Best Coffee Shops Near Toronto Universities & Colleges

Whether you’re cramming for finals or simply looking for your next caffeine fix, Toronto’s university and college neighbourhoods are home to some of the best coffee spots in the city. We’ve rounded up the perfect mix of hidden gems and iconic hangout spots within walking distance of the city’s major post-secondary institutions.

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)

1. Hailed Coffee

Located just steps away from campus, Hailed Coffee has become a student favourite for its signature Yemeni-inspired coffee and welcoming atmosphere. Their famous Cardamella Latte offers a unique twist on your typical coffee order, making it the perfect pick-me-up before class. Don’t forget to use your 10% student discount.

• 🚶 5 minute walk from SLC (Sheldon & Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre)
• 📍 44 Gerrard St. W
• 🚇 College Station

2. Mast Coffee

Known for its minimalist aesthetic and expertly crafted espresso drinks, Mast Coffee is ideal for students looking for a quieter environment to focus. The café’s bright interior and carefully sourced beans make it a hidden gem in downtown Toronto.

• 🚶 10 minute walk from SLC
• 📍 68 Shuter St.
• 🚇 Dundas & Church St. (streetcar)

3. Good Earth Coffeehouse

A reliable choice for both coffee and light meals, Good Earth Coffeehouse offers plenty of seating and a comfortable environment for studying between lectures. Their breakfast sandwiches and baked goods pair perfectly with a fresh brew.

• 🚶 5 minute walk from SLC
• 📍 686 Bay St.
• 🚇 Bay & Dundas St. (streetcar)

4. The Dialog Café

Nestled behind TMU‘s Engineering building, The Dialog Café offers a modern experience with quality coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s an excellent spot for students looking to escape the crowds while staying close to campus.

• 🚶 7 minute walk from SLC
• 📍 106 Mutual St.
• 🚇 Dundas & Mutual St. (streetcar)

5. Qishr Coffee House

The newest addition to the neighbourhood, Qishr Coffee House is a Yemeni-inspired hotspot that combines elevated design with specialty coffee. Whether you’re grabbing a quick spiced latte or settling in for an afternoon study session, the space offers a refreshing change of scenery.

• 🚶 4 minute walk from SLC
• 📍 21 Dundas Square
• 🚇 Dundas Station

University of Toronto

1. 10 DEAN Café

A favourite among students and local residents alike, 10 DEAN serves expertly crafted espresso drinks in a bright, contemporary setting. The café’s spacious interior makes it ideal for studying, reading, or catching up with friends between classes.

• 🚶 5 minute walk from Daniels Campus
• 📍 484 Spadina Ave.
• 🚇 Spadina & College St. (streetcar)

2. Found Coffee

Tucked away on the west side of UofT, Found Coffee is known for its high-quality beans and welcoming atmosphere. Their rotating selection of specialty drinks keeps regulars coming back, while the cozy environment provides the perfect study backdrop.

• 🚶 7 minute walk from Daniels Campus
• 📍 324 College St.
• 🚇 College & Augusta St. (streetcar)

3. Dessert Lady Café & Bakery

For students with a sweet tooth, Dessert Lady Café & Bakery offers the best of both worlds: exceptional coffee and an impressive selection of desserts. From cakes and pastries to handcrafted beverages, it’s a great place to reward yourself after a long study session.

• 🚶 8 minute walk from Faculty of Law building
• 📍 1 Sultan St.
• 🚇 Bay Station

4. Almond Butterfly Bakeshop & Cafe

Popular for its gluten-free menu and specialty coffee offerings, Almond Butterfly provides a comfortable and inclusive café experience. Their fresh pastries and relaxed atmosphere make it a favourite among students looking for a quieter escape.

• 🚶 9 minute walk from Daniels Campus
• 📍 100 Harbord St.
• 🚇 Spadina & Harbord St. (streetcar)

5. L’Espresso Bar Mercurio

A longstanding fixture in the Annex, L’Espresso Bar Mercurio brings authentic European café culture to the neighbourhood. Their rich espresso, gelato, and outdoor patio make it a perfect destination during Toronto’s warmer months or after a game at the Varsity Centre.

• 🚶 6 minute walk from Robarts Library
• 📍 321 Bloor St. W
• 🚇 St. George Station

George Brown College (Waterfront & St. James Campuses)

1. Lazy Barista

True to its name, Lazy Barista encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy their coffee. Right in front of the George Brown Waterfront Campus, the laid-back atmosphere and carefully crafted beverages make it an excellent spot for students looking to recharge between classes.

• 🚶 2 minute walk from Waterfront Campus
• 📍 157 Queens Quay E.
• 🚇 Queens Quay E. at Lower Jarvis St. (streetcar)

2. Cuckoo Cakery

Best known for its beautifully crafted cakes and desserts, Cuckoo Cakery also serves excellent coffee. It’s the perfect destination for a midday treat or a celebratory study break.

• 🚶 2 minute walk from Waterfront Campus
• 📍 39 Merchants’ Wharf
• 🚇 Queens Quay E. at Dockside Dr. (streetcar)

3. Versus Coffee

Near the St. James Campus, Versus Coffee is a staple in Toronto’s specialty coffee scene. Renowned for its creative drinks and welcoming environment, whether you’re meeting classmates or studying solo, the café’s vibrant atmosphere offers something for everyone.

• 🚶 7 minute walk from St. James Campus
• 📍 70 Adelaide St. E
• 🚇 Church St. & Lombard St. (streetcar)

4. Black Canary Espresso Bar

Black Canary Espresso Bar delivers quality espresso and friendly service in a cozy setting. The intimate space makes it ideal for focused studying or catching up on readings.

• 🚶 5 minute walk from St. James Campus
• 📍 61 Sherbourne St.
• 🚇 King St. & Sherbourne St. (streetcar)

5. Fahrenheit Coffee

Consistently ranked among Toronto’s best coffee shops, Fahrenheit Coffee is famous for its expertly prepared espresso and latte art. For coffee enthusiasts, it’s a must-visit destination just a short walk from campus.

• 🚶 3 minute walk from St. James Campus
• 📍 120 Lombard St.
• 🚇 Queen St. & Jarvis St. (streetcar)

OCAD University

1. Café Forêt

A hidden gem near OCAD, Café Forêt offers a peaceful atmosphere that feels separated from the downtown rush. Its calming interior and quality beverages make it a favourite among creative students looking for inspiration, with plenty of seating to settle in.

• 🚶 8 minute walk from Campus
• 📍 153 Dundas St. W
• 🚇 Dundas & Chestnut St. (streetcar)

2. Butter & Blue

Combining excellent coffee with an impressive pastry selection, Butter & Blue is perfect for students seeking a cozy study environment. The inviting space encourages visitors to stay awhile and unwind, indoors or out.

• 🚶 6 minute walk from Campus
• 📍 7 Baldwin St.
• 🚇 Dundas & McCaul St. (streetcar)

3. Carbonic Coffee

Known for its modern design and carefully sourced beans, Carbonic Coffee delivers a premium specialty coffee experience. The café’s bright interior and attentive service make it a popular stop for OCAD students.

• 🚶 7 minute walk from Campus
• 📍 37 Baldwin St.
• 🚇 Dundas & McCaul St. (streetcar)

4. Fika Café

Inspired by the Swedish tradition of pausing to connect, Fika Café offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a coffee break while working on creative projects, set right in one of the city’s most inspiring neighbourhoods.

• 🚶 14 minute walk from Campus
• 📍 28 Kensington Ave.
• 🚇 Spadina & Dundas St. (streetcar)

5. Le Gourmand

No list of local OCAD cafés would be complete without Le Gourmand. Famous for its oversized chocolate chip cookies and quality coffee, this hotspot has been satisfying students and locals for years.

• 🚶 14 minute walk from Campus
• 📍 152 Spadina Ave.
• 🚇 Spadina & Queen St. (streetcar)

Downtown Toronto’s campuses offer far more than lecture halls and libraries. Whether you’re searching for a productive study space, a quick caffeine boost, or a new favourite hangout spot, these cafés provide the perfect blend of coffee, community, and campus culture.