The Shmooz — Restaurant in Toronto

I found The Shmooz while on a hungry search for a good sandwich. The café is charming with wood floors and a unique design that allows you to see the staff work. It is clean with an open feel and there is a lot to look at including a few gifts for sale. The café was busy with people working on their laptops and having lunch. I sat at the bar beside the counter/kitchen and I liked the spot because I could see my sandwich being made.

I had the "Soft Cure" croissant sandwich. Toppings included smoked salmon, dill cream cheese, capers and cucumbers. The croissant was more dense than flaky and the outside was crispy. I was surprised how filling it was! The café also serves panini, which sounded good and looked good in pictures, but I wasn’t appetized seeing them already prepared sitting in plastic wrap in the display fridge.

I enjoyed my­­­ sandwich so much that I was still thinking about it a few days later and tried to make my own at home. My version wasn’t as good, probably because I didn't have a fresh, baked daily croissant like they do at The Shmooz. I plan to go back to try the cheese and pear variety.

Other reviews have mentioned the prices are high. They are, but the food is good quality so I think it’s fair.

To drink, I had the chai tea latte. It was nice, but I think I would get a plain tea in the future considering their large loose leaf selection. There is a “sniffing station” on the wall so you can make sure you choose the right tea. I did not like that my drink was served in a glass, I found it quite hot to touch.

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and I look forward...

Wow! What a nice surprise. I passed by this place for a year and never thought to go in.. but I’m happy I saw that someone recommended it over Riverdale Perk. It’s legit a million times better 😍

3 reasons to go here..

The coffee quality is amazing. I’m reallly into good coffee, and rarely go out for one because I make mine at home.. but having this place nearby is dangerous because the beans they use are so good. I’ve tried both their drip coffee and Americano and both tasted REALLY good. Trust me, you’ll also be obsessed.

The people that work there are extremely warm and personable. Happy to answer any questions, and really seem like they care. This is how service should always be :) I always see the owner out and about helping around the store, and they keep the place extremely clean. The vibe is super warm and cozy.

The prices are very fair! For the quality coffee you’re getting, the prices are incredible. Honestly, try this place over Starbucks or Riverdale perk and you will regret that you didn’t come here sooner.

I tried this place once earlier this week and I’ve been back 3 times. They remembered my order, and each barista was super friendly. Also, I usually hate when the baristas have to add the sugar for me, but they surprisingly put the perfect amount of sugar and milk in my coffee.. nobody ever gets it that spot on.

In sum: go here if you like quality coffee, at a fair price, served by...

Being a really hot weekend afternoon, my partner and I had just picked up our pizzas from One Night Only directly across the street from The Shmooz, and we were in need of a cool drink or treat during this heat so we decided to step into this cute little cafe.

Upon entering the store, we were greeted with extremely friendly staff who were happy to guide us through their recommendations and menu. I decided on getting an iced latte, and my partner got a serving of sorbet (I believe it was lemon and blackcurrant flavour). We loved the look of the cafe inside, and our order was made promptly. The iced latte was really refreshing and made to my liking (not too sweet). The sorbet had a delicious tart flavour to it, and we really enjoyed the unique flavour offering. Overall, we really enjoyed our visit at The Shmooz, and we were extremely happy to support local businesses such as this one rather than chain restaurants that can be found further down the Danforth....