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Noir Coffee & Tea
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
701 St Clair Ave WToronto, ON M6C 1B2
Neighbourhood: Wychwood
(416) 651-8302
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 6 pm
Sat-Sun 7:30 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for Noir Coffee & Tea
Review Highlights
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"They have a wonderful Victoria Arduino espresso machine to..." In 3 reviews -
"...and beautiful ambiance with consistently friendly staff." In 3 reviews -
"...that fits within this traditional Japanese zen atmosphere." In 5 reviews
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Angela H.
York, ON
1/30/2012
Lovely staff and excellent coffee. Depending on the time of the day, it can be really quiet or really busy. Some things are pricey but worth it if you're treating yourself.
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Review from BJ O.
Toronto, ON
2/26/2012
It's nice to Japanese decoration and Interior design. There have enough space to pass with baby's car and have comfortable chairs.I spent relax time.
I have one request that once connection to WiFi for all day,please?Limited minutes WiFi connect. -
Review from Ana M.
Toronto, ON
9/10/2011
I came across Noir this morning and popped in for a latte. Asian-inspired decor, beige brick walls, low key music, and comfortable sofa chairs.
Nice array of baked goods, quiches, and other snacks. Good assortment of teas. It is so clean you could eat off the floor. The coffee is OK but not as strong as I prefer and there was too much milk in the coffee. Otherwise, good place to get freshly roasted Paradise Island beans. I will be back. -
Review from Jonathan S.
York, ON
6/29/2011
If this were a design blog, Noir on St. Clair West would receive five stars.
On an unassuming patch of the strip, just west of Wychwood Barns, Noir sits opposite a McDonalds and beside the oft-reviewed Stockyards.
Unlike most of the corporate/homespun storefronts in the area, Noir is all style; grey painted bricks and a sharp black, white and red sign scream "awesome indy coffee house. Swanky hipsters apply within for mindblowing expensive coffee drinks".
The theme carries on inside, where exposed walls and slate tiles serve as background for comfy chairs and tables, and the occasional bright red leather chair. Chalkboard menus are clear. They hover over a long bar which includes an espresso machine, tea selection, and a refrigerator case that tempts with pastry. The decor is vaguely asian, very contemporary, and very welcoming. I could sit and read or work or gab for hours.
I don't usually review bathrooms, but Noir's deserve mention. They're more beautifully appointed than some homes I've visited, and on each occasion they're just as clean. If Noir were a friend's apartment, I might look into couch-surfing.
With all of the attention to looks, you'd hope for great food and drink. What you get is stylized "good". Tea service is a hoot. You choose your leaves, and a small iron pot is brought to your seat, along with a timer that tells you when to pour. Noir may in fact be mislabelled as a coffee shop. Lattes are frothy, but the espresso lacks depth. A regular cup of joe is dispensed from the same plastic carafes you find in any midrange coffee shop, and tastes interchangeable. If you require cream and sugar, you have an impressive range of options. It's decent but not special, at special but not decent prices.
A vine of tomatoes beckons you to order a freshly made tomato sandwich. At peak season, this sounds like a great idea. Out of a greenhouse earlier in the year, not so much. I'd rather visit Wychwood Barns on a lazy Saturday, buy some fancy bread and local tomatoes, head home and bring out the Hellmans for lunch on the patio at a fraction of the cost.
I don't like to gripe about price, and I appreciate the space, but I feel that I'm paying more for the atmosphere than for the food.
Noir is an excellent spot for a first date, where style can be as important as substance. For a lasting relationship, I'd sooner plunk down $4.50 for a killer latte in shabbier surroundings (see I Deal Coffee, the Crema nook on Bloor Street or the original Bulldog).Listed in: If I Can't Have My Coffee…
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Review from Vivek S.
1/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
What's rose and beige and grey with brick walls? Noir. Yeah, it doesn't make sense to me either; in my mind a place called Noir is matte black, plays The Smiths on repeat, and hires be-turtle-necked men and women with upturned chins, vapid gazes with unisex names like Chris, Sam or Robin. This café is nothing like that -- though I'm not sure what place is.
It's quite pleasant there actually. With just a hint of Japanese aesthetic, Noir is a sizeable space, with orchids on their tabletops and cozy leather chairs. They serve coffee, tea, desserts, and sandwiches. You can also pick up travel mugs and tea sets here.
My favourite part are the outlets built into the table. My least favourite part? The latte. It was pretty underwhelming considering the swank Victoria Arduino behind the counter, but they could have had an off day. I will return here -- seems like a great place to study or work.
Obligatory Title Pun: How soon is NOIR?
Menu Readability: Their actually menu is quite hard to read but coffee beans are printed on a board in huge fucking letters.
Need to mention: Free wifi has a two hour limit.
What this place teaches me about myself: I wonder if Morrissey will play at this cafe I made up?Listed in: Coffee, Wifi, Power, LIFTOFF
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Review from Ellie A.
4/3/2011
Is it fair to rate a cafe purely on their bathrooms? I mean, seriously, either the designers at Noir are geniuses, or we Torontonians have gotten used to some really bad loos out there.
It occurred to me, looking at the rich-dark-wood-stylish-sink-ultra-clean bathroom at Noir, that it rarely phases me to be out at a restaurant where I'd drop $20 for a main, only to go downstairs to a dark and seedy underbelly. But no more! I call on restaurants and cafes all over Toronto to take a field trip to Noir and see what a classy joint really looks like.
There. I've said my piece. The coffee's good, too.Listed in: The St. Clair Strip
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
Noir Coffee and Tea is really my kind of coffee shop! It really have a spa like feel to it and fits well with the Japanese deco.
Everywhere is so clean here... even the washrooms!! The washroom here for sure will be voted one of the best washroom for a coffee shop! (especially after I use the one at Moonbeam less than 2 hours agao!)
I like how they serve their tea in this Japanese teapot using the tatami material made tray...
With the atmosphere here, all the patrons seems to speak softly too... or maybe this place is just more spacious?
Free Wifi access is always an additional 0.5 stars!
I definitely will drop by for a coffee when I am in the area! -
Review from Rachel L.
Toronto, ON
12/27/2010
A friend and I wound up here as an alternative to another cafe that was closed. It's small, cute, and has a nice assortment of food, but it was way overpriced.
My friend and I both liked our coffees but I was a bit appalled that we both shelled out $5.65 for a PB&J and a tomato and cheddar sandwich. The staff were friendly but I can't imagine how they can justify charging more than $3 for something that comes on No Name bread.
I wouldn't mind going back because the atmosphere was good, but strictly for beverages. -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
9/19/2010 3 photos
Noir has an Victoria Arduino Espresso Machine, identical to the one I saw at a Cafe in Vaughan. This machine is truly a simple beauty that fits within this traditional Japanese zen atmosphere. The underground washroom area is just as perfectly design for those of you looking for basement furnishing ideas(See Photo). Actually the whole place is nicely designed if you have that dream expense account.
As others have said, I actually waited for a friend here first prior to going to Stockyards next door. Not all seats are equal here, so some will pick and choose the seats to their preference as I saw a couple move from one area to another. There Menu is expanded in comparison to your standard Individiual Coffee Shop. It probably rivals Starbucks in food/snack selections.
The solo staff here means you might have to be more patient than other Coffee & Tea shops however as I watch him carefully stir my Iced Latte($4.00) and pulled any fine grinds. There's definitely Wi-Fi and some power outlets but the bar seat area seems a bit uncomfortable as you drink your beverage while facing the wall several inches in front of your face. 3.5 *Star*Listed in: 3.5 ***Stars***, Coffee Drinks
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Review from Julianna B.
Toronto, ON
9/11/2010
What they said. This is a lovely addition to the neighbourhood, and has even seduced me away from Cocoalatte.
They both have lovely decor and friendly staff, but I've got to give Noir the edge in comfort; they have interesting but still comfortable seating areas that are spacious enough not to feel crowded. It invites you to stay awhile; being stranded there on a rainy afternoon is lovely.
The food is also really good at Noir; the apple pie a la mode is absolutely delicious, spicy and apple-y with real vanilla ice cream, and the slices are generous. I've also had a wonderful sandwich; tons of basil (maybe a little too much) with thick slices of ripe tomato and real mayo on dense, soft, moist whole wheat that must have been baked within six hours of consumption.
As for the coffee, I'm no connoisseur, but my knowledgeable friends adore it and can't keep away. I just know that it's flavourful and the machine is damn pretty.
They have wi-fi; ask for the password at the cash and they'll print out a little receipt for you. They're good at recognizing and rewarding their regular customers (that's how I found out about the pie). Also, I want one of the staff t-shirts. The logo is so pretty!Listed in: Best food near Wychwood
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Review from Lynna L.
Toronto, ON
8/8/2011
The area around St. Clair and Christie has a LOT of coffee shops - I've sometimes referred to it only semi-jokingly as the epicentre of caffeine in Toronto (which may have something to do with why I live there...). But I think Noir may be my very favourite - though really, I suppose it depends partly on what you're in the mood for.
If you want a funky, cool place where musicians and poets randomly jam, and small children can run around and play with the assortment of toys and musical instruments on the premises - then you want Ellington's, two blocks west. If you want a large, busy place where you can camp out with your laptop all day long and no one will notice or care, and that also has a good assortment of cheap, filling food, you want World Class Bakers, right across the street. If you want to be able to watch out the window and see if the $@#&! Christie bus is finally coming or not, you want the Starbucks on the corner (really, that's its only major virtue). But if you want a breathtakingly lovely little place with a serene and peaceful feel, where going for tea is an experience, which melts stress off you and makes you feel happy just to sit there in the tranquil, almost Zen-like environment and look around, then you want Noir.
I do think that despite coffee coming before tea in the name, they should probably be regarded as more of a tea shop than a coffee shop. Their coffee is fine, but it's nothing out of the ordinary, at least for good independent cafes. But their tea selection, and the way they serve it, is really a cut above the vast majority of other places. They have a really good assortment of high-quality, loose-leaf teas, some of which are not easy to find anywhere else, and they know exactly how to make it perfectly and serve it attractively. I blanched a little at the price the first time, but given that it comes in a pot that holds 2-3 cups, it's actually not bad - you're not paying for just a single cup. In the summer you can also get any of their teas iced - and it's freshly made, and unsweetened, just the way I like it.
The food selections are nice, and definitely include a few things outside the usual range you'd find in most coffee/tea places. And while they do have free wi-fi, as others have mentioned, the time is limited, because I it's not really intended primarily as a work/study environment. Really, I don't think it's the food or the wi-fi that most people go for. It's the tea, the aesthetics, and the peaceful ambiance. Every time I go in there, it seems like half my stress drops away, time stops, and I get a lovely little respite from the hectic pace of daily life. For me, that's worth paying $4 for a pot of tea.Listed in: Best of St. Clair West
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Review from Benny M.
Vancouver, BC
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
WiFi is free, but limited. The restrictions on WiFi is really not appreciated. I think they restrict you to 2 hours during the week and 30 minutes on the weekends.
The atmosphere is modern Asian, bordering clinical. It's too full, there is too much going on, something Asian is crammed into every bit of space. The coffee is great, and they have a large food and drink menu.
It's great for to meet a friend for a coffee, terrible for studying, I don't think the owner wants people hanging out on laptops. There are too many little trinkets everywhere and with such a small space, I was constantly worried I was going to break something. -
Review from Lauren W.
Toronto, ON
9/29/2010
A cute little coffee shop with an assortment of dessert type foods as well. The coffee was pretty good, and the place is sparkling clean (I don't know if this is just because they're still pretty new.)
The servers were very friendly, and the atmosphere is very warm and relaxed. The only thing is there isn't a whole lot of seating. It's comparable to a small Starbucks.
Oh, they also have free WiFi and power outlets at the tables. -
Review from ness y.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2010
Please (Mr. Owner-Guy) read the whole review before freaking out.
Here goes:
You really ought to pay someone to train you to use your beautiful Vittoria Classica before you break it, or ruin any more drinks.
Free tips:
i. pour the hot water into a cup BEFORE adding the espresso for an americano - otherwise, risk burning the espresso
ii. put the cup/shot glasses underneath BOTH spouts, or don't charge for the liquid running off the edge of my cup
iii. the espresso is almost always "done" BEFORE the water finishes running through the portafilter
iv. use a thermometer until you figure out how to steam milk properly
Your space is beautiful, really. It's a nicely "Asian" without the kitsch.
You and your staff are lovely.
It's obvious you care about your new business.
I wish you the best. And the patience to practice practice practice.
Please don't practice on your new, eager customers. Or be transparent about it.
I'll be back, but not for at least three months.
I want to know what this $5 fresh lemonade is all about. Consider that time to adjust the price or ensure it's made with a whole lotta love. -
Review from David E.
York, ON
7/24/2011
Noir is a terrific place - great decor, friendly staff (the owners are especially so), solid food and drinks. It is about the total package - the coffee may not be the best in the city, but it is good and everything else is perfect.
Comments from other reviewers about the washrooms are dead-on. check them out even if you don't have to use them! -
Review from Bartek C.
York, ON
7/24/2010
I came here for the potential of a good Americano, stayed for the great atmosphere.
As others have mentioned, this place has very nice Japanese-themed decor which provides an incredibly soothing atmosphere. The music is also soft, and seems to be from a similar origin.
It seems like a lot of work has been put into making this a great place. They have a wonderful Victoria Arduino espresso machine to top it all off.
The staff were very nice and conversed well with customers.
So far I have only had an Americano, twice. The Americano was done very well and didn't have any burnt burnt flavour. I think ness, the other reviewer should also realize that pouring the espresso into the water afterwards is called a "Long Black" and comes with a stronger flavour. If someone asks for an Americano, you make them an Americano, which is water after. People may not enjoy the stronger flavour of a Long Black. Boy I love being a coffee douchebag.
Noir also offers sandwiches and some treats, including some gluten-free ones. I tried some and although they were tasty, it was nothing to die for, especially at the higher price range they came at.
Overall I enjoyed my experience here and the owner seems to be still figuring some things out (He wasn't sure what kind of Wifi limit he should impose on me). I will return, and hopefully continue to have good experiences. -
Review from Jing K.
Toronto, ON
6/7/2010 3 photos
Newly opened as of last Friday, Noir joins the now possibly cafe-saturated strip of St. Clair West.
I truly hope that they do well because the subtle chrysanthemum logo, tasteful Japanese-themed decor and doggy bowl outside reflects a thoughtful attention to detail. Also I have a soft-spot for independently owned businesses.
I had an $1.50 ice-tea (American style, add your own sugar) and a $1 day-old chocolate and caramel cookie that was so good I wonder how amazing a fresh one would be. They have a full selection of espresso based drinks but that will have to wait another day. I did overhear one of the staff informing another customer that all of their coffees are fair-trade.
They are still figuring out their hours and plan on being open until maybe 6, maybe 8 p.m. depending on traffic. They are right next door to the Stockyards so maybe they will benefit from the nightly lineups there?
Four stars for now unless they prove otherwise. -
Review from Nadia M.
York, ON
12/21/2010
Love Noir. Always excellent coffees, wonderful Montreal Bagels with schmear and beautiful ambiance with consistently friendly staff.
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Review from Tray T.
Toronto, ON
2/17/2011
I live close to NOIR & am drawn there again and again for their Kyoto Cherry Rose loose leaf tea! They have a great selection (& options for the holidays) & the staff are always super friendly! I haven't sat to enjoy their beautiful space for more than a quick minute, but hope to in the future! So good, I look forward to trying more items & their yummy looking food. Keep up the good work!
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Review from Ronald D.
Toronto, ON
7/11/2010
I've been to Noir a few times, and it's great. Beautiful space. There's a variety of food and excellent coffee and teas. A few growing pains perhaps, but a hug addition to the hood. Check them out. Free wifi is a bonus.
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Review from Sarah J.
York, ON
6/9/2010
Talk about ambience! I walked in this morning on a whim, and left with a HUGE smile on my face. I have had my fair share of coffee-oriented customer service experiences in this city, and I can't remember ever feeling this satisfied with both quality and service. The espresso was grinded and pulled fresh, and the density and consistency of my cappuccino was superb. The chocolate chip banana muffin (baked only hours earlier, according to the barista) was super moist and light. I would not only recommend this little gem to a friend, but will be back there tomorrow morning myself.
