Noble Coffee Co. is a charming boho coffee shop hangout at the corner of Bloor and Sterling. Come here for happy pastel vibes and cooking and baking that isn’t afraid of butter. It’s owned by Megan Jones and Tim Pritchard of the Gaslight bar across the road along with Liz Rohrich.

This cafe replaced Sterling Social, a similar concept but one that seemed far less well populated despite also offering full sandwiches and snacks like tacos along with coffee. It sits next to Nonna’s Place, a classic no-frills Italian sandwich shop.

It’s nice to see what should definitely be a coveted corner spot looking bright, lively and full, with cool touches like chandeliers, kitschy upholstered stools, fun shelving, a retro fridge, and cloth handkerchiefs for napkins.

They brew exclusively using Rufino, an Ontario-based roaster that’s been around since the 70s. A standard latte costs $3.75.

The breakfast sammy ($5) has bacon and egg so you know you’re getting your protein for the day, but with some nice greens and tomato in there too for a balanced, nutritional feel that’s a little light. Plus, it’s all warm from the panini press.

They also do little sourdough egg cups here, which are cheap ($4) but I expected them to be made hot to order. Surprisingly they don’t lose anything by being cold: the egg isn’t runny but it’s still soft and the honey braised peppers, shallots and wilted spinach are outstanding. It's like grabbing a to-go slice of quiche or a savoury muffin.

Soups change up on the daily here, but they’re always vegan. They come in two sizes, small ($4) and large ($6). This one was a tomato black bean soup that was comforting but with a spicy kick. They come with “toppers” rather than crackers or bread, like this mix of nacho chips and pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds.

Sandwiches change up here as well, but not as regularly. I hope this chicken sandwich ($10) on a spongy Ace Bakery bun doesn’t change too soon: it’s creamy and hearty, the chicken drenched in a Costa Rican sauce called Lizano, complemented by zingy house pimento, a roasted garlic black bean spread, and crunchy romaine and pickled onions.

There’s a mix of low and high seating, with ledges up against the tall windows that are perfect for contemplation as you ponder how to start the next chapter of your novel.