Between the rush of commuting and the endless number of coffee shops in Toronto, it can be hard to narrow down where to pick up your cup of joe or tea.

Whether you’re looking for something quick and affordable, a delicious treat to accompany your beverage of choice or are a traveler looking for a trendy coffee shop with great seating, we have compiled a guide to the best coffee, tea and cafes in and close to Toronto’s Union Station, to help everyone get their caffeine fix!

Union Station’s finest coffee

When your mornings are extremely hectic, we understand you need caffeine as soon as you begin your workday or continue your journey. Pilot Coffee Roasters is the best option for those looking to quickly grab a coffee from one of the city’s signature cafes.

Conveniently located in the Front Street Promenade of Union Station, this cafe allows customers to order ahead using the Pilot Coffee app. Commuters and travellers can efficiently time their orders with the arrival of their train to bypass long wait times by pre-ordering an array of espresso-based drinks, brewed coffee, tea or matcha. For those who enjoy their beverage with dairy alternatives, Pilot Coffee Roasters offers almond and oat milk for no additional charge.

Convenient and comfortable cafe seating

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Union Station while remaining conveniently inside, Balzac’s Coffee Roasters is the place for you! Located in Union Station’s Union Pearson Express terminal, this Stratford-founded coffee shop takes inspiration from the grand cafes of Paris.

The Balzac’s space is stylish and roomy, with many tables and chairs available for customers. This Canadian coffee shop offers classic brewed coffee, tea and espresso-based drinks while also offering seasonal menu items such as their oat milk cookie latte and sparkling lemonades.

Balzac’s is open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. making it an excellent beverage spot for early mornings and after-work dates.

Authentic matcha in Union Station

For all the matcha fans out there, % Arabica is the place for you! This trendy cafe is known for its clean and minimalist aesthetic and their second Toronto location now lives inside the Bay Street Promenade of Union Station.

Besides the cafe’s sleek interior, % Arabica is known for its organic and high-grade ceremonial matcha that is authentically sourced from Uji, Kyoto. This naturally sweetened drink can be ordered both hot and iced, and matcha fans will be pleased to learn it is available as soft serve ice cream.

Toronto’s best croissants

Are you looking to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying your beverage of choice? Hazukido, a world-renowned bakery brand from Taiwan, is now located in Union Market and offers a wide selection of delicious treats. This bakeshop is known for its noteworthy croissants, baked on site, which come in a variety of unique savoury and sweet flavours from coffee mascarpone and chocolate to butter garlic.

That’s not all. These pastries are also offered in different shapes such as custard rolls, dipped croissant waffles and the recently viral cube croissant.

Enjoy these irresistible treats with a Hazukido coffee, tea, sparkling refresher or milk tea and show your PRESTO card while visiting to receive 20 per cent off your purchase!

Specialty tea inside Union Station

Calling all tea enthusiasts. Tao Tea Leaf is a Toronto-based retailer and wholesaler of loose-leaf teas with a focus on Chinese teas, as well as blended and herbal teas. Their vast menu includes popular items such as organic masala chai latte, fresh milk teas, strawberry matcha and mango slush.

Tao Tea Leaf is conveniently located inside Union Station’s Front Street Promenade and supports all your cravings, whether you are looking for a uniquely crafted iced drink or signature steeped tea.

The PATH’s cutest cafe

A short seven minute walk from Union Station will get you to Maman cafe and bakery, a hidden gem located inside the Food Terrace of First Canadian Place. This coffee shop is an Instagram-worthy café with a cozy yet spacious interior, making it a fantastic spot to escape the activity of the Financial District.

Their menu provides something for everyone, from coffee and espresso-based drinks to tea, matcha, hot chocolate and chai lattes. Maman offers soups, salads and sandwiches, in addition to their sweet treats, for those looking for something a bit hardier.

Whether you’re catching a GO Train, GO Bus, heading to the airport on the UP Express or jumping on the TTC, there are many transit connections at Union Station - and just as many options to grab a cup of your favourite brew.