I highly recommend this place very good and fresh sandwiches good service and everything is nice and clean

Stopped in for coffees. Lots of students for some strange reason. Bright with full-length windows. $9.63 CAD read more

Love their sandwiches and their house focaccia!! Lots of choice here for both salad and sandwiches. The big portion of sandwiches makes me so satisfied. Their coffee was so great too! The place is good too but you need to get the seats for yourself. The staff are nice too! read more

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Their sandwiches are divine! Home-made, melt in your mouth focaccia bread and delicious coffee await. The staff is very nice. I had the turkey sandwich with side beet salad. The meal was epic; portions are gigantic and the restaurant is busy for good reason. read more

L'espresso Bar Mercurio - Turkey sandwich with side beet salad - Cafes Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Large selection of sandwiches on homemade focaccia and other breads. I had their chicken parm sandwich special on focaccia which was delicious with two large pieces of breaded chicken, melty cheese and tomato sauce. It was messy to eat since the chicken kept on falling out, just the way it was positioned. Really good altho I kind of wanted more vegetables. Their lentil soup was great with some chickpeas as well and not super thick. Drinks are good as always. Great cafe! read more

We have been coming here on and off for many years. Off because of Covid years. Since then, many changes. For economic reasons, they changed the format. No more servers. Ordering from the counter only. Good variety of food. Latte portions are now one size (small), although still good flavour. Would be nice if they provided trays to carry food to tables... Tables crowded together for maximum occupancy. Discounts for university students. MAIN OBJECTION is the status of the washrooms which always need lots of attention and sadly require upgrading. Really no excuse for this. I think they are too cheap. Their customers deserve better ! read more

Absolutely perfect every time I am here. Lovely service. Wonderful sandwiches (breakfast and lunch). Gorgeous pastries. Inside and outside cafe remind me of the best parts of Europe morning culture. Truly perfect. Coming here changes my day for the better. read more

Not super impressed- the place looks gorgeous and the food looks amazing, but I found the coffee portion size small & not very flavorful for the price. Our coffee order was also incorrect. The place is also pretty crowded with tables extremely close together. I felt very rushed & was ready to leave as soon as we sat down which is a shame since it looks like such a nice spot! read more

This place is really cute and has a great vibe! I ordered a matcha latte and then went back the next day to order the pistachio cornetti and both were soooo delicious and fresh. I already ate half before I remembered to take a pic but just know it was worth it. I literally wanted to try everything it looked so good! Highly recommend anyone to go grab lunch or breakfast here and sit by the window and people watch like I did lol read more

I'm a huge fan of this place and during my week in Toronto ate several meals here. There are some very tasty sandwiches that are very yummy and generously-portioned, mostly served on great focaccia that's heated and pressed. I'm partial to Il Fiore, with prosciutto and burrata. A rotating cast of side salads offers other delicious options. It can get quite noisy in there, and the adorable little Italian car kinda gets in everyone's way, but the food and baked goods are quite good. read more

Ciao! Molto bravo! The food Is all scratch made, the coffee was crafted. Came for colazione and came back for pranzo! Super friendly and took care of is that was greatly appreciated. The portions are huge so come hungry but you will want to try one of everything. So close to the university, subway and a great place to people watch or get in and out. Grazie! Era molto buona! read more

I liked L'espresso Bar Mercurio! Located adjacent to the University of Toronto campus, this trendy and sleek coffee shop was an easy choice for me while staying nearby. I stopped here twice for drip coffees and croissants in the morning and was so impressed at how quickly the staff handled huge crowds. The impression I received was that this local business serves a high volume of people due to the university and adjacent hotels and conferences. I can't say enough great things about hard they were working. I tipped them both days. The drip coffee was strong and bold and my Mom exclaimed this was the best chocolate croissant she'd ever had. Amongst a sea of coffee chains, I really appreciated that they existed! It wasn't until my last day in Toronto that I discovered they had a beautiful, lush patio that would have been so dreamy to sit and relax on. It had lovely lush greenery and a charming feel. Make sure you find time to sit out there. read more

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Inside is a bit dirty (flies everywhere) and there are no prices displayed for the drinks. Other than that, it's a pretty standard cafe that serves both food and drinks. read more

Not good food, the staff were rude & the bathroom was really dirty......won't be back here

How do you start your vacation day downtown? Have an espresso martini at this bar which was delicious. Cool spot as you can either sit or stand up at bistro tables. We went on a snow storm and it was buzzing around with great people and tasty beverages. read more

L'espresso Bar Mercurio - Cafes Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I was attracted by the outdoor seating and the case of sandwiches and pastries, but disappointed in what I got--a salad special with blood orange and smoked salmon. The fennel, red onion, cucumber, and other vegetables were crudely chopped as if the prepared were looking somewhere else. There wasn't even half an orange. The Americano was ok but small. The chocolate mini Bundt cake was stale. As a solo diner, I had to carry these 3 items with my 2 hands. I asked for a tray and was told there were none. Yet later, a staff member used a tray to clear the outdoor tables. Bah! read more

I was staying at The Kimpton down the street and I just wanted a pastry/ latte and I found L'espresso. Not too sure why there are poor reviews; it's a standard coffee shop with pastries & some sandwiches. I loved how spacious it was and it's perfect for working. ENJOY! read more

Cute cafe, but they have a bit of an identity crisis. When I went on a Saturday afternoon it wasn't too busy. I get the feeling it was built for a crowd, but I didn't see it. For lunch the only food they have is what's in the deli counter. There were about 6 types of sandwiches and pastries. A few of the sandwiches looked like they were drying out (egg salad and tuna salad). I had the roast beef. The bread tasted homemade. The sandwich itself was a bit dry. I also had the tiramisu which was great but $8. Many of their items were gluten free. I ordered an iced espresso beverage to dine in. All drinks are served in a generic paper cup and come in one size. The prices were some of highest I paid in Toronto. The staff was friendly. What I wish is that they used their full kitchen. Offer sandwiches and salads made to order. They have a beautiful kitchen that's under used. It would also be great if they offered different size beverages. read more

L'espresso Bar Mercurio - Sandwiches and pastries. Only lunch options. - Cafes Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This is a casual place with plenty of seating - the big room with a full glass front and long counter and a side smaller quieter room with a few tables (probably can be used for private, small group functions). Came here at the recommendation of a local friend and described as being "trendy". It's also just a couple blocks on Bloor from our hotel - the Madison Manor - so very convenient. There's no table service, you order at the counter and food is brought to you when ready, drinks for self pick up at the counter. Limited menu, just a few items, would be better if they could offer some sort of meat or shrimp add-on for the ceasar salad. We had fish and chips, a hamburger special - both very food, the burger came with a tasty kale salad, making it a very healthy meal. The white meat fish was fried in a very crispy and light batter, fresh and tasty, with a generous amount of skinny fries and a slightly spicy sauce on the side. Our friend had the daily soup which is vegetable, quite a large bowl but a bit pricy at $9. Overall liked this place, which also offers an abundance of pastries and cookies - huge display case of everything - more American than European style, but good variety of breads and desserts - muffins, sliced pound cakes etc. Nice atmosphere. Very busy throughout lunchtime. read more

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I not really a person who makes comments on any apps , but the waitress in the coffee shop had absolute shit service: They forgot to make my order( while 3 other waitress were chitchatting behind the counter?) so I waited for 20min straight, and when I went and talk to them, it was the blonde waitress who told me to re-order again with a very bad attitude and told me I should wait again in line again?????? 2. The food did not come with utensils and I had to ask for it ?? read more

Can't comment on anything other than the coffee. I stopped by here every day for a week whilst attending a Rotman course and had a double flat white each time. Coffee was one of the best I have experienced in Toronto akin to what I have had in Melbourne. read more

L'espresso Bar Mercurio - The work of a master barista - Cafes Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This space is styled to feel like an outdoor cafe in Europe somewhere, complete with a vintage Fiat to greet you at the door. The decor is welcoming and airy, since the seating area is essentially an open space flanked by windows on almost all sides. The food was passable but relatively expensive for what was being served. A sandwich is around $14, while a full salad will set you back $17. So its an expensive lunch but a more reasonable light dinner? I had the soup and salad ($17), which I consider dinner prices but at lunch portion sizes. I would come back for a coffee and to work/read, but definitely not for a meal. The service is semi-self serve, you order at the bar, grab your own water and they bring your food to your table. They serve breakfast from 7:30 to 11am and then lunch from 11am to 7:30pm. No dinner..... because they serve 'lunch' until 7:30pm. read more

On Sunday March 17th 2024 at around 1pm, the male staff (5 foot 7 ish height, wearing a beanie hat) standing by the front door was extremely RUDE. I went in to the store to get a coffee but the line was extremely long. So, I got out planning to come back a little later when there's less people. This staff was extremely HOSTILE because I left the store without ordering. I've been coming to this place every Sunday for brunch for the past few years. Brought friends, spent hundreds of $$. Will NEVER come back here again. read more

Super cute location at the bottom of the Woodsworth residence in U of T. They have a super french vibe, with the little Fiat parked inside for show and French accordion music playing in the background. Too bad they're insanely overpriced. 5 dollars for one square inch of pasty? No thanks. read more

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Food and service were good, but the Bloor street was on construction in August. It was so noisy that I could hardly hear what my companion was talking about, even if we sit inside. read more

I went to Bar Mercurio for lunch with my husband and I thought it was a fancy place until I had to line up at the counter and order like a cafeteria. Then I had to wait at the bar until my drink order came up. I don't mind doing that if the prices reflect the service. I ordered two glasses of wine and two prosciutto sandwiches and the total was $69 and some change. For a cafeteria! The wine was fine and when we finally got our sandwiches there was only one slice of prosciutto in it. One thin slice! They should rename the sandwich arugula sandwich with the essence of ham. So I was not impressed. Yelp you need to change the description of this restaurant to have $$$$$ - because it is very expensive for what you get and the service you get. I have seriously had better service and food at A&W. read more

My first negative revue. I used to come here at least once a week and used to enjoy it very much. The staff is always pleasant and the food used to be of good quality. I assume there was a managerial change or a different chef because the quality of their food has drastically decreased. I recently got a brunch salad to go and there was only 1 egg (usually 2), the toast advertised as toasted wasn't and there was a liquide residue at the bottom of my dish (didn't drain the poached eggs?). Convenient location and kind staff, but they should really do something about their food (either decrease the price to match the quality or increase the quality to match the price) read more

L'espresso Bar Mercurio - Unidentified liquid at the bottom of my dish. - Cafes Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Came here for brunch on a weekday and it was really busy. There was a sign that says please wait to be seated but really you just find a table and order at the counter. Find a table fist cos they ask you for your table number when you order at the counter (How was I suppose to know?) The cashier had a bit of attitude. There were servers walking around bringing out the food who checked up on the table next to us if everything was ok then gave them hot sauce upon request, but they don't go around to all the tables--we could've used some ketchup but decided to live without it. Food was pricey and it was just A-ok... literally not-bad. read more

L'espresso Bar Mercurio - Cafes Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The cafe located next to U of T and also in Yorkville. I figured if it was located next to U of T, it should be fairly cheap right? Yeah, I was wrong. I forgot I was also close to Yorkville. I paid around $12 for a smoothie, which is a bit on the pricier end. However, what I liked was you got to completely customize your smoothie and all the ingredients they used were fresh (none of that pre-mixed or pre-blended stuff). You could tell that all the ingredients were of high quality. In addition to the smoothies, they also had a proper sit down breakfast as well with many options as well. Not sure if they had vegan options, but I'm trying to review this from an overall perspective. Would I go again? Sure, maybe once every few weeks to get some smoothies, but not an every week thing, because $12+ is a bit too much for a smoothie (though you could pick as many ingredients as you wanted). read more

I have literally never enjoyed coming here. Not only is the coffee here horrible, but I associate way too many traumatizing academic meetings and departmental meetings with this place. Also, they don't do iced coffee. What kind of place doesn't do iced coffee? read more

This place is great! I'm puzzled as to why the majority of reviews have been so mediocre. Although please note, I only enjoyed a quick latte and small pastry there with my husband on a Saturday afternoon. The espresso was decent and the selection of vegan and gluten free baked goods was impressive. The friendliness of the staff left a little to be desired, but not a big deal. It was nice to sit at a marble top table for two in front of the window and people watch whole drinking out of real mugs. A nice change of pace from the typical Starbucks experience. read more

L'espresso Bar Mercurio - Cafes Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I've been coming here frequently as of late, to meet photographers and other vendors for wedding. It's great because it's walking distance from my place, easy to find, it's got Free Wifi, and great selection of teas, pastries and snacks. Tea's are a bit expensive, but they are quality and comes in a cast iron pot, refillable with hot water. They have an extensive bunch of pastries and gluten free / vegan sweetness. We usually sit on the west end, because it's a small nook that's private-ish. They don't seem to turn on the lights in this area, unless requested and it gets really dark. We asked them to turn them on, and only the pot lights came on. They close at 8pm (early!) and they turned on all the lights today to kick us out, but it was great lighting! I think if they opened later, they would get more folks in there who want to work, and finding starbucks too cramped. read more

Such a cute little cafe, filled with all things delicious. The entrance is decorated with a life size car, and under the hood is a variety of the cafes products so you can purchase things to take away with you if necessary. There's no table service here - you decide what you want and go order at the service bar. The pastries, chocolates and other treats are displayed in a large glass fronted cabinet, allowing you to see firsthand what's on offer. There is also a vast meal and drinks menu. My friend and I had only popped in for a drink and sweet treat. I ordered a green tea and blueberry smoothie and their cup of chocolate mousse. The chocolate mousse was smooth and delicoous, so much so that it melted in my mouth, I hoped it would never end. If you're in need of a sugar fix, this is the perfect place to try :) read more

L'espresso Bar Mercurio - Chocolate mousse - Cafes Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This place was really awesome when it first opened a few years ago. They had a delicious brunch menu, and very solid cafe beverages. Unfortunately, the menu has been dumbed down significantly. The brunch is very "bare bones". The price is a bit high. The coffee is damn good, but you're paying a significant premium for the privilege. (If you can get a good student discount, then hit it.) On the plus side, this place has a good atmosphere, and the servers are friendly in my experience. read more

I've stopped in here a few times when I was running from work to school and needed something to keep me going. This place is super convenient for U of T students on the go. Although my visits here are never very long, my experiences have been pretty good. Because of its prime location, it can get really busy really fast at certain times of the day, so sometimes you can spend a while waiting in line, or there won't be any room to sit because of all the students working on their class work. The menu is quite extensive, they have a ton of different things to choose from- coffee, tea, cocktails, and food. I've only had tea and some pastries when I was here and I have no complaints about that. The baristas seem to know what they're doing and they're good at that. Mad respect for pouring as many drinks as they do during the rush times. My only downside is that I can never find anywhere to sit because it's so busy all the time. I would recommend it though if you're a person on the go! read more

Had a brunch date today and I wish we had gone elsewhere. The service was terrible- neglectful waiters and slow delivery of food and bill. Noticed a few wrong orders and our bill had to be corrected as well. Cannot recommend l'Espresso Panino. The menu said scrambled egg but it was microwaved/omelet like texture. Lots of spinach (yay), not enough aged cheddar (boo!). The eggs rested on a cranberry scone that was tasty but all these flavours did not marry well. Side of bacon saved the day. I RECOMMEND- the salmon kale salad. Friend had it and it looked basic but light and refreshing, perfect for a hot day. She rather enjoyed it EXTRA TIP- Latte was standard, OJ was good, pass on the mimosa read more

L'espresso Bar Mercurio - Cafes Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

You get delicious coffee and they don't charge any extra for their "you're a shitty dirt bag son of a bitch" attitude! Customer service sucks serious rocks, but the coffee is done correct. So much so, I actually went back twice while I was in town for work for more coffee - and complimentary attitude! I'd even go back again. read more

Stand at the "wait to be seated sign" so someone can find you a table. Once they give you a table number you can proceed to the cash and order. You pay for your food at the cash. If you order food you pay and you may proceed to your table, they will bring your food. If you order drinks the you wait and get them at the bar. If you order both then you take your drink and juggle it with all your stuff as you find your table. They bring the food to your table. Complicated enough yet? I guess it's pretty simple if you're getting takeout. I still like the food here and frequent the place. They have a good gluten free selection and you get 10% off if you're a student. The food comes fast so it's still good even if you're in a hurry. It usually doesn't feel this complicated for me as this nice man (his name escapes me at the moment but I swear I knew it!!) intercepts you in line and gives you a table number. Today however he wasn't here. I got to the cash only to be turned away and sent to the "wait to be seated line" somewhat rudely. I was given a table after the hostess had to explain about 3 times to another group of people how the system works and they still looked pretty confused. I finally sat at my table, got my food and thoroughly enjoyed my kale and chickpea soup, Caprese Salad and Immunizer drink (carrot juice, ginger, kale and lemon I believe ). read more

L'espresso Bar Mercurio - Cafes Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

-The short version- Lovely atmosphere, kind and attentive staff, and a nice cortado. I also had a Chef's special from the lunch menu: a mushroom, roasted red pepper and chicken crepe, which was also good, slightly too salty. It's expensive here, but a nice treat now and then. -The long version- Atmosphere: The space is very nice and classy. Perfect for any casual business meetings, and I witnessed a few. Food and Drink: I ordered the Chef's Special -a mushroom, roasted red pepper and chicken crepe - for $17. It was good, a little on the salty side for my taste but I was very impressed with the portion size. I couldn't finish it all. I also had a cortado. It's hard to mess that up; it was well done, with some cute latte art on it. Their quality for each drink is consistent: my friends all ordered different gourmet coffees and teas, and the presentation was well done each time. There are nice small pastries to choose from, mostly dry, such as biscotti or cookies. This espresso bar is pricey, one small biscotti was $3. Service: The cashiers/baristas are very friendly. The server immediately took in my request for a bigger table, despite it being "reserved". They don't bother you and check up on you too often, which I liked. There was a 12% gratuity added onto my bill automatically, so I technically didn't have to worry about tipping. Although some (including myself) may not appreciate that, but I think the service they provided me with was deserving of at least that much. It would be another story entirely if the service wasn't good. Overall: A nice place for coffee, albeit expensive, so it's not for your everyday/grab-n-go coffee needs. There are other nicer places close by near the Yorkville area...If you do go here, you won't be disappointed, but you won't be in awe either. read more

I left this place feeling very grumpy. So like most miserable people, I'm going to write a review. From the outside, this place looks kind of intriguing, though I've walked by it for 7 years without ever going in. Today I went inside. First of all, L'espresso Bar Mercurio is very unattractive inside...but as the saying goes, don't judge a restaurant by its inside. Other than being overpriced, getting my order wrong and being rude, the coffee was surprisingly not good at all. I drank my pale brown water and spilt a bit on my shirt. I was super annoyed to say the least. Then, I got a parking ticket! But that's unrelated to this, and I will have to complain elsewhere about that. Anyways, Have a nice day everyone. I do not recommend L'espresso Bar Mercurio. read more