
Latte Love on the Danforth
Greektown in Toronto’s east end is home to a lot of local, independent coffee shops. I set out to find some of my favourite places to grab a double-shot latte on my way to school, and I have listed my recommendations in the order I visited them.
El Greco (968 Pape Ave.)
El Greco is a quaint espresso & snack bar. They are a favourite for local football fans so they tend to have a football game on TV. They have one of the best prices for a latte at $3.50. Their espresso is moderately bold and they have a wide variety of pastries to choose from. They are also one of few cafés that offer Greek Coffee or have a patio.
Leonida’s (484 Danforth Ave.)
Leonida’s is primarily a chocolate shop so you can get handmade chocolates, or just get a small taste with the complementary chocolate they give you with your coffee. The espresso is strong and costs $3.75. Also a bright, quiet space, with awesome hospitality for the early bird who needs a spot to sit and finish some work or read the paper.
Marvel (792 Carlaw Ave. or 6 Donlands Ave.)
Marvel has two espresso bars in Greektown, each just north of the Danforth. Their fun, modern diner aesthetic is matched by the friendliness of the baristas. They have a moderately bold espresso and a delicious array of pastries, including croissants, scones, and the beloved macaron! It is $4.75 for a latte, and they have a loyalty card offering you your tenth coffee free.
Goat Coffee (893 Pape Ave.)
The warm exposed brick and the eclectic staff-generated music playlists give Goat Coffee a fun, unique charm. Their bold espresso is popular among Centennial students because of the close proximity and the good price of $4.00 plus the benefits of a buy-9-get-the-tenth-free loyalty card. They also have fresh pastries to grab when you are in a rush, or you could stay and order a delicious soup or sandwich.
The Only Café (972 Danforth Ave.)
The Only Café is a wonderful location with plenty of personality. They have an espresso bar in one section of the unit, a juice bar in another, and also a separate dining room. They pride themselves on all the drinks they serve, but their moderately bold espresso is tried and true costing $4.15 for the latte.
Red Rocket Coffee (1364 Danforth Ave.)
The eastern-most café, Red Rocket Coffee is warm, quiet, and family-friendly. Their espresso is bold and the latte costs $4.70. Scones, cookies, and muffins are made fresh in the store and they are one of the only spots with couches if you want to sit down with a friend or relax with a good read while you enjoy your coffee and breakfast.
Photography by Laura Bowman
Laura Bowman hopes to turn her love of reading and story telling into a career. She also loves cats, coffee, sports, and travelling when she can.


4 Comments
Robbie Patterson
Interesting. I will have to try some of these places out!
Jan Durst
I love Marvel Lattes …. and happily have some more experimenting to do in the neighbourhood as I’ve only visited two others!
Lia
Fiorentina Cafe!!!! Delicious coffee, baked goods and food!
Kelly
Great list! Don’t forget Rooster on Broadiew 🙂