Coffee shops for a first date in Toronto should provide an ambiance that suits your personalities. They may even reveal a bit about you or your potential hook-up and lend topics of conversation to save you from awkward silences.

Here are my picks for the top coffee shops for a first date in Toronto.

See also:

The top 10 restaurants for a first date in Toronto
The top 10 dessert spots for a first date in Toronto

Rooster Coffee House
Rooster on Broadview is just a lovely place for hanging out in general, but since it's also situated on the edge of Riverdale Park East, the bonus is a nice view of the city's skyline - always a good gateway to romance. And if you're feeling a mutual attraction post-coffee, you can also saunter down to Chester Hill lookout - one of the best make-out spots in town.

Early Bird Espresso & Brew Bar
This happening cafe near Queen and Bathurst boasts a sweet rooftop patio that many people aren't even aware exists. While offering a bit of quiet respite from the bustle of the city, it can also provide a secluded space for the two of you to get to know each other sans other distractions.

Boxcar Social
If you're looking for an interesting convo-starter, this Summerhill cafe/bar with curated coffees offers tasting flights of its brews, pour-overs and espressos. There's also a more-than-decent selection of wine, beer, scotch and bourbon should you feel so inclined to transition over to booze.

Odin
Contemporary design fans will love this space in Corktown, so suggesting this cafe to anyone with a subscription to Dwell guarantees you'll leave a good first impression. With an appealingly Nordic influence, if your date doesn't win you over (or vice versa), the place itself will at least. Great coffee, snacks and a 15-seat licensed patio totally seal the deal.

Cabin Fever Collective
Are you and your date music snobs who only listen to vinyl? Bond over caffeine while browsing LPs at this cute cafe/record shop/art gallery by High Park, and find out whether your tastes align and you're a musical match made in heaven. (Sublime in Kensington is a good option for this as well.)

Milano Coffee
A bright but narrow space, this is Toronto's first location of a well-known West Coast coffee brand that began in Vancouver. Proposing Milano for a meet-up might make your date feel more at ease with a familiar flavour of home if s/he's from that part of Canada. You may even win some brownie points for such a considerate gesture.

El Almacen
For some South American flare, you can do no better than this cafe on West Queen West that specializes in yerba mate. Get to know each other as you swap stories of trips to Buenos Aires or Montevideo (or at least your desire to travel there) while also swapping spit - drinking a shared mate, and don't forget to try the empanadas and alfajores.

Istanbul Cafe
Transport yourselves to Turkey at this inviting Yonge & Eglinton coffee shop that's filled with exotic and enticing eats and beverages that are sure to engage the interest of both you and your date - and possibly even lead to a mutual interest in each other. Cozy up to the fireplace with some Turkish coffee and baklava for an instant touch of romance.

Clafouti
You and your date can pretend you're both in Paris, the city of love, at this institution across from Trinity Bellwoods. Set the perfect mood as you sip your cafe au lait and split a namesake clafouti (or Crookie, if you must) while spouting très chic repartee at each other, and if things seem promising, keep things going with a romantic walk in the park afterwards.

Youngplace Coffee Pub
Artscape Youngplace, housed in a former public school near Shaw and Dundas, is a must-see for the artistically inclined, and there's no better spot to kickstart your possible love connection than at its coffee pub. If you hit if off, exhibits in the building are a fun way to determine if you're also on the same wavelength art-wise.

Thanks to Lavalife for sponsoring this post. Enter their contest for a chance to win a dinner and a movie night out for two.

What did I miss? Add your favourite coffee shops for a first date in the comments. Photo of Early Bird by Morris Lum.