Great coffee and space. Service was quick and drinks tasted like a good cup of coffee. there's a good amount of space in this cafe. They also offer pastries and sandwiches if needed and they have a wall of accessories/goodies if needed. I'd comeback if i was in the area. I didn't get to try any pastries this time around but maybe next time. read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I've popped in here a couple of times. It's a cute little coffee shop to sit or to go. They have really good veggie breakfast sandwiches with a little kick of siracha mayo. They have egg, tomato and arugula on a biscuit. I actually prefer them to the meat ones which are just bacon and egg. read more

How cute is this joint! A place where they give you food in real china..Ahhhmazing. things I noticed right away were..choices of gluten free items, alternative almond/soymilk options..brass ceiling with Restorating Hardware style light fixtures hanging down, and "Helen Mahler's" photographs for sale enveloping the walls... I ordered their cheese croissant which was made for tiny petite women (what is up with gigantic size croissants everywhere, our mouths need a bit of resting in the morning if you know what am saying)..it was flaky and fresh, and did I mention petite... I also ordered an almond milk cappuccino which was on the mild size of strong...so I dunno how many beans died for my cup..but it still woke me up.. so it wasn't bad. Cost for both items in total under 10 bucks as in round that 9$ right down.. Yes this place has succeeded in igniting my caffeine craving this morning! read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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LiT has become my new 'go to' coffee shop (have been here many times in the last month alone). I was first introduced to LiT back in 2010 at a Yelp event; I was really impressed, but the location was a little out of the way for me. Anyway, I was super stoked to hear that they were opening in my 'hood. It's a great place to sit and relax while enjoying a cup of coffee. If you're meeting a friend or two, don't worry as there's a lot of tables to sit at. The WiFi is a great bonus when you're here to get some work done alone. The service is always great and they make a pretty good Americano. I have also tried a number of their treats. On the weekends, they sell Gloryhole Doughnuts so make sure to get here early before they sell out. I also have tried their cannoli and scones; both of which are delicious. The only food item that you can skip would be the grilled cheese ... it needs more cheese. Good for: coffee/tea, snacks read more

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South Bayview just got a lot cooler. As a major fan of the Lit over the last few years, I was excited to see the new location in this upscale neighbourhood. The ambience is similar to the College and Roncy spots, but definitely improved. A beautifully copper tiled ceiling, comfortable seats, a really nice bar at the end of the counter for a quick sip of espresso, and the nicest/most knowledgable coffee staff in the city. A great selection of sandwiches and treats (I had a fresh filled cannoli...the shells are shipped in from Italy every week). Not too far from the Brickworks, so if you're over on Bayview keep on truckin' up to 1517. read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Nice name for a coffeehouse! I like the concept a lot but it's just like every other coffee shop in the city. The portions are pretty small but the coffee is really tasty. They have nice ground beans and fun clothing that can be purchased at their store. There's only a couple of tables and it's usually too full - especially if you want to go for a couple of hours to get some work done! read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The most amazing brownie I've ever had in my life. Made by their own baker from argentina... his moustache was one of champions. This cafe is not only a house of pure joy... but the best coffee shop I've ever been to... Do you wonder if unicorns exist??? Come to lit... it's proof they do. read more

Nice coffee, friendly staff, cool environment. I like everything about this place I just wished they had power outlets.

Wasn't a fan of their flat white. Beans tasted straight-up acidic (somehow with a bit of a floral note in it?), and a lot of milk is needed to bring it to a drinkable state. The only redeeming factor are the Gloryhole Doughnuts they sell there on Saturdays. I had completely underestimated them (they're kind of small compared to a regular Timmies donut) BUT OH MY GOODNESS are they DAMN GOOD. Purchased a salted caramel donut and my life was forever changed. Perfectly fried dough (light and airy, and not greasy in the slightest) with a caramel pastry cream (very smooth, creamy and not too sweet). It came topped with a caramel glaze, and a couple flakes of sea salt - not so much that you were overwhelmed with a salty flavour, but just enough to reign in the creaminess of the pastry cream and offset the sweetness of the caramel glaze. I've been having dreams about that doughnut, it was so good. And I don't even usually like salted caramel things! Would not come back again for their coffee, but I am glad it introduced me to Gloryhole Doughnuts! Now THAT'S a place I wouldn't mind visiting again! read more

Love the quality coffee and friendly staff! I definitely recommend people looking for great coffee and cozy community cafe :)

Best independent specialty coffee shop in the neighbourhood. Fantastic vibe, coffee tastes great along with baked goods made in house. Their sandwiches are yummy along with soup if you are lucky to get one. Friendly staffs and just a great place to sit in or to get your favourite drinks. My favourite is matcha, mocha and iced caramel latte! read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Matcha with Mango chia pudding! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Small but nice cafe on Bayview. I recommend the cortado! It's lit. (Sorry I had to) read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Welcome to Leaside Lit! It's awesome to have such a great cafe join the neighborhood. These guys are actually coffee scientists and as I learned this morning, they run all kinds of tests with amazing tools like a coffee refractometer to make sure their coffee is equally delicious every day. I'm not usually a coffee drinker, but their late this morning was truly Devine! Their pastries are all baked in house and their juice is cold-pressed and delicious. Beyond these great products and lovely location, the very friendly staff will keep you coming back! read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Apparently, "lit" is not a reference to literature. This coffee shop has covered all of their outlets in an attempt to dissuade writers from plugging in their laptops. Their staff is friendly and their teas are high quality, but I've been shown (not told) I'm not wanted here. read more

Lit is a nice place. The latte there was good, but not amazing. The prices are fairly average compared to other third wave coffee shops. The staff were friendly and pretty helpful. read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Flat white - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Thank goodness for another "non-Starbucks". No more caramel + extra hot + double shot vanilla + soy + no foam + whipped cream fat people americano latte. read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I tried this place out this morning and I really liked it. The store service was super fast and coffee extras (honey lots of sugar) etc were great. :). I will go back. read more

First time experience and it's wonderful. Drink selection is quite good with flat whites, cortados, macchiatos but stuck with my usual latte. Aromatic, not too strong and closely to perfect cause it went down so smoothly. Selection of fresh sandwhiches and loaf. Highly recommend the banana chocolate chip. Rustic and cozy ambiance and staffs were really friendly. Will definitely come back just for the coffee. read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Brunch with family at lit cafe :) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Service is slow and employee barked at me that the washrooms were closed like I was a criminal. How was I supposed to know - there was no sign up saying it was closed. Another time faulty cup lid dumped my espresso in my lap while I was driving. Not impressed. read more

Finally a real coffee shop in the neighbourhood. Now we have a good local option without having to walk all the way out to De Mello. Had a cortado and it was quite good. The grapefruit olive oil cake was excellent. The croissants were average but that was expected (go across the street to Rahier for the best croissants in the city). Unfortunately they sold out of donuts - guess I gotta come in the morning next time. Overall a great spot to grab a quick caffeine fix. Just wish they had extended hours (closes at 6pm daily). Welcome to the neighbourhood Lit. *** updated review *** From 4 stars to 3 stars Great that it's close to home but the beans they use are very average and they won't consider using other roasters. Not a fan of the "Italian style roasting." Many better beans/roasters available locally. read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Cortado, cappuccino, grapefruit and olive oil cake and a croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Delicious vanilla latte and Saturday donuts. Best place for takin a break! Beautiful interior. read more

Lit Espresso Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Overall not a great experience. The staff were slightly rude when I was ordering (not welcoming) and were extremely loud and obnoxious while my friend and I were trying to work (you wouldn't think they were at work the way they were behaving!). And the food and drink were very expensive for what you get. I got a cortado for $5 ish and it was the size of a small espresso. The vegan cookie was decent, but very small for the price. Would not recommend unless you don't mind loud staff while you work and paying a pretty penny for very little food/drink. There are many other cafes in the area for better prices, with better staff and better atmosphere. read more

I visited on a Saturday. There was plenty of space and my friend and I snagged a table to study for a couple hours. The cafe was never full, perfect for staying a few hours. However I got their cappuccino and it was extremely bitter (rancid). My friend, who is a regular, says their cappuccinos are usually better. read more

Pretty good coffee, flat white made quite well and no stupid sizes. They even use the same cups as me, all the way from New Zealand. Same barista each time - he works too hard! Best in the area. Joe the creator of Lit Espresso now runs Pig Iron Roasters and so Lit use their beans. Pretty nice roasts, but not my favourite, but I'm fussy ;-) Defo rate lit espresso one of the best. read more

Why on earth would a coffee shop dissuade it's patrons attendance by COVERING THE OUTLETS? When I asked if they had a plug I was informed there was one behind the counter and for employee use only - not their fault but come ON management. read more

My first visit to this well decorated and bound to be popular cafe. I always use a cortado to test new coffee bars and this one was over extracted and sour. Will try again and update. Update May 2016 I have to say that the coffee here is sourish. not offensively so, but there is some issue intheir roasting (which they do themselves in a sister company). While not a barista, i'm pretty into coffee and roasting. Otherwise a nice place. read more

I still like the place even though I just go less often now. I have to admit that when I just spent $20 in a drink and a pastry, at least it would be nice to be able to plug in my computer and use their wifi! And on top of that, I noticed some of the staff there are nice to you until you tip, then they won't even greet you when you leave.. read more

LIT used to be in my hood on College street. Then they moved. But lucky for me, I work near this location. I actually like this version of LIT way better. It's really beautifully laid out and offers the same great coffee (Iron Pig). Nice treats and sandwiches. The staff are friendly and quick ! Their almond milk latte is better than most places! This is a great addition to the Bayview strip. read more

One of my favourite coffee places in the city. Great space, fantastic Americano, delicious pastries, and friendly staff. I couldn't ask for more. read more

Definitely a welcome improvement to this neighbourhood. Who doesn't like third wave coffee? The pastries are pretty good, but the coffee is indeed outstanding, even if it only comes in one size per drink (usually). The staff are friendly and it's a nice space to hang out and work. Also I kind of get a kick out of the locals attempting to be posh and referring to it as "lee" (as in lit, the French word for bed). I guess the "Get Lit" slogan is lost on them... read more

Beautiful cafe with great ambience and good vibes. Very attentive owner translates into a welcoming atmosphere. Delicious wood stove pizzas and a nice selection of wines. Highly recommend. read more

It's nice to have an independent coffee shop in Leaside. Space is great. Coffee is a 4/5. Americano is a bit bitter but I've had a lovely cappuccino. Staff are not friendly and seem like the type who don't really enjoy their job. Still, a much better coffee and experience than nearby Starbucks or Second Cup. read more