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Cafes

Crema Coffee (Danforth)

  • Currently 2.86/5

Rating: 2.9/5 (36 votes)

Posted by Robyn Urback / Reviewed on June 8, 2011

Crema DanforthCrema Coffee has arrived on the Danforth, and the community is receiving it with open arms. While it's not exactly a traditional Greentown addition (but neither is Mark's Work Warehouse, or Legs Beautiful, for that matter), it is filling the void of independent espresso bars on this stretch of the Danforth. Occupying the former space of Sweet Tooth Bakery, I was curious to see what Crema would do with the narrow, somewhat awkward layout.

Crema DanforthBut when I walked in, I found it fresh and inviting. The front window was pulled up, letting the breeze cool the table near the door, and a bright red bench was paired with a few Douglas Fir tables with chairs on the opposite side. The bar was in the middle, separating the entrance from the seating at the back, which had a more secluded feel.

Crema DanforthThis Crema has virtually the same menu as its Junction and Yonge and Bloor predecessors, with 49th Parallel coffee and baked goods from Circles & Squares and other local providers (including Bunner's for vegan treats). But according to owner Geoff Polci, this Crema actually could have been the first one.

Crema Danforth"I always had my eye on the Danforth," Geoff tells me as I sip a cortado ($3.25). It's quite strong, but very creamy and not at all bitter. Unfortunately, no Clover here.

"I almost opened the first one here. It's a great area for walk-bys, and that's every day of the week. The rent was just too much when I started looking."

Crema DanforthThis Crema has the same roster of espresso drinks including Americanos ($3.00), cappuccinos ($3.25), soy lattes ($4.10) and more, and will soon be introducing pour over coffee. There's also organic loose leaf herbal, green, and black teas, as well as hot chocolate and hot chocolate for kids, which Geoff tells me is kid-sized and "not too hot" to avoid burning.

Crema DanforthFans of the Crema panino can also rejoice; Crema Danforth has chicken ($8.65), goat cheese, and prosciutto ($8.65) panini, the latter of which is unique to this location. And while Crema Danforth may be the new kid on the block right now, look for another Crema/Freshii combination at Spadina and Richmond sometime soon.

Crema DanforthCrema DanforthCrema DanforthCrema DanforthCrema Coffee (Danforth) offers free WiFi and is open Mon-Sat 7:30-9:30 and Sun 8-8

Photos by Dennis Marciniak

Discussion

13 Comments

Jess / June 9, 2011 at 11:41 am
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Great coffee and friendly staff! Good luck in the east end Crema!
Steve Keys / June 9, 2011 at 11:20 pm
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I'll have to check them out. Junction Crema is great.
Jan Silverthorne / June 10, 2011 at 08:31 am
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While I can't wait to try the brew at Crema with your recommendation, I can't help but comment on your "finally the Danforth has a decent coffe shop" declaration. Obviously you haven't tried The One, the neighbouring cafe attached to infamous pub "The Only" located at Donlands and the Danforth. Please give it a try. Therein lies a fine brew with ambiance that can only be compared to its sister pub's.
Cheers!
Jan Silverthorne / June 10, 2011 at 08:34 am
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Whoops, just noticed your (west of Pape) addition. Sorry. Oh well "The One" is still worth a try to those of you who haven't!
Fiorio / June 22, 2011 at 02:21 am
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The coffee was good but the owner and staff came off pretentious. It's a bit pricey for the neighbourhood. Not bad but nothing to rave about either.
Tim / July 26, 2011 at 05:49 pm
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Two words: awesome coffee. If you have time, try the pourover.
Kelly / July 26, 2011 at 08:59 pm
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Crema has the best coffee in the city!
Ted / July 26, 2011 at 09:07 pm
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This is now my official top spot for cappuccino in the city, and epic espresso that is naturally sweet and rich, and buttertarts that have earned an exemption on my diet. Grew up in the east end near danforth and might have stayed there if Crema had been there.
steve / July 26, 2011 at 10:30 pm
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I am a huge coffee lover and I have to say there is no coffee better in Toronto than Crema... I love that I no longer have to travel across town to the Junction to get my Crema fix! - Keep up the good work Crema!
Tom / July 27, 2011 at 01:16 pm
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Wow! What a jewel tucked into my favorite Danforth block. The simple clean interior is a nice break from wall to wall consumerism so you know you are getting drinks made with care by a specialist. Just enjoyed a fantastic drink there with a friend and will go back again and again.
Momo / September 1, 2011 at 10:22 am
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I gave them a shot and I overpaid for a cup of burnt tasting cappuccino. Not sure if I'll go back
SJohns / October 3, 2011 at 01:43 am
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The place seemed a little stark when we visited but the coffee was great. If only the feel of the original Crema could come to the Danforth as well.
Nikolas / January 19, 2012 at 04:48 pm
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Just stepped in to grab a coffee here a few days ago. Nice spot, friendly staff, and my coffee was mighty nice and fresh - give it go.

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