Bloor Barista opened at the start of June on the increasingly bustling strip of Bloor between Dufferin and Lansdowne. After catching a glimpse of the bright and welcoming interior one sunny afternoon, I returned the next day to see how it compares to popular cafes and espresso bars in the area.

Owner Ara Saatjian tells me that he owns the building, and decided to renovate it as a cafe because, in his opinion, "what this neighbourhood needs is a really nice coffee store." He explains that compared to nearby coffee shops like Holy Oak Cafe , Haven Espresso Bar , or the Toronto Coffee and Tea House, he wants to offer a bright place where people can feel at home.

While, personally, I don't have any objections to the atmosphere of nearby cafes, I did find Bloor Barista's interior to be inviting and comfortable. The walls are a light coffee colour, with simple light fixtures, bamboo floral arrangements, and classical music playing softly in the background.

There's free WiFi and comfortable seating either at the window or around two large tables. I liked having the whole table to myself to spread out, but it could feel cramped when the cafe is busy, and I bet many visitors might prefer the option of smaller tables for privacy.

Saatjian tells me his background is in fine jewelry, not coffee, but he has learned about the industry by taking a barista course, and from connecting with roasters and other baristas. He has partnered with Fair Grounds Organic Cafe and Roastery to source his beans. As a fan of this Etobicoke cafe, I was happy to hear that its locally roasted, fair trade and organic coffee is now available in a more central location (beans are $10/0.5lb and $18/lb).

Unfortunately, on the day I visit Bloor Barista's execution of both espresso-based and brewed coffee leaves something to be desired. The menu includes espresso and Americanos ($2-$2.50), macchiatos ($3), lattes and cappuccinos ($4), and hot chocolate ($4).

I opted for a dry cappuccino. I'm no stickler for intricate latte although I prefer it to the basic (let's call it Italian-style) style done here where milk was poured somewhat haphazardly over the espresso, foreshadowing the underwhelming beverage coming my way, which was too milky and weak in flavour.

In the spirit of second chances, I also ordered a brewed coffee during my stay ($2/medium and $2.50/large). My supposedly dark roast drink was weak, and came lukewarm out of a self-service canister on the counter.

Granted, I was visiting around 6pm (one hour before closing), but I still expect a coffee shop to offer hot and fresh coffee, even later in the day (or not at all). Perhaps visitors may have better luck with the cafe's selection of organic and fair trade teas ($2.25/cup, $3/pot).

On a positive note, Bloor Barista offers scrumptious desserts like biscotti, cookies, and bars, also sourced from Fair Grounds ($1.25-$2.75). My chocolate brownie was moist and dense, with a fudgy bottom layer and rich chocolate flavour. I couldn't resist also trying one of the big, fluffy oatmeal raisin cookies. Buttery and golden brown dough surrounded plump and juicy raisins, with a hint of warm spices.

Bloor Barista is open Monday to Friday 7am-7pm, Saturdays 7am-5pm, and Sundays 9am-4pm.

Photos by Denise McMullin