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Niche Coffee & Tea Company
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
626 Queen St WToronto, ON M6J 1E4
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
(416) 203-0458
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 8 am - 6 pm
Fri 8 am - 7 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 7 pm
Sun 8:30 am - 6 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast, Brunch
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
29 reviews for Niche Coffee & Tea Company
Review Highlights
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"Did you know about Niche's incredible back patio." In 7 reviews -
"The eggs Benedict (over cornbread) is my absolute favorite..." In 5 reviews -
"The goat cheese melted in my mouth." In 3 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Flo G.
Toronto, ON
5/4/2012
Three words: Poached Eggs BLT
Absolutely amazing, the slightly spicy mayo just adds a perfect kick and the bread is unreal. I hear everything on the breakfast menu is just as delicious and the new owner also runs a catering company that delivers healthy meals.
I like the back patio, it was great to enjoy the first really warm day of the year there. -
Review from patrick t.
Toronto, ON
3/24/2012
First visit to Niche today.
Good food, fantastic coffee and good service. The french toast was fantastic.
Worth a vist for sure -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
2/5/2012
I'm rating my experience at niche based in the LATTE I had... Not the food. The space is a little packed and you are quite intimate with the table next to you but my friend and I managed to get one of the last rules before a mad rush came in.
I really wanted to try the cafe con leche but they were apparently out of the cinnamon syrup so I settled for a caramel latte instead. Asking for 1percent milk...because I felt like upgrading for skim, the waitress just suggested she mix non fat and two percent together. Not many people would even suggest that so I appreciated it.
The caramel latte came in a glass, but with a paper hugger that also applied as a coupon for a local theatre...back to the drink. The caramel was decorated like a flower-like web and looked very creamy with the foam nicely topped up. Since it was in a glass and not a mug, I was afraid that the drink was not going to be hot enough and I'm definitely a heat snob. To my surprise the temperature was just the right amount of hotness top drink.
The drink was sweet, I might say that a tad too sweet but on this day it was soooo delicious. The drink was dreamy, really, and for a 12 ounce cup, it never seemed to end (thank goodness or I might have had to get another one).
Definitely made my morning as I got to catch up with one of my bestests.. it was great.
Although I can't speak for the food, but looking over at the other tables.. it looked... OK. the baked goods in the front looked tasty though, and the people working there were super friendly so that's a bonus. Maybe I'll come back and get a coffee or pastry to go. Seems like they have some sort of a Tuesday deal :) -
Review from Michael B.
1/15/2012
Most importantly - the food was great. They have a special version of Eggs Benedict called Niche Benedict which was truly outrageous. Poached eggs on bacon on corn bread, topped with arugula. Really great. And brunch all day! Why don't more places offer this?!
The staff is also very friendly, and the place has a cool DIY vibe.
Would have rated a solid four stars were it not for some shoddy service, though I think that was a particular problem of the table where I was sitting - sort of out of the line of sight of the service station. I have a feeling it would not be a problem elsewhere. -
Review from Helen Y.
Vancouver, BC
1/30/2012
THE BEST WHITE CHOCOLATE LATTE EVER..
oh and the french toast was absolutely perfect.. made with challah, soft and moist.. syrup wasn't too sweet, perfectly caramelized..
def will go back..:)
NOTE, they close monday... -
Review from Sayno H.
Toronto, ON
11/6/2011
My wife and I were their first customers on a Sunday morning. Service was great, staff was very friendly and the food was pretty good. Usually when I walk in a restaurant Im not familiar with tell the waiter/waitress whats their best selling dish. My wife and I ordered the French Toast, the three eggs and eggs Benedict. All three were great. The French toast might actually be the best Ive ever had.
Cant wait to go there again.
They also have amazing homemade ketchup. Enjoy :) -
Review from Diane D.
Maple, ON
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's been a while since I've been back here- maybe a year? But Niche still tops my list of breakfast/brunch places in downtown Toronto.
It's small, it's quaint. There isn't a whole lot of seating. Most pple probably don't know about it, since it's not a big brand label (i.e eggspectations, Cora's). But it's small boutique feel is part of its appeal. And despite the lack of seating, I somehow always snatch the last table.
Moreover, Niche's home-made style breakfasts are consistently AMAZING.
I ordered French toast & my friend ordered a three-egg omelette with salad and potatoes on the side.
Niche's French toast is a house specialty - a recipe that calls for banana toast with burnt sugar & syrup. Tasty, but not sickening sweet & goes perfect with coffee.
I tasted my friend's omelette, which he chose to stuff with goat cheese & red pepper. The goat cheese melted in my mouth. The omelette was perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of ingredients.
I walked away full, but not stuffed, which is generally a good feeling to start the day off right. -
Review from Vivek S.
8/5/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Did you know about Niche's incredible back patio? It almost (almost) gets me to unhate wicker furniture, which is saying a lot. The terrace is interlocked brick and the furniture is a healthy mix of metal and weaved seating. There are lots of different kinds of seating too: bistro sets, tables for four, a few benches around an iron coffee table and a monstrous glass-topped picnic table underneath a sprawling umbrella.
Did I also mention the huge slabs of limestone in the fence? Or the perfectly pyramidical topiary beside a FOUNTAIN? I shouldn't have to. It's an amazing spot.
Oh, so they do a solid all day breakfast here. I'd recommend the eggs benedict, and their coffee is quite excellent. The interior of the cafe is nothing special, so I would "make hay while the sun shines" and check out their patio post-haste.
Obligatory Title Pun: A respectable RECESS.
Menu Readability: They use a really nice old-timey typeface.
Need to mention: No Wi-Fi!
What this place teaches me about myself: Isn't it weird when people put idioms in quotes? It's "ever so strange." -
Review from Maheen M.
8/28/2011
I met up with a friend for brunch this past weekend and we decided to check out Niche. We found a seat in their back patio, which was very cute! My friend and I ended up sharing a picnic bench with another group. I love the communal feel of this place.
On to the food - we started off with an americano and cappuccino, our caffeinated drinks were great! Their all day brunch menu was next, we both ordered the 3 egg omelettes and shared a side of peameal bacon. Our omelettes were very good, and were complemented well with the side of greens and roasted potatoes. The bacon was delish!
I would highly recommend this place for a brunch spot in the Queen and Bathurst area. Their coffee is not bad either!Listed in: Breakfast/Brunch Spots, Coffee
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Review from Allison D.
Toronto, ON
7/23/2011
It was only a short 4 days since I'd moved south to Queen West and I was faced with an ever-daunting dilemma: where to have brunch when a friend visits?? I had my Annex haunts down pat, but had no clue what was good, what was bad, and what was ugly in my new 'hood. Armed to find something delicious, my friend and I set out westward on Queen, checking out the menus and came across Niche. Being a little hung-over and crazy hungry, it fulfilled the requirements we were looking for: coffee (yes), food (yes), egg-free options (I don't like eggs, which can make breakfast out a challenge sometimes). Sounds good!
THE GOOD
- The food. I am now addicted to their bagel with cream cheese and lox!! It's delicious, and I feel fresh and slightly healthy after I finish it :)
- The coffee and espresso bevs. Their macchiato made my week. I've gone back a number of times and may risk heat stroke with this weather and a hot drink.
- The atmosphere. Very relaxed, lovely decor. Last time I was there, I ate on the patio; lovely.
- The prices. Reasonable!!!! And so worth what you get.
THE BAD
- The service can be interesting. There is more than just one person anytime I've been in, who's extremely nice, but I've on more than one occasion wondered if he's smoked up a little bit before making my drink. Also, the first time I ate here, we were served initially by a woman who seemed surprised we wanted to order. No, we're just going to loiter. Also, they're always sparse with the water. I like to be hydrated, especially in this heat.
Overall, this is now my new favourite brunch spot in the 'hood. Yes, I'm on a mission to find more, but this one will akin to my old love for Insomnia.Listed in: I *heart* the Hood!
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Review from Tina H.
3/1/2011
Latte Tuesday to my surprise = cookie and a vanilla latte for under $5.
The milk is way too hot but the latte was better than Starbucks. They do sea salt chocolate chip cookies here, which appears to be the trend nowadays. Good thing.
No wifi. All day breakfast and lunch (sandwiches) menu. Loose leaf tea.
Pretty good spot to check out if you're in the area! -
Review from Miriam W.
3/13/2009
Some folks are sweet brunch people. Others are savoury brunch people. I am, without a doubt, a member of the latter camp.
I've got nothing at all against pancakes, french toast or muffins but it's just really hard for me to turn down options like burgers, goat cheese grits, chilaquiles, or leftover pizza when I've got the option. One glance at Niche's menu and I knew I was getting the sunny eggs with chili (con carne).
This dish was well thought-out: crispy tortilla, nicely dressed greens, fresh eggs. But the chili was a tad too sweet for my liking. Remember, I'm a savoury brunch person! A few dabs of hot sauce made it better but I really wanted more depth of flavor.
Niche has a lot going for it but above anything else, there was no wait on a Saturday morning. Wish I could say they same for you, Le Petit Dejeuner!Listed in: Toronto's West Queen West Art…, Toronto Cafes
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Review from G K.
Mississauga, ON
8/26/2010
A great brunch spot! Had wonderful pancakes here with a cup of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Really hit the spot! Niche also has excellent French toast as my girlfriend declares it the best she's had in the city, and we've tried most!
Cute back patio at the queen west location though it doesn't have any cover from the elements.
Overall a very nice spot with a good variety of brunch options. I'm going to give the paninis a chance next time I'm wandering through the area. -
Review from Jonathan W.
Calgary, AB
6/16/2010
Pretty solidly a 4.5. I'm easily impressed when a place can satisfy my desire for the lazy Sunday brunch. Only a few elements are required - a no hassle tranquil seating arrangement, excellent well constructed brunch plates and service with a comforting smile but efficient.
Niche does it exceptionally well on all aspects. Strolled in around 1PM, no packed crowds, just a few regulars and walk-ins. Luckily grabbed the table dead center in the serene back patio on a gorgeous sunny afternoon.
Our server approaches with a smile and highlights a few menu items and gets the drink order. Great start. Why can't places do this right?
The food is great, the perfect BLT, open-faced with two poached eggs...perfectly runny in the center, crisp bacon - not soggy not burnt, fresh greens. Even Gordon Ramsay wouldn't curse this kinda of quality.
A couple flavourful lattes and a tasty grilled banana bread with chocolate spread and I'm ready to call it a Sunday afternoon done right.
Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot because the scene is kinda ruined once the crowds start to flock here, but this place deserves recognition. -
Review from Lindsay S.
Toronto, ON
3/29/2010
The coffee here is amazing.
It's one of those cups of coffee you can taste before you've had your first sip. mmmm ... coffee.
It's also independently owned & operated, which makes me feel good about every cup of coffee I purchase.
The owner, Amanda, can be found here almost every single day, working her bum off, ensuring a smoothly run cafe.
The front window is my favourite place, and during the nicer weather, they open up the front windows, which give you a sense of outdoors, even when you're not.
They also have a back patio, which is just starting to become popular, now that the weather is getting warmer - so if you're a smoker, head on back, and enjoy the quiet space set up so you can enjoy your cig & coffee.
It's definitely of those cute little (quiet) cafe's you can spend hours at, just watching the traffic go by on Queen St. and enjoying a lovely cup of java. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
12/23/2008
If I judged a coffeeshop by its cover, I would've never set foot in Niche. Thankfully, I'm not completely shallow; I went in and am a better woman for it.
From the outside, it looks incredibly boutique-y and not my style, but boy, was I wrong. Inside, be prepared for the most pleasant, genuine service you'll ever get in a coffee shop. Either the staff really enjoy working there, or they're fantastic actors. Love it.
I hear the coffees are good, but they cater well to the tea drinker, too: loose leaf teas are presented in tiny sampler jars for pre-order sniffing. After inhaling a few, I chose the chocolate-orange mix, and I loved it. The baked goods also looked nice; I settled for their popular Charlie Parker square, made of chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans on a graham-crumb base. Sweet and to the point.
The kitchen-prepared eats, however, looked even better. My friend ordered the egg salad sandwich and, for what is largely considered one of the most boring sandwiches in the world, it looked pretty damn gasp-worthy. The pumpernickel appeared fresh from the oven and sliced by the president of the Treat Your Customers Well Association.
I'll be back for their brunch.Listed in: Toronto: Meals under $10! (And…
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Review from Vanessa G.
Toronto, ON
9/2/2008 1 photo
This is my all time favourite brunch place in the city.
The food is absolutely scrumptious. The eggs benedict are wonderful, as is the chilli and egg dish and the blueberry pancakes are a sweet plate of heaven. They also serve breakfast and all day fare but brunch is the meal to have here. The patio out back is a beautiful oasis and a great place to sit around on a lazy Sunday.
Niche is first and foremost a coffee and tea house and their coffee is by far the best coffee I've ever tasted. The food is moderately priced and the service is always fast and friendly.
If you're looking for a hidden brunch gem in the city, this is it! Also, see if you can get past the cash without salivating over their delicious home baked desserts.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Carla D.
Toronto, ON
8/8/2010
Today was my first foray into Niche. It was late in the afternoon (almost 5), I was a touch hungry and wanted to find a place to lounge with the Sunday paper.
I wandered in and saw that they had sandwiches and some desserts ready to serve as well as a pretty wide selection of drinks that offer even non-coffee and tea drinkers plenty of choice. I had a salami sandwich, an Italian soda and a sea salt brownie.
After placing my order, I gathered a few discarded and already read sections of various newspapers and made my way to the quiet back patio. The atmosphere was perfect for spending time solo as well as for enjoying company, as I was joined later on by my boyfriend.
I'll definitely be recommending this as a meet up spot next time I schedule some catch-up time with friends. -
Review from Michael V.
Toronto, ON
5/18/2011
We came across this little place one Saturday morning trying to find some place to eat. If it wasn't for the fact that it was one of the only non-franchised spots open, we would have missed this gem. Food is great. Staff is great. The poached BLT is awesome. And their tables are made from reclaimed bowling alley floors. Come early. Heard that the locals are very fond of the place and they get slammed with tons of people often.
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Review from Michael Y.
Toronto, ON
7/20/2011
The menu looks great but the very slow service and lack of staff made the food less than desirable. Waited nearly an hour for our food. The Niché Benedict I ordered was not good. The corn bread that replaced the english muffin on a regular benedict was tasteless and dry - it also didn't compliment the poached eggs. The poached egg were cooked perfectly but they really messed up the hollandaise sauce. The lemonade I ordered was the only thing that was good. Overall experience is bad but would come back to see why everyone else is raving about this place. Maybe weekday dinner will be better.
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Review from Natalia D.
Toronto, ON
2/3/2010
Finally, a good latte/coffee in Toronto!!! I'm on a quest to find a good coffee/latte and see if they exist in Toronto.
I discovered Niche one day as I walked along Queen St. West. Their expresso machine caught my eye and I couldn't resist the urge of going in and tasting their latte. It was spectactular!! Great beans, roasted perfectly giving a wonderful flavour.
The latte was perfect - perfectly poured, nice microfoam and fantastic to drink. As an added bonus, they serve fair trade coffee. I've had 3 different baristas so obviously they are well trained because the lattes and expressos are all consistently good!!
I haven't tried their breakfast, brunch, lunch but love their scones - very nice home made scones with interesting flavours. I am in love with their coffee and recommend you go! -
Review from Kat F.
2/11/2009
I stumbled upon Niche for brunch when another nearby resto was clogged up with long lines that weren't worth the wait, and I'm glad that I did, because my meal was amazing!!
I had a delicious eggs benedict (I'm going to have to start documenting my experiences with eggs benny at every brunch establishment I visit just to keep track!) and wonderful cup of tea. The decor is lovely and simple and I would definitely return! -
Review from Audrey A.
Toronto, ON
3/26/2011
Love this place!
I enjoy especially the pastries they have. You can tell by their look and their taste that they are freshly made in their kitchen :-) I had the scones with green tea and white chocolate! It was such a bless!lol
The staff (1 guy!lol) is very friendly.
The only thing that I regret is the space: too small, too tight! If you wanna stay make sure to get a spot nearby the window otherwise, bring your food/drink for a walk :-) -
Review from Mavis M.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2008
Some of the best coffee in the city, if you like it strong. I buy the Little Italy for my at-home lattes. So good.
The food is simple, but everything is awesome. If you thought a tuna sandwich couldn't be exciting, try it here. Even the salad dressing is great. The eggs Benedict (over cornbread) is my absolute favorite breakfast. -
Review from Greg F.
Toronto, ON
2/22/2009
Niche Coffee & Tea Shop is squeezed amongst many other shops and restaurants in the heart of the Queen West district.
What most people do not realize is that they have a sit down breakfast, Brunch and Dinner service.
Myself & my guest were happy to arrive during the Brunch hour. Surprisingly it was not that busy upon our arrival, but by the end there was definitely a full house. The special was fresh blueberry pancakes, but I opted for the Sunny Eggs over Chili Con Carne. What a great choice it was! The chili not too hot (but a side of hot sauce for my guest did the trick) and a small side of salad with house vinaigrette.
Add a americano and a water, and the warmth of my meal made me feel more than satisfied on the "chilly" yet beautiful sunny day.
Our service was good, and the food was delivered quickly.
They might want to reload their tea selection, as they did not have in stock my guests first two choices.
I look forward to another quaint , food for the soul Brunch at Niche! -
Review from Karen M.
Ottawa, ON
7/19/2009
Accidentally had brunch here on Sunday morning and it was great. I was going to a near by shop which wasn't open yet and decided to have an espresso which turned into brunch and an americano. My seat was near the front window which was fab since I was alone and it gave me lots to look at. I had the omelet special which was sundried tomatos with goat cheese, it came with potatos and greens. I am one of those people who loves salad with brunch, I can't help it, it just makes me feel good. All in all the dish was delicious: light fluffy omelet, potatos with herbs and salad with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The dish wasn't anything you couldn't get at a number of places but it was tastey and the location, decor and the coffee mean I would definitely go back. Speaking of coffee, this place specializes in coffee so I should state that the coffee was spectacular!!
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Review from Kerry H.
Etobicoke, ON
5/5/2010
Went here for Brunch on a Sunday with a girlfriend. Cute atmosphere. Had the Niche Benedict with Smoked Salmon. Loved that it was served on corn bread, made it different and stand out. Everything was fresh and delicious. Also ordered the white chocolate mocha! Fantastic. Not too sweet and sugary like you'd get at one of those chain coffee shops. I'll definitely be going back again.
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Review from Jeff S.
North York, ON
6/17/2010
My feelings are mixed. Historically, I've really liked it. Usually awesome coffee, good food, all reasonably priced, and a nice back patio.
Recently, however, I haven't been so convinced. I think I've just hit them on two off days lately, but once, the barista said she'd bring a drink out to the patio, then promptly forgot, having to start it once I went in about 20 minutes later to see what was up. Last time, the iced latte had this weird gray colour to it. I definitely intend to give it a try the next time I'm in the area though...hopefully it'll be back up to where it used to be. -
Review from Zach S.
7/2/2011
Very friendly staff - the barristas/waiters were both awesome. Menu was small so it was tough for both of us to find something we liked, but the food was good. The banana French toast was one of the best things I ever had. HIGHLY recommended! Skip the potatoes - both the regular and sweet potatoes sounded good but weren't.
