Get a style of Toronto’s increasing specialty-coffee scene.
BY MICHAELA TOMCHEK
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Photographs by Michaela Tomchek
Canada’s largest metropolis and capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto is a metropolis with a lot to supply locals and guests alike. Busy streets, glistening views of Lake Ontario, and loads of wonderful espresso make this metropolis a worthwhile vacation spot. Right here, espresso large Tim Hortons has a distinguished presence—however tons of locally-owned retailers are discovering a robust foothold within the Toronto café scene. Right now, we’ll take a fast tour of 4 noteworthy spots.
The Library Specialty Espresso
Working since 2018, The Library has develop into a widely known spot in Toronto over the previous a number of years. Their Queen Avenue location warmly welcomes guests with minimalistic but stylish decor, delicate flowers adorning the tables, and the aroma of contemporary brews.
Founder Jeffrey Ji spent a while in Melbourne, Australia, and, after having a style of the specialty-coffee scene there, was impressed to deliver a few of the ideas he noticed to Toronto. He additionally attracts inspiration from his dwelling metropolis of Shanghai, China.
The entire espresso at The Library is roasted in-house—a worthy cease for refreshing chilly brew, matcha from Shizuoka, tasty pastries (together with scrumptious vegan cookies), and peaceable vibes.
Ethica Espresso Roasters
Located simply exterior of downtown Toronto, Ethica Espresso Roasters was opened in 2019 by Gregory Koifman. Initially from Russia, Gregory has managed to infuse tons of persona into his espresso store and roastery, which resides in an industrial-style brick constructing.
The identify of the store is impressed by the e book Ethica by Benedictus de Spinoza—a philosophical treatise about emotion, mind, liberty, and the ability of the thoughts—which Gregory shares had a big impression on him.
By way of drinks, the store provides the standard espresso choices along with seasonal drinks such because the Sundown Lemonade. Strive a pourover or a shot of espresso—or, if you happen to’re craving one thing candy, additionally they supply a refreshing strawberry iced matcha latte.
Subtext Espresso Roasters
When Alex Castellani, co-owner of Boxcar Social—one other espresso chain in Toronto—opened Subtext Espresso Roasters in 2020, the aim was to deliver high-quality espresso to the encircling neighborhood whereas making certain truthful wages for espresso producers at origin. Located in a busy, industrial space of Toronto, the café itself appears like a retreat, with lush crops, tons of cozy locations to take a seat, and an general peaceable atmosphere.
When requested to explain the Toronto specialty-coffee scene, Alex describes it as “various and disunified, outlined positively by waves of immigration layered over rapidly altering landscapes of disparate neighborhoods as you traverse the town.”
”There’s a neighborhood grassroots mentality in corners of the town that lends effectively to native espresso store tradition, all enabled by a hodgepodge city design the place row housing exists a block away from dense workplace towers,” he says. “Much less positively is that, regardless of such variety of individuals and infrastructure, Toronto nonetheless is the monetary heart of Canada—and massive cash has more and more performed a job in what Toronto espresso seems like.”
By Subtext, Alex seeks to problem this notion, by providing an area for folks to commune, buy ethically sourced espresso, and find out about totally different origins in-depth.
Alex shares that, after proudly owning and working worldwide multi-roaster espresso retailers for over seven years and dealing a variety of espresso jobs, he seen an alarming disparity between those that produce espresso and those that serve it.
“So many producers are omitted of the worth propositions of specialty-coffee due to the methods we conventionally construction not simply our coffee-buying, however relatedly construct our menus and inform tales about our espresso applications and choices,” he says.
In an effort to help farming communities, Subtext focuses on sourcing espresso from smallholder producers with small tons, and making certain that traceability data is obtainable to clients. There are not any blends—solely single origin—and the store publishes an annual Transparency Report outlining all the particulars concerning the tons they bought for that 12 months.
“All of this work has proven the shortcomings of even essentially the most progressive corners of our business. There’s a variety of work to do, however as straightforward as it’s to be cynical, it’s simply as obvious how highly effective small actions are,” Alex provides. “Sitting in the midst of the provision chain, the outcomes of merely humanizing producers and believing in finish customers’ want to care is nothing in need of inspiring.”
Espresso by JOY
A newcomer to the Toronto espresso scene, Espresso by JOY has been working within the Decrease Junction Triangle since December of 2024. Adorned with a modern espresso bar and handmade pottery, the store serves espresso from a wide range of roasters, with espresso from Berlin, Germany’s 5 Elephant being one in every of their most up-to-date choices.
The store was based by Monika and Tomas Vitmajer, who got here to Canada from Czechia and sought to open a café with design inspiration from their dwelling nation. Other than their ardour for espresso, the 2 are additionally artists: Exterior is a picket bench hand-carved by Monika, who discovered woodworking from her grandfather.
“It was actually essential for us to have a peaceful area the place we might meet with different (artists)—present them what we’re doing and likewise encourage others with our imaginative and prescient of life,” Tomas says. “Our motto is evident: Every little thing is feasible. That’s how we would like our area to talk to others.”
The menu is straightforward, providing the standard espresso-based drinks along with chai and high quality hojicha and matcha. There may be additionally a formidable pastry choice, with loads of vegan and gluten-free choices—a really perfect finale to a caffeinated tour by means of the town.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michaela Tomchek finds espresso an essential a part of life and the world. She is an appreciator of the crop, the producer, and the various cafés all through the world serving lovely drinks. At present, she writes about espresso, hoping to unfold her pleasure throughout the globe.
Subscribe and Extra!
As all the time, you may learn Barista Journal in paper by subscribing or ordering a difficulty.
Learn the August + September 2025 Subject without cost with our digital version.
Totally free entry to greater than 5 years’ value of points, go to our digital version archives right here.
