Best Specialty Lattes in Toronto
If your tastebuds are searching for a unique spin on a classic latte, these are foolproof coffee shops and cafés that can satisfy that urge in the 6ix!
1. Goth Latte (Istanbul Coffee Bar)
This Turkish café & espresso bar delivers strong coffees in an intimate and dimly-lit atmosphere. This ambiance, coupled with it’s setup of couches, communal tables, and smattering of small-group tables make it an excellent choice for friends looking to socialize and couples going on a date. The coffee shop is also open late!
On top of your standard coffee shop offerings (lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, etc…) Istanbul Cafe & Espresso Bar make an authentic Turkish coffee that isn’t for those with weak tastebuds. Another bonus? They have plenty of vetgan/ vegetarian/ gluten-free/ dairy-free food choice!
Their most instagram-friendly drinks are most definitely the “Goth latte” (charcoal-infused) and the “Rose latte” (rose syrup and rose petals). Both are delicious, and worth a photo. Overall, it’s a nice place to check out!
If you want more midtown coffee shop suggestions, press here.
Nearest Subway: Eglinton
Locations:
174 Eglinton Avenue Eeast
Noteworthy Feature:
If you want authentic Turkish coffee, look no further than here!
2. Purple Matcha Latte (Rustle & Still)
The Annex has a relaxing coffee shop akin to a tropical getaway with Rustle & Still.
This coffee shop serves Vietnamese coffee, along with light nibbles, and banh mi. The shop is quite cozy, and the baristas are always vert polite.
As for their speciality lattes, Rustle & Still makes a wonderful purple matcha latte (made from ube) that has a pleasantly sweet taste. The colour itself makes it a joy to order.
If you happen to find yourself waltzing through around Bathurst station, waltz over to Rustle & Still. Even if you’re hungry for a banh mi when you arrive, you’ll (Rustle &) Still thank yourself if you order the pruple matcha latte, too!
Location:
605 Bloor Street West
Photo courtesy of Rustle & Still’s official Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of Rustle & Still’s official Facebook page.
Noteworthy Feature:
The plants inside the café make this a little tropical oasis in The Annex.
3. Blue Matcha Latte (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!
Click this for other café recommendations uptown!
Nearest Subway: Eglinton
Location:
2552 Yonge Street
Noteworthy Feature:
The latte art comes at no extra charge - amazing!
4. Red Matcha Latte (Another Land)
Another Land 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, Another Land 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, Another Land 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).
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!
Click this for other café recommendations uptown!
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:
The balcony is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy your coffee in the summer.
5. Rose Latte (Istanbul Coffee Bar)
This Turkish café & espresso bar delivers strong coffees in an intimate and dimly-lit atmosphere. This ambiance, coupled with it’s setup of couches, communal tables, and smattering of small-group tables make it an excellent choice for friends looking to socialize and couples going on a date.
On top of your standard coffee shop offerings (lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, etc…) Istanbul Cafe & Espresso Bar make an authentic Turkish coffee that isn’t for those with weak tastebuds. Another bonus? They have plenty of vetgan/ vegetarian/ gluten-free/ dairy-free food choice!
Their most instagram-friendly drinks are most definitely the “Goth latte” (charcoal-infused) and the “Rose latte” (rose syrup and rose petals). Both are delicious, and worth a photo. Overall, it’s a nice place to check out!
For more midtown cafe suggestions, press here.
Nearest Subway: Eglinton
Locations:
174 Eglinton Avenue Eeast
Noteworthy Feature:
If you want authentic Turkish coffee, look no further than here!
7. Rainbow Latte (Bulldog Coffee)
Deep within Assembly Chef’s Hall near Union station lies Bulldog Coffee, house of the famed Rainbow Latte.
Using beans from Africa and Central American, and South America, Bulldog creates satisfying caffeine-based drinks that can be upgraded with a “rainbow” twist. Not feeling like tasting the rainbow? Why not try their Nutella Latte, or Chai Latte! Once you’re done your drink, either grab a small bite to eat at Bulldog, or go to one of the many food stands available in Assembly. Yaaaasssss for convenience!
Location:
Assembly Chef’s Hall, 111 Richmond Street West
Noteworthy Feature:
Bulldog is inside of a food hall, so there are plenty of culinary options from which to pick if you require something more substantial!
8. Gold Turmeric Latte (Hopper coffee)
Health nuts heading to Kensington Market might want to make a pit stop at Hopper Coffee along College Street.
The contemporary and slick coffee shop has a very “art-gallery” style interior: industrial, artsy, and infinitely cooler than I am.
Their gold turmeric latte (and yes, that yellow is all natural) is a spicy latte that definitely revs up your system. If you’re on the hunt for a healthy latte with a unique flavour, this is definitely one to keep on your list!
Location:
324 College Street
Noteworthy Feature:
The art makes this place feel very contemporary and cool - it reminds me of the interior of a Brooklyn-based art gallery.
OK… BUT WHAT DO I PUT INTO GOOGLE MAPS?
Thank you for reading, lovely!
Don’t forget to follow my Instagram (@sarahfreia) to get updates on every new post!
Did you like what you just read? Why not read something similar:
