Yellow Cup Cafe — Restaurant in Toronto

A Reliable Café Loses Its Grip on the Basics

I’ve frequented this café for years—not for innovation or artistry, but for its consistency. It was the kind of place suited for a casual breakfast with my daughter or a low-key lunch with a friend. The food was never extraordinary, but it was dependable. That, however, seems to have changed.

On this visit, I ordered the Crepe Benedict—a savory crepe filled with ham, topped with poached eggs and a hollandaise-style sauce. I was asked how I’d like my eggs and responded, “light poached, very soft.” A small detail, but an important one for anyone who appreciates the delicate balance of a properly poached egg.

Our drinks arrived promptly and were well-prepared. The food followed soon after—but my eggs, unfortunately, were not just firm, they were entirely overcooked, bordering on hard-boiled. The yolks were dry, the texture rubbery—completely missing the luxurious softness that defines this dish.

When I politely brought this to the attention of the staff, I was met not with concern, but with contradiction. I was told, rather abruptly, that “everyone gets medium poached eggs” and that custom preparation isn’t offered—despite being asked how I wanted them just minutes prior.

The plate was taken and returned a short time later, not remade, but simply modified: new eggs placed atop the same now-cold crepe, with extra sauce hastily added to conceal the cut I had already made. The eggs were now correctly poached, but the rest of the dish had suffered. There was no attempt to refresh or even reheat the plate. The gesture felt less like hospitality and more like damage control.

Worse still was the tone—detached, dismissive, and lacking the basic courtesy one expects in any hospitality setting.

This experience marked a noticeable decline in both execution and ethos. When a kitchen begins cutting corners on fundamentals—and when staff dismiss legitimate feedback—the trust of longtime patrons begins to erode.

A properly poached egg isn’t just a preference; it’s a standard. And sadly, this once-reliable spot seems to have lost...

I just wasn't thrilled. The menu had many choices, very few vegetarian options and probably no vegan meal options. Prices were reasonable.

When I came up to pay the line was confusing and the layout of their dining room clearly confused the other customers as well.

I showed my two bill to the girl at the cash and she set me up for debit(I didn't feel like arguing so I just paid with debit on my phone).

My drink came quick and was delicious, I received a maple latte. The food was a little lagged but there was seemingly only 1 cook for the whole restaurant so she was working pretty quickly to fulfill orders.

When I was finished with my breakfast I required a take out box. I went up to the far right side of the counter where there are self serve coffee supplies and there was nothing to hold food in. Then I decided to stand by the register and hope that one of the workers who were not cashing people out would spot me. No eye contact was made. Then I made my way to the very left side of the counter where I found sauce cups and bags for take out but no boxes. I asked the women if I could take a bag and let her know I was also looking for a box. She did not respond and gave me a gesture as if to say it was okay to grab a bag. Finally I approached the till, with no shame because at this point I had people "skipping me" in line because I'm talking to the chef even though I'm not in line I just need a box! I approach the staff member standing beside the till and she did not give me eye contact, I then had to loudly proclaim my need, finally - a take out box.

I was humiliated. Everyone in line had to watch me go about this and it's totally preventable with better staff. I would have rather left the place and never gone back then go through that again. I've been in the service industry for years and this was just less than satisfactory. These employees are lacking basic service skills.

Big issues with...

First time client. I ordered eggs Benny ahead online - and asked to eat in. It was around $20 with a can drink. They had it ready when I arrived 20 min later. I am giving 2 stars for the food. The ambience and atmosphere I would give 4 or 5 stars.

The website and online ordering process was easy, user-friendly, and efficient. I arrived and immediately loved the look of the place. Adorable decor with wood and yellow themes, painted white bricks, and very cool rice/coffee sack ceiling tiles (Love!). The setup was cute with both indoor and outdoor seating - although - I could see it being more challenging when very busy. It’s understandable why it’s such a popular weekend spot!

They had my Eggs Benedict order ready and it looked decent. Unfortunately - it was NOT. The peameal tasted old - like it had been frozen (almost a freezer-burnt taste). I couldn’t finish it for this reason. The home fry / potatoes were also surprisingly disappointing… and I did not finish. They may have also come from being frozen… although I’m not sure. And they tasted too strongly of rosemary - maybe even like it had been sprinkled on after they were cooked (and not baked with it) - They were very soft, and not crispy anywhere… and could have used a few more min. in the frying pan. (They also were not hot - although I’m not sure how long my order was waiting for me - since I ordered ahead). Last but not least - The Hollandaise was basic but okay - I think from a package - but I don’t mind the package flavour (and I use a package hollandaise at home myself)!

Overall, I would argue the chefs could use some tips in the kitchen for this particular dish …. But it’s a cute spot and I would come back and try something else. I suggest anyone who knows what a good eggs Benny is - to avoid ordering that here. Sorry I didn’t take a photo...