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Real People. Real Reviews.®
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 11 pm
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I love this place! If I lived next to this cafe, I'd be spending my mullah on their lattes and mocha coffee! I've also had their chocolate croissant. Very good.. flaky and buttery just how I like my croissant! And that lil dark chocolate they give you with your drink... mmmmmmm.... yum-y!
My only problem with this place is sitting. Gets a little crowded with people taking up booths to spread their text books around to study. *sigh*
Ok, so I decided to go to a cafe and read ..while enjoying the nice sunny breezy weather before my Saturday yoga class. I stopped by Aroma, remembering the Cafe Latte was delicious, and thought I would give the food a try. First, I need to talk about the service. As i mentioned in my previous reviews, I am not sure if it is me or what.....the staff just always seem very neutral toned. They are not unfriendly, but not friendly or helpful either.....not that they don't have eye contact, but I never know who or what they are looking at. Anyhoo I decided to try the French Toast(my ultimate favorite for brunch), and the staff asked if me if I wanted anything to drink. While i frantically look at the menu, she just blankly stared at me....no help with making suggestions. So I picked Cafe Latte since there was a line behind me and I felt pressured. I didn't really know what was suppose to happen next...was I suppose to move down the line and wait for my food, or was my food was going to come to where I am sitting. When I asked, again...not sure if there were eye contact, the staff responded in neutral tone - just go over there and wait for us to call your name.
Another weird thing was ...I kept hearing the staffs whispering..French toast..I don't think we have this or that. So anyways, I finally got my order....the French toast was good, but I had better. With all the whispering going on, it made me think if I got the normal French toast or this was just scrambled last minute French toast.
Cafe Latte as usual was great. Overall experience....it's a trendy cafe with great cafe latte...the food is good, like their service, not the best ..but it's good. Neutral would exactly describe it!
Was in the neighborhood today, and went to Aroma and ordered a Cafe Latte. Really like the cafe… Read more »
Aroma, Aroma, Aroma. I should give you three stars but since I like you so much I'll give you four.
Why should I give you three stars? Well, the coffee isn't that good and the music is just... well... awful. On a good day they're playing elevator music, on a bad day they're playing Ace of Base. Now, that's not to say I don't love Ace of Base (I'm a child of the 90s after all) but when you want to study, it's really hard to concentrate when all you can do is think about that time you were 9 and preoccupied with choreographing a dance to "All That She Wants" in your bedroom. The terrible thing is that I'll never know when it will be a good day (elevator music) or a bad day (90s pop).
Despite all of this, I still love you Aroma, though part of me feels like I've been suckered into it.
The staff there are usually very friendly. They try their best to get to know your name (which is easy, I guess, if you're a regular).
Helpful hints: bring ear plugs if you want to concentrate and get work done, order an Americano over their drip coffee, and always, always, always take the free chocolate they offer (why do some people refuse? CRAZINESS).
After my friend bragged about this place being 'AMAZING' and having the "best coffee ever' I decided to try it out solo for dinner tonight. While my latte was superb, the food was otherwise. Craving my favourite warm chickpea salad from John's Italian Cafe on Baldwin, I ordered one here. It was bland, containing more garlic croutons than chickpeas! The dressing could've contained way more flavours. Watching other food items rush by my table as people got their meals, nothing really stood out or looked amazing!
Overall, a meh!
No wonder why my friend loves this place.
It's funny because at three of the four corners at that intersection, there was a coffee shop (Starbucks, Second Cup, and then aroma). I went into aroma espresso bar to meet up with a few friends. I got myself a well-recommended mocha coffee & an alfajores cookie.
The mocha coffee was amazing! However, I was sweating a lot while drinking (wasn't so smart to grab a hot coffee on a 30-degree like weather day). The alfajores cookie was okay -- was very different from what I expected it to be (granted, I never had one before in my life).
Great seating, very comfortable. Free and unlimited wi-fi too, apparently! Can't wait to go again :)
A fantastic espresso joint and a great place to meet up with friends. In fact, wanna know a little secret? I'm actually at Aroma right now writing this review. They've got free and unlimited WIFI. Awwwww yeeeeeah.
The location is convenient and the crowd is composed of families, couples, students, friends and elders alike.
The drinks are good, the food is delicious and their desserts are to die for. Try their chocolate muffin - OH MY GOD.
Their prices are reasonable for what you get and the presentation of the dishes/drinks is unique and appreciated.
Plus no matter what you order, you get a piece of chocolate with it - it's a very nice touch.
Aroma is one of my favourite coffee joints in Toronto. I'll be here all week ;)
I mainly go to Aroma for the coffee - it's the closest decent espresso place to go to from where I live, and it's definitely the best coffee on Bloor between Bathurst and Spadina. I think I drink more Aroma coffee than any other coffee in Toronto - not just to go, but also in the cafe itself.
While it can get busy, I don't think i've ever not been able to get a seat here. I've spent many hours sipping soy lattes and doing crossword after crossword watching the crowds go by on the street. The baristas there know what they're doing, and i've never not enjoyed a latte. I've also tried their mint tea and iced teas, both delicious. Their food selection seems to have good range. I've tried their quinoa salad only, but it was really great (I think it was the only already-vegan item on the menu, but there are one or two other salads and sandwiches which can easily be made vegan).
In short, don't think about going to any of the other coffee dives in this area - you'll get decent, efficient service, delicious beverages - and generally friendly baristas who are good at getting to know their regulars. That' a nice touch.
OK, reality check.
Pain au chocolat should never, ever be filled with Nutella. And at Aroma, it is. I ordered the chocolate croissant and while the pastry part was sufficiently flaky and buttery, the filling (typically solid, slightly melty chocolate - http://en.wikipedia.or...) oozed out like one of those rude cherry blossoms that nobody in their right mind would ever buy.
Nothing wrong with Nutella, but it has no place in a chocolate croissant. A shameful offering.
Listed in: Best Hot Chocolate In Toronto
I'm not a coffee drinker but I consider myself a hardcore hot chocolate enthusiast, and I'm happy to… Read more »
One of my favourite places in town. Good seating, good music, great location, free wifi, excellent food. Fantastic place to come after work for a coffee and a book.
This place seems to get a lot of hype. It is an attractive space and location. A great coffee place with a few problems.
The coffee, expresso, latte, hot chocolate, pretty solid. The croissants were also top notch. No complaints here. Reasonable prices and better than their Starbucks, Second cup competition.
As far space - packed and lacking cleanliness. The place is unfortunately stuck between a quick-stop or a sit-down coffee/cafe. The front cash is a cramped corridor and has a few standing/stools along the windows. In back, they have several round tables with very comfy lounge type chairs. Perfect for grabbing a seat, working on your laptop and sipping. But....
1) the wall plugs are capped to discourage campers. (I can agree with this except that it would be more effective if they just limited the wi-fi duration to say 2 hours? with purchase a la Starbucks)
2) the tables and chairs are left in shambles, crumbs, old dishes, which they have a person rounding to collect and clean, but can't keep up given the traffic
3) the bathrooms are a mess, toilets not working, bad odors.
If you're gonna be a high volume coffee shop, you have to keep pace, ensure the place is clean and bathrooms in working order. Uncap the plugs and upgrade your wi-fi to limit access, that way you discourage leachers and not all your customers.
To test out Aroma I had a coffee. Not a latte, not a capp, just a regular coffee. It was pretty good! Not as scalding as I like it, but it was a good cup of coffee.
I also had a alfajores. What a great cookie! It has a unique consistency. The outer cookie is almost like a softer shortbread. The creamy filler just matches it up nicely. Not too sweet, just right.
Did not "drink in". The chairs don't seem to match the place (in my humble opinion). Busy spot, quite packed.
I am excited to go back and try their cafe au lait. Not many places serve cafe au lait - so already Aroma has won bonus points with me.
Listed in: For the Love of the Annex
Aroma still remains the best coffee shop in that part of the Annex. It's delicious, has great food options, and a vibe that you simply don't find elsewhere.
They expanded it a bit and added a huge mirror to one wall, so it looks gigantic but also slightly confusing. Don't walk into the mirror. (Just sayin'.)
There are always missed connections posted on Craigslist for this place. Maybe you'll go and fall in love twice in one night.
While living in Israel and preparing to move to Toronto afterward, I was quite excited to get a call… Read more »
Hey Aroma fans.....here is some potentially good news......
Aroma might be coming to the Forest HIll Village!!!! Another coffee house with fabulous salads, sandwiches and sweets and seriously..the best coffee EVER...
Hope it's true!!!!
This is an awesome destination for some upscale coffee, really delicious sandwiches, salads and… Read more »
I'm a green tea fanatic and I have to admit that green tea is terrible here. Granted, I haven't tried any other teas here, but the green tea barely tastes like anything! If I had to describe it, it just tasted like very mild rice water - due to the fact that rice mixed in was overpowering the actual tea leaves. The second time I ordered, I asked for two thirds of the water and it still tasted like nothing. Definitely not worth the expensive price. I really cannot give more than two stars just because of this - it was that bad.
Other than that, their coffee was decent and it has a nice modern interior. It also seems like they have quite a few healthy selections with their salads and meals. Most staff seemed to be pretty accommodating and nice.
This is definitely a nice alternative to the Starbucks and Second Cup that are literally across the street from Aroma. When this place first opened up I didn't think it had a chance, but now it seems to be busier than its competition!
The place is spacious with the counter taking up a huge amount. But it seems to work more efficiently this way, like a Burger King. You place the order and they call your name. I got my coffee in about 30 seconds. Only problem was that there was no where to sit. The amount of laptops and people taking up entire tables to do their homework was a little upsetting. People would sit at a table for 3-4 with their papers all over the place and their bags and coats on the extra chairs. There has to be some way they can fix it so students don't loiter for hours with their laptops.
The bathrooms were in rough shape. The men's washroom looked like I was at a club, but I do like that they are proper washrooms for multiple people and you don't have to ask for a key from the counter. And I also like that you get a little piece of chocolate with your coffee.
I've only been here a couple of times and it's usually for things like cappuccinos and iced coffee, which are reasonably priced and tasted just fine. I would really like them to fix their seating. I went there with three other people and we couldn't get a table. That shouldn't be the case. Not to sound like an old man because I like working on my laptop in public as well... But don't forget us non-students who just want to sit down and enjoy our coffee, you know?
Probably the nicest coffee shop in Toronto.
Comfy couches, great coffee and their Chocolate Croissants are the best EVER. With Nutella... sooo good!
SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!
Starbucks watch out!
Aroma Espresso Bar is now officially my favourite coffee shop. This place is huge! (Considering it was in middle of downtown)
LOVED the atmosphere, very clean.
FREE WIRELESS ACCESS! WOO HOO!
Perfect place to get together with friends to do some work. Lots of seating.
Can't go to this place too often though. I'll drain my bank account. Coffee costs $3.50 Yikes! (But then so does Starbucks)
I've only been here once and I've only tried one thing from Aroma's menu. So I'm going to make this short and sweet (like me!)...
**Probably the best latte I've ever had!** Oooh and it comes with a cute little chocolate treat. Now, how awesome is that?! Very!
We thought we were just going to Aroma for their coffee, but ended up ordering lunch. My sandwich was delicious! I didn't expect such goodness from a place that mainly specializes in coffee.
Coffee was perfect - very fresh, smooth and the right boldness. The little treat that comes with the coffee is a nice touch.
I couldn't resist getting dessert after lunch. I ordered a simple brownie from the counter, which I thought just had to be placed onto a plate for me. To my surprise, Aroma goes that extra step and warms it for you. It melts in your mouth. We only got one to share and were fighting over the last bite.
It can get busy, so expect a wait if you go during peak hours. Also, the tables fill up quickly so come early if you would like a seat. Most customers seem to hang around for a while.
A great Israeli coffee shop that has finally made its way to Canada and now expanding in Toronto. I really enjoy the ambiance here and everything I've had from the coffee, salads, sweets, and sandwiches has been amazing!
Currently I'm addicted to the ice-aromas, whenever the weather manages to climb above 25, you can find me here trying to cool down!
If you haven't been here already, you should definitely give it a try.
The coffee drinks here are very tasty, as is the free wireless (I spent just about every evening here when I moved to Toronto and was waiting for my DSL to be turned on). The only problem with Aroma is that there's insufficient seating during the winter, but during the summer the large amount of outdoor seating makes this a non-issue.
Now this is what you call a Coffee shop! okay fine "Espresso Bar" whatever. Really really good coffee (try the Aroma Mocha coffee mmm..) and I'm not a big chocolate fan but the piece that comes with the drinks just tasted so good!
My only complaint is they need to clear tables much more often given how busy the place is; there's trays and empty cups all over the place. But who cares, Aroma is exactly what I look for in a fancy coffee place and it's not even that expensive.
Overall a great place to sit down with someone and have a chat over some coffee and free Wifi.
Aroma is known for serving great espresso and coffee, but for those non-caffeine drinkers, I'm pleased to announce it also has a fantastic array of herbal teas, especially their mint tea, which is real mint leaves sprinkled and then steeped in hot water. It's the winter version of a mojito (hummm, would rum taste good in that?).
They also offer really great sandwiches and a killer protein filled breakfast (eggs, cheese, veggies). Only problem is finding a place to actually EAT the food. In the summer, there's a huge patio on the side, but come winter it gets a little squished. The décor is sort of swanky black and red, but tables can be hard to come by because they offer free wireless and some people just never, ever, ever leave!
Either way, I recommend you go for a tea, and try an alfajores cookie on the side. They're made of dulce de leche sort of caramel in the middle, super soft shortbread on the outsides. Mmmm......fatty-good.
Listed in: Oui to Tea!, COOKIES
That's right, drink it in... drink it allll in. The dark red and choco brown interior, the sexy seating, and those cappuccinos that make your head spin. When I'm feeling like a real coffee indulgence, I crave the dark chocolate love that is the Aroma coffee. Made with Belgian chocolate at the bottom, espresso, and steamed milk, it's like dessert in a cup.
The décor and lighting (especially at night) make Aroma look more like a den of carnal desires than a cafe, and is your first clue that this is no ordinary cookie-cutter coffee shop. Your second clue is the fact that all of the coffee beverages (even plain old brewed coffee) comes with a small square of Aroma's own dark chocolate on the saucer. There's also free wi fi and a huge patio.
The beverage menu includes six different versions of espresso, hot chocolate, mocha coffee, Turkish coffee, cappuccino, and tea. There's also a short list of panini sandwiches and interesting baked goods, like alfajores (a South American shortbread cookie filled with dulce de leche).
I've been to Aroma on two separate occasions now, and I hope to be returning again regularly.
First time, I had their latte-and-croissant special. Delicious! I'm not usually a latte drinker as I'm very picky about how it tastes, but this was exactly what I wanted. Not too bitter, creamy with dense foam, and just the right colour. No sugar necessary! And the croissant tasted like a real croissant, the kind that takes three days to make, with a delicious eggy glaze. Never again shall I have cafeteria "croissant". Since everything is baked on-site, I knew that it was fresh too.
Second time I got a lemonade. Perfect, pucker-tastic lemonade. And I think I had a brownie, but it was more of a
However, they do lose a star due to the fact that both times I was there some of the staff were visibly flipping out in front of the customers about who was supposed to be doing what. One time, no problem, bad day. But both times? You're going to lose good staff and good customers.
Not the cheapest coffee you'll get, but one of the best.
I'm giving a generous 4-star rating to Aroma Espresso Bar, on account of the black and red colour scheme, as well as having an on-site bakery, so everything you order is ridiculously fresh. The coffee is pretty great, and their breakfast selection seems wide (I've only indulged in a pastry and coffee here). These are the things that saved the rating. However, $8 for a croissant and a coffee is a little insane. What is this, Manhattan?!
So here's what I heard: This place is apparently the Starbucks of Israel. Someone who worked on a food show told me so.
Whether that's true or not is largely besides the point, because this 'espresso bar' opened at a corner across from a Starbucks and a Second Cup, as well as down the street from a Tim Horton's, and it's still done exceptionally well. Of course, considering how much coffee Annex people consume, I doubt that even a man who sells coffee out of a thermos would go out of business.
But Aroma is actually good. They serve good americanos, and their mint tea is another popular choice. They have a selection of healthy sandwiches, all of which are great. I really can't name one in particular because the sandwich you get will totally depend on the mood you're in.
The often packed store is in the process of expanding. Pretty soon there will be extra seating space towards to the back.
I laughed long and hard when I found out that the business that was going in the corner where Aroma now sits was going to be a coffee shop. What I've termed the Annex "coffee klatch corner" includes a Starbucks (NE corner), a Second Cup (SE corner) and now, Aroma (NW corner). The fourth corner is Paupers, where you can also in fact order coffee, though not their specialty (unless you want it Irish). A stones throw away is a specialty coffee supply cafe, Green Beanery, and in the other direction, a fancy tea shop. I guess Annex-ites just love their caffeine in any possible form.
Nonetheless, this Israeli coffee house seems to already have a steady group of loyal patrons, especially those of us who appreciate the little touches. And Aroma has the finer details down to an art form. Both the interior and patio seating areas have lovely design and furnishings, ample amounts of breathing room between tables, and inside there is also nice lighting schemes (including natural light from the huge windows). Their cups, napkins, etc, feature their bold color scheme and design. They take down your name so you can rest your bones while you wait for your coffee or food, and call you in a civilized, non-drive thru way over the PA system. They give you a delcious wrapped chocolate with every purchase.
While I mainly go for the coffee, I have occasionally eaten there as well. Their sandwich and salad selections are top notch, and the salads are positively huge. A big marketing push seems to be their "power breakfast" but a friend complained to me that there was too much salad and not enough substance. The service is incredibly efficient but still human and friendly, and in the hot summer months when I cheekily asked for an extra side cup of ice for my iced coffee (so I could keep meltage to a minimum on the patio), they were more than happy to oblige.
The free wifi is also a boon, with each receipt you get a temporary internet code which will work for the duration of your stay. It's a pretty common sight these days to see a row of laptops lined up on the East-facing windows.
The main downer for me is that slick coffee joints are a dime a dozen in this caffeine fueled student neighborhood, and I can only hope that Aroma makes it in the long haul against the larger monolithic chains with a half dozen locations within blocks. But much like falling in love too fast, getting too attached to Aroma could lead to eventual heartbreak. Hang tough, Aroma!
Listed in: Sweet Tooth
I went here twice on my last trip to Toronto. The food (whether it's baked goods or sandwiches) and the coffee was fantastic and it seems that their tea is great as well, since they use leaves and not teabags. The decor is very nice: like someone said earlier, they mix reds with blacks in a very modernist kind of way.
Overall, I liked it very much, except for one thing: it's next to impossible to find a seat.
Very popular coffee shop in the Annex. Good place to hit up for a coffee or snack/meal pre or post studying. I love their salads because they are filling and come with bread and butter. Mmmm bread and butter. Their mint tea is also a novelty too as it is brewed with fresh mint leaves. The squares of chocolate they give you with each drink are nice little treat too!
The decor is very un-starbucks with red and black hues all around-very modern and sophisticated. However, the seats fill up here very quickly on busy nights I've had to "table watch" a few nights here to snag a seat.
Give me Aroma over Starbucks any day. Even though there's one across the street.
Not just because they give you a little square of chocolate with your drink (they do), not because their coffee is delicious (it is), not because the place is just so much prettier than Starbucks (also true)...I love Aroma for their tea. LOVE. I absolutely hate when I order tea and it's a tea bag that I could buy myself. I appreciate real herbs, real tea leaves that might be a little bit more difficult for me to prepare at home.
Which is why I love their Mint tea. Mmmmm.
I also adore their frozen coffees in the summer. It's an awesome summer drink with no frills -- Coffee, Ice, Milk. And I think that's exactly how it should be.
yes. yes and..yes.
excellent place, free wifi, awesome coffee, yummy foods, free bit of chocolate with every purchase which is a lovely surprise EVERY time I go even though I know they do it.
FABulous large patio outside. will call your order so you dont' have to sit around awkwardly at the bar waiting.
staff super firendly and nice.
number one spot on the corner- only probelm is it gets packed pretty quickly and you feel bad loitering withyour laptop when there are so many customers. If you really intend on loitering/studying alone go diagonal to the second cup. Just because this place is so popular and it's not masschain like starbucks and second cup so you kind of want to give them as much customer turnoever as possible to keep them in business.
Listed in: "I'm sitting here RIGHT NOW"-…
3 out of the 4 corners in this intersection have coffee shops and Aroma is for sure the best. I was in Toronto for the weekend from NYC and needed some coffee - aroma did not disappoint! Not only was the coffee amazing but the food was so fresh - they bake their own bread multiple times a day. Add in the fact that they offer free wifi and Aroma wins every time.
One of my favorite cafes in Toronto. Best things about it:
- Amazing aroma coffee served with a small chocolate - delectable
- Mint tea - uses fresh mint leaves - delicious and only served here
- Large salad - healthy, fresh and filling
- Patries - sinful but very yummy
- Right next to Bloor/Bathurst subway
- Cool crowd if you are just hanging out
And free internet if you can get a table!
Enjoy!
love this spot- excellent espresso and food- branding is fantastic and the place is hip-worth a visit
Oh Alfajores, how did I enjoy cookies before you came into my life? Besides having fantastic coffee (definitely one of the better cups in the Annex), the menu is just great with interesting little additions that sort of step up standard chain-style cafe fare. Stuff like their fresh mint tea that nearly made me weep the first time I took a sip of it and the tomato and cucumber side salad and haloumi cheese slice that comes with their man-sized breakfast plate and if you're a bread lovah like I am you will do a little jump-for-joy when you see the hunk of freshly baked bread that all come together to make a great looking plate of food. All the food looks pretty tasty and I'd come here more often but sometimes it's so crazy busy during brunch hours it kinda stresses me out. Also, the servers seem a bit downtrodden and watched at times...it almost makes me wanna give them back the alfajores to make them feel better...but it's just so yummy I can not do it!
Neighborhood: The Annex
Neighborhood: The Annex
Neighborhood: Yonge and Eglinton
Vaughan, ON
Toronto, ON
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