Balzac's Market Street image

Balzac's Market Street

Cafe Coffee shop Coffee store

Relaxed local-chain venue serving artisanal coffees, baked products & sweet treats. People often mention coffee, good, great, atmosphere, Balzac, latte, milk, Lawrence, Market, nice,


Address

10 Market St., Toronto, ON M5E 1M6, Canada

Website

shop.balzacs.com

Contact

+1 416-368-4949

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (611 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Tuesday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Friday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Saturday: 6:30 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday: 7 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: coffee (42) good (14) great (10) atmosphere (9) Balzac (8) latte (8) milk (8) Lawrence (7) Market (7) nice (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Sreenvas S. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing. Tried the fall special pumpkin spice coffee and it's the best one we've had so far. A well balanced drink. The ambience is original and pretty nice. Will definitely go there again
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Negar S. 1 year ago on Google
    I tried their Café Canadien and it was too sweet for my taste. Liked the atmosphere and interior design nonetheless.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jordan Kevin M. 10 months ago on Google • 579 reviews
    The coffee from Balzac’s near St. Lawrence’s Market in Toronto was decent but to me, did not stand out from the other good cafés in the city. However, Balzac’s coffee get some points from me for their speed of service, friendliness of staff, how comfortable it is inside and its location. Overall, I would recommend Balzac’s Coffee.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Francesca B. 7 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    If you are looking for a French cafe experience, don't come here, unless you want to come for the decor. They serve everything in takeaway cups even when you are dining in. The coffee itself is not the best albeit it is organic and fair trade. It tastes over roasted and burnt....like Starbucks. I ordered a double espresso expecting a proper European style double espresso. I got what in Europe we would consider an Americano. I specifically asked for a proper cup at the till (they gave it to me in a takeaway cup, then poured it into a proper cup). The staff also need need training. Terrible manners. Send them all on a trip to Europe so they can understand the difference. It's the subtle things that count.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 The Harvest H. 1 month ago on Google • 560 reviews New
    Always good quality coffee and great lattes! Be mindful of how busy it can get on Saturdays during the market though.

  • 5/5 Bonnie D. 2 years ago on Google
    Balzac's is a lovely patio to spend the afternoon on. I usually meet a friend there for coffee and a savory treat. They have an excellent choice of coffees and their someone limited pastries are always fresh and enjoyable. They expanded their indoor space a year or so ago and the area came with an available patio space. They are able to practice the 6ft space between tables on the patio which is fabulous.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Marcus M. 1 year ago on Google
    Yes the latte was very good but the atmosphere and location are what I liked most about this place. You get a great view of the St Lawrence Market and there's a lot of hustle and bustle with it being such a busy area. The cafe interior has this old-world, historic charm to it too.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathalie M. 1 year ago on Google • 228 reviews
    Nice spacious coffee just across the Saint Lawrence market with inside and outside seating. They have a lot of food options to chose from and you can also buy coffee and tea items for you to make / use at home. I enjoyed my café canadien. The lemonade was good too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 ALINA GEORGIANA F. 4 months ago on Google • 86 reviews
    I came on a recommendation to this place...disappointing, tables were dirty,sticky, I have found hair on mine, customers were cleaning the table with napkins. 👎👎Coffee is good ,muffin was excellent but I will never come again...cleanliness is more important.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eleni G. 6 months ago on Google • 34 reviews
    Cozy atmosphere, good pastries and great lattes. We tried the one with maple syrup - delicious. Definitely recommend this café in Toronto, Canada!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Baron A. 8 months ago on Google
    Something went wrong recently… Used to be an excellent place for coffee and baked goods. Now (three consecutive visits in one month) their coffee (espresso based) is sour tasting and leaves unpleasant aftertaste. Go to the one at the Distillery District or the Union Station…
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Matt B. 7 months ago on Google
    This is one of my favourite cafes in town, but really disappointed to see that they stopped offering drinks in reusable glass containers and only serve coffee in plastic or un recyclable paper cups. Especially annoying considering they claim that they are 'continuously committed' to sustainability. Will not be buying coffee from here until reusable cups come back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mary M. 1 year ago on Google
    Perfect place to grab a coffee as the ambiance is very pleasant. Located in the heart of a busy area but this cafe feels like an escape from the busy surroundings. Seating is limited and it can get busy. They have many options to choose from. I opted to try the matcha and unfortunately wasnt too pleased. The consistency was not to my liking The cappuccino on the other hand was good!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miya A. 1 year ago on Google
    I used walk pass and wanted to try this coffee place. 1st impression was already uplifting by its deco and atmosphere. It’s located right by St. Lawrence Market along with some other cool restaurants. I ordered a cup of de-cafe coffee since it’s done by the Swiss water technique, so it won’t remove much of the original core of notes. Also it’s one of my favourites columbian roasted beans that I found has a creamier, bolder nutty note. The lovely staff was very kind to offer me an Americano instead of regular drip coffee cuz they ran out of decafe brew. But she charged me for a regular drip coffee price with a great smile. For that, I think they deserve a great review. They also offer all types of complimentary non-dairy milk options ( Soy, almond, oat ) on the side of the counter. Now that’s real rare to find. Of course, the coffee is as smooth as I expected. I love to support local roasters, the coffee beans are way earthier and less synthetic coated as compare to normal chained coffee shops. Xoxo 💋
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 P 1 year ago on Google
    What a beautiful location! The vibes are great. Even though my matcha latte cost almost $9 (after tax and tips), this is still a great location to catch up with friends or just enjoy some down time once in a while. If you don't live around the area, parking could be tricky but it's still nice to be able to visit the St. Lawrence Market just next door. P.S. Understandably that everyone has bad days, service can be a bit friendlier. Cheers and have a good day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Review T. 3 years ago on Google
    Their lattes and their pastries are amazing. Their vanilla latte, almond croissants and carrot cake are some of my favourites. I tried their seasonal white chocolate macadamia nut latte but wasn't a fan - didn't taste like much. I will definitely keep going back for the vanilla lattes and pastries though!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jane L. 1 year ago on Google
    Best atmosphere coffee shop. Almond croissants not as sweet, full of almond, fresh coffee.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew T. 2 years ago on Google
    Still my favourite cafe / coffee shop from the first time I had them in Stratford ontario! Had one of their seasonal lattes this time which is the oat milk cookie latte and just as tasty as the other drinks. Smooth and creamy from the milk and nice espresso taste from the latte! Balzac’s will always have my heart! Great job on everything always! Follow me on IG @thirst_and_taste for better pics, vids and more amazing content!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sabrina T. 6 months ago on Google • 199 reviews
    I went to Balzac for a coffee, basically my 3rd time this week. Yesterday I got a hot mocha and it was good. I would say that Balzac’s coffee is more expensive, but still worthy. Except for this week when I got an iced mocha and they need to redo it cause it something was missing. My overall experience with Balzac is good and I really like the atmosphere of each coffee shop.

  • 2/5 Terry F. 1 month ago on Google • 125 reviews New
    Wow - hadn’t been at a Balzacs since went to the one in the Distillery district about 20 yrs ago. Wasn’t missing anything… They still serve drip coffee out of thermos. Very Timothy’s/second cup of 20 yrs ago. And they charge $4.25 for an Americano?? The coffee seen has moved on in a BIG way in Toronto over the past two decades. This place has not, except for their prices of course. Don’t even get me started on their pastry options. The oat fudge bar was $4, and EVEN worse than the one that you can get at Starbucks. Mushy with non of the oat texture you would expect. Overly sweet as well. Dark depressing and cracked bench seating

  • 5/5 Banafsheh C. 6 months ago on Google • 80 reviews
    OK, Balzac in the Market is an amazing spot to grab your coffee, read, and enjoy the view. I finished the last chapter of ‘A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man’ by Joyce here, so you get the idea – you can definitely focus here. Enjoy your fantastic coffee and take in the beautiful market area.”

  • 5/5 harry p. 1 month ago on Google • 53 reviews New
    Their blond bartender is really hot 🥵 I think I might be in love with him 🥰 He asked if I need a straw for my ice coffee with oat milk 🎀

  • 5/5 Robin K. 2 years ago on Google
    Patio and indoor is nice and I always love their selection of drinks like lavender ice coffee.

  • 1/5 Phoenix K. 4 months ago on Google
    First the bad. The coffee with milk work is hideous, baristas don’t know the difference between cortado, flat white and latte. All three look similar. Also, stale croissants and food for those with low expectations. (Step inside the market and find better coffee.) But now the good — this place has excellent seated atmosphere for the neighborhood and that’s how it’s usually used, as a cosy Rendezvous. Beautiful floors and often nice music in the backdrop.

  • 3/5 Michel F. 4 months ago on Google
    I’ve been coming to this location since 2016 as it’s one block from my home. The coffee is great. The food and desserts are decent. The reason I only left three stars is because a few of the employees make you feel like an inconvenience. I’m not sure if their lack of hospitality is because they are treated poorly by management, don’t like the high paced environment or if they are naturally rude people. Maybe a combination of all three.

  • 5/5 Jason F. 2 years ago on Google
    Thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon here. Love the outdoor patio. Coffee is flavourful, aromatic and smooth.

  • 4/5 Russell B. 7 months ago on Google
    Great coffee In a small joint across from the st Lawrence market. Great coffees. Beans are fantastic. Love the farmers blend.

  • 5/5 Anmol K. 8 months ago on Google
    Balzac's Market Street is a delightful haven for coffee enthusiasts. The charming ambiance and vintage decor create a cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends. Their coffee selection is impressive, boasting rich flavors and expertly crafted brews. Don't miss their delectable pastries that complement the drinks perfectly. Although the prices might lean towards the higher end, the quality and experience justify it. The friendly and knowledgeable staff add to the overall enjoyment. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just seeking a warm escape, Balzac's Market Street is a must-visit destination.

  • 4/5 Anouchka R. 11 months ago on Google
    Really cute location and great spot to do work, meet up with friends etc. My go-to favourites are the matcha oat milk lattes and oat milk mochas. Their spinach cheese puff pastry is also divine.

  • 5/5 Alexander M. 1 year ago on Google
    Really friendly employees and a great atmosphere that feels cozy. Has a cute patio too in the warm months! Drinks and treats are really good too.

  • 5/5 Jip J. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice coffee shop with a terrace when weather permits. Very good coffee, cake, muffins. Enjoyed the chocolate milk. Very nicely decorated, love the style. Seating facilities are quite extensive. Terrace is opposite the St Lawrence market so a lively street but without too much traffic.

  • 4/5 Joelle J. 9 months ago on Google
    Wanted to check out this famous coffee chain while we roam around the city. We ordered flat white and chai latte. Drinks were served fast, tastes real good. Easy 5 stars there. We sat inside but outdoor patio space looked really nice, plenty of sittings both inside and outside. It would have been an easy 5-star experience if the cashier was friendlier. It looked as if she did not want to answer any questions.


Call +1 416-368-4949 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Prepared foods
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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