Te Aro

983 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K2, Canada

Editor's Review

Opening in 2009, Te Aro—named for the neighbourhood in Wellington, New Zealand where one of the owner’s hails from—is the original location of Pilot Coffee Roasters and the former name of the company itself. Although the company has changed its name, this location kept the original title and remains as an homage to the owners' coffee beginnings.

Leslieville has become a great destination for food and drink over the years and Te Aro has played a big part in that. Although there is no shortage of coffee shops in the area, it seems that they have a particularly loyal local following. The shop front is likely a factor as they have a large patio space that is buzzing in the summertime. Two large garage doors are opened up and tables are placed amongst plant life and greenery hanging from the neighbouring buildings. It is a great place to pull up with your bicycle and enjoy the sunshine.

Their retail shelf is full of various coffee literature, merchandise and brewing equipment. All of their coffee is available for sale along with their newly launched coffee bags intended for steeping. As one of Toronto’s most well-known coffee institutions, a visit to the company’s original location is an absolute must.

Reviewed by Peter de Vooght.