Sketch – London, UK

London’s Sketch has so much going for it. First, it is historic, as the building dates back to the eighteenth century. Second, it is located mere blocks from bustling Oxford Street. Third, it serves as both a tea room and an upscale cocktail lounge.

And then to top it off, Sketch is decked out with pink velvet booths, a complementary coral bar back, and of course, millennial pink-painted walls, making it one of the most instagrammable restaurants in the world.

Also, it offers one of the best afternoon teas in London, boasting vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and even gelatine-free options.   

Habanera – Madrid, Spain

A tropical and majorly Instagram-worthy paradise awaits at Habanera. This Madrid spot is covered in fresh greenery from top to bottom (seriously, plants are both on the ground and hanging from the ceiling.)

To complement the flora, there is a black and white tiled floor, bamboo light fixtures, and couch cushions in a variety of lively patterns.

Menu items vary, but in true Spanish-style, tapas is the specialty. Fresh pasta, tempura shrimp, carpaccio, cannelloni, flatbread pizza, and a classic hamburger are just a few of the items you can indulge in at Habanera (that is, when you’re not busy snapping pics.)

Hacienda Sydney – Sydney, Australia

Mint green and millennial pink is the color palette at Hacienda Sydney, a trendy bar in Australia’s largest city. If those on-trend hues aren’t enough to entice you, there are tall palms placed throughout, and a trellis ceiling complete with hanging vines and white wisteria.

Plus, Hacienda Sydney is located in Sydney Harbour, which boasts spectacular views of the renowned Harbour Bridge.

This means that whether you’re snapping pics with the view or bar in the background, you can bet it’s going to be ‘gram-worthy. In terms of food offerings, their menu mostly contains finger foods like pumpkin flowers, chicken sliders, prawn skewers, and tuna ceviche.

Meanwhile, cocktails range from Wild Ginger Julep made with bourbon-infused ginger, rosemary syrup, lemon juice, and mint to the Fresa Spritz comprising elderflower liqueur, strawberry syrup, soda water, and Prosecco.

Pietro NoLita – NYC, USA

In case you haven’t heard, NoLita is the neighborhood in which to see and be seen in Manhattan at the moment. Pietro NoLita is a tiny cafe-bistro tucked away on Elizabeth Street, offering healthy Italian fare in a retro, 1950s-style interior.

Pink tables, pink chairs, pink walls — you name it, it’s pink! They even painted the outside of the building pink for that perfect Instagram photo op. In terms of offerings, this eatery (open for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on weekends) specializes in Italian classics like risotto, gnocchi, ravioli, grilled octopus and beef carpaccio. And, of course, don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy an authentic cup of Italian coffee (the to-go cups are as Instagrammable as the interior!). This cafe-bistro is on our list as one of the most instagrammable restaurants in the world. 

Read more:

• The Most Instagrammable Places in the U.S.
• The Most Impressive Patisseries in Paris
• Short & Sweet Bakeshop: The Most Instagrammable Bakery in Toronto

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Beast Restaurant

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The Beastwich- fried chicken thigh, pimento cheese, pork sausage gravy, fried egg, buttermilk biscuit. #beastbrunch Sat + Sun 10am-3pm

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One of the breakfast restaurants just off King Street West you’ll find Beast Restaurant. In and amongst the old houses on Tecumseh, it’s almost unrecognizable, but step inside and you’ll be assured by the aroma of all things delicious. Serving up Canadian fare with a twist, Beast is open for brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am until 3 pm. Beast’s brunch menu is on the smaller side but is packed with hearty, scrumptious dishes. My partner’s favorite is the Huevos Rancheros, made with Mexican-style chorizo, guacamole, feta cheese, crispy tortillas, refried black beans, and two sunny sides up eggs. (Be warned, the portion is massive – even he’ll admit to being stuffed afterward.) I’m partial to their biscuit sandwiches (buttermilk biscuits are made fresh on-site daily.)

My personal favorite is Mad Maple. Simple, (incredibly) filling, and oh-so Canadian, the Mad Maple is composed of fried chicken, bacon, and a fried egg sandwiched between a buttermilk biscuit and topped with maple syrup. Not going to lie, good thing it was one of the restaurants near me because the walk home post-Mad Maple is never an easy one, but definitely worth it. Other menu highlights include their duck confit French Toast, served with cranberry mostarda and whipped crème fraîche, and their Eggs Benedict with Tabasco Hollandaise and peameal bacon.

Baddies

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PANDAN COCONUT CHIA PUDDING // SO FRESH, SO HEALTHY, SO RESOLUTE, SO 2019.

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This chill Australian-inspired café located near Lansdowne Station serves up hip, tasty, and majorly Instagrammable brunch on the daily. Their menu is vegan and vegetarian friendly with items such as Chia Pudding, made with coconut milk, cacao, and banana, or the Vegan Ting, a squash fritter with radish, mixed greens, and almond dressing. Less healthy options include The “Frenchie,” thick-cut French toast with honey-whipped ricotta and roasted fruit, and Sausage Sizzle Sammy, consisting of Baddies’ house-made sausage, coriander mayo, a sunny side up egg, and pickled veggies. More than yummy food, the place itself has a laid back vibe with white exposed brick and a small summertime patio. Get there early as it is one of the best restaurants serving breakfast with limited seating available!

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

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A staple among Torontonian brunch enthusiasts and with Instagram worthy pictures, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen has single-handedly become one of the favorite breakfast restaurants in Liberty Village. This expansive, modern restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows facing out onto King Street West serves, hands-down, some of the best breakfast dishes in the city. The menu is undeniably international, taking inspiration from Mexican, American Southern, English, French, and Canadian cuisines. Popular items include the Huevos Monty (black bean refritos with cheddar cheese baked inside a tortilla and topped with a sunny side up eggs, salsa, and avocado,) as well as The Big Brunch Skillet (spicy pulled pork, roasted onions, potato hash, sunny side up eggs, and piri piri salsa.) However, my personal favorite (and what you’ll constantly find on the ‘gram) is their iconic (yes, I said iconic) Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes. Mrs. Biederhof’s pancakes are as fluffy as can be and are served with organic maple syrup and a wild blueberry compote. They are the stuff of dreams.

School

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For a major dose of childhood nostalgia, look no further than School. A stone’s throw away from Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village, School serves up brunch classics with a distinctively youthful twist. The chic, industrial-inspired restaurant has clocks everywhere (to remind you of your grade school classroom), an apple on every table, and cartoons on the tv screens all throughout brunch. Meanwhile, the menu ranges from the “Sweet Stuff” such as Krispy Krunchy French Toast (rolled in “Snap, Crackle & Pop” with peach raspberry compote), and Apple Crumble Pancakes (drizzled in caramel with crushed pecans). “Salt ‘n’ Savoury” options include the Millennial Toast (sourdough bread with mushroom bacon, smashed avocado, artichoke, cannellini beans, basil, and cherry tomatoes) and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles, to name a few. No wonder why they keep getting rated as one of the best restaurants serving breakfast by Torontonians.

Read more:

• Best Budget Places to Eat in Montreal 
• Where to Go for Easter Brunch in Montreal

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Mural Festival

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If there’s one spring festival I never miss, it’s the Mural Festival. This international street festival began in 2013 and since then, has continued to be one of the best festivals in the city. Taking over the Plateau neighborhood and completely closing down Boulevard Saint Laurent, Mural Fest is the perfect mix of art, food, and shopping. Patios along Saint Laurent are in full swing, shops have put out items for the sidewalk sale, and of course, you can marvel at some seriously impressive street art from festivals past, and even watch artists in action as new murals are painted each year of the festival. This year, Mural Festival is happening from June 6 to 16.

21 Balancoires

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The 21 Balancoires (or 21 Swings) are back by popular demand this spring, taking up their usual residence in Quartier des Spectacles. This always-fun art installation-meets-playground will give you a major dose of childhood nostalgia – just what you need before the onset of summer. This unique installation allows the public to take part in a musical production through swinging! That’s right, every time you swing back and forth, the swing set plays a note, and when others are swinging alongside you, a melody is created. This event is free to the public and is open now until May 28. There’s no better way to swing into spring than on the 21 Balancoires!

Thierry Mugler: Couturissime

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Seulement quelques semaines après leur ouverture, les expositions «Thierry Mugler : Couturissime» et «Montréal Couture» ont déjà franchi le cap des 60 000 visiteurs! L'autre bonne nouvelle : les expositions sont à 1/2 prix tous les mercredis soirs de 17 h à 21 h. ⠀ .⠀ After just a few weeks, "Thierry Mugler: Couturissime" and its sister exhibition "Montreal Couture" have already attracted more than 60,000 visitors! The other good news: take advantage of ½ price tickets on Wednesday nights from 5 to 9 p.m.⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #Couturissime ⠀ #MBAMmugler #MMFAmugler #MBAM #MuglerMTL #Muglerexhibition #Muglerexpo #MTLmoments #Mugler #ThierryMugler #Manfredthierrymugler #Muglerarchives #montrealfashion #montrealstyle⠀ Vue partielle de l’exposition. Photo © Nicolas Ruel @nicolas_ruel_art

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Probably the best museum exhibit I’ve been to in a long time, I’ve already had the pleasure of experiencing Thierry Mugler: Couturissime, the latest special exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. This fashion-meets-art exhibition highlights the work of French fashion designer Thierry Mugler, showcasing over 150 garments made by the designer between 1972 and 2001. Worn by celebrities spanning decades, the unveiling of the exhibition even attracted such celebrities as Kim Kardashian and Tyra Banks. Thierry Mugler: Couturissime is open to the public all spring and summer long, closing on Labour Day.

World of Beer

Are you a beer lover? Then you have to stop by one of North America’s most popular beer festivals, World of Beer. For four days only, Montreal gets its very own German-style beer garden, complete with live music throughout the day and exhibitors from all over the world. There are also a few cider options, as well as food trucks on-site. Tastings cost anywhere from 2 to 8 coupons, with each coupon being $1. There are also packages available. World of Beer kicks off Wednesday, May 22, and ends Saturday, May 25.

Read more:

• Best Gourmet Pizza Places in Montreal
• Best Budget Places to Eat in Montreal

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Ma Poule Mouillée

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Montreal is known for some seriously good fast-casual Portuguese cuisine, with my personal favorite nearby restaurants being Ma Poule Mouillée. This counter-serve eatery in the Plateau serves up traditional rotisserie-style chicken, spicy chorizo, and a Porto-specialty, bifana. Plates, sandwiches, salads, and even poutine are available with the meat of your choice, all including the brand’s signature sauce (available for purchase in spicy or not spicy). For me, it’s all about the chorizo grilled sandwich and The Louis Cyr (half chicken with fries and salad). With the most expensive item on the menu being just $16, you can’t go wrong at this inexpensive Montreal restaurant.

Bombay Mahal

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lunch date with the workwife.

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If you like Indian food and you live in Montreal, then you’ve probably heard of Bombay Mahal. Rightfully so, Bombay Mahal is one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the city, so popular in fact that they opened Bombay Mahal Express in the Plateau as a companion to their original Parc-Ex location. I’ve been to both locations and while the original on Jean-Talon definitely offers a preferable environment for dining it, I love having the convenience of the Express eatery if I’m taking my meal to go. Onto the food – Bombay Mahal serves up full-flavored curries, soft basmati rice, pillowy yet crunchy naan, rich mango lassi, and some of the tastiest samosas I’ve ever had. If you order each dish separately, it could cost you upwards of $20, however, if you opt for one of the Thali combos, you’ll be looking at a full meal (two curries, rice, salad, a samosa, and naan) for under $10.

La Banquise

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If you haven’t tried poutine from La Banquise, have you really lived? La Banquise is the poutine spot in the city. Open 24 hours, this Plateau eatery (it’s actually located right across the street from Ma Poule Mouillé) serves up over 30 versions of the famous Quebecois dish. From The Paul-Pogo Poutine topped with pogo, onions, and bacon too. The Taquise is topped with sour cream, tomatoes, and guacamole, there’s guaranteed to be a poutine on this menu that strikes your fancy – they even have vegan poutine! Prices range from $7.75 to $12.25 for a small portion (but trust me, this will fill you up), and go up to $18.95 for a large portion (the perfect size for sharing)!

Schwartz’s Deli

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Schwartz's À côté is open. Foodora delivery. Skip the dishes delivery. What are you waiting for? #smokedmeat #schwartzs #foodora #skipthedishes #delivery

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A Montreal staple, Schwartz’s almost always has a line out the door, no matter the time of day or month of the year. Montreal is known across Canada, and beyond Canadian borders for its unique smoked meat. Schwartz’s happens to be one of the oldest delis in the country, famous for serving up mile-high sandwiches of this tasty, smoky meat. Plates and sandwiches of anything from turkey to salami are available, but if you’re going to Schwartz’s, it’s basically a crime not to order the smoked meat. A smoked meat sandwich (and I assure you, they are packed to the brim) will set you back $10.25 and you’ll get to choose your preferred cut (extra lean, lean, medium, etc). Each sandwich is slathered in mustard and served to perfection with a dill pickle.

Read more:

• Best Gourmet Pizza Places in Montreal
• Best Restaurants Serving Breakfast in Toronto

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Karlo Estates

Karlo is a popular spot for all ages, owing to its rustic chic barn environment and delicious food pairings. Not all county wineries will offer food, so Karlo is a must-visit if you’re craving a light snack with your wine. There is a counter-serve tasting area at the front, a private wine cellar, and a large enclosed patio area out back where tastings are also available. With twinkling fairy lights and a wide range of wines (the Gewurztraminer and 2016 Chardonnay are particularly tasty), you can’t go wrong spending an afternoon at Karlo.

Closson Chase

Right from the moment you pull up to the bright purple barn that is the Closson Chase winery, you’ll be in love. Established in 1998, Closson Chase is one of the prettiest properties in Prince Edward County. Tastings are offered inside the historic barn, which is not just a lounge space but also a local art gallery, with paintings for sale hung on the walls. If the weather is nice, take your flight of wine out into the yard, where wicker tables and hammocks await. The scenic space overlooks the vineyards to the south, making it the perfect spot to pause your wine tour and relax in the sun. To taste an earthy red for which the County reknown, be sure to try Closson’s three Pinot Noirs.

By Chadsey’s Cairns

A true hidden gem, By Chadsey’s Cairns is not nearly as busy as some of the larger wineries in the area like Norman Hardie or Sandbanks, but I’m here to tell you it is worth visit. By Chadsey’s Cairns boasts one of the best rosés in Prince Edward County, and also happens to have the most quaint, charming vineyard in the region. The tasting room is inside what looks like a pioneer schoolhouse, with a patio on the back overlooking the vineyard. At the front of the property is a barn where concerts and plays are held throughout the year. Beyond the barn, the view includes acres of farmland and Lake Ontario. It truly doesn’t get more picturesque than this!

Read more:

• Prince Edward County: Hidden Gems
• Where to Travel in Canada in 2019

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Sukhothai

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Sukhothai has quickly risen to become one of the most highly regarded Thai restaurants in all of TO. It has four locations across the city, on Parliament, Dundas West, Wellington, and Front East, and serves up authentic Northern Thai cuisine on the daily. To kick things off, I always opt for the light and refreshing Mango Salad (if I’m with my family, the Crispy Spring Rolls are also a must.) All of their mains are cooked to perfection, but at Sukhothai my personal favourite is the Khao Soi with chicken or the Tom Kha Gai soup (a creamy coconut soup with herbs). Another fav are the Garlic Chicken Nuggets – sure to please all of your friends and family, no matter their age.

Sabai Sabai

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• thanks to the guys at @sabaisabaito for unbelievable hospitality + unbelievably delicious food •

A post shared by Ryan Hinkson • Mr @EatFamous • (@ryhanks) on Feb 28, 2019 at 7:29am PST

Right near Bloor-Yonge Station lies Sabai Sabai Kitchen and Bar, whose speciality is cooking up dishes from Northern Thailand and Laos. First off, I have to say that I love the atmosphere at Sabai Sabai. It is industrial chic at its finest, with exposed brick, festive paper lanterns, and plenty of local artwork. Onto the food! In terms of appetizers, I’m partial to the Crispy Taro Roll and Deep Fried Garlic Shrimp, both are crunchy on the outside yet soft and flavour-packed on the inside. Mains are broken down into small plates and large plates, making this the perfect spot for sharing. The “Laap Lao” or minced pork lettuce wraps, is the national dish of Laos and is simply delicious. The Street Styled Tossed Noodles are also a crowd favourite among my friends, made with rice noodles, peanuts, tamarind sauce, bean sprouts, and chicken. Plus, with an entire menu of vegan dishes, this is a great spot for carnivores and herbivores alike.

Pai

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I'm basically Thai now. #toronto #paithailand #paitoronto #khaosoi #thai #thaiicedtea #eats #torontoeats #canada #canadaroadtrip

A post shared by Solange Gutierrez (@lifewithsolange) on Sep 12, 2018 at 6:55pm PDT

I have been a longtime fan of Pai, a Northern Thai eatery nestled on Duncan Street in the heart of the Entertainment District. Not only is the food absolutely delicious, but the atmosphere can’t be beat. It’s my go-to, whether dining with friends, my partner, or my parents, thanks to the festive and casual vibe throughout. Now onto the food, starting with the the Chef Nuit Pad Thai (truly one of the best pad Thais in Toronto). From the rice noodles cooked to perfection to the crunch from the bean sprouts and the touch of tartness from the fresh lime, you can’t go wrong with this classic dish. My other personal favourite is the Gaeng Masaman, a mild peanut curry with braised beef and potatoes, topped with crispy fried shallots. Also worth mentioning is Pai’s appetizers. For me, their appetizers shine just as much (maybe even more) than their main dishes. First, we have the Papaya Salad. Not your traditional papaya salad, theirs is made with tamarind juice, coconut sugar, pork rinds, shrimp chips, and salted crab. The other must-have app is the Grabong, essentially a mountain of thin butternut squash french fries that have been fried in a red curry paste (don’t forget to dunk them in the sweet garlic tamarind dip!)

Read more:

• DINE’s Favourite Things
• Where to DINE Now: Bar Sybanne

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Mos Mos

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There are now two Mos Mos locations in the Path, one in Commerce Court and one in the Exchange Tower, and each one is pretty much guaranteed to have a line out the door. Rest assured, there is a reason for the popularity of this local chain, founded in 2014. For Mos Mos customers, it really comes down to the quality of the coffee and the vast range of offerings (I’ve never seen so many types of lattes in my life). First, they have your espresso options (piccolo, doppio, and solo), then they have your lattes, which include every flavour under the sun, like matcha, taro, and vanilla chai (my friend recently moved to Vancouver and she constantly jokes that the thing she misses most about Toronto are the chai lattes from Mos Mos), and finally they have your iced drinks, which range from cold teas of all flavours to icy apple cider. To top it off, how the baristas keep track of all orders is simple: stickers. Every single drink on their menu has a unique sticker and when you place an order, the corresponding sticker is simply placed on your takeaway cup. I dare you to try them all!

Bulldog Coffee

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Bulldog Coffee is all about the espresso experience. Their focus is on high quality coffee, using beans from Africa and Latin America to create a delicious range of hot beverages. Their cappuccino is one of my favourites, but their lattes are also delicious. Latte offerings include freshly-made chai, Nutella, and what they call The Rainbow, which uses food colouring to create latte art like you’ve never seen before. Bulldog Coffee is located in Assembly Chef’s Hall, which can be accessed through the Path or off of Richmond Street West (near the corner of York Street).

Maman

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My baby is craving for sweet in a Friday afternoon! Pistachio Cake or blueberry lavender cake? @_mamantoronto_ #frenchbakery #ilovecafe #torontorestaurants #yyzeats #photography #torontofood #foodie

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Nestled into the top corner of First Canadian Place lies Maman, the Toronto outpost of the original SoHo café and bakery, known for fusion cuisine with plenty of French flair. This authentic French café serves some of the best coffee and tea in the city, including a unique range of specialty lattes (I’m partial to the lavender latte.) However, no trip to Maman is complete without indulging in at least one baked good – whether you’re after a classic pain au chocolat, a slice of earl grey cranberry orange cake, or one of their famous chocolate chunk cookies.

M Square Coffee Co.

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Craft coffee is the name of the game at M Square Coffee Co., located in The Sheraton Centre, near the corner of Queen Street West and York Street. Giving off major industrial chic vibes, this coffee joint has a simple menu, but one that is executed to perfection. M Square specializes in black coffee using only single origin beans, while their “white” offerings (lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites) are all made with non-homogenized milk that comes directly from Sheldon Creek Dairy. If you’re in the mood for something to go with your perfect cup of coffee, why not try a steaming bowl of homemade oatmeal from M Square’s Oatmeal Bar? They offer over fifteen varieties of oatmeal. Breakfast is served!

Read more:

• Toronto’s Coffee Culture
• Coffee Shops for All Toronto Caffeine Enthusiasts

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First, it’s important to understand where Maman is located. Unlike most shops and restaurants in the city’s Financial District, Maman is actually located above ground on the Mezzanine Level. It can be found in the First Canadian Place, off of King Street West between Bay and York Streets. If you’re already inside the Path, you can make your way there indoors, or alternatively, there is a courtyard on King Street with a stairway that leads directly to the food court where Maman is located.

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Happy Monday! #mamantoronto #frenchbakery #cakes #myfcpex #firstcanadianplace #torontofood {pic by @alexia_eats}

A post shared by maman (@_mamantoronto_) on Apr 9, 2018 at 7:32am PDT

Now let’s dig into the history of this quaint French dining experience. The original Maman was founded in SoHo, New York, making Toronto its first and only outpost. (I have visited the SoHo location. While the NYC café is much larger in size, the Toronto location is brighter and cozier.) Maman was conceived by four partners: the head chef of a Michelin star restaurant in the South of France, an event planner, a restaurateur and entrepreneur, and finally, a media strategist. The idea behind Maman is to serve up French-North American fusion cuisine in a warm, rustic environment.

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A quick note about the interior of Maman. The wooden tables emanate a rustic feel throughout, while the dishware consists of mismatched plates bearing floral borders, and decorative items include white porcelain rabbits and thin glass vases with a single flower in each. And we have to take about the takeaway cups; unlike your typical white coffee cup, their paper cups have a blue floral print that you won’t be able to resist snapping a photo of for the ‘gram.

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Finally, onto the most important item on the agenda: food and beverages. Maman’s menu is available for dine-in or takeaway and is all made fresh daily. Breakfast options typically consist of yogurt and granola parfaits, croissant sandwiches, or three types of quiche – Lorraine (ham and cheese), Marie (goat cheese, fennel, and green peas), and Paulinette (leek and cheddar) – each one better than the last. For lunch, the quiche is swapped for an assortment of salads, ranging from Rose (quinoa, feta, roasted beet, walnut, lemon juice, kale, parsley and mint) to Caesaria (roasted chicken, kale, hard boiled egg, parmesan, red onions, and thyme croutons). To satisfy your sweet tooth, Maman has viennoiseries, lemon and thyme madeleines, three freshly-baked loaves that are to die for (I am partial to the white chocolate, blueberry, and lavender cake), and of course, Maman’s Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is truly one of the most delicious, most decadent cookies in all of Toronto. 

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Bonjour! #mamantoronto #holidays #cookies #cookiesofinstagram #coffee #firstcanadianplace #torontoeats #foodporn

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Beverages include your usual slew of coffee options, from Cappuccinos to Americanos, however, where they differ is in their specialty latte and tea offerings, including maple and lavender lattes and iced tea made in-house daily.

If you’re looking for a slice of Provence in the heart of TO, look no further than Maman.

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Goldstruck

Handcrafted beverages, homemade pastries, and a warm, cozy atmosphere are what you get with Goldstruck. Located on Cumberland, this Yorkville coffee shop is one of the most popular in the area. Its industrial chic vibe complete with Edison light bulbs instantly warms and relaxes its patrons.

The setup is long and narrow with a mixture of smaller round tables built for groups of 1-2 and larger rectangular tables in back, with limited bar seating along the window. Their extensive menu ranges from espresso-based drinks such as a Flat White and a Cortado to Cold Brew and V60 Pour Over.

To go with your quality cup of Joe, they have an assortment of goodies, including classic butter tarts, sea salt chocolate chip cookies, croissant sandwiches, and pain au chocolat. Rounding out the reasons I love this Yorkville gem: their to-go coffee cups. I’m a sucker for a stamped coffee cup and Goldstruck’s is one of the best in Toronto.

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happy Tuesday our fellow coffee lovers.. we may have struck gold this morning!! Be sure to come by and check us out till 9pm! #coffee #blooryorkville #toronto #goldstruckcoffee #getgoldstruck #yorkville #torontocoffee

A post shared by GOLDSTRUCK COFFEE (@goldstruckcoffee) on Jul 10, 2018 at 8:30am PDT

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5 Elements Coffee & Espresso Bar

5 Elements is one of the first coffee shops I fell in love with in the city. I loved it for a number of reasons, namely that it was spacious, bright, had a strong WiFi connection, and excellent service. But also because it introduced me to one of my favourite baked goods in the city: the cheddar chive scone (more on that later). 5 Elements is tucked away at the corner of Avenue Road and Webster. It is perfect for families, students, and friends alike, and we usually see a mix of patrons in this hip café at all times. Known for their Instagrammable latte art, you can’t go wrong with any of the organic espresso-based drinks on their menu or their loose leaf teas (they have an entire chest of Sloane Fine Tea).

Beyond their delicious coffee and array of tea, this independent café happens to serve the city’s best scone. Scones are baked fresh daily, but get them while they’re hot because they sell out fast. Flavours vary but the most common are blueberry and cheddar chive (the latter of which was once described by my friend as “life-changing”). If you’re after something more filling than a scone, they also have an entire selection of raw, vegan, and gluten-free energy balls and protein cookies, as well as a range of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. 

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Sorry Coffee Co.

Yorkville’s Sorry Coffee Co. might be small, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in excellent coffee. This independent café is nestled in the back of the Kit & Ace store off of Bloor Street (there is a second, more direct entrance off of Critchley Lane). An Instagram lover’s paradise, Sorry is definitely the most aesthetically pleasing coffee shop on this list, with its marble countertops, copper appliances, acrylic menu, geometric light fixtures, and of course, its cup art. This Yorkville coffee enclave is known for their ever-changing cup art.

Every few months, they partner with a different local artist to develop a new graphic to be stamped on their to-go cups. Fresh baked goods are currently made by local bakery, Motherdough Mill, and range from croissants and Danishes to muffins and scones, with vegan and gluten-free options available.

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Welcome to your get-out-of-the-office-free card. #sorrycoffeeco #thisiskitandace

A post shared by Sorry Coffee Co (@sorrycoffeeco) on Sep 9, 2016 at 10:42am PDT

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Year of the Dog stamp designed by our new resident artist @imbenoneil, a Toronto based illustrator and designer. Keep an eye out for his graphic novel 'Apologetica' out soon-ish! #sorrycoffeeco

A post shared by Sorry Coffee Co (@sorrycoffeeco) on Feb 3, 2018 at 5:44am PST

Read more:

• 10 Must-Try Lattes in Downtown Toronto
• Fall for Fall

The post The Best Coffee Shops in Yorkville appeared first on Food Health & Parenting Tips.