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L'espresso Bar Mercurio
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
321 Bloor St WToronto, ON M5S 1S5
Neighbourhoods: The Annex, University of Toronto, Downtown Core
(416) 585-2233
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for L'espresso Bar Mercurio
Review Highlights
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"...bunch of pastries and gluten free / vegan sweetness." In 5 reviews -
"I wish I found out that UofT students got discounts here..." In 4 reviews -
"They had a delicious brunch menu, and very solid cafe..." In 3 reviews
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Kunal D.
Toronto, ON
5/3/2012
This place was my go too during my Masters at UofT. They serve great tasting coffee. If you have a few minutes to spare, try their Ethiopian french press coffee, just amazing! Its a "fancy" coffee shop with Starbucks / 2nd cup style prices, but way better imo. Their snacks are good too. They have good lunch specials as well. They use very fresh ingredients in their sandwiches and it comes through in the taste! Remember to mention your student status as you will get a discount.
This place does get crowded however, and they have a great patio at the back, which allows smoking. They seem to have a decent drink / wine selection, although I have never tried either. I think the quality is good because most of their staff has been there for a while plus the owners are usually there, so customer service levels are maintained. The head chef is also the owner and they usually accommodate any special requests for food! -
Review from Joe I.
5/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
You get delicious coffee and they don't charge any extra for their "you're a shitty dirt bag son of a bitch" attitude!
Customer service sucks serious rocks, but the coffee is done correct. So much so, I actually went back twice while I was in town for work for more coffee - and complimentary attitude! I'd even go back again. -
Review from Meena A.
3/19/2012 20 Check-ins Here
I don't know why I come here. Maybe because it's the nearest caffeine fix in the morning? (I live literally next door to Mercurio).
Everything here is overpriced. And most of it tastes like crap. I have tried about half the menu and it is all terrible. Everything is prepared the night before (I presume) and sits in the kitchen all day till someone decides to order it. They do not heat anything. Bread is dry and hard. No flavour profile for anything.
On a positive note, their baked goods are occasionally surprisingly delicious. I really enjoy their home made donuts, cookies, and sometimes muffins. But no quality control. Just hold your breath and hope it's a good day.
Also, rude customer service. I remember one day that I sat down for lunch and was ten minutes into my meal when I was told that I would have to vacate the table in five minutes because it was reserved. No alternative seating recommended. What I minded most was that I wasn't told beforehand. I could have had my meal to go, sat outside, gone to my room, possibilities are endless people.
Please let me move somewhere that I will have access to a better coffee shop. -
Review from Cece W.
Toronto, ON
5/10/2012
Even as I write I am enjoying a blissful soy latte from their fancy espresso machine. This is a regular place for lunch because it's one of the few places in the area where you can take someone for a nice meal and pleasant atmosphere (but brace yourself for how the noise bounces off those concrete floors and marblesque tables). The tab for lunch is a shock but the food has always been impeccable in my experience. A nice selection of baked goods are by the counter but timing is important; they are wonderful when they are fresh and disappointing when they are not. Many are grateful for the delicious gluten-free options. Service is hit and miss and tensions behind the counter (can't we all just get along?) can make you glad that it's too noisy to hear what they are saying to each other.
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Review from Michelle P.
Toronto, ON
5/18/2012
Nice addition ot the neighborhood, on the whole. I was a regular here until the inconsistency -- in coffee, food, staff, made me rethink my pattern. I don't expect service with a smile, or any of that stuff, but I also don't appreciate loud, obnoxious, socially oblivious conversations while I'm trying to enjoy my over-priced, not-so-great-today coffee & croissant. I decided one day that I had finally had enough of this place. (I now go to B espresso in Koerner hall instead.) Train your staff better, and have better quality control in general is my advice. Also, lower your coffee prices. A doppio espresso should not cost a dollar more than it does elsewhere.
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Review from Tracy N.
Toronto, ON
4/26/2012
1.5 stars.
This place is always packed.
It has charm (attractive staff and room), location and a decent menu plus real coffee going for it.
Ingredients are fresh, there's varied selection of specials and they accommodate special requests.
Not much competition in the immediate area and as a U of T student across the street
I have gone once/month since they opened for the above reasons.
The crowd is a mix of students/profs/general nearby folks which makes f smart yet casual ambiance
and it gets extremely noisy which on the positive side at least means you're not too conscious of others listening in on your conversation:)
However,
-They seem to always have an attitude going here--as noted by other reviewers.
The system of paying and then passing your drinks receipt down the counter is cumbersome and is unpleasant when the person who takes it does not remotely smile.
If staff do not enjoy this step then have customers sit
and bring them their drinks, particularly if you're including gratuity in the bill(!)
Chic staff here can be a bit thick like when asked twice for dijon mustard on the side the waitress insisted it was there when it clearly wasn't. If you make a mistake or dont know what dijon mustard is just say so.
-Prices are reasonable but the portions are inadequate.
-Execution can be poor ie grossly overcooked angus beef in panino sandwich.
How to improve: get a good vibe going among your staff, beef up the size of those pretty salads a bit and keep a closer eye on execution in kitchen. -
Review from Ellie A.
10/30/2011
This review is for one thing and one thing only. Overpricing gone wild.
I've been to L'espresso Bar Mercurio dozens of time, since I work near by. Had many a business lunch/coffee here. I've noticed the decline in their menu (along with the rise in their prices) over the last couple of years and I always thought it was a bearable shame.
But the other day I was there (for another business meeting) and decided to opt out of the overpriced $4 coffee that I usually get. I decided to go for a smoothie instead. I ordered one with tropical in the title made of pineapple, orange and banana. Sounded good. The barista took a blender and added two chunks of pineapple (each about the size of an ipod shuffle), about 1/4 of a banana and maybe 1/3 of a cup of tropicana orange juice. She blended it up and poured it into a small-ish wine glass. It filled it about 2/3 of the way up. With tax and tip? $7.50.
Now I'm not fussy about paying a little extra for the pleasure of someone else making yummy things for me, but this felt outrageous. L'espresso, have you no shame? How can you exploit your loyal customers so? Time to find another spot for my meetings, me thinks. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
I've been coming here frequently as of late, to meet photographers and other vendors for wedding.
It's great because it's walking distance from my place, easy to find, it's got Free Wifi, and great selection of teas, pastries and snacks.
Tea's are a bit expensive, but they are quality and comes in a cast iron pot, refillable with hot water. They have an extensive bunch of pastries and gluten free / vegan sweetness.
We usually sit on the west end, because it's a small nook that's private-ish. They don't seem to turn on the lights in this area, unless requested and it gets really dark. We asked them to turn them on, and only the pot lights came on.
They close at 8pm (early!) and they turned on all the lights today to kick us out, but it was great lighting!
I think if they opened later, they would get more folks in there who want to work, and finding starbucks too cramped.Listed in: OCT 2011 - 30 days Yelp…, Gluten Free and Substitute…, Where to catch up on Life, Brunch places I want to go…, In the Annex.Yorkville area
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/8/2011
My new favourite place!!! And close by to where I live.
I love it because of the casual atmosphere,… Read more »
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Review from Taylor O.
10/3/2011 5 Check-ins Here
One of the few options for something other than hot dog vendors or subway in the area. Being a graduate student on the U of T campus there isn't much to eat within a short walk and so as winter gets closer and the fall breeze becomes sharper this is within the tolerable radius.
The inside is nice and modern but without any warmth whatsoever. The changing leaves on the trees outside and bikers by make for a quaint view but the inside is packed and bare feeling.
The menu is indeed expensive but so much more so for substitutions and the resulting portions are not enough. I've never gone home and not eaten another later lunch afterwards and I order burgers. That said, the ingredients appear to be higher quality and there are gluten-free options so I'm thankful for that but they just aren't that well done.
It's ok but this is survival through lack of competition. -
Review from bree k.
Toronto, ON
11/10/2011 1 photo
I wish I found out that UofT students got discounts here before I graduated! That being said, the latte's and coffee are average, but what I go for is the little patio outside. It kind of takes you out of the hustle and bustle of the city life going on right behind the plants and trees.
I've only actually eaten food here once. I went with my mom and we both got panini's. While they were both very good, by the time I got to the 2nd half of mine, the bottom was soggy from the peppers and oil (it was a veggie panini).
This place is nothing to write home about, but I still enjoy it. I guess for me, it's more of a summer place, since I like sitting outside. -
Review from Marie M.
Updated - 10/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My former UofT boss and I had coffee and desserts here one beautiful and hot September afternoon. It's been forever since I came here after graduating UofT, but it was one of my favourite places to have coffee and breakfast before work.
This place is beautiful and full of class, just like how I remembered it. The servers are friendly, professional and knowledgable -just like how any servers should be. They have a huge variety of quality desserts, none of them are vegan friendly, but they do have alot of gluten free options. They also sport a diverse drinks menu, that offers alternatives to soy milk and regular milk for coffees beverages. I remembered their drip coffee was amazing back as an undergrad and as an employee, so trusting it's still the same, and since it was so hot that day, I ordered a non-sweet latte with almond milk. It was AMAZING the best latte I'd ever had in my life (thus far).
Time is the true test of a business. L'espresso was still as good as I remembered, if not better as I'm older now with a greater appreciation for quality and elegance. Honestly, as an undergrad who worked for UofT, I only came here for coffee and breakfast cos it was convienent. It's right outside St. George Station, and on the way to campus, what more could anyone want? Well actually, I can't say I didn't appreciate quality when I was younger, (maybe I'm just more aware of it now), cos I remember hating cheap coffee like Tim Hortons and Coffeetime. Ick!Listed in: Legit Coffee and Espresso
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/21/2010
Once upon a time, when I was a tad younger and a careless meat eater with no regard for earth's… Read more »
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Review from Cara L.
Toronto, ON
2/11/2012
Pretty pricey and interesting ordering layout / system but the espresso is splendid and the desserts gluten-free. Depends on what you're looking for. If you're going for a date, then this is the perfect place to meet up. If you're just walking by with a good friend, I'd recommend Starbucks instead. The environment is a little too stiff for long chats. Ordering take out is probably the best option.
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Review from Bradley N.
Updated - 2/22/2011
Nearly two years have passed since my first visit, so an update seems warranted. Early February mornings in Toronto can be cold and windy. A warm and inviting cafe like this one that opens at 7:30 am is welcome, indeed. If it serves excellent coffee alongside satisfyingly simple breakfast fare, then it's even better. And if it is also stylish inside with generous seating areas, huge glass windows, and comfortable tables, then you know you've found a pretty appealing place. L'eBM was just as good this time around as it was two years earlier. It almost made me feel like a local to be returning after such an extended absence only to find things strikingly similar to how I had once remembered them.
But maybe my breakfast needs are minimal. I'm not looking for lumberjack portions or flowing rivers of syrup. I don't need endless cups of coffee or perky servers checking up on me every five minutes. I can't eat a half dozen eggs scrambled, flipped, or fried in one sitting. I'll manage without a basket of buttered biscuits or freshly baked bread. And I don't mind a place free from the sounds of cell phones, rustling newspapers, falling forks, and raucous laughter. I can get my engines running without all the fuss.
A hot cup of coffee, a small bite to eat, and a quiet hour or so to read, relax, and watch the snow fall silently on the sidewalk just outside the window: that's all I really needed from L'eBM. I ordered at the counter, paid my bill, set my coat, hat, and gloves on an empty chair, and finished my breakfast without a single disruption. Doesn't sound like much, does it? But it's not easy to find. Here, they've delivered each and every time. Nice to know that some things retain their charms and consistencies, even after a few years have passed. It's good to be able to depend on that.Listed in: Trips to Toronto
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/3/2009
One extremely cold January in Toronto - no, I mean really cold, even by Canadian standards, like… Read more »
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Review from S D.
Toronto, ON
1/13/2012
I'm always impressed by L'espresso. I've been here numerous times; the staff are incredibly personable and attentive and the range and quality of the food that they offer is terrific. The only con is the price (especially for students), but I've never been disappointed by this place.
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Review from Thomas H.
This place was really awesome when it first opened a few years ago.
They had a delicious brunch menu, and very solid cafe beverages.
Unfortunately, the menu has been dumbed down significantly. The brunch is very "bare bones". The price is a bit high.
The coffee is damn good, but you're paying a significant premium for the privilege. (If you can get a good student discount, then hit it.)
On the plus side, this place has a good atmosphere, and the servers are friendly in my experience. -
Review from Robert K.
3/4/2011
Have stopped in here for a few times for coffee. Their coffee is quite mediocre - just slightly better than Starbucks. Baked goods seem alright - had quite a good croissant this morning. In the summer, their patio is quite pleasant.
The atmosphere is...genteel. I think that was a bit of Vivaldi they were playing today? Sort of stuffy.
U of T needs better coffee places. -
Review from N.J. G.
Toronto, ON
5/7/2011
To be honest I don't remember what I ate here. It was a while back. I know it was a panini. I think a roasted veggie but all I can remember was how unimpressed I was with it. That being said, the dinning area is fresh, clean, open. The ordering process is do it yourself with little menus at your table to check off and take your ticket to the counter to pay and order.
What did stand out the most for me was the delicious macchiato I had. I can't wait to go back and have it again. -
Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
3/12/2011 17 Check-ins Here
Pricy little lunch joint on the periphery of the U of T campus, but still close and accessible to a busy part of Bloor. Crowd is a mix of faculty, students, neighborhood lookyloos and the occasional stroller-burdened parent wandering in from the nearby museum.
Mercurio has decent specials and offer a 20% discount with a student ID, but it's still a bit spendy for the typical student budget. I usually take my nosh to go, but the times that I have eaten there, the service has been stiff and slightly harried, but still good. As for the food... well, it's better than most on campus options, and the pastries are delicious and decadent. It's not the greatest, but it's good for a treat. With that said, it's a good place to people watch, or perhaps do a little networking with your favorite prof over coffee and croissant. -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
4/20/2010
I was very impressed with this place. Visited at 7:30 Monday morning, just as they were opening. We were warmly greeted and the smells of the very freshly baked muffins and croissants drew us in further.
It's pretty reasonably priced. They have daily coffee and a (croque madame, monsieur...) specials which looked really tempting, but we stuck with lattes, teas, croissants to go.
Really nice staff, helpful, sweet. Yummy lattes and croissants. I would love to go back for sit-down breakfast, especially at 7:30am before it gets too crowded. Nice spot. And the side patio looks lovely.Listed in: To-go, Coffee, Please
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Review from Michael N.
Toronto, ON
3/22/2011
Mercurio is a staple for many UofT students, mostly because the coffee is infinitely better than Second Cup and Starbucks, and costs about the same. The place itself is pretty good as a study or light conversation spot - unlike other cafes, it doesn't play loud music and definitely understands who its clientele are.
Downsides? Outside of the coffee, everything on the menu is definitely pricy. The food is good, though the prices just don't match. Further, the service is hit & miss - good people work there, and they're occassionally nice, but they have a sense of arrogance and superiority which kills the experience. Further, they can be really pushy, and they don't seem to understand that their cafe is one of the busiest in the UofT area.
They recently jacked up the price for having a coffee in the cafe - a medium ordinarily goes for about $1.80, and in house it's now $2.35. I asked why, and they said it's a service charge - which doesn't fit because you have to pick up the coffee from the counter yourself. Like I said, arrogant. -
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
10/9/2008
Adjacent to the Bata Shoe Museum, this was the perfect spot to wait out the sad mid-week drizzle. The café was warm and welcoming without feeling too stuffy. The hostess was quick to show us to our seats and explain that orders are placed at the bar and then later brought to your table.
The atmosphere was understated and chic. Some patrons dined solo while others murmured away on the latest presidential debates.
The lunch menu is simple and broken down into four parts: panini, salads, drinks and sweet crepes. The dishes themselves were simple and fresh, without excessive seasoning to clutter and confuse the tastebuds. And as name suggests, the coffee is wonderful.
Overall, a lovely place to wile away the hours with a friend or a book. -
Review from Carmen M.
10/31/2009
My girlfriend and I went to see the Vanity Fair exhibit at the ROM and were looking for a good place for a quick lunch. Once again, I turned to my handy dandy Yelp monocle (god d__n, I love that thing!), which led me straight to L'Espresso Bar Mercurio.
The atmosphere was pleasant and we were comfortable straight away. The restaurant is divided with a food case at the front, so we weren't sure how to order. They haphazardly explained that you could either sit down and have brunch (on the large, roomy side of the restaurant) or you could pick something from the case and be relegated to the small, cramped side of the restaurant. We chose the latter only because we were in a hurry, and apparently so did everyone else because the "prepared food" side was far busier than the "served" side.
I had an egg salad wrap; it was good enough, but I'm fairly certain that it was "day old" because the edges of the tortilla were crunchy in parts. We ordered a Lemon Curd Tart and the Chocolate Mousse, and both desserts were very good. They have interesting teas from which to choose and my friend had the Vanilla Rose. They bring you the teapot with a little timer on it and instruct you to remove the tea leaves when the timer goes off. I thought that was a nice touch. The food was well priced, imo.
The service was just meh, although that could be because we weren't on the side with table service. Still, we had to ask for napkins and silverware twice which, to me, should be a given.
The brunch menu looked delicious and I liked L'Espresso enough that I'd probably give it another try. -
Review from Martin W.
3/19/2011
This place has some good tea and ok food. Even with a student discount, though, it is very expensive. The servers here have a tiny bit of attitude. If it weren't so convenient to where I live and school, I wouldn't eat here at all. I can't recommend this place to anybody to go out of their way to give it a try. However, if in the area it might be worth a shot.
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Review from Sarah T.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 1/7/2010
I don't care how rushed you are with making coffee, this americano is still costing me 3.50 and it is very, very bad.
It is bitter. The espresso goes in after the water - NOT BEFORE.
I don't know why everyone thinks this place is great. The coffee in my hand is battery acid!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/17/2009
I pounded down my Jimmy's Coffee americano with no inhibitions. It was tasty. By the time the street… Read more »
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Review from Ryna D.
5/12/2011
I was walking through the university campus and wanted lunch and warmth so I decided to step in this place. It was almost 2pm so the place wasn't as busy. I chose a table by the window, ordered a sandwich, and read my book while I waited. I had a prosciutto, arugula, and cheese sandwich and it was delicious. The coffee and sweets were really good too!
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Review from Aaron B.
11/30/2009
I went here twice, once for lunch and once for a red eye and pastry to go. I'll come back again and again and again. Even if just for my afternoon coffee. The lunch was excellent and I'll come here for lunch on a regular basis I expect. And from what I saw I can hang in there for a couple of hours doing work on my laptop...it that's the case then I'll be a daily regular here. If they had live classical music then it'd be close to perfect.
But then there's the wait and the noise and the service to consider. None of those things are terrible but all together they cost this place one star. Perhaps after I get more familiar with this place I'll have to adjust my rating (up or down), but it's a solid place for me. -
Review from Tamar F.
11/29/2009
Decent lunch spot. It's a classy joint that's located on the ground floor of a dorm and across from the Bata Shoe Museum. They have curtains sectioning off bits of space and it's really open (floor to ceiling windows!) in a functional/industrial sort of way while still maintaining some elegance. The food is pretty good - mmm paninis - but they're a little expensive for the area.
When you enter, take a order sheet and check off what you want, then bring it to the bar. They'll have you pay and give you a number that you can put on a table, and will bring you the food when it's ready. So quasi-table service. -
Review from Sean M.
Toronto, ON
4/30/2011
Best legit cafe italiano style on this stretch from Younge to Bathurst. Great lunch brunch, fab pastries, and of course the real thing behind the counter ...friendly eager staff and a silver imported espresso capuccino giant machine for the best selection in town! Pleasant and roomy and chic.
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Review from Mary E.
Toronto, ON
10/4/2010
The food is delicious here, but there are some serious problems that make it extremely difficult for me to want to ever go back. There's nothing wrong with only having counter service, but there's no real signage indicating what to do once you've paid. Take-out orders are slow and you have to wait uselessly near the area where they make coffees and other drinks.
Today I went in and ordered take out lunch (a panino and the beet salad). The panino was a good size, but when I opened the salad the box was almost completely empty. There was hardly any salad there at all, and the salad alone cost $13 + tax. I didn't have time to go back and complain, but that's definitely not acceptable. -
Review from Mika D.
Toronto, ON
3/12/2011
Can't seem to understand why this place has an ok rating.
Way overpriced! Service was so poor, we waited 20 minutes for the coffee to reach our table and about 40 for the food. They were so cheap on the food! The club was so tiny, the lettuce was wilted. The salad we ordered for 15$ would pass for a side salad at other places.
A real disappointment. -
Review from Jeff S.
North York, ON
Updated - 10/12/2010
Sorry guys. Gave you another shot. And here's the thing, when a double americano is $3.75, it better be freaking perfect. And here's what I got: to start, the guy making it seemed to take the approach that it was this big hassle for him. Second, the double portafilter was already in use, so he used the spare one without warming it up, which is a big no-no (despite it being cold and not in use, it appeared to still have espresso grounds in it from a previous drink). Third, he ran the shot so long that he had to dump a little bit out so that he could take the cup (which was way too big for an americano) and pretty unceremoniously dump some hot water into it. He then shoved it in my general direction and walked off to do something that was surely more important.
Even Starbucks would have been better. And about half the price.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/17/2010
When I first stepped in, I really wanted to like it. The location is convenient, the pastries looked… Read more »
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Review from Tina H.
Updated - 10/31/2010 3 photos
A tad expensive for a coffee shop but it's definitely got a nicer atmosphere than most. Croissants are mediocre but tiramisu, chocolate macaroon and shortbread are delicious. Lattes (hot and iced) are good. The caprese salad with cheap bocconcini left lots to be desired, but the sandwich special was quite good. I've been here a few times and service varies... Some people are so friendly and make you feel like you're the most important customer in the store, and others are so snappy that you get scared to ask for a napkin. A coffee shop that offers sweet potato fries with chipotle aioli? Swoon! Other than the occasional not-so-friendly counter associate, overall, service is great. Food, coffee and exciting dessert counter will keep me coming back. I like this place and when I'm hungry or want a coffee and I'm in the area, this is the spot.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/17/2009
Just stopped by for a coffee. Everyone was very friendly, a little condescending with the "young… Read more »
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Review from Anemone T.
6/8/2010
Arugula beet salad was not horrible, but not worth 11 dollars. Greens had soaked in dressing too long, almost at wilt stage. Beets should have been sliced smaller.
Ginger carrot juice was good though, light and refreshing. -
Review from Soniya U.
Mississauga, ON
5/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great Service! Great Pastry! The Butter Tart was delish.
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Review from Raj B.
Toronto, ON
11/21/2010
This is one of my favourite weekend brunch spots. They serve brunch until 4 on weekends -- perfect for those lazy/hungover days. The French press coffee is amazing. Relaxing and classy atmosphere with a surprisingly nice little patio in the summer. The food is excellent but on the pricy side and the servings are small (but, of course, greasy spoon this place ain't). Service is generally attentive. Overall, this is where you want to be to read the entire weekend New York Times.
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Review from Whitney L.
Vancouver, BC
4/23/2009
atmosphere + Mediterranean menu + best espresso in the city + fantastic wine list+gluten free pastas and pizzas as optional!
=
the perfect restaurant. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 6/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
*croissant update:
a fair croissant baked in-house (always a necessity when ordering a croissant). nice flakey layers but truly lacks that buttery taste I love in a croissant.Listed in: Croissants: Lard always makes…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/7/2009
Thank god for this place. In a good coffee desert, this place gives you a great 20 oz drip coffee… Read more »
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