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Brace yourself; winter is coming. And you know what that means: shovelling snow, commuting delays, and spending hours and hours in Toronto's coziest coffee shops and embracing the hygge lifestyle. There is perhaps nothing more satisfying than braving the cold to warm your hands up on a latte as you power up your laptop to whatever assignment you're working on or start flipping through the pages of your latest novel.
Toronto has plenty of cozy coffee shops (and by cozy, we mean big tables so you can spread out your work, exposed brick, lots of baked treats, and delicious hot drinks). I firmly believe if we start lighting candles in our cafes as they do in Copenhagen, it'll be a winter game changer (hint at all the cafés on this list). However, despite the no open-flame rule, the following list embodies what it means to feel hygge in your soul. Put on your knit sweater, wrap yourself in a wool coat, fill your tote bag with books you want to read, and head to one of these cozy, snug coffee shops.
Leslieville
1042 Gerrard St E
Dineen Outpost
Coffee & Tea
Dineen's Outpost location on Gerrard has all the stunning interiors of Dineen except way more space. You may want to sit at the front with all the windows for the 'gram, but the real cozy seating is at the back and up the steps.
Dineen Outpost
Leslieville
1042 Gerrard St E
Dineen's Outpost location on Gerrard has all the stunning interiors of Dineen except way more space. You may want to sit at the front with all the windows for the 'gram, but the real cozy seating is at the back and up the steps.
Coffee & Tea
Simit and Chai Co.
Simit & Chai Co., with it's big windows and brick arched entranceway, is like a portal into coziness. I have watched many a snowstorm from their bar stools with a steaming cup of chai in my hands; it's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
Simit and Chai Co.
Simit & Chai Co., with it's big windows and brick arched entranceway, is like a portal into coziness. I have watched many a snowstorm from their bar stools with a steaming cup of chai in my hands; it's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
The Sonndr Cafe
Very Scandi, very hygge, this stylish space is also super cozy thanks to the warm tones and mish-mash of perfectly curated furniture.
The Sonndr Cafe
Very Scandi, very hygge, this stylish space is also super cozy thanks to the warm tones and mish-mash of perfectly curated furniture.
Beatrice Society
New to the Toronto coffee scene and killing it with coziness, Beatrice Society softens up their concrete space with Persian-style rugs and stunning seating.
Beatrice Society
New to the Toronto coffee scene and killing it with coziness, Beatrice Society softens up their concrete space with Persian-style rugs and stunning seating.
Louie Craft Coffee
Tucked away on King Street, look out for the buttery yellow door on a brick building and you'll have arrived at Louis Craft Coffee. Their interiors are supremely cozy and check all the boxes: exposed brick, hanging lights, extensive variety of good muffins, etc.
Louie Craft Coffee
Tucked away on King Street, look out for the buttery yellow door on a brick building and you'll have arrived at Louis Craft Coffee. Their interiors are supremely cozy and check all the boxes: exposed brick, hanging lights, extensive variety of good muffins, etc.
Mofer Coffee
Edison lights, warm tones, and BIG tables to spread out on, Mofer Coffee on St. Clair is definitely an excellent cozy hub. They have multiple locations now and excellent Ethiopian coffee.
Mofer Coffee
Edison lights, warm tones, and BIG tables to spread out on, Mofer Coffee on St. Clair is definitely an excellent cozy hub. They have multiple locations now and excellent Ethiopian coffee.
Jimmy's Coffee
Okay, so most Jimmy's can get it, and by it, I mean exude hygge. But the Jimmy's in Kensington is really lovely; there are bookshelves and armchairs and even an old fireplace. Jimmy's on Gerrard, Queen East, McCaul, and Ossington are also excellent purveyors of coffee and cozy vibes.
Jimmy's Coffee
Okay, so most Jimmy's can get it, and by it, I mean exude hygge. But the Jimmy's in Kensington is really lovely; there are bookshelves and armchairs and even an old fireplace. Jimmy's on Gerrard, Queen East, McCaul, and Ossington are also excellent purveyors of coffee and cozy vibes.
Little Italy
388 College St
Voodoo Child
Small but sweet, I have spent many a snowy walk from the University of Toronto campus marching my way here to get a cortado in a crystal skull and do my Renaissance readings. From the thick curtains to the distressed wood tables, Voodoo Child is perfect for a cozy (and slightly spooky) afternoon. Also, it turns into a bar in the evening, so you can keep the vibes going through the evening.
Voodoo Child
Little Italy
388 College St
Small but sweet, I have spent many a snowy walk from the University of Toronto campus marching my way here to get a cortado in a crystal skull and do my Renaissance readings. From the thick curtains to the distressed wood tables, Voodoo Child is perfect for a cozy (and slightly spooky) afternoon. Also, it turns into a bar in the evening, so you can keep the vibes going through the evening.
Himalayan Coffee House
If you haven't been to Himalayan Coffee House, you MUST. Their latte art is pretty much the cutest thing to exist, and their coffee is soft and bold and NOT acidic (my third-wave coffee friends can buzz off!). Pretty sure their baristas are also hired specifically because they are super nice and welcoming. 10/10 cozy atmosphere points.
Himalayan Coffee House
If you haven't been to Himalayan Coffee House, you MUST. Their latte art is pretty much the cutest thing to exist, and their coffee is soft and bold and NOT acidic (my third-wave coffee friends can buzz off!). Pretty sure their baristas are also hired specifically because they are super nice and welcoming. 10/10 cozy atmosphere points.
Summerhill
1208 Yonge St
Boxcar Social - Summerhill
This is the place to spend hours combing through readings and typing up essays (been there, done that) and the fact that this Boxcar is located in a stunning Victorian home adds to the atmosphere. My recommendation: go to the top floor and try to get the sweet little table by the bay window. Order a London Fog. Cozy vibes? Immaculate.
Boxcar Social - Summerhill
Summerhill
1208 Yonge St
This is the place to spend hours combing through readings and typing up essays (been there, done that) and the fact that this Boxcar is located in a stunning Victorian home adds to the atmosphere. My recommendation: go to the top floor and try to get the sweet little table by the bay window. Order a London Fog. Cozy vibes? Immaculate.
Trinity-Bellwoods
135 Ossington Ave
135 Ossington
Wood panels ✔ creamy lattes ✔ cozy furniture ✔ A Room on Ossington is a snug, cozy spot to spend a day immersing yourself in perfect café ASMR. Their big and beautiful wood-framed window is also a great spot to people watch off of busy Ossington. Make sure to bring a novel to read, so it looks natural.
135 Ossington
Trinity-Bellwoods
135 Ossington Ave
Wood panels ✔ creamy lattes ✔ cozy furniture ✔ A Room on Ossington is a snug, cozy spot to spend a day immersing yourself in perfect café ASMR. Their big and beautiful wood-framed window is also a great spot to people watch off of busy Ossington. Make sure to bring a novel to read, so it looks natural.
Balzac's Distillery
The Balzac's chain epitomizes coziness in general, but the Balzac's in the Distillery District is particularly exemplary when it comes to warmth and welcome. The big chandelier, two stories of seating, and a view overlooking one of Toronto's most historical places, it feels like you're in an ambient YouTube ASMR video of a perfect coffee house.
Balzac's Distillery
The Balzac's chain epitomizes coziness in general, but the Balzac's in the Distillery District is particularly exemplary when it comes to warmth and welcome. The big chandelier, two stories of seating, and a view overlooking one of Toronto's most historical places, it feels like you're in an ambient YouTube ASMR video of a perfect coffee house.
Ethica Coffee Roasters
With exposed brick, big wooden tables, an excellent playlist and even better coffee, Ethica is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. My favourite cozy touches: burlap coffee sacks stacked against the wall and all the 30+ fintech employees that never got over the beanie trend (beanies = cozy).
Ethica Coffee Roasters
With exposed brick, big wooden tables, an excellent playlist and even better coffee, Ethica is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. My favourite cozy touches: burlap coffee sacks stacked against the wall and all the 30+ fintech employees that never got over the beanie trend (beanies = cozy).
