- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Cafe Princess
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
About This Business:
At Spin Dessert Cafe we hope you will indulge. Our passion is giving our customers an unforgettable experience, unique tastes made with fresh… read more »
20 reviews for Cafe Princess
20 reviews in English
-
Review from Justine H.
Toronto, ON
4/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
1: Poor 2: OK 3: Good 4: Very Good 5: Excellent
Food: 3
Service: 4
Ambiance: 3
Overall: 3.5
Extra information:
* Located on 2nd floor
* Waffles & Cake slices avail
* Free wifi
How can you just pass by a place called 'Cafe Princess' without checking it out? I am rarely in Finch & Yonge area so when I was, I decided to drop by and see what this place was all about. Even before I walked in, I knew it was a korean coffee shop. First of all, only Koreans would come up with such name for a coffee shop. And second, it is located at Finch & Yonge.
It is located on 2nd floor so you have to go up a flight of stairs. Once I walked in, I was immediately over-whelmed by asian(korean)'ess. It was filled with asians (surprisingly good mix of Korean, Chinese...etc) everywhere with couches hidden around the corner. They were def going for the intimate, girly and relaxing concept and it worked somewhat...with a touch of awkwardness. It might be because everything is so out in the open and if you are sitting on the couch, you can def hear the conversation that's happening behind you.
Their menu is quite extensive for a coffee shop- it's probably because they are trying to serve everything just like every other korean restaurant. They have coffee, specialty drinks (latte, mocha), slush, bubbletea, waffles, slice cakes, ice cream, parfait as well as sandwiches.
My friends and I decided to get the 'Princess Platter' which came with 2 choice of sliced cake with 2 scoops of icecream with fruits for $15.78. We got Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate Mousse Cake with vanilla & greentea icecream. The platter is quite big so it's good for sharing 2~4 people if you are just here to share dessert.
Initially I thought $15.78 was quite expensive for a sharing dessert platter, but if you think about desserts that are around $10 at other restaurants as well as the portion size of the Princess platter- I think it's worth it at the end. Keep in mind that their cakes are not made in-house, and are purchased from La Rocca (which might be a good thing in this case since you know it will be consistent).
Normally I am not really into sweet potatoes- even when there was that crazy phase of yam fries everywhere, I stayed loyal to french fries. But since I was at Cafe Princess, I had to try their famous Sweet Potato Latte. It's basically milk with grinded up sweet potato in a cup.
It comes super hot so be careful when you drink it (I warned you)! I am glad I tried it but it was way too heavy for me and it felt like meal in a cup. If you've never tried it, I do recommend you give it at least one try.
I've been back couple more times after my first visit but basically always got the same Princess Platter (but with different choices of cake).
One thing I realized about this place after couple visit is that the overall atmosphere really varies from day to day. One day it'd be filled with young Korean couples...and another day it'd be filled with non-Korean highschool students...and another day it'd be filled with somewhat older crowd. Nontheless, I am not going to Cafe Princess for the crowd anyways but thought I would point that out.
Summary: I wouldn't go out of my way to visit this little korean coffee shop, but if you are in the area- drop by if interested in experiencing korean coffee shop (if you are lucky). Drinks are solid and cakes are decent- go for the experience, not amazing desserts and you will have yourself a good time. -
Review from Johnny H.
Toronto, ON
4/14/2012 2 photos
Will a prince on a white stallion bring his duchess to Cafe Princess? Not really. But he might take one of his hidden mistresses for a quick night-out.
Cafe Princess is a part dessert place and part date destination. By date destination, they take your love life seriously. Instead of chairs and tables, there are only couches and tea tables. There is a couple of traditional chair+table setup, but I don't think our prince will want to sit there.
The room is accentuated by the bright look - white walls and white couches - to achieve youthful feel. Trimming details like molding, sconces, columns and plants add a bit of contemporary fresh look. The wood floor goes quite well with the rest of the decor. And unlike some romantic spots, this is a very well-lit place.
There is a plenty of privacy between tables (or personal date areas). Noise level is moderate. The music is generally Korean pop songs. Service is quick too. Foods came out really fast.
Sounds like a winner. So did the spoiled prince ask his dad to give knighthood to the owner?
No. And here's why.
You see, this cafe has a very confused persona. It tries to be classy and hip at the same time but it somehow ends up being anonymous. It tries to be intimate but it ends up being a bit kiddie. It tries to be cute and feisty, but it ends up being too mature. It tries to be cozy and romantic, but it ends up being cold and unsentimental. They are definitely doing something wrong with the ambience. I was there with 2 ladies, and I didn't fall in love with them. Perhaps a mattress store will put you in the mood for love much better than this.
This place seems to have been built on teenagers' fascination on adult world of romance. Trying too hard to imitate the style and vibe that teens find cool and mysterious at that conflicted ages. That was the blueprint. In a way, it's brilliant. And it worked. The place was packed with high school teens on a Saturday night. But I am not quite sure how I felt when I saw high school kids hanging out on love couches.
So this isn't going well for our prince in search for a date spot. Will he at least be impressed by the foods?
First, all the cakes are store-bought. I tried New York Cheese Cake, and it was very soggy and thick. The rich flavor of cheese was there, but it wasn't authentic. The French Vanilla was pretty good. However, some might find it a bit sugary. I've been to better dessert places with better prices.
So am I sold on Cafe Princess? No. The ambience, food and style cannot match the lovers' idea of romantic night-out. Even though you have dated the same person for a year or two, you still wouldn't take him/her to Cafe Princess because it will only dull your relationship. All my friends are girls, and I wouldn't take them to Cafe Princess because they deserve much better. However, I do see potential in this business. With few tweaks on decors here and there, it can be a cool date spot. Furthermore, they have to revamp the menu with homemade cakes. -
Review from Karl R.
Mmmmm red velvet cake is now on offer. Worth a trip back. My sweet date ordered "anything with chocolate" and a Yam latte. Yeah. Yam. Sweet potato. In coffee. It's not the weirdest offering I've seen at a Korean coffee shop back in the motherland (the weirdest would be a tomato frappucino). The Yam latte, however, not so fussy. My sweet date's chocolate slice was, according to the waitress, not up to their normal standards so she include an extra slice of red velvet to make up.
Wow.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/5/2010 ROTD 11/3/2010
I was impressed. Cafe Princess is in the grand old tradition of the pre-Starbucks era Korean coffee… Read more »
-
-
Review from Victoria B.
Midhurst, ON
3/2/2012
Café Princess is all about atmosphere! It's quite the experience - cute, sweet and enchanting. It's like being transported into an Asian drama. Filled with living-room-style floral couches and large wooden tables, it seems more like a home than a restaurant. It's simply adorable (and comfortable)!
I've only been able to visit once with a friend, but it left quite the impression on me. I can't wait to go back. I split a dessert with my friend - a waffle, two scoops of ice cream (we opted for green tea and cookies n' cream) and freshly cut fruit. It came to our table with an artistic chocolate drizzle and a light, white dusting of sugar around the outer rim of the plate. Beautiful presentation! The food itself was basically your standard waffle with ice cream and fruit - tasty, but nothing amazing. You may be wondering then, "Why did you rate this four stars if the food wasn't that great?"
Well, it all comes down to the experience. I want to visit again and again because of how home-like it feels there. They let you stay for hours, too. It's so laid-back and relaxed, it feels like you're just chilling with family. There's nothing quite like it! Highly recommended. -
Review from Em L.
Markham, ON
4/3/2012
This cute shop is located at the second floor of a korean restaurant ! I really enjoy the environment here, although i think they should clean up there shop a little more. some of the things are a little over priced.
-
Review from Eating W.
North York, ON
12/27/2011
Cafe Princess is a cute and trendy place that offers comfortable couches and delicious pastries. My favourite cake Jamocha Almond Cake is served there and is a must try for anyone with a sweet tooth! I noticed that there are board games that you can pay to play also.
I would recommend this place for anyone looking for a sweet dessert and a very comfortable and trendy ambiance.
Hope I helped! -
Review from David D.
Markham, ON
10/25/2011 2 photos
Cafe Princess is a neat surprise, tucked away in the Yonge and Finch area, with a deceiving entrance. When you climb the stairs to the 2nd floor, you'd be pleasantly taken aback to find a elegantly decorated store with customers relaxing on large comfy sofas. It definitely brings a "homey" feeling, different than the usual coffee shops I go to.
With soft Korean pop music playing in the background, my guest and I made our way through the disorganized arrangement of furniture to find a comfortable spot. Service was slow, but it also allows you to feel no pressure to stay as long as you want.
The menu offered a variety of hot (coffee, tea, lattes) and cold drinks (bubble tea, parfaits), waffles, ice cream, CAKES, sandwiches. Though I didn't get a chance to try the cakes, the selections looked delicious.
Ordered a waffle with green tea and strawberry ice cream. It costed approx. the same as a waffle at Demetres, though I thought Cafe Princess was pretty decent.
Overall, a comfortable, intimate hang out spot, great ambience, and decent desserts.
Note: There is paid parking at the back of the building.Listed in: 30-Day Yelp Challenge: October…
-
Review from Yvonne T.
Cafe Princess is a quaint coffee/tea-desserts shop on the second floor. The decor is a confused arrangement of Ikea-esque sofas and victorian-style chaises. .
It is a partial waiter service setting. You place your order with a server but at the end you go to the cash register to pay your bill cafeteria style.
We ordered a Strawberry Shortcake to share, a Green Tea Latte as well as a Cappucccino. The Green Tea Latte tasted like the GreenMax powdered pouches at T&T. The powdery residue at the end was perfect proof!
This is a nice place to go on a date as you can relax side by side on the couch with your date and makes it more intimate. Its also a place you can go with your laptop or a book and spend hours sipping back a coffee while browsing or reading. You don't feel rushed out the door.
The cake appears to be store bought and the latte was standard. This is a great alternative to a Bubble Tea Shop as the noise level is acceptable and allows for conversation without having to talk loudly.
All in all, average food and bevvies, but great ambiance.Listed in: Cheap Date
-
Review from Matthew M.
Mississauga, ON
6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
A nice and quiet café that caught me off guard when I first stepped in. It honestly looked like I had come into someone's apartment. The decor has a comfortable and somewhat "homey" feel to it, which is a nice change compared to the coffee shops everywhere else.
Seems like it could be a good place to study or get lost in a book. Very laid back and you don't feel rushed. I'm in the Yonge/Finch area somewhat often so this was a good find, and a place I'll consider visiting again.
(My wife recommends the cakes here, though I didn't try any on this visit.) -
Review from Monica K.
North York, ON
2/11/2011 7 photos
It's called Café Princess for a reason, with its very princessy décor, but even guys don't shy away from coming here. Service is okay, board game options for about $2, unlimited seating time, different seating options (I always go for the comfy couches), great choices on their menu (bubble tea, coffee & tea, lattés, waffles, ice cream, sandwiches, cake, etc...) and their brand new sweet potato latte is a MUST, this place gets a 5-star rating instead of 4 specifically for their sweet potato latte! It's something you won't find easily elsewhere in Toronto.
Oh and I forgot to mention that they have wireless. EPIC WIN. Just remember that this is a cute hangout place to unwind, more than it is a studying spot... If you need to get some serious work done, this is probably not the best place for you. -
Review from Michelle L.
Richmond Hill, ON
11/12/2011
A really cute and cozy place that's a refreshing change from the other loud and noisy dessert/cafés in the area. There was a small stack of games in the corner for you to choose from and my friends had a ball playing Jenga.
I tried a jamoca almond cake with a scoop of green tea ice cream on the side. Cake was nice, but it didn't really have a coffee flavour to it. The green tea ice cream was delicious though. I also tried my friends' brownie cheesecake and green tea waffles, which were both delightful. -
Review from Laurie G.
North York, ON
3/5/2012
I walked in here expecting a boring cafe with the typical decor, but I was wrong. After I walked in I started to smile because it was so pretty inside. It's definitely a good place to chat and hang out with friends. The good thing about this place is that you don't have to order at the counter.
-
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
9/4/2010 4 photos
I really LIKE the design of this Cafe. The entrance is nothing more than a small door that leads you upstairs to the second floor Cafe Princess, so you might actually pass by this Yonge st. Cafe multiple times without realizing it like I did.
Here's why I like the design of this place. First, the Washroom where they designated the men's as "Prince" has a toilet that is made for a KING. It's not your low-flow eco-friendly crap, but it's your industrial strength whirlpool/blackhole that consumes everything.
Second, the pathway to the WASHROOM also has a secondary back exit which is great for:
1. When an annoying EX walks through the front door.
2. When you want to leave your buddy Karl R. with the bill.
Third, there is a small room at the back that is not Princess themed but looks like a great private hangout place away from the crowd.
Comfy Sofas and soft relaxing Korean pop in the background, my dreams of this as my NEW condo aside, I had a Chocolate Parfait($7) suggested by the cutie waitress. She directed me towards the Chocolate and she was right because the other selections were Yogurt, and Fruit which the Chocolate(Ice Cream) Parfait had a little bit of both already.
A-OK as a parfait is concern since if you come to a place such as this, you're probably not worried about the Food & Beverages but rather the company you're with and the relaxation of getting away towards your dreams of being a Princess. Standard boost-up pricing as other Bubble Tea Houses and such. Standard Cakes and Drinks.Listed in: Hanguk
-
Review from Elaine K.
9/12/2010 4 photos
Since I cannot comment on the food (all the desserts contain dairy, and a tuna sandwich just isn't dessert-y enough for me), I will comment on the atmostphere.
The couches (if you can get them) are ridiculously comfortable, and the place looks like Princess Peach (from Mario's) living room. The service is a little slow, but you're here to relax and have some coffee and dessert. The desserts look amazing (pocky in a chocolate parfaitt?! Genius!) and I saw Karl down a large slice of cake in about 20 seconds, so they must be good.
A great place to take a date if you plan to completely emasculate him or a little girl if she really loves pink and desserts. -
Review from Grace L.
Richmond Hill, ON
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
decorations are cute, the whole theme idea is great, but the drinks and food were just so so. Feel it's little over priced.
-
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
I love how Cafe Princess set up with all those comfy sofas that you can be so relax slipping your coffee, chatting up with some friends or just doing nothing but enjoying the atmosphere of a "tea room"....
4 Stars
Aside from that, the cakes and pastries here becomes an afterthought... don't expect them to make you "wow" and want more! They tasted like some supermarket brought super sweet factory made cakes.
2 Stars
I have to say the waitstaffs here are all young and pleasant to look at.. :) even the male ones...
3 Stars -
Review from Sherri T.
8/13/2011 2 photos
If you love Korean dramas & K-pop, this is the cafe for you! Cafe Princess....Hmmmm.....Cafe = Coffee....Princess is just a little too similar to Prince. Wait! Is this place a take off of the Korean drama, Coffee Prince? You bet! Located in the North York Koreatown, this cafe is just like the cafes found in Korean dramas, music videos, & movies. You just have to see it! If this place was anywhere near me (and it's not since I live in the States), I would be there all the time! I had a fabulous iced sweet potato latte, & my husband had a blueberry iced tea with tapioca. We didn't try the desserts, but they looked delectable. We sat on comfy sofas and listened to K-pop while observing an adorable Korean couple wearing matching shirts. This place oozes with Korean greatness! I plan to go back next time I'm in the wonderful city of Toronto!
-
Review from Joyees Y.
Scarborough, ON
3/24/2010
Okay, I'll admit, I can be a girly girl.
But this cafe really isn't as vomit inducing as some descriptions (like blogto) said. There were some ~Victorian~ (or old fashion looking) chairs in pretty tables but there's also some more casual couches and only one window has teddy bears which isn't really noticeable anyways. But it could be a cute place to have a date (don't worry
Anyways, I haven't had much chance to eat that much and to be honest I was a bit buzz when I went from some soju so I was a bit impaired but the cake I had was absolutely delicious.
It does not have the subtle elegance that the high end professional cakes had but it is pretty and have a strangely homemade feel to it. So I guess that's where the "princess" comes from, the cakes feel like a cake that girl will make and decorate at home.
Rambling aside, I had a strawberry shortcake. Not in the traditional American sense, there's no hard biscuit, just strawberyy, cake and cream. The cake is very light, moist, but it's a bit crumbly, like it falls apart a bit too easy. However, it makes up with having a nice buttery flavour. The cream is very light which is good for fruits as opposed to buttercream but then I thought there was too much cream and not enough fruit. In the whole big piece of cake there was ONE teensy layer of strawberries, they weren't even big slices, they were diced to oblivion and that was a big minus. However, they also used mascarpone which I'm a big fan of. But really, it was just a shortcake with some strawberries as garnish.
I also had the ice cream, it was good but it's just the ones you buy at T&T. Overall, the price is standard for cafes.Listed in: Bob-Muk-Ja! Sheppherd and…
-
Review from Audrey A.
Toronto, ON
3/24/2011 2 photos
I went there on a Sunday afternoon with a friend.
When I read the reviews and saw some pics I was a bit afraid it would be a bit snobby (because of the name and the décor which reminds me of a typical British tea salon!lol). But in fact nothing snobby, it is just a way to enjoy yummy giant cake slices, huge scoops, bubble teas and cafes at a very reasonable price while lying on the comfy couch :-)
You feel like being at home.
The dominant colors are white and pink, which is very girly, so when I saw couples, or just guys hanging out with girls I was wondering if they were feeling comfortable!lol Anyway it does not matter, you go there to eat, drink and talk/laugh with the person who is with you right? lol
My friend and I ordered a dessert plate to share (you choose your cake slices and scoops flavours, and you get fresh fruits). We did not finish it all, the portion was too big (see the pic I posted ;-)).
Will go there but the thing is, it is located up North, fortunately it is nearby Finch station. -
Review from s p.
Scarborough, ON
10/21/2011
Cafe princess is quite interesting. It has couches to lounge on and comfortable chairs everywhere. There is enough room for groups or singles to lounge around. Many people where studying here or on their laptops. Although primarily an asian crowd I did see others here as well (including us). The environment makes you feel very welcome and the menu is quite different from what I've seen at other cafe's (this is my first asian oriented cafe that I have visited it). We tried the red tea latte ($4.99) and the fondue ($14.99). The red tea latte tasted like milk in tea (which is something I really like). The fondue was a platter of marshmallow's, fruit and cookies to dip into the chocolate. A great place to check out. It does not accept credit cards and we had to walk far to our car to get our debit card - just a warning to you in case you use credit cards often. Parking is on the side street (fully occupied when we got here) and there is more in the back area and up the street. It was fairly easy to get parking at 8pm on a Thursday night.
