Home Canada Ontario Cafes Avenue Cafe Bistro Cafes

Avenue Cafe Bistro

3.9 218 reviews 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM 488 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1V6, Canada

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Avenue Cafe Bistro is a delightful find located at 488 University Ave, Toronto. This café transcends the typical coffee shop experience, boasting an impressive array of culinary offerings alongside its renowned espresso, often touted as the "best in town" by customers like Julian0. The staff—particularly Julia, Enny, and Francis—have garnered praise for their friendliness, enhancing the inviting atmosphere that patrons adore. Reviews speak highly of signature items like the vanilla iced latte and flaky croissants, with the chocolate almond variant standing out as a must-try. Mahima Saini's enthusiastic recommendation of the kale pasta exemplifies the café's commitment to innovative dishes, while Pilar Munoz highlights the chefs who introduce new lunch options weekly, ensuring freshness and variety. The ambiance, paired with attentive service from staff such as Andrea, Catherine, and John, creates a warm, welcoming environment. Louisa Yue-Chan points out the convenience of the elevator for easy access and the sunny patio that invites you to linger. With its combination of scrumptious food, exceptional service, and a cozy setting, Avenue Cafe Bistro is undoubtedly a hidden gem that beckons you to return time and again.

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Great coffee
  • Great tea selection

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining
  • Good for working on laptop

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Avenue Cafe Bistro before visiting.

Reviews for Avenue Cafe Bistro

3.9
218 reviews
5
100%
4
47%
3
15%
2
13%
1
27%

Review highlights

Based on 218 reviews

Avenue Cafe Bistro in downtown Toronto consistently receives praise for its exceptional coffee and diverse food offerings, making it a favored spot among locals and visitors alike. Reviewers highlight the quality and freshness of pastries and meals, with particular appreciation for unique menu items and weekly rotating lunch dishes. The cafe’s inviting atmosphere is enhanced by friendly, attentive staff known for their warm service and personalized attention, contributing to a welcoming dining experience. The presence of accessible seating options, including an upstairs dining area and a sunny patio, further complements the comfortable environment. Overall, Avenue Cafe Bistro is recognized as a charming establishment that combines delicious food, excellent coffee, and attentive service, creating a hidden gem feel within the city’s vibrant cafe scene.

JULIAN0 ;
Jul 01, 2025

Best espresso coffee in town, great food as well. The staff is super friendly. Julia, Enny and Francis are the kindest people ever.

Hithasha Kurera
Jun 18, 2025

I’ve gone here twice. The first time I went here, we got an vanilla iced latte upon the recommendation of the barista and it was really good. She was really accommodating at the time. Today we went back and we were so happy to see the same barista helping us. We specifically went to get the croissants and they did not disappoint! It was delicious and flaky! I got the chocolate almond croissant! The location and the ambient of the restaurant is plus points!! I would definitely go again!

Mahima Saini
Jun 13, 2025

This cafe is a hidden gem!!! Went down for a coffee just to find a whole restaurant on second floor. The amazing food options makes you want to buy everything off the menu. The kale pasta was AMAZING!!! 10/10 would recommend this place.

Pilar Munoz
May 21, 2025

A hidden gem in downtown Toronto: The service at this cafe is exceptional. Andrea, Catherine, and John are always kind and welcoming, their attention to detail and ability to stream line service is outstanding. The food is always fresh and deliciously prepared. The Chef and his team create different lunch dishes weekly, and aim to accommodate costumer's requests.

Louisa Yue-Chan
May 04, 2025

Glad to find this gem - friendly service, fresh pastries and good coffee. There's an elevator to access upstairs seating and washrooms. Also a sunny patio. Will definitely come back.

Kanchan Sainani
Apr 10, 2025

A beautiful cafe with a vibrant vibe and friendly staff. This is my regular stop for coffee. We tried their food for the first time today and absolutely loved it. The chicken in the sandwich was moist and tender. The tomato basil soup and the garlic bread was refreshing. Will definitely come back! EDIT: We did come back! Tried their wild mushroom pizza and can say it was the best we've ever had! The veggie sandwich and KFC (Korean fried chicken burger) were on point too! Julia was lovely as usual and served us coffee and dessert on the house to add to our celebratory lunch! My favourite place for a delicious meal, amazing coffee and for having a lovely time! Thank you!

V K
Mar 30, 2025

Great place for lunch, consistently good service and great food no matter what you get. I highly recommend their soups of the day and salads, value for the price. Their coffee is good as well, but nothing to rave too much about. Lovely casual place overall.

Gabby Tiwari
Mar 25, 2025

The service here was incredible. Andrea definitely made the mundane task of going to a cafe much more enjoyable with her friendly demeanour. I will 100% coming back.

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Quick info

Address
488 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1V6, Canada
Price range
$10–20
Category
Cafes

Opening hours

  • Monday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday (Today) 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Location

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