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Went viral in January 2026 for its rainbow latte swirl. Also good for hot chocolate, and it sells its house-blend beans.

Try the rainbow latte first

Long-running specialty shop with strong espresso and a well-regarded cold brew. A reliable first coffee near the university area.

Expect a small, busy room

Matcha-focused cafe with coffee, snacks and indoor and outdoor seating. Good stop before wandering Kensington Market or the AGO.

Come for the matcha

Korean-inspired drinks plus a working pottery studio where you can paint or make your own mug while you sip.

Check studio sessions before going

Barcelona-style pintxos bar in a curving wooden Art Nouveau room. Order conservas and snacks with a Tinto Fino cocktail.

Go early; mostly standing

Sichuan and Cantonese home-style dishes down a hallway that looks like a dead end. Try the dan dan noodles and chili shrimp.

Arrive early or expect a wait

Wood-fired Texas-style barbecue that grew from a pop-up. Get the brisket, ribs and sausage platter; short rib appears on weekends.

Burnt ends sell out early

One-star contemporary French tasting menus served above Spadina, with four-, six- or ten-course options. A special-occasion dinner.

Reserve weeks ahead

Pedestrian and cycling arch bridge on the Waterfront Trail, popular for skyline and sunset shots over the lake.

Go at sunset

Brick-paved, car-free streets of Victorian industrial buildings, with galleries and cafes. Best for architecture and street shots.

Weekday mornings are quieter

About a kilometre of changing street-art walls behind Queen West, repainted often. Good for portraits and colourful backdrops.

Walls change; visit in daylight

Ferry ride across the harbour gives skyline views; on the islands, shoot sunset silhouettes and Muskoka chairs facing the city.

Take an early ferry on weekends

Café styled like a plane cabin with cloud-view screens, serving coconut-shell matcha, Turkish coffee, knafeh and baklava.

Try the coconut matcha latte