which is also a great workstation.
However, if you’re looking for a place rid of any distractions, the loud music might bother you. If it’s not a problem, then by all means give this place a shot.
And speaking of shot, they’re quite popular for their espresso drinks.
8. Dineen Outpost
Website: https://dineencoffee.com
Address: 1042 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Z5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-900-0949
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Dineen Outpost is a quaint and stylish sunlit coffee shop, welcoming digital nomads looking to complement their working hours with a fresh warm pastry.
In fact, next to their inviting ambiance, it’s what customers rave about. Try the fantastic croissant to see what we mean.
Another highlight of our visit was their lovely, albeit small, patio ideal for those remote workers who also love people watching.
We most recommend going here in the morning, just a little after opening, for a more relaxed ambiance.
9. Hotblack Coffee
Website: https://hotblack-coffee.com
Address: 245 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-840-6141
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM
Anyone strolling down Queen St. in Toronto can’t help but take a second look at Hotblack Coffee – a stylish spot adorned with a red facade as if demanding your attention.
Although small, its interior has its own charm. If you appreciate intimate spaces while working, this spot has a seat with your name on it. Oh, and sometimes strangers might even invite you for a chat!
However, it might feel a little too cramped for some.
They also have a modest patio that will transport you into a picnicking adventure, which we love.
Overall, we think that Hotblack Coffee is ideal for less hectic work days. It’s perfect for those days spent answering emails, and such.
10. NEO Coffee Bar
Website: https://www.neocoffeebar.com
Address: 161 Frederick St Unit 100, Toronto, ON M5A 4P3, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-348-8811
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 7 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
NEO Coffee Bar boasts a sleek design, catering especially to those looking for a delicately designed space to help boost their productivity.
As soon as we stepped inside their doors, we couldn’t help but notice that it was reminiscent of coffee shops we saw on one eventful trip to Kyoto, and lo and behold, we were welcomed with an array of delectable Japanese bites.
The organic egg salad sando took us back to late konbini runs to procure one at the nearest convenience store from our hotel.
Anyway, before we start feeling even more nostalgic, you’d see a lot of digital nomads with their laptops in tow here. There’s something about seeing other people work that makes us even more motivated to finish our tasks.
If this sounds like you, you know where to head next!
11. Beatrice Society Cafe
Website: https://beatricesociety.com
Address: 511 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Y4, Canada
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 8 AM to 8 PM
Beatrice Society Cafe’s spacious open space exudes elegance and warmth, making it one of the best coffee shops to work in Toronto.
The stylish interior, complete with red and green accents, is a sight for sore eyes. Other than being visually appealing, the allure extends to their nutrient-focused meals, allowing you to indulge in protein and plant meals.
Once your work is done, you can even proceed to the bar to try out their tasty cocktails.
Want non-alcohol options? They also have that for you!
Just tell the bartender what you need and they can whip it up.
12. AM Coffee Studio
Website: https://amcoffeestudio.com
Address: 2233 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1X6, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-588-0531
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Friday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
AM is a cafe-slash-wellness studio nestled in the ever-so-vibrant Dundas Street. It certainly radiates a warm atmosphere, beckoning to anyone looking for a space to work in a peaceful environment.
We like their wide range of selections, whether it be pastries or coffee. Our ultimate favorites are the salmon toast and latte, both of which we urge you to try on your visit.
We heard from our other staff members that they also thoroughly enjoyed devouring the vegan eggnog latte and chai latte, so definitely consider those as well!
13. Found Coffee
Website: https://www.found.coffee
Address: 324 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1S3, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-922-9914
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Found Coffee is a modestly sized coffee shop with a gorgeous space drenched in ample sunlight.
Although it’s not our usual drink of choice, we thoroughly enjoyed their flat white and will be ordering that again on our next visit. It’s on the sweeter scale but the balance of flavors is just right.
By the way, the tables at this coffee shop are modest in size, which can only fit a laptop and a cup of coffee. For slightly larger tables, you can head grab a seat on their patios out front or at the back.
If you want a more quiet and intimate location, we highly recommend the back patio.
14. Dark Horse Espresso Bar
Website: https://www.darkhorseespresso.com
Address: 215 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2C7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-979-1200
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
Dark Horse Espresso Bar is a sun-soaked cafe with a rustic charm and full of character. Contrary to its name, they’re a well-known spot for local digital nomads.
Because of its prime ambiance, you might find yourself working here for hours or doing more work than initially planned – you’ve been forewarned!
While ordering a cup of coffee here is certainly a must, especially for our fellow caffeine-fueled digital nomads, you shouldn’t miss out on their scones that are delightfully wrapped in fresh sourdough.
15. Claudia’s Coffee
Website:https://claudiascoffee.com
Address: 3079 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-767-3131
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
Claudia’s Coffee stands out with its minimalistic and laid-back vibe, making its cozy atmosphere the star of the show. You have the option to take a seat indoors or on their gorgeous patio that has a slight rustic charm.
We love the ambiance of both, so the choice might be entirely up to your preference!
Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy the popular items on the menu including their lattes and baked goods.
16. Sam James Coffee Bar
Website: https://samjamescoffeebar.com
Address: 297 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M6G 1G7, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Sam James Coffee Bar is a stylish retreat, offering contemporary design, delicious bites, and aromatic cups of coffee.
Their flat white is hands down one of the best in the city. We admire the consistent excellence in addition to its creamy texture and well-balanced taste.
While their space is extremely on a modest scale, it doesn’t feel too cramped. We find it best to get a seat by the window for the much-coveted street views that add to the pleasant experience.
