5 new cafes in Toronto you need to try at least once

Cafes in Toronto are spots you need to identify in every neighbourhood, just in case that urge for caffeination hits you unexpectedly. Even if you don't drink caffeine, cafes are some of the best spots in the city to snap a pic for your next photo dump or catch up on your book.

Though it's very much normal, and indeed encouraged, to develop an undying loyalty to your local cafe and its baristas, the city yields so many new spots every few months that it's only fair to branch out and try something new.

In recent months, the city has seen a particularly impressive lineup of new spots, like a vintage-inspired coffee shop with an indoor fountain and a reservations-only, eight-seat coffee experience that any self-respecting caffeine fiend ought to explore.

Here are five new cafes in Toronto that you need to try at least once.

Cafe Russo

Specialty coffee, ceremonial grade matcha and a non-stop vinyl soundtrack are all on the menu at this groovy new cafe and listening lounge on Roncesvalles Avenue.

The funky, sunlit room is adorned in a mix of minimal and mid-century modern furniture, and a similar juxtaposition can be found in the cafe's menu, where simple staples like cold brew and drip coffee meet more playful options like a whipped maple sea salt latte.

Botanic Coffee & Caphe

If you think that the appeal ends with the interiors at this almost unbelievably whimsical Queen West coffee shop, think again.

Betwixt the indoor fountain, overfilled bookcases and wall of vinyl records, you'll find equally imaginative drinks and treats, like a lychee rose matcha latte, a coco matcha cloud and an impressive lineup of affogatos.

Plush Cafe and Bar

This West Queen West cafe, situated right across the street from Trinity Bellwoods Park, lives three different lives over the course of the average day.

At the front, a quick-service cafe counter serves a colourful collection of coffee- and matcha-based beverages, like the sweet and floral lavender matcha latte, while the back space alternates between brunch and bar service depending on the time of day.

Heytea Lab

If you're stuck trying to find this inventive offshoot of international tea chain Heytea in the Eaton Centre, just look for the enormous lineup that's almost certain to be emanating from it at any time of day.

Experimental beverages that combine quality teas and flavoured foams (hello, yuzu) are the modus operandi here, though you may know it better for being the tea shop that serves a drink topped with caviar — actual caviar.

Roasters Pack Lab

Think of the operations at this new Junction Triangle coffee lab like the cafe equivalent of fine dining. It's reservations only, features only eight seats, and you'll get unparalleled education from the Roasters Pack's talented team about what you're really drinking.

It's not the sort of place you simply stop into for your morning cup of joe, but it's certainly not one you'll want to miss either.