Being a newcomer to Toronto, finding a hood to reside in can be a daunting task because of all the options. After considering all the pockets in the city, I found a place in the up and coming area: Leslieville. Located east of the downtown core, this neighbourhood boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere with shops, bars, and restaurants full of charm and character. Which is perfect for me because I’m so charming and so full of character.

After moving in, one of the first things I did was to look for my go-to coffee shop. Since there’s so many in the area, the hardest part was picking which one I liked the most. Enter Te Aro:

Facadete aro toronto

I was on my way to work one day and this gem caught my attention. At that moment, I knew I had to check it out; I could feel it – it was going to be my spot.

Atmospherete aro toronto

As coffee shops become a ubiquity in any major city, finding the right balance of flair and comfortable vibe is a necessity for any business in this industry to thrive. Coupled with quality customer service and a fantastic offering, Te Aro hits all the right notes and delivers on this expectation.

Their mother ship, Pilot Coffee Roasters’ company mission is to “roast great coffee and work with great people to do it.” They follow a Direct Trade model to import their coffee, which means that their coffee comes at a premium. But after reading and understanding why they do so, I can confidently say that every dollar I spend is worth every cup at Te Aro. From sourcing, roasting, and brewing the beans (and implementing their vision!) to serving items from their menu, they’ve done a very good job in making sure the customer experience is a pleasurable one.

Macchiato with Veggie Paninite aro toronto

My macchiato and veggie panini from the other day. My fuel while working off-site!

Offering a selection of hot and cold coffees, teas, and baked goods, this is definitely my new favourite spot in the city. They also sell a variety of merchandise including the coffees that they serve in-house.

Merchte aro toronto

Apricot Coconut Oatmeal Cookie and Ice Chai Teate aro toronto

Back in less than 24h, this time with my iced chai tea and an apricot coconut oatmeal cookie to enjoy east coast sun!

Stop by and take a break in this modern oasis. You’ll love it!

Te Aro Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato