The Haven Cafe — Restaurant in Toronto

I've been meaning to gush about this café for a while! It is just perfect.

Normally, I'm a bit cautious about vegan/low carb cafés since gluten-free/sugar-free baked goods can be really hit or miss, and so can the coffee. Non-dairy "milks" are a lot harder to incorporate well into specialty coffee drinks and even the taste can be off. And I hate fake sugar sweeters.

I'll be honest... the Beaches is not a great place for cafes. It just isn't. There aren't many great ones, surprisingly. Maybe just two, tbh. There is a lot of "meh, okay" coffee but not much more.

Haven IS a haven! I have literally never had such awesome sugar/gluten-free treats. I could eat them all day long. If someone hadn't told me they are gluten-free/sugar-free, I never would have guessed. And I am very picky. I don't think they bake any in-house but are sourced fresh from excellent keto & paleo bakeries.

And the coffee... oh my god. It was so perfectly pulled, perfectly foamed, perfect everything. Beautiful beans and roast. I had multiple tries over the weeks I was close by, and not once did it disappoint. I remember trying the pumpkin spice around Halloween after years of swearing off pumpkin spice coffees due to the obsession with heavy syrups and generally generic, sickly sweet concoctions by cafes trying to mimic Starbucks' success. This blew my mind. It was everything the drink should be. Deep, complex, hints of actual pumpkin! And none of that gross manufactured syrup. I wish I was going to be in Toronto this coming fall just for that.

Also, the owner (I think) is amazing. So open and knowledgeable about all his products, and pulls a wonderful cappuccino.

They have lots of food to choose from as well.

This place is the...

The Haven is truly what the name says — cozy, calm, and full of good energy. Arick and Ray are the absolute best —so kind, welcoming, and attentive. You can tell they care about every customer and every detail.

The food is fresh, flavorful, and fairly priced for the quality. The coffee? A whole hug in a cup.The space is spotless and beautifully styled—it smells amazing and feels like the kind of place you could stay all day. Whether you're with friends or solo, it’s the perfect little escape.

Ignore any negative reviews—this place is a gem....

This is a unique cafe and shop for people with various dietary requirements and preferences. Featuring vegan, gluten free, and keto meals, sweets and products, including several locally produced. I look forward to seeing more vegan choices in the future.

Order and pay at the counter, then your food is brought to one of several tables or the couch with a coffee table against the front window. I enjoyed the pleasant relaxing atmosphere. Takeout is also available.

The washroom is downstairs along a hallway filled with funky art painted...