- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Cafe Novo
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Cafes Coffee & Tea, Cafes [Edit]
1986 Bloor St WToronto, ON M6P 3K9
Neighbourhood: High Park
(647) 350-3538
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat 8 am - 8 pm
Sun 9 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
34 reviews for Cafe Novo
Review Highlights
-
"...one of their selection of vegan baked goods (made in-house." In 6 reviews -
"A nice big communal table is great for groups." In 6 reviews -
"...also opt to leave their own mug behind to reuse each visit." In 2 reviews
Loading...
34 reviews in English
-
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
Thanks for Indie Coffee Passport!! I really enjoy my visit to Cafe Novo.
Last time when I was here, it was so cold....... and I didn't realize how nice and big the patio is!!!!
And not only how spacious the patio is, it is also 'Dog Friendly"!!! Great for pets and their owners... nothing beat spending some quality time with your flurry friends and sipping coffee and enjoy High Park area neighbourhood!!
Cappuncino though was weak, but the set up and the environment totally made up for that!! Maybe I will have some loose leaf tea instead next time!Listed in: Yelp 30 Day Challenge October…, Coffee, Tea or.........., Just Love Being Independent!, Sipping Coffee/Tea with FREE…, Indie Coffee Passport 2010
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/22/2010
Love the location of Cafe Novo... a short and delightful walk from High Park Station... and what's… Read more »
-
-
Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
4/27/2012
Somehow I feel like Cafe Novo really wants to use their sizable patio and the chairs facing outside as a place for people to hang and do some people watching. However it is located in an area where really, not a lot of people walk by and you will be staring at a boring part of Bloor West. You see, this venue is located in the socially anemic hole in between where bars/cafes stop east Keel and resume west of Runnymede.
However, it does have the advantage of being across High Park and since there next to nothing else around here except for perhaps a Starbucks up the hill to the west, then it has the locals market covered down pat.
It is also very close to the subway station, and the decor has a cottage kitsch which is cute although not cute enough to make the trek if you are not a local.
Now since I am not the best coffee connoisseur, I enlisted the help of my Indie Coffee Passport comrade and java-loving-friend Karthik, to give me the 411 on the coffee here. Sadly after a few minutes chat, he scored it to merely "okay" which I also tend to concur. Now since he lives about 5 minutes north of Cafe Novo, I asked him where he goes to get his beans rocked and he recommend the superior The Good Neighbour on Annette street. Which we then proceeded to visit right after Cafe Novo and... yes, the coffee WAS better at the Good Neighbour but more details on that can wait until that venue's review.
Now the good thing about Cafe Novo is you will find have a few plugs if you want to bring your laptop along free wifi. However I would not go out of my way to come here, although I would if I was coming out from a day at High Park out of sheer convenience. -
Review from Tanya N.
6/8/2011 5 photos
*3.5 stars*
Decided to finally check out High Park (long overdue!) so I met my friend here since I've heard great things about it.
This place has a great homey and cute feel to it with its light green walls, milk bottle vases & white painted tables and chairs. There's plenty of seating and in the back a large communal table with a chess set & huge blackboard that covers part of a wall. Fun!
I ordered the latte and was disappointed that it was weak and didn't have microfoam. It's a small thing but I guess it's a standard I have developed from going to all the other indie cafes in Toronto.
What this place lacks latte-wise for me is made up by its interior.Listed in: For the Love of Lattes, My .5 Reviews
-
Review from Elvis A.
The Setup is really nice for this place tons of seating inside and outside. Close proximity to the subway (literally across one of the exits) and High Park makes a desirable location if you wanna visit this area.
Now for cappuccino it didn't live up to the setup. The cup was ice cold and not kept warm. The drink itself was way too mellow for my taste, not much creama or latte art to speak off. I would try this out if I am in this area but wouldn't go out of my way to visit this place.
4 Star for the settings.
2 Stars for the Cappuccino. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
5/9/2011
Cute, convenient and great location.
I love the decor of the place. Like a modern cottage kitchen. And it's rare to find a coffee shop that's not Starbucks or 2nd Cup with an outdoor patio.
The have an extensive list of teas and coffees. And all types of milks including soy and almond can be used without extra charge!
I also had a Blueberry Roobios tea and it was yummy.
The folks were super friendly and chatty.
Great for a chat with friends or to pick up something before a stroll in the park. Will be back for sure!Listed in: Coffices
-
Review from Vivek S.
1/30/2011
I knew this place was near the High Park TTC station but I didn't realise how close. As I exited the subway station, I barely had time to fish out my smartphone to map this place, before I spotted it. Great location!
When you enter, you are IMMEDIATELY faced with a smiling barista. I've never been to a café where the bar is so close to the door and it was a bit overwhelming. I typically like to look around, survey the scene, scope out any "tasties" as the fellas say, then order my drink. I didn't have that luxury here, so I merely blurted out my order for a soy latte.
As you venture in you are greeted with an airy space with avocado-coloured plaster walls, a long bar, a communal table and plenty of seating. I grabbed my latte (which was HUGE by the way) and grabbed a seat at the communal table. The table faces a large chalkboard, which could come in handy if you are here working with a group on your plans for world domination.
Sadly, like so many other Toronto establishments in the winter, this place got frigid quickly everytime the door was opening so I barely got to stay for more than 25 minutes. But I definitely enjoyed my stay. Can't wait to come back in the summer.
Obligatory Title Pun: Like a champagne super NOVO.
Menu Readability: I didn't even look, I just order the first drink that came to mind.
Need to mention: I hear they have a swell patio.
What this place teaches me about myself: I'm a wuss when it comes to the cold.Listed in: Top Coffee Shops, Indie Coffee Passport
-
Review from Dishan W.
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
After a long day at High Park (I seriously keep pronouncing it "Hyde" Park) Cafe Novo would be a great stop for coffee before jumping on the subway. Or a great perfect spot for a cup to have with you while you walk the park! Unfortunately I came here in the winter and no fun day in the park was had.
I usually end up knowing what star rating a place is on my indie coffee adventures when I'm leaving the location, but with Cafe Novo, an experience that was 3 stars eventually became a 4 star one the more I reflected back on it.
As I (and everyone else) has already noted, it's a great location, it's got enough room to have a seat, not the most comfortable of seating options though with little wooden chairs, their communal table has the big chalk board as a wall and that was cute and if I was creative enough I'd be all over that!
I was a little disappointed by their snack options and my mocha while good, was not my favourite. I enjoy the fact that you can see their mini kitchen just out in the open where they make "stuff", and they also had a little photo album that's been converted in to a guest book where people have left in napkins with poems, notes, sketches etc on and that was fun to flip through as we were leaving.
The staff were very friendly, there's a really relaxing ambience given off here, highlighted by their bright wall colours and big glassy mugs your drinks come in. Can't wait for visits to the park capped on both ends by a stop here!Listed in: Caffeine Adventures!
-
Review from Allison T.
Toronto, ON
3/22/2011
Super cute decor. Incredibly awesome looking coffee devices (Can't you tell that is the expert in me speaking?)
The barista was quick to recommend the cheesecake brownie & the cinnamon roll in the Baked Goods department. The brownie = supreme! The cinnamon roll? Good, but a little dry for me. We -were- there at around 4pm, so I can't fault anyone too much.
I liked that they had both a community table & separate seating. The large chalkboard behind us was covered in silly and endearing messages that were a good add to our conversation.
My white cafe mocha was served in a different type of glass than I am accustomed to (one usually for cold beverages) which threw me off visually but made it fun to drink.
I will definitely return as it would be a great destination from our place to get some fresh air (& some yummyness).Listed in: Indie Coffee
-
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
12/21/2010
From the High Park subway station you walk out along the pathway to see pretty much a Grassy scene directly ahead. Next thing noticeable is Cafe Novo. Talk about prime location, I bet Starbucks or McDonald's has their eyes on this if anything would happen to Novo.
It is literally steps away so you can get your drink then get back on the Subway to Runnymede where civilization begins again although it would mean some stairmaster exercises(Parkview Gardens South exit) which is just as much a pain.
I find Novo to be in 3 separate sections where the back is the Library section with a Piano, Fireplace, huge Blackboard near the communal table while few others decide to couple up at the mid-section with one of those tiny White tables placing their Macbooks together like they're playing Battleship.
The front space is more of the grab-and-go space where even the counter space seemed so small you wonder why they don't extend the Coffee counter towards the back where the Kitchen space is as it goes unused once the Bakery Goods are completed for the day.
The Cappuccino served using the Steelite Ceramic Cup was unexpected but has a larger handle than other Cups for handling ease and comfort, the Beverage was A-OK and quite a good portion for a Regular.Listed in: Coffee Drinks
-
Review from DANIELA H.
Toronto, ON
5/15/2011
This coffee shop is right across the street from high park, which is a great location. I was there on Mothers Day. The day was sunny, warm and just beautiful. If there was space on their patio, I would have snapped it up before ordering. The patio is on Bloor street.
The order was a large coffee, a large almond milk latte (that's right - ALMOND milk), and a chocolate cookie. The coffees were great and the cookie was chocolate and moist but not too sweet. In addition to standard coffe shop items, they also had their summer menu up which included lemonades and italian soda. Prices are on par with most coffee chains. Service was quick and straightforward.
There was seating available in the back, but with it being such a nice day, we took a spot at the bar that faces Bloor street. The roll-up garaage-style window was up, so it was almost as good as being on the patio. Normally this door would act as a window.
Great place, exactly what I would look for in a cafe. -
Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
10/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Novo's a stone's throw from High Park, which is handy for a number of reasons - nice and easy to get to from the subway, lovely views of the park from the cafe, and convenience of getting your coffee to go and wander through the park.
If you choose to sit in, however, you'll find yourself quite at home. There's a pretty good amount of seating inside and out, and the area at the back with the piano, bookshelf and communal seating area smacks of coziness. They also have some decent tunes wafting in the background - enough to break the silence, but not to overwhelm conversation.
I've tried both a soy latte and an americano, created with care on their gorgeous espresso machine - the coffee is very nice, not too overwhelmingly strong in flavour and no hint of bitterness. Last visit I also tried one of their selection of vegan baked goods (made in-house!) - nothing's really labeled, so just ask what's what (both vegan and not) and they'll show you.
A water cooler (with fresh mint) is just around from the counter if you're parched, and there's also a washroom downstairs. Novo also have free wifi, so you're pretty much set here! It's not in my 'hood, but I think I like it enough there I might make the trip more regularly - and it's a nice excuse to visit the park!Listed in: Caffeine Nation: The Toronto…
-
Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
9/11/2010
C O F F E E P A S S P O R T S T O P (#1)
Drink: Large Mocha
Atmoshphere: Laid-back, spacious with nice staff and a plentiful amount of tables, as well as free wi-fi!
Verdict: Good.Their mocha was good, but I am not exactly a coffee expert, although I will say it's not exactly memorable in much sense, but it does have a nice coffee aftertaste, and I feel more awake, HA! I absolutely love the space because it is just so BIG and simplistic which is what I love about coffee shops. I am currently here right now. I bought an Indie Coffee Passport here and I think you should all too and give this place a visit. Great environment to work.
Side Note: What I do NOT like about this place is that I have 2 flies surrounding me and trying to get a taste of my coffee and hair. NOT COOL, MAN.Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport Stops
-
Review from Anne M.
3/19/2011
This place is a nice neighbourhood spot.
Upsides: great latte, served in a huge glass (didn't burn my hand), my first time ever having a rosemary walknut muffin, super friendly staff, sitting at the bar, facing High Park and reading a book or doing a crossword puzzle . It seems like the kind of place people from the neighbourhood come to hang out. In fact, around noon on a Saturday it was packed with families and young kids, spread out in the spacious seating area. A nice big communal table is great for groups.
Downsides: can i complain it was too sunny when I pulled out my laptop, or is that just being fussy. Other downsides - internet was intermittent, and, as Michelle A. warned, it is pretty away from the sunny window.
Would come back if I lived in the area! -
Review from Nita L.
Toronto, ON
6/28/2011
For my mom's first trip to High Park, I looked for a local cafe where we could chill after our walk. Naturally, I searched on Yelp...Cafe Novo seemed perfect...
The free-trade coffee was great and the selection of non-dairy milks and creams impressive. However, the service was less than mediocre. The baristas weren't busy when we came in (there were only 2 other patrons, already seated), but they refrained from any friendly conversation. I wanted something sweet with my coffee and asked about the cake balls, but the baristas didn't promote them; they exuded "a take it or leave it" attitude.
Next time, I'll get a coffee to go, but leave the cake to the baristas. -
Review from John F.
North York, ON
10/17/2010
I took some out of town guests here for a light breakfast recently. I had not tried it before, despite its proximity to my home.
I cannot agree with the high ratings of other reviewers. Coffee was mediocre, selection of snacks is very limited, my guest's mocha was lousy, and in some apparent pandering to organic PC correctness, they seem not to offer sucralose or other artificial sweetener. Service was ditzy.
Sorry, but I'd have to stick with Starbuck's for the time being.Listed in: Places to Avoid
-
Review from Brenda S.
11/21/2010
This was a nice spot! A whole extra star for the awesome hot apple cider and the water cooler with mint in it. This is a warm, comfy little hippy place with lots of fair trade coffee and vegan goods.
I had a chocolate cupcake but it was a close call with the vegan pumpkin cupcake. Their price list is actually on their website. Try the meringues -- they're 55 cents each and the money goes to charity. This month's charity is Movember. I didn't even think I liked meringues but I had to try one, and it was really lovely.
There's lots of seating inside but it'll probably be full at noon on a Saturday. They encourage the use of reusable mugs, and even let you store your own there if you visit frequently. Wish it was closer to home! -
Review from Tina D.
11/20/2010
1. Intelligentisia, Sam James, Te Aro, (soy latte)
2. Crema, Green grind (soy latte), Ideal coffee (chai latte)
3. TAN, Green beanery (soy latte), Cafe Novo (soy hot chocolate)
4. Mascot (soy latte)
5. Bisogno Espresso Bar (soy latte)
6. Tampered Press (chai latte)
Again, this is a 3.5. I really wish I can do half stars!!! I came here late in the evening so I wasn't wanting coffee. Their hot chocolate wasn't too sweet and since I had it with soy (something I usually don't order with chocolate), the taste was slighly unusual. Overall, I would order it again. However, I would probably order my usual soy latte next time.
My bf got the mochacchino (I think I spelled that right) and I thought it was very delish! I usually don't like mocha but this was good stuff! -
Review from Renata R.
Updated - 12/21/2010
Has lost stars with me because they don't offer artificial sweetener anymore. I'm really sorry, I like the drinks, the ambiance, but not giving me the option of having a calorie-free sweetener (they told me it was "too expensive") is not reasonable for me.
I'll go to next door Starbucks.Listed in: Coffee & Muffins
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/5/2010
I finally tried this new café today and had a delightful experience. The cafe was kind of empty and… Read more »
Comment from Elizabeth W. of Cafe Novo 5/6/2010
Hi Renata - I'm so glad you liked the soy cap! Sadie has… More » -
-
Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
1/25/2011
We'll start with cons, representative of the 2-star rating;
CONS:
-Regular latte is pretty small, 10 oz.
-Regular 10 oz latte comes with 1 shot of espresso.
-Regular 10 oz latte with an extra shot is 4.80. Seems kinda steep.
-My 4.80 regular 10 oz latte, without foam (by request), came up to about 2 cms below the top of the cup.
-No latte art. (I don't know why, but it makes a difference to my enjoyment of the experience.)
PROS:
-My regular 10 oz latte, with the extra shot, tasted pretty good.
-They have a cupboard where, as a regular, you can keep your own mug. Cool idea.
-They stamped my Indie Coffee Passport with enthusiasmComment from Elizabeth W. of Cafe Novo 1/26/2011
Hi David, Just wanted to clear up a few things - We have… More » -
Review from Brianne K.
Toronto, ON
1/14/2011
I was really excited when I saw the coming soon signs but have yet to be impressed. Cute decor but the espresso based drinks are very weak. After several attempts at embracing their mocha I've had to move on. I'm just not willing to pay a premium for brown water.
Found selection and hours also limit it from being your "everyday" coffee shop.
Sorry Novo..I truly wanted to be friends! -
Review from Danielle M.
Oakville, ON
7/6/2010
This place is NICE
the ppl were nice, nice location, fair trade coffee, you can keep your mug there - all nice things
Could be better if it offered more food, maybe a healthy sandwich full of veggies and hummus?
the high tea plate is a cute idea, but i need more than veggies and a hard boiled egg
Would definitely go back for an iced latte and a seat on the patio next to the park. -
Review from Fabio N.
Toronto, ON
6/27/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This little indie cafe facing the High Park could be defined perfectly by the word "cozy". The decoration is clear and rustic with retro touches, taking maximum advantage of the beautiful view to the park.
As for the coffee itself: my main parameter for comparing cafes is the quality of the espresso ristretto - the classic dark as f*ck caffeine bomb invented by the Italians in a moment of true inspiration. Cafe Novo does pretty good in this department, even if my all-time favourite is still Manic Coffee (yeah, I'm reviewing that too).
The pastry is ok. Nothing truly unmissable, just plain ok.
Since this place is so close to where I live, I can see myself going there frequently. The only problem is the shop hours. 6pm is just too soon to close during the summer! Fortunately, they've already told me they'll be hiring more staff to fix that.Comment from Elizabeth W. of Cafe Novo 6/28/2010
Hi Fabio, we're glad you like the espresso! Hopefully next… More » -
Review from Kent P.
8/20/2010
I'm writing this from Cafe Novo's free wifi, sitting on their bar which looks over High Park. It's quite a lovely view, although this seat isn't very comfortable.
I'm drinking an Americano Misto, which is maybe a little too watery, but tastes good. I wanted to get a cupcake but they were out. They make them in house apparently.
The space is pretty good, it's open, there's a nice looking piano in the back (which I'm happy no one is playing).
Staff is pleasant. I'm satisfied.
three pats. for credit cards they require at least spending $5, which is against visa vendor conditions. you lose a pat on the back for that one.
THREE PATS
patpatpat
ttyn,
-PAT. -
Review from Jeff S.
North York, ON
12/14/2010
Cafe Novo is really good at being what it is.
Is it trying to be Manic or Crema? No (and thank freaking god for that). What it is, however, is one of the friendliest cafes I've ever been to, has reliable coffee (though they really should use smaller cups for their americanos), pretty good baked goods, a nice space, but is also conveniently located to jump off the subway and grab a coffee.
As long as you aren't going in expecting latte art and pretension, you'll be juuuuuust fine.Listed in: Coffee. Plain and simple.
-
Review from Susan M.
Toronto, ON
4/18/2010 1 photo
Strolled in on a beautiful Sunday afternoon (April 18, 2010) around 2:30ish after a bike ride around High Park. The place was packed with people everywhere and the Barista's seemed very stressed out especially the girl that was operating the cash register.
We looked for a spot to sight down and we found a long table in the back of the Cafe (communal style sitting). Black board on the back wall where patron's leave messages - very good idea and very cool.
You feel at home as you look around and it's definitely very laid back. Went back to order our drinks & treats. The girl at the cash register was very stressed out, the big line-up must have done something to her. She was very pleasant in the midst of her rising stress level. I got one of their Organic black tea's and my husband got their organic coffee. Our drinks were so, so we have definitely had better Organic Tea's & Coffee. Our kids had Organic Milk and there were satisfied.
Raisin & Chocolate Chip Cookie - Was very yummy as per my Stepson
Chocolate Espresso Biscotti - Was Tasty
Cake Slice - Yummy
Mini Blueberry Muffin - Yummy as well
Cute Cafe, we will definitely go back again...............Maybe when it's not as busy....... -
Review from Joey S.
Toronto, ON
3/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I remember when this was a bar named Kiwi Kick a few years ago. Well the place is under completely new management, and it is near my favourite bar MacKenzies High Park. Since I mostly order double Americanos from this place, all I can say is that they are made right and are hot. I really like the atmosphere, which is also a great place to have an informal meeting and get work done. It has a large patio, very near the western exit of the High Park subway station. My only knock on it is the lack of food choices, but really, you come here for the coffee. A really nice addition to High Park.
Listed in: Places to eat and drink in…
-
Review from Leslie-Anne W.
Toronto, ON
I lived a block from here for years and desperately wanted an indie coffee shop, it figures now that I am gone a charming shop opens with friendly owners. Alas, when I want a caffeine jolt before a walk through High Park, this is the place. Good coffee, hot cider and moderately tasty baked goods make this location worth a stop. The side patio is a great place to read a book and people watch.
Listed in: It was the West of Times, It…
-
Review from bold c.
Toronto, ON
1/4/2011
Coffee was good but not outstanding. Prices and location suggest a premium option but did not fulfill ones expectation. The vegetarian/vegan options are excellent and if you are looking for non-glut-tan products this is definitely a choice to consider. Parking is tight in high park. Most of the folks who patron this establishment are locals or visitors to the park. The seats near the fireplace are comfy.
-
Review from Martin y.
Toronto, ON
5/4/2010 9 Check-ins Here
Cafe Novo is quickly becoming my favourite weekend-morning-coffee-joint -- which is saying something as it isn't really all that close to me (4 subway stops away).
Their coffee is great, and fresh. The Mint Mocha latte is awesome possum, as is their latte au miel (they put the honey in before the espresso so it mixes properly! my fav!)
The baking is all theirs, tasty and different. Who knew that walnut rosemary muffins would be addictively good? My vegan friends were impressed that there were baked goods for them too (and I, an avowed omnivore, couldn't tell the difference)
And the people watching! they have set up a bar along the front window, so you can watch people walking along High Park. Its great.
Only two beefs: no patio yet (though I understand that has more to do with city bureaucracy than anything else) and their debit machine is slow-as-molasses (which, again, isn't something the girls can do anything about.) If those two gripes go away, then that last star gets added in.
Cafe Novo has become one my 'my places' in this city. -
Review from Avi L.
Toronto, ON
12/24/2010
This place is one of my favorites. For co-working in Toronto, one of the best. Great coffee, tables, plenty of plugs. A giant chalkboard...friendly staff and so close to the park ( good for dogs). About as close as you can get to the TTC.
Listed in: Best Coworking
-
Review from Michelle A.
Toronto, ON
I had a great iced latte on the large outdoor patio facing High Park. The open-concept cafe is very bright and welcoming, and conveniently in front of High Park Station. The cafe sells hot or cold coffee-based drinks, tea and lemonade, as well as baked goods, like almond biscotti and carrot cake cupcakes, which are all made in-house. In the afternoons, they serve 'high tea' plates, which include a hard-boiled egg, fruit, vegetables and cheese. The coffee is all fair-trade and all of their baked goods are made with organic ingredients. Regular customers can also opt to leave their own mug behind to reuse each visit. Great addition to the neighbourhood and a nice alternative to Starbucks down the street.
Listed in: Coffee faves, Bloor West Village
-
Review from SP M.
Toronto, ON
7/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
Lovely little place. The food, the drinks the service are all top notch.
-
Review from Chantal B.
Toronto, ON
5/4/2010
Finally, an alternative to Starbucks in Bloor West Village!!! (besides Coffee Tree, which we love, but is all the way on the other side of the village). Nothing but great things to say - the coffee is great, the price is reasonable, the pastries and muffins are amazing, and the service is always delivered with two great smiles! We go at least 3-4 times a week, and if you can get those delicious walnut rosemary muffins when you go in, you're in for a treat.
-
Review from J S.
Toronto, ON
6/6/2011
Novo's location and decor are great - right across from High Park, directly outside of High Park station, with plenty of seating inside and a patio that's surprisingly shady and quiet given its proximity to Bloor. I'd come here a lot more, especially in the summer, if the coffee was just a bit less expensive. I paid what I believe was $2.47 for a large iced coffee today, which wasn't all that large (maybe a bit bigger than a small at Tim Hortons or Starbucks; for comparison, a large coffee at Crema is $2.25). True, they make it with a French press, but still - it's more than I can do on a regular basis.
