Toronto

This laid back, unpretentious spot smack in the middle of Little Italy on the College West strip has become an institution for coffee lovers and is often used as a set for film makers. In the afternoon, the tables fill with local folk pouring intensely over movie reviews, writing, or chatting amicably while sipping long double espressos or lattes from pint-sized glasses.

It’s very rarely quiet at this quaint spot in Kensington market, one of the few shops where you can enjoy some 50 different varieties of organic, freshly roasted and fair trade coffee. Head there on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, and don’t forget to order the popular “nana” bread (banana bread)!

This popular coffee house is nestled in the old Pump House of the historic Distillery District and is probably the closest you’ll get to a European coffee house in Toronto. The dark wood and raw stone interior lends a Paris café ambiance to this hidden-in-epic-proportions gem. Stylized posters, in the Toulouse-Lautrec and Cheret realm, grace the walls, while a huge chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

Il Fornello boasts authentic wood oven baked pizzas, but other Italian food options are available to order (dessert included). The restaurant's concept is quality cooking with fresh, simple ingredients (pizzas prepared Neapolitan style).

Snakes & Lattes is a spot that offers a fun pass time to go with your snack and coffee - shelves filled with board games adorn the walls, and café guests are welcome to choose from the variety. Get here early to secure a spot, as the café tends to fill up quickly.