Best Matcha Lattes in Toronto

Sometimes we crave coffee, and sometimes we crave matcha. For those times when your tastebuds are doing a cha-cha for matcha, here are my picks for the best matcha lattes offered in the 6ix!

Note: The order of the list is arbitrary.

The Library Speciality coffee

You better book yourself a trip to The Library Specialty Coffee if you’re craving a satisfying matcha latte.

This narrow coffee shop just a few steps away from the AGO has an minimalistic black-and-white interior that focuses on the little details. It would be any hipster’s dream. A few touches of greenery and glass-and-cotton flowers keep it feeling fresh.

As for the aforementioned matcha lattes, they are aesthetically beautiful, usually featuring impressive latte art (in fact, I’ve never had any drinks at TLC that didn’t have a wonderful drawing on top). The taste is also good, and it’s clear high-quality matcha is being used. They do offer the choice between sweetened and unsweetened, and I personally prefer the former.

If you happen to be out with someone who doesn’t enjoy matcha, don’t fret! The Library, as it is mentioned in the name, also has speciality coffee that they roast on-site! They concoct excellent cups, with a smooth flavour and just a hint of bitterness. They’re complex, and are very pleasant to drink overall. It’s clear that the baristas and owners care about the quality of what they brew.

The roastery can be seen through the glass windows at the back of the store. If you enjoyed what you drank, you can even pick up your own beans or matcha for use at home (I recommend this!).

If a good cup of matcha or coffee matters to you, The Library Speciality Coffee might be just what you need to check-out (get it… the library… check-out? Ok. No regrets).

Nearest Subway: St Patrick

Location:
281 Dundas Street West

Noteworthy Feature:
The Library has it’s own roastery on-site, and you can catch a glimpse of a skilled roaster working away through the big open windows.

Himalayan Coffee House

Himalayan Coffee House is a standout café that anyone - Uptown OR Downtown - should check out!

While all of their coffee drinks are worth trying (the Nepalese coffee is delicious), their matcha lattes are the real showstoppers here. You can request the amount of sweetness you want added to the drink, but I recommend going with their suggested amount.

These matcha lattes are a feast for both the eyes and the mouth, and are well worth making the trip to try. I mean… how can you resist those drawings?I

During specific times of the day (usually during non-peak hours), the cozy and comfortable café has it’s artistic baristas create actual art on its drinks - at no extra cost! Talk about bringing latte art to another level.

As for the ambiance, the café is dimly city but has plenty of character. There are books and some children toys on the shelf for those interested.

If you want some drinkable artwork, Himalayan Coffee House is the place for you!

For more information on uptown coffee shops such as this one, click here.

Nearest Subway: Eglinton

Location:
2552 Yonge Street

Noteworthy Feature:
Himalayan Coffee House has the best match lattes in Toronto - if you don’t want green matcha, there’s also blue matcha!

AnotherLand Coffee and more

Anotherland Coffee is a new uptown speciality coffee spot. However, this whimsical café doesn’t just specialize in coffee - they also serve up a great matcha latte!

On top of regular matcha lattes, Anotherland makes a red bean matcha latte that is slightly sweeter and more satisfying. If you’re in the mood to add a twist to your regular order, it’s a great one to try.

The decor of the café remains true to its name - its whimsical and colourful. Inside, there is ample seating inside. The feature I find most interesting is the balcony! It’s excellent during the warmer months as you can enjoy the nice weather while sipping your drink.

The service is also worthy of a mention - the owner of the café is incredibly kind, personable, and takes the time to chat while preparing your preferred cup of caffeine.

The café states on its website that it wants guests to “Feel free to imagine the life and the world you want to live in. We want to create it with you.” Next time you find yourself in Uptown Toronto, go up the steps of Another Land Coffee, and allow yourself to be transported to that world as you sip your drink! It might be new, but it’s already made a considerable impact on the North York coffee scene.

If you want to discover other uptown coffee shops, click here.

N.B. The café is located on the upper level of the plaza in which it is found. It is located above Smoke’s Poutinerie, so go up to the stairs to the left of the Poutine Shop to visit it.

Nearest Subway: Yonge-Sheppard

Locations:
4714 Yonge Street

Noteworthy Feature:
There is a balcony!

NEO Coffee Bar

NEO Coffee Bar is one coffee shop that never disappoints. Time and time again, they offer well-made matcha lattes, coffee, tea, and treats. This has kept me coming back, and I certainly don’t plan on stopping my visits anytime soon.

The interior is minimalistic and crisp. It’s comfortable, and relaxes anyone who walks through its doors.

Two of their offerings that I highly recommend are their expertly-prepared genmaicha (Japanese brown rice green tea) or matcha lattes. All of their matcha is imported from Kyoto. It’s no surprise their matcha-based beverages are of such high-quality!

NEO Coffee Bar also have an open food prepartion station, in which you can watch their in-house patissiers preparing roll cakes or other baked goods. I highly recommend picking one up, as they’re always fresh & flavourful. They have gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, in case you require it. Their dark chocolate orange roll cake is good enough for even non-gluten free palettes to enjoy!

If you’re looking for an excellent matcha latte downtown, don’t overlook NEO.

Press this link for more downtown coffee shop suggestions.

Nearest Subway: King —> Take 504A or 504B streetcar to Sherbourne Street

Location:
100-161 Frederick Street

Noteworthy Feature:
All desserts are made in-house, and there is always a “dessert of the month” - a reason to come back!

COCOON COFFEE

Cozy up in Cocoon Coffee, a gorgeous little café in Uptown Toronto.

This café, while small in size, uses it’s space well. I’s decorated in a minimalistic fashion with pops of colour throughout. I really enjoyed some of the flowers and greenery, as well.

The matcha (and coffee) is always well-made. There is high-quality vanilla syrup or sweetener if you wish for a more sugary treat. This is also one of the only cafés which makes matcha cappuccinos - how sublime!

As for the desserts, I must say I was really a fan. Everything is made in-house, and tasted very fresh. I am particularly a fan of the salted brownie - I ended up buying two slices! I also recommend their macarons, of which I bought three to take home.

As well, the owners of the coffee shop were also incredibly kind, and really made me enjoy my stay. Good service always adds a little something extra special to any visit (thanks to owners Emma and Andy)!

Also worth noting is that the café is an easy 20 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride away from Yorkdale Shopping Centre. It’s a great independent spot to swing by before or after your busy shopping experience!

Cocoon Coffee is a sweet little café to check out when you’re craving a calming oasis, and it’s well worth picking up some dessert while you’re there!

Nearest Subway: Yorkdale

Location:
855 Wilson Avenue

Noteworthy Feature:
Ask for a matcha cappuccino - a secret item I’ve adored!

IN MEMORIAM

(CAFES THAT CLOSED)

1675 Patisserie

*Note: Unfortunately this beautiful café has closed. I left it as an In Memoriam!

Although the newest spot on this list is 1675 Café & Patisserie, that doesn’t mean it’s quality is anything at which to scoff. In their words, they are “a typical high class french style pastry shop that has espresso drinks, real leave teas and most unique pastries.”

The match latte offered here is sumptuous, and uses high-quality matcha and milk. If you enjoy your matcha lattes coupled with an excellent pastry, 1675 Patisserie is the place for you!

As for their patisseries, they are indeed quite unique, and are all beautifully presented. I have enjoyed each and every dessert I’ve tried, and one of the waiters told me that they are made in-house everyday with only high-quality ingredients.

The interior of this Instagram-friendly patisserie is incredibly pretty with its mix of marble tables and baby pink velvet chairs. This café & patisserie is definitely a sure bet for a posh day-out (or night-out… most days it’s open until 10:00 p.m.)!

Nearest Subway: Yonge-Sheppard

Location:
4750 Yonge Street