My jaw literally dropped when I realized I paid $8.14 for a small caramel latte. What was even more crazy was how bland and generic it was. Faults on me for being damn desperate for a coffee and not even taking a minute to realize there are over 20 different coffee shops in the neighbourhood. A scam is far removed. It's literally day time robbery. Just drink coffee at home or do another google maps search. I would not recommend to my worse enemy. read more

Zaza Espresso Bar - a hand holding a coffee cup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Lovely service and staff! Delicious pistachio gelato!!! Thank you for the great recommendation!

Prejudice staff. If you don't want me there, I understand, however I'm not coming back and being friendly to ur staff member Ana, she's just plaine rude to me. I've been to good if a customer for too long. I guess it's my mistake for ever going there. read more

My rating for this location has changed as a result of a recent trip to the coffee shop. I had an extremely unprofessional experience today. There were two people in line behind me and I was alone but I overheard the lady training the new barista that when there are two people as to one, to serve the couple first! I was a bit taken aback but then they actually took their order first instead of mine! I was on my way to work and did not have the time in the world to be thought of as less than a priority when I have obviously waited in line. That is not to say that I think that I am looking to be put in a more superior position, I would just think that fairness matters, especially in the service industry. I am sad to say that I did not buy my coffee today. I consulted with my colleagues at the office and was told that they have had similar experiences as of late. Either having baristas not acknowledge them or just too busy chatting with each other. My office is located near Bloor and there are plenty of other coffee shops near by. I would hate for such a place that has always provided me great service and coffee to have people leave just because of one person not training people right. Smaller coffee shops have the burden of beating out chains like Starbucks but I have yet to have an issue with the customer service at the Starbucks across the street. If I am ever craving a mocha, I'll come by. But as for my regular espressos and other drinks. I can live without it. The coffee is great here. But I would like to be treated as a person first. read more

We went from North York to spend some nice time with friends and sip coffee, the place was nice, and the male server was really sweet and nice. You could get a feel of Italy! Italians sipping coffee at the counter, speaking Italian, and friendly attitude! It was nice. The coffee had very aromatic flavour but.. it was cold.. spoiled the fun. The portions were also Italian sized. There were just bunch of cookies to choose from, nothing else to eat. and we tried pistachio cookie and almond cookie both were not good. We also tried the only pastry available - lemon cheesecake, it was horrible. so we are not going back again. read more

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

Sipping Cappuccino on a hot humid Summer evening at Zaza reminds me of my trip to the Southern part of Italy: - Italian men talking to each other loudly - Men kissing each other on the cheek and hugging like they have not seen each other for ages - Sipping cappuccino in a hot cafe with no AC - Rich & foamy milk froth... A taste of Italy in Yorkville for $5!! La Dolce Vita! read more

See all

The washroom fan is disgusting. Service was lacking and indifferent. Coffee was unremarkable. Tables were dirty.

The address for this place is kinda confusing as there is apparently another branch right up the street. Never mind the space opens up right on the street and has a very Italian cafe feel to it. Space is very simple and functional a few tables a display and serving of traditional Italian cafe items. I ordered a Cappuccino it is done in the traditional way and is a small serving. The price is high for a small serving IMO. The drink itself was nothing special milk was not frothed well, the espresso had decent crema but that's it. One can get a much nicer capp nearby. 2.5 stars Cash Only! read more

See all

The pistachio cheese cake tastes delicious, but I was not impressed by the coffee at all. The regular size cappuccino tasted more like a latte, you could barely taste any coffee. And if any coffee inside it did not taste like proper nice coffee. Very disappointed with the quality for an Italian cafe. read more

Very busy place. Little dirty but that's understandable with so many people in and out. Nice little patio. Espresso and cappuccino was excellent. Pastries were good. read more

Totally unassuming, I happen to stumble upon Zaza en route to Betty Hemmings. As mentioned by other Yelpers, this place is TINY. There was about five of us in this establishment and it was already getting to the point of being packed. I ordered the latte and I enjoyed it, but most definitely wasn't blown away. It was lukewarm and I would have wanted it to be warmer. I also ordered the cannoli. Once again, nothing to write home about. I've had better. And it totally did not remind me of Nonna's dessert. Overall, my experience was a-ok. Edit: I stood corrected by a Yelper read more

Stumbled upon this gem in the heart of Yorkville and upon the recommendation of a friend we decided to have something warm to drink. The place is tiny but their coffee is far more superior than anything I have ever had in the city! The staff was so fast, we ordered, blinked, and our drinks were ready. Besides that, the owner is such a sweetheart and is super friendly and chatty! He was such a delight to talk to. The Pastries seemed to be made in house but I can't be too sure. I got the cappuccino with double shots and was blown away by the strong bold flavour and the beautiful foam!!! My husband got a machiatto, and he is VERY picky with his drinks (having been a barista before) but he was thoroughly impressed as well. Not too much seating but overall new furniture, relatively clean considering it was the winter and keeping salt/slush out is impossible. Definitely try it out if you're a coffee guru like me! I can't wait to come back in the summer when there's a patio and I can sip my latte and people watch! read more

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

See all

Checked out the newer, larger space downstairs/next door for breakfast today. As others have mentioned, it is really like being in a cafe in Italia. The owner calls out orders to the barista in Italiano, there's Italian music/radio in the background, and flatscreens playing soccer (or should I say football?). The decor is simple, clean, and white like the street level cafe/gelato area. This downstairs part has a selection of paninis (including their signature porchetta and prosciutto di parma) and pastries, as well as some Italian grocery items like De Cecco dry pastas, olive oil and fresh tomato sauce. I had a chocolate croissant and a cappuccino (a bit pricey at $3.90 for a small cup). The croissant was fresh and the chocolate instead was smooth and creamy -- not hardened like it can be at some places. The espresso drinks here are always top notch! The barista told me he was making it "extra-special" for me, i.e. he made a pretty flower with chocolate syrup on top of the foam. This is where I will come anytime I want to listen to Italian and be called "bellisima" by the owner! P.S. On weekends after 6pm, they offer table service read more

key words.... rude. awful customer service. completely ignored, you know that invisible feeling as a customer..? never. avoid. read more

Zaza Espresso Bar - the entrance - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

OKAY, I will no longer complain about there being a lack of coffee cafe culture in Toronto now that I've found ZAZA this evening on a random solo walk in Yorkville this evening. ZAZA is a brand new (three weeks old) espresso bar right in the heart of Yorkville. It has sandwiches, desserts, coffee and GELATO! It features a clean modern interior of mostly tall, white bar tables, chairs and benches in its main indoor dining area and in the open-concept gelato and coffee bar area next door. Firstly, since it's an espresso bar, the espresso. It was a very smooth and strong shot, full of flavour and definitely full bodied. Secondly, the gelato. While they have all the typical milk based gelato and few ice-based gelato, they also have a sugar-free, soy hazelnut gelato! This is everything I want in a gelato and more! Any vegan can tell you that it's hard to find a non-fruit flavoured gelato that is also dairy-free, so the fact that this is a SOY-based gelato that is HAZELNUT flavoured is amazing and awesome and leaves me totally satisfied with those 2 points. HOWEVER, the very fact that this soy-hazelnut gelato is also SUGAR-FREE has me totally blown away... even though it's sugar-free in the sense that it has no added sugar except for the sugar in the soymilk! Finally someone sees things how I see it... if an ingredient has sugar in it already, it makes NO SENSE to add MORE sugar.. just work with what's there! Thirdly, and equally important is that the servers are very nice, friendly and know their products! I even got invited to their grand opening this coming Thursday August 4, 2011. It will be a wine and cheese event, featuring desserts and wines from all over Italy! Not just the south, according to Paolo, the friendly barista who made my espresso! I'm most def coming back! And I'm going to bring all my friends, veggies and non-veggies alike. This place has something for everyone! Or maybe I'll just bring my favourites... I'd like to keep this place to myself for awhile... so I can come here for a relaxing Yorkville/ Italian escape! read more

Great espresso spot in Yorkville. The staff is extremely friendly, sociable and helped my wife and I (who are espresso rookies) select the right drinks. They also serve gelato next door...good but not great; I didn't think there was anything special about their flavours. If you want to feel like you're in Italy though...this is a great little spot. Highly recommend it! read more

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

Zaza feels like a little piece of Italy smack-dab in the middle of Toronto. The exuberant owner, Rafaelle, is super-welcoming and entertaining. The coffee is excellent, and it's a great place to people watch. One of my favourite coffee shops in the city. read more

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

sunshine, espresso, grage doors open to Yorkville. Filled with genuine Italians sitting, standing, chatting in European Languages, sipping espresso and donned in expensive tinted eyewear and cashmere sweaters. The super friendly owner (From Napoli) reminds you that indeed "Life is Beautiful" There is no place like it - Nothing brightens my day more than leaving the dreariness of the office for a coffee break at Za Za. (Bringing coworkers that speak Italian for immediate cred.) Stepping into Za Za you are immediately transported to Italia. Love this place. Grazie! Ciao Bella! read more

This is a classic SOUTHERN ITALIAN espresso bar. Right when I walked in I felt like I was in Sicily. Very bare bones, and clean aesthetic. Don't expext to get the Starbucks treatment, think Italian. They just serve coffee (the Italian name for espresso). The lemon biscotti tasted just like my nonna's, and there is zero pretence. Salute! read more

This isn't authentic Italian coffee. They use Illy coffee. They didn't know how to make an Americano. She wouldn't let me pour my own cream. How is it that Yorkville has not one good espresso bar? I am on a quest to find good coffee in Bloor West. And i keep ending up with crap coffee. Pusateri's was better. They have Classic Coffee. read more

This intimate ~150 square feet gem located in the heart of Yorkville seats about 12 people on bar stools both inside and out. The vibe is authentic and inviting; in the hour we were seated, many locals came by for what appeared to be their regular late night espresso fix. The bar is stocked with a variety of Mighty Leaf Teas and a host of Italian flare espressos, coffees and lattes. They also carry a line of tasty pastries including cakes, tiramisu and an array of biscotti (Plain, Pistachio, Almond, Chocolate and Caramel, Nutella, Lemon). The best part of this espresso bar is the friendly (incredibly friendly) Italian owner named Antonio. If you find yourself hanging out here late at night, brace yourself for some friendly chatter with Antonio. If you're feeling ambiguous about a potential relationship, ponder no more - come here and Antonio will probe your partner about all the taboo topics you've been thinking about. Will definitely visit this gem again! read more

If you can't make your way out of Toronto to enjoy espresso in Milan, Brooklyn, or (north-town) Woodbridge, make your way to Zaza's. Raffaele's story ( ask him, he'll tell you everything) is humbling and emulates the true meaning of a North American dream. Passion, patience, and persistence. Brush up on some italian if you're lucky enough to snag a table or just spark conversation with anyone that's in the bar... there's always something you need to hear about. This is a small space so order to-go or enjoy a quick bite with your coffee or gelato before making your way outside for a (cigar) neighbourhood stroll. The coffee is roasted in Italy, and the almond biscotti are a perfect pairing for it. In Napoli, you will always receive a small glass of water with your espresso. Traditionally, you'll drink water first to cleanse your pallet and properly enjoy the coffee made especially for you. Their patio is a great place to sit and people-watch in the Yorkville area. Pass by, this is the authentic italian stoop. Ciao x read more

Zaza is a great little hang out spot in Yorkville. They serve up italian treats, cake, biscotti, cookies, gelato (seasonal) as well as your favourite espresso based drinks (Americano, cappuccino, latte, etc). I'm glad to see that this location has finally expanded to the space next door. The old located was a bit small for the winter time though it did draw nice crowds in the summer. Now Zaza has more seating and more of a cafe feel. It's semi-underground so street presence is lacking but I'm sure turn summer time the spot will be bustling inside and out. read more

(Please note that this cafe no longer serves Illy coffee) Anyway, this place is bad ass! My boss (from Florence) takes me here occasionally. I'm not Italian but he swears by this place so I will take his word for it. It DOES quite remind me of many of the little espresso bars I visited in Rome and other parts of Italia. Zaza is a tiny hole-in-the-wall which absolutely overflows if more than 7-8 people are inside. The owner often comes out from behind the counter to greet you and ask how you are doing, plus introduce himself, which is always nice. The espresso is served with a tall shot glass of water to wash the bitterness from your mouth. The also do cappuccinos and have a small selection of Italian pastries. Great place for a quick caffeine fix! read more

Cappuccino is great - the service leaves much to be desired. Sat here for 20 minutes chatting with my girlfriends who have been frequent patrons since the beginning, before the bus boy muscles in our table & cleared our still warm cups, elbowing me in the tit in the process. We all wish ZaZa still worked here :( read more

Zaza Espresso Bar - See review - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This is authentic Italian coffee! I frequent Yorkville and this place just opened 2 months ago. It's real coffee as you have in Italy or France, great drink served with a cup of water to clear your pallette. Speaking with the owner Raffaelle, he's a recent immigrant to Toronto and this is his 3rd espresso bar in the city. Puts all the franchise to shame! 2 espresso for 3.68$ inc taxes. read more

A cafe in Yorkville that only accepts cash!? Ballsy move! While I was sipping my latte here twice were people turned off by the fact that only cash was accepted here. I mean this is not some sort of student run coffee shop, they really sbould have the ability to process plastic. I ordered a latte and an apricot croissant and I was not that happy with my latte it was pretty bland and tasted more like hot water and milk. But the apricot croissant was superb. I'm not sure if the option to get it warmed up was a possibility, if that was the case it would have been as good as any baked good I could have had. I was first at the smaller portion of the cafe which sits at street level and is a very small and cramped up space that appears to serve drinks and gelato. But downstairs is where you find a broader menu, better seating and wifi and a shelter from the outside weather which the mini cafe upstairs fails to offer. Service was friendly but at the same time it wasn't amazing and my items were prepped at a good rate. This wouldn't be my go to coffee place in this area but I would definitely like to give them another chance of redeeming themselves for a pretty bland coffee drink given how other reviews have proclaimed that their drinks be good. I would also like to try out their sandwiches as well next time, it would set me back more than I would like in terms of cost, but I don't doubt that they will be good to deliver on the food front, but they still do have to prove to me that they are worth coming in for a coffee. read more

3.5* Zaza is one of the better Yorkville cafes you can stumble into. I prefer visits during the summer, where if you're lucky enough to grab one of the three tables out front, you can enjoy a fine evening of people watching. The espresso is indeed good here and even better when made into an affogato (they have a pretty decent selection of gelato). Overall a pretty simple, down to earth coffee shop amongst the razzle dazzle of Yorkville. Simple is good! read more

I live in Vaughan and I am surrounded by Italian bakeries that serve espresso and cappuccino that taste as good as they make them in Italy! Its hard to find Italian bakeries in downtown Toronto however they do have this small, quaint, cafe called ZaZa that will serve you a hot beverage such as an espresso machiatto (happens to be my favorite), espresso with a small amount of froth on top made from steamed milk. The quality of espresso beans that they use along with the fantastic service makes it great! read more

They do have wifi~ The coffe ir really good but the place is very loud and the tables are really tiny also the plate that came with the coffee was dirty :/ read more

I was introduced to this cafe just last week even though I've been working in the area for a few months now. I love how italian it feels inside=) The baristas talk with such a thick italian accent that I immediately feel as if I just got transported to Italy - in the best sense possible. Their affogato is the best in town and you can choose your own gelato with the coffee (try coconut - it has thick coconut flakes in it) read more

The barista was very friendly and accommodating. I'm used to ordering cortados and didn't see it on the menu but ordered it anyway. He wasn't familiar with it and I don't know the behind-the-scenes of how it's prepared but he wanted to learn to make it. I got an espresso shot with a bit of milk, with the same amount of foam as a latte. Close enough. It was delicious. He was very friendly and insisted I only pay if I like it, and maybe because of this it took longer to check out, with a guy coming in after and paying and leaving before me. They have cute little espresso take-out cups with lids (with no hole to drink out of). I would definitely go there again and grab a cup to go if I'm in the area. Tall bar tables in the open air is a nice touch. I can see this place being popular on a nice summer day. read more

Love this place for the friendliness, the chatty staff, the italian flirty atmosphere etc etc... It's a great place to pop in at and get energized. If I was rating these guys for consistently providing high quality coffee I would give them 2 stars though. They use good coffee beans and have the right equipemnt to make exceptional coffee, but the quality of the finished espressos, machiatos and cappuccinos I have there varies a LOT. Sometimes very solid, but never exceptional. These guys are not advanced barristas and they do not come close to some of the other places that take pride in the art fo making a fantastic product, - Bulldog, seven grams, dark horse, jet fuel etc. I don't think they try to either and I am fine with that. I go there because of the atmosphere and because the coffee is good enough. I have not been downstairs. The experience could be different there. read more

Excellent cafe in the Yorkville area. Ordered an Affogato for the first time in my life and I do not think I would have wanted to try it anywhere else. The ice cream was good and the espresso was very silky and strong. Zaza prepares it very well. In regards to service, it is exceptional. The waiter/owner is extremely friendly and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the customer experience is perfect. He likes to strike conversations with his patrons and anticipates the needs of his customers. A must go to cafe in the Yorkville area. read more

5/5 for legit southern italian espresso. 3/5 for a bit of snobbiness and weird attitude that was not called for. =\ 4/5. read more

Delicious gelato! Prices were reasonable. Staff were friendly. Perfect place to stop by after a spicy meal.

I'm giving this place a 4 stars because I haven't had anything but their cold espresso. I was never a fan of espresso until I had Zaza's. I'm converted! The espresso is bitter but sweet and a hint of sourness. A lot was going on in such a tiny cup and every sip just got better and better. I will definitely make my way back to this lil cafe again. read more

Zaza Espresso Bar - Cold espresso. Bitter, sweet and a hint of sourness. Yum! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Felt like I was transported to Italy, really enjoyed my latte I stumbled upon this cafe on an early Saturday morning. The barista was speaking Italian to a number of customers ahead of me; the look and feel and overall ambiance took me back to Italy. The same type of stand-offishness you get there, but I find it charming. Great latte, perfectly hot, totally hit the spot. I don't remember if it was a cash only policy, but other reviewers have mentioned it is. There are a couple of small bar tables with stools inside, along with couple of tables and stools outside. I imagine it would get quite busy and crowded in the small space. The gelato looked delicious, but what I really wanted that morning was a coffee. But based on my one any only visit so far, I'm a fan! read more

I tried there Americano it was strong though it was a single shot but I do like it. The music was too loud. read more

I really only come here for the gelato, so that's why this 5-star rating represents. I've been going to Zaza a few times a week for a gelato. They truly have the best chocolate gelato I've ever had. Some of the other flavours are amazing as well (Strawberry, Hazelnut, Tiramisu, etc). I've bought a coffee and an Italian cookie from here too, which were both good. But if you want great gelato, this is my favourite place in Yorkville! read more