Located a few minutes from Yonge and Eglinton, Istanbul Café is stunningly decorated with photos of Istanbul and handmade art from Turkey. The sweet spot serves espresso-based drinks, and also makes an unparalleled flat white, but their specialty is of course a traditional Turkish coffee that you can then pair with artfully crafted Turkish pastries. Hot tip: Istanbul Café is also open late for a night-time pick-me-up!
While this place is somewhat under-the-radar, it won’t take long before all the cool coffee-lovers in Toronto head here. The vibe is incredibly cozy, with an exposed brick wall, chalkboard menu, chic light fixtures and rustic wood tables. The Turkish tea – which comes in its own little pot – tends to be the most popular beverage, but their strong coffee and espresso follow close behind. If you’re lucky, you can score a sample of their delicious cookies.