8 Black-Owned Cafés in Toronto Where You Can Get a Local Caffeine Fix
Want to make supporting Black-owned businesses a part of your daily life, but not sure where to start?
Supporting local cafes rather than Starbucks or Tim Hortons is a great place to start!
I’ve collected this list of Black-owned cafes that you can use to stay caffeinated all over Toronto.
Where possible, I’ve also indicated whether or not they’re currently open for takeout, but I would recommend calling them before visiting just in case.
Now, let’s get started!
1. AMP Studio Cafe
154 Oakwood Ave, York, ON
This unique café doesn’t just serve delicious Caribbean eats and coffee: they’re also a recording studio! In normal times, they host events and jam sessions so that you can hear from up and coming artists as well as listen to poetry slams or participate in workshops.
(And if you’d like to learn more about how it came to be and the story of its owner, Alton Morgan, check out this CBC profile, which is where I got this image from.)
They’re currently open for takeout (as far as I could tell from Google Maps).
2. Bu’na: The Soul Of Coffee
1176 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
Bu’na aims to bring a new appreciation for Ethiopian coffee to its corner of Toronto. With freshly roasted beans every day and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, you’ll be sure to leave with more knowledge about the joys of Ethiopian’s rich coffee culture.
This photo was taken from the Bun’a Instagram and features owner Nunu!
They’re currently open for takeout, and you can also buy their freshly roasted beans to brew at home!
3. Congo Coffee and Mikate House
298 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON
Do you like having a sweet treat along with your coffee?
Coffee and Mikate, who specialize in Congolese coffee and beignets, are the perfect choice for you!
I walked down to Allan Gardens and enjoyed an iced coffee over the summer!
Wondering what exactly beignets are?
Well, they’re described on their website as “A cross between funnel cake, pate à choux, hush puppies and Donuts”.
And yes, I can confirm that they’re as delicious as they sound!
So fresh and warm!
They are open for takeout via their website and Uber Eats. You can also order coffee beans from them to drink at home too!
4. The Loveless Cafe
1430 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON
This cozy cafe located at Dundas and Gladstone has the perfect sofas and armchairs on which to curl up with a book in normal times — or just to drop by and people-watch as you grab your cup to go!
This photo was taken from the BlogTO instagram.
As you can see from this photo, they have a small outdoor patio on which you can also enjoy drinks in normal times.
They’re currently hosting a print sale by local artists, so pop by and check them out if you’re interested in getting some art too!
They’re currently open for takeout — they also sell alcohol if you need to stock up on wine for those cold winter nights.
5. Mocha Cafe and Pastry
Who wouldn’t want to drink out of these tiny, adorable cups?
1290 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON
Located right beside Greenwood Station, this Danforth cafe serves up Ethiopian coffee as well as delicious desserts and sandwiches — the perfect neighbourhood spot to stop by and relax at.
As far as I can tell, they’re currently open for takeout.
6. Mofer Coffee
1040 St Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON // 1577 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON // 1025 Queen St W
Mofer Coffee aims to bring coffee beans from Ethopia, the birthplace of coffee, to Toronto — and I can confirm, their iced coffees are delicious!
I got mine with oat milk because that’s the best.
With three locations, all of which are spacious and welcoming, they’re the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon while sipping a delicious brew.
This photo was taken at their Danforth location — I love the wooden, rustic look!
They’re currently open for takeout. If you’re not able to get out to try them, you can also buy their coffee beans (roasted or unroasted) online.
7. Poetry Jazz Cafe
224 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON
Cool cats only! This cafe - bar in Kensington Market serves up live jazz shows as well as a variety of cocktails at night, while keeping you fueled with caffeine to get all that creative energy during the day.
They are currently closed, but they have an online store so you can support them by buying their merchandise!
8. Royaltea Coffee
880 Ellesmere Road, Scarborough, ON
Royaltea just opened their physical location this fall following the success of their online store. It’s brightly decorated with lots of red accents and even features a signature red roaster where they prepare their fresh Kenyan coffee!
They provide premium Kenyan coffee, as well as tea blends for those who prefer a little less caffeine, that you can enjoy at home as well. It’s the perfect spot for all my Scarborough peeps to get their fix!
Let me know in the comments which café you plan on checking out first!
(And don’t forget to check out this list of Black-owned brunch restaurants as well.)
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