Balzac's Image Arts — Restaurant in Toronto

122 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1X8 Rating: 2/5 Drink Ordered: Cold Brew – Black ($4.94 CAD)

⸻

First Impressions Balzac’s is one of the more well-known cafés in Toronto and apparently a favourite of the Biebers, which made me curious enough to check it out. The space itself is bright, clean, and has a bit of charm with its high ceilings and signature tiled floors. It’s minimal but doesn’t feel empty.

⸻

Coffee Quality I went with a black cold brew and unfortunately, it just wasn’t good.

The aroma was slightly sweet, but the taste leaned bitter and earthy, with a tangy acidity and a tea-like texture. The burnt aftertaste lingered too long, and I couldn’t finish it.

Beans: Balzac’s blend

⸻

Ambience & Amenities Wi-Fi is available and there are outlets scattered around.

Seating includes large communal tables, bar seating at the windows, and both indoor and outdoor lounge-style options.

The crowd felt relaxed—mostly people working or studying quietly.

⸻

Overall

Balzac’s has a nice atmosphere and works well as a study or remote work spot, but the coffee didn’t live up to my expectations. If you’re going for the space, it’s fine. If you’re going for the coffee, there are better...

I had a hot apple cider beverage with a ginger molasses cookie. The total was around $7-8+tax. I was here to chat with a colleague doing his PhD at Ryerson -- who recommended the place.

I enjoyed my food, as well as the atmosphere. The reason I am giving 3stars instead of 5 is the service.

The issue was with an incredibly rude and hostile staff member behind the counter. My colleague asked her for a simple fork and wasn't given one as it was "not her job". Then he asked for lactose-free milk options for his coffee and was told by her, dismissively, that they don't carry any of that. A customer had to be a good samaritan and tell him that they keep such options in the fridge when they heard the odd exchange.

I'm not sure if it had anything to do with my colleague being a black man, but it was entirely unacceptable the attitude and malicious intent he got from this staff member. It's a shame, because it was otherwise a good experience. Even he, being a regular, was...

If I could leave zero stars I would. Over the years of teaching on campus and coming here by default, every experience has ranged from disappointing to bad. The coffee is terrible and cuts through my stomach like no other coffee does (the only coffee to ever make me feel physically ill). I thought I’d try their matcha instead. Today it was the $7.50 small matcha latte that looked WHITE and had zero trace of matcha flavour that led me to finally leave a review. I gave them the opportunity to rectify things, asking: why does the matcha latte literally not look green? The barista responded that they put in the half teaspoon (?!) they are supposed to. Yikes. Half a teaspoon. I will never go back. Seriously people: you are better off at the Tim Hortons a half block away. This place is taking way too much of your money and giving you a terrible...