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Zaza Espresso Bar
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
75 Yorkville AveToronto, ON M5R 1B8
Neighbourhood: Yorkville
(416) 823-4719
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
20 reviews for Zaza Espresso Bar
19 reviews in English
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Review from Tina H.
5/16/2012
The barista was very friendly and accommodating. I'm used to ordering cortados and didn't see it on the menu but ordered it anyway. He wasn't familiar with it and I don't know the behind-the-scenes of how it's prepared but he wanted to learn to make it. I got an espresso shot with a bit of milk, with the same amount of foam as a latte. Close enough. It was delicious.
He was very friendly and insisted I only pay if I like it, and maybe because of this it took longer to check out, with a guy coming in after and paying and leaving before me. They have cute little espresso take-out cups with lids (with no hole to drink out of). I would definitely go there again and grab a cup to go if I'm in the area.
Tall bar tables in the open air is a nice touch. I can see this place being popular on a nice summer day. -
Review from André C.
Toronto, ON
2/21/2012
Love this place for the friendliness, the chatty staff, the italian flirty atmosphere etc etc... It's a great place to pop in at and get energized.
If I was rating these guys for consistently providing high quality coffee I would give them 2 stars though. They use good coffee beans and have the right equipemnt to make exceptional coffee, but the quality of the finished espressos, machiatos and cappuccinos I have there varies a LOT. Sometimes very solid, but never exceptional. These guys are not advanced barristas and they do not come close to some of the other places that take pride in the art fo making a fantastic product, - Bulldog, seven grams, dark horse, jet fuel etc. I don't think they try to either and I am fine with that. I go there because of the atmosphere and because the coffee is good enough.
I have not been downstairs. The experience could be different there. -
Review from Mark S.
Vaughan, ON
4/26/2012
Clean, good atmosphere. A lot of people watchers and people who want to be seen lately though.
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Review from S D.
Toronto, ON
1/13/2012
This place is terrific; a great place to take refuge from the blazing summer heat and to people-watch Yorkvillians and celebs during TIFF. The coffee is very flavourful; I am particularly a fan of their cafe au lait. The ambiance is very retro Italian and the staff are very kind and helpful.
Also, I had an epic stare-down with Paz de le Huerta as she was walking outside while I was sipping an espresso. 'Twas amazing. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
7/16/2011 7 photos
Sipping Cappuccino on a hot humid Summer evening at Zaza reminds me of my trip to the Southern part of Italy:
- Italian men talking to each other loudly
- Men kissing each other on the cheek and hugging like they have not seen each other for ages
- Sipping cappuccino in a hot cafe with no AC
- Rich & foamy milk froth...
A taste of Italy in Yorkville for $5!!
La Dolce Vita! -
Review from Marie M.
8/3/2011
OKAY, I will no longer complain about there being a lack of coffee cafe culture in Toronto now that I've found ZAZA this evening on a random solo walk in Yorkville this evening.
ZAZA is a brand new (three weeks old) espresso bar right in the heart of Yorkville. It has sandwiches, desserts, coffee and GELATO! It features a clean modern interior of mostly tall, white bar tables, chairs and benches in its main indoor dining area and in the open-concept gelato and coffee bar area next door.
Firstly, since it's an espresso bar, the espresso. It was a very smooth and strong shot, full of flavour and definitely full bodied.
Secondly, the gelato. While they have all the typical milk based gelato and few ice-based gelato, they also have a sugar-free, soy hazelnut gelato! This is everything I want in a gelato and more! Any vegan can tell you that it's hard to find a non-fruit flavoured gelato that is also dairy-free, so the fact that this is a SOY-based gelato that is HAZELNUT flavoured is amazing and awesome and leaves me totally satisfied with those 2 points. HOWEVER, the very fact that this soy-hazelnut gelato is also SUGAR-FREE has me totally blown away... even though it's sugar-free in the sense that it has no added sugar except for the sugar in the soymilk! Finally someone sees things how I see it... if an ingredient has sugar in it already, it makes NO SENSE to add MORE sugar.. just work with what's there!
Thirdly, and equally important is that the servers are very nice, friendly and know their products! I even got invited to their grand opening this coming Thursday August 4, 2011. It will be a wine and cheese event, featuring desserts and wines from all over Italy! Not just the south, according to Paolo, the friendly barista who made my espresso!
I'm most def coming back! And I'm going to bring all my friends, veggies and non-veggies alike. This place has something for everyone! Or maybe I'll just bring my favourites... I'd like to keep this place to myself for awhile... so I can come here for a relaxing Yorkville/ Italian escape!Listed in: Legit Coffee and Espresso
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Review from Ksenja T.
8/26/2011
The highlight of zaza is the owner. he's just so vivacious..if you don't feel like socializing, don't come here...
the capuccino is great, they give you water on the side which is the real european way....it is kind of small inside but the atmosphere is great -
Review from Robert K.
2/23/2011
The quality of the coffee seems to vary quite a bit, depending on who makes it. But it is always at least pretty good. Certainly your best bet in Yorkville, for what that's worth.
Last time I was here, there were two girls behind the counter. While one of them made my coffee, the other one had a small plate with a mound of cheetos, onto which she squeezed the juice of half a lemon, and proceeded to eat. Now, I don't know what sorts of things people do in Italy, but around here, that is not normal behaviour, is it? I sure thought it was weird.
ZaZa is a tiny place, and the only seats are high stools, which are not comfortable at all. A fine place to stop in for a quick shot of espresso, but not a place to relax and linger leisurely over your latte.
I wouldn't particularly go out of my way for ZaZa, but it's not bad. The other customers look like they have a lot more money then me (though I think some of them are Harry Rosen salesmen, using their staff discounts to fake it). -
Review from Kent P.
10/24/2011
It's a coffee bar, that's for sure. If you're in Yorkville, this is a fun place to stop - and the people working sometimes speak Italian which makes it seem more authentic. A lot of MILFs around here drinking non-fat lattes. Espresso has been good more than not, but it does vary as Robert K. mentions.
Listed in: coffee that is worth the side…
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Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
4/16/2011
sunshine, espresso, grage doors open to Yorkville. Filled with genuine Italians sitting, standing, chatting in European Languages, sipping espresso and donned in expensive tinted eyewear and cashmere sweaters.
The super friendly owner (From Napoli) reminds you that indeed "Life is Beautiful"
There is no place like it - Nothing brightens my day more than leaving the dreariness of the office for a coffee break at Za Za. (Bringing coworkers that speak Italian for immediate cred.) Stepping into Za Za you are immediately transported to Italia. Love this place.
Grazie! Ciao Bella! -
Review from Denise S.
Updated - 10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Checked out the newer, larger space downstairs/next door for breakfast today. As others have mentioned, it is really like being in a cafe in Italia. The owner calls out orders to the barista in Italiano, there's Italian music/radio in the background, and flatscreens playing soccer (or should I say football?). The decor is simple, clean, and white like the street level cafe/gelato area. This downstairs part has a selection of paninis (including their signature porchetta and prosciutto di parma) and pastries, as well as some Italian grocery items like De Cecco dry pastas, olive oil and fresh tomato sauce.
I had a chocolate croissant and a cappuccino (a bit pricey at $3.90 for a small cup). The croissant was fresh and the chocolate instead was smooth and creamy -- not hardened like it can be at some places. The espresso drinks here are always top notch! The barista told me he was making it "extra-special" for me, i.e. he made a pretty flower with chocolate syrup on top of the foam.
This is where I will come anytime I want to listen to Italian and be called "bellisima" by the owner!
P.S. On weekends after 6pm, they offer table serviceListed in: Cafe Culture
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/15/2011
Something about Zaza espresso bar makes you feel like you are in Italy/you are in fact Italian. Just… Read more »
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Review from Sarah T.
Toronto, ON
12/23/2009
This isn't authentic Italian coffee. They use Illy coffee. They didn't know how to make an Americano. She wouldn't let me pour my own cream. How is it that Yorkville has not one good espresso bar?
I am on a quest to find good coffee in Bloor West. And i keep ending up with crap coffee.
Pusateri's was better. They have Classic Coffee. -
Review from Lauren M.
6/2/2010 6 Check-ins Here
(Please note that this cafe no longer serves Illy coffee)
Anyway, this place is bad ass! My boss (from Florence) takes me here occasionally. I'm not Italian but he swears by this place so I will take his word for it. It DOES quite remind me of many of the little espresso bars I visited in Rome and other parts of Italia.
Zaza is a tiny hole-in-the-wall which absolutely overflows if more than 7-8 people are inside.
The owner often comes out from behind the counter to greet you and ask how you are doing, plus introduce himself, which is always nice.
The espresso is served with a tall shot glass of water to wash the bitterness from your mouth. The also do cappuccinos and have a small selection of Italian pastries.
Great place for a quick caffeine fix! -
Review from Mariko M.
12/11/2010
Totally unassuming, I happen to stumble upon Zaza en route to Betty Hemmings. As mentioned by other Yelpers, this place is TINY. There was about five of us in this establishment and it was already getting to the point of being packed.
I ordered the latte and I enjoyed it, but most definitely wasn't blown away. It was lukewarm and I would have wanted it to be warmer. I also ordered the cannoli. Once again, nothing to write home about. I've had better. And it totally did not remind me of Nonna's dessert.
Overall, my experience was a-ok.
Edit: I stood corrected by a Yelper -
Review from Raghida S.
Toronto, ON
5/23/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I love this place. This is one of our favourite places in Toronto. The minute you step in you feel like you have travelled to Italy. There's a small pastry selection but it's top notch. The owner is extremely friendly and will come and say hi to you even if you are just walking by the shop.
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Review from Eleni D.
Toronto, ON
2/28/2011 1 photo
Zaza feels like a little piece of Italy smack-dab in the middle of Toronto. The exuberant owner, Rafaelle, is super-welcoming and entertaining. The coffee is excellent, and it's a great place to people watch. One of my favourite coffee shops in the city.
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Review from paul l.
10/13/2010
This place is the shiz. it's run by a REAL italian from Napoli. And it's frequented by REAL italians. it doesn't get better than that. It feels like you're in Italy... tables outside. lively italian inside. right next door there is a french country house looking restaurant that serves italian food. This place in Yorkville... which is probably my favorite place in toronto. a lot of fashionistas hang out in the area. this cafe is no exception! Will I be back. Hell ya. will i tell everyone who visits torono to visit and practice using their one of two italian phrases on the owner? double Hellz ya! this place is awesome! molto bene! tell the owner Gratzie Mille!
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Review from Jason T.
Toronto, ON
5/11/2009
This is authentic Italian coffee!
I frequent Yorkville and this place just opened 2 months ago. It's real coffee as you have in Italy or France, great drink served with a cup of water to clear your pallette. Speaking with the owner Raffaelle, he's a recent immigrant to Toronto and this is his 3rd espresso bar in the city. Puts all the franchise to shame!
2 espresso for 3.68$ inc taxes. -
Review from Emily S.
Scarborough, ON
5/13/2009
I wish I could put 6, 7,8, 9, 10 stars!
I agree with Jason. ZAZA is where it is when it comes to AUTHENTIC italian coffee. Neapolitans KNOW how to make coffee and Raffaele, the owner, know his stuff. Forget lattes [in Italy there are no lattes], cappuccinos, frappucinos, mochaccino, and other franchise rubbish!!! Go to Zaza and have an AUTHENTIC Italian coffee experience!!! LOCATION is small and cozy. It also has a patio for the summer which is nice!!
I HEART ZAZA!
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