Is Toronto the coffee capital of the world? If not, it’s a strong contender! With a total of 1689
coffee shops at last count, Toronto has a very strong coffee culture. It would take you two
years and three months to visit all of them, assuming you visited two a day.

As your friendly neighbourhood realtors and west end experts, we’ve narrowed it down to
these 5 cute spots for a buzzy fix in the west end. Each with a unique offering, and a
different experience, to suit your mood.

Out and about in the Junction or Bloor West Village and losing steam? We got you. Just
looking for a welcoming shop to get out of the cold for a spell? Read on. Kids in tow but
desperate for a fix? Right this way. Hankering for some Vegemite on toast? Ok!
We’re always in and around our beloved west end, and we always need a caffeine fix at
some point, maybe multiple points during our day. Here are our go-to’s when we’re on our
hustle.

Have you read part one of our west end Toronto coffee shop roundup? Read about our favourite trendy coffee shops in Parkdale and Roncy right here.

The Good Neighbour

The Good Neighbour is, in fact, our good neighbour. Located just down the street from our
Nested offices, we love to stop in here for a perfectly crafted latte and a deliciously flaky
pastry. The Good Neighbour is our go to for a midday pick-me-up. With plenty of natural
daylight, and perfectly positioned tables for people watching, this is the place. With a
relaxed, casual vibe, and good wifi, it’s no wonder locals choose this spot to quietly get some
work done, or catch up with friends.

The Good Neighbour is located at 238 Annette St. just west of High Park Ave.

Looking for more west end resources? Read some of our other blogs her:

• Bloor West Village: A Gourmet Grocer Hot Spot
• Breakfast in the Junction: Our Favourite Spots
• Just When You Thought the Junction Strip Couldn’t Get Any Cooler

Noctua Bakery

This newcomer in the Junction is one of our favourite new cafes in one of our favourite
neighbourhoods. The Junction is in a period of change and growth, and as a result, there are
plenty of excellent restaurants, shops and cafes popping up every month. With new
construction projects every few blocks, the Junction is definitely experiencing a boom, and
we are here for it. One such spot is Noctua, located in the former Vesuvo’s pizza location
(RIP Vesuvios) This tiny little outpost is ideally located to get your coffee and hit the streets.
From Noctua you can head east or west and have quite a few blocks of Junction wonder to
explore. Getting your steps in with your beloved mutt? Noctua is on the way to High Park or
on the way back from High Park, if you’re lucky enough to live in this sought-after
neighbourhood. But enough about the ‘hood, we’re here for the coffee! Well, actually in this
case we’re really here for the baked goods. Noctua started out as a pop up for fresh bread
and baked goods. In the summer of 2021, a brick and mortar shop was finally opened. We
love to stop by first thing in the morning and be seduced by the irresistible smells of all the fresh baked goods on offer. Pick up a cinnamon morning bun, or an Argentinian media luna
for the road, you won’t be disappointed.

Noctua Bakery is located at 3014 Dundas St. West, just west of Keele.

The Regular AKA RGLR

This hip little spot is also one of our close neighbours. A blink-and-you-’ll-miss-it type of
place, The Regular is one of the more unique locations on our list. With a minimalist interior
featuring our favourite combination of wood, white and black, this place is a vibe. The two
owners are passionate about all things coffee and it shows. Here you can try out an
impeccable pour-over coffee, made with the best of the best Kalita Wave equipment. Served
in a glass kettle to ensure it’s kept at the ideal temperature, a pour-over coffee at The
Regular is an experience to enjoy, and definitely not to be rushed. This style of brew takes
a few minutes at least, but it’s well worth the wait. Of course, if you’re running low on time,
you can quickly get an exceptional espresso or drip coffee, featuring a regular rotation of
local roasters. Pastries are on offer here as well as an impressive bottle shop with a very
unique offering: Sake. In addition to some beautiful bottles of natural wine and local craft
beer, The Regular also has an impressive roster of Sake on offer. Don’t know where to
start? Ask the owner and he’ll happily guide you in your sake journey.

Check out The Regular at 548 Annette, just west of Runnymede.

Palmer Coffee

A welcome addition near the northwest corner of High Park, Palmer Coffee is a bright,
cheerful, tropical-inspired, gram-worthy spot we highly recommend. With an eclectic mix of
offerings, including mittens knit by a local grandma, sweet and savoury dishes that go
beyond the standard coffee shop fare, Palmer Coffee has something for everyone. Brewing
up cups of coffee from local Stereo Coffee Roasters, Palmer Coffee also offers a deliciously
thick and creamy matcha latte, not to be missed. Looking for a delicious breakfast but short
on time? Order up the incredibly fluffy Eggs Palmer, a warm bowl of scrambled eggs topped
with house made cilantro pesto, served with a side English muffin, to go. On offer you’ll also
find yogurt and granola parfaits, fresh salads and do not miss their house hot chocolate.
Crafted from their own homemade secret hot chocolate mix and topped with proprietary pink
flamingo sprinkles, this is one of the most gram-worthy drinks we’ve ever seen. We would
be remiss if we did not mention their butter tarts. Listed by BlogTo as one of the best butter
tarts in the city, we can confirm that these ooey-gooey tarts are worthy of that distinction.
With a mix of homemade baked goods, bakery supplied treats and fresh foods made to
order, Palmer Coffee is all the things you could want at any time of day. Oh and don’t forget
to pick up some mittens while you’re there.

Palmer Coffee is at 2133 Bloor Street W. on the northwest corner of High Park.

Golden Gecko

This brightly coloured coffee shop is right in Baby Point, and just around the corner from our
offices. There is definitely no shortage of coffee shops in the west end, but not all coffee
shops are created equal. Golden Gecko feels more like a community centre than a coffee
shop. With plenty of games, reading materials and community info posted to the walls,
Golden Gecko is the best place on this list to pop into if you have kids in tow. With plenty to
keep them occupied while you sip on an authentic flat white – the owner here is Australian,
birthplace of the flat white in the 1980’s. Are you a homesick Aussie? Or curious about
Australian treats? They’re little Australian tuck shop features many beloved Australian
sweets and savouries including, but not limited to, Vegemite and Anchor Original Chicken
Chippy Salt, yum! Opened in 2017, Golden Gecko has won the Toronto Star Reader’s
Choice Award for Best Coffee Shop in 2019 & 2020!

Golden Gecko is located at 282 Jane Street.

It is businesses like these that make the west end so special, and our number one choice to
live, work and raise our families. With five very unique and different offerings in one small
neighbourhood, Toronto really is a unique city. If you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by and say hi and definitely check out some of our favourite spots listed above!

Our West End Expertise

We know West Toronto like the back of our hands. From real estate to restaurants to neighbourhoods, we have the intel you need to know. Learn more about our local expertise here.

Learn More