Cafe Moi is a nifty pocket spot at Bay and Bloor. Run by the gang at Hale Coffee , this high-traffic stop-and-go location is their third coffee shop, next to Clockwork Coffee and Crosstown Coffee Bar

Manager Luke Hobson brings an Australian charm to the place, encouraging customers to order 8oz "Aussie standard size" instead of larger drinks. "I want customers to taste and really enjoy the flavour of our coffee. Drowning espresso in milk isn't the way to drink it," he explains.

With Starbucks only a block away, curious commuters are opting for quality over quantity at Cafe Moi.

Forget about Oprah's chai latte, for instance. It's a mix of sugar, more sugar, and questionable spice. Cafe Moi, on the other hand, uses one of the city's best local chai makers. Chai Wala Chai is an Australian-inspired chai blend that's 100% natural.

One thing is for certain, a coffee shop ain't nothing without a decent croissant. Delysees delivers fresh French croissants to Cafe Moi every morning. "Everyone loves the ham and cheese croissant ($6.50)... it's a specialty in Australia," says Hobson.

Hate gluten? Lucky for you, there's a fresh-to-death selection of gluten-free muffins, scones and cookies from The Red Bench . Majorelle keeps things light-hearted with seedy snack bars and energy balls.

Cafe Moi aims to serve a bit of everything, including breakfast sandwiches, grab-and-go-salads, and smaller snacks. As a bonus, most of the offerings are locally sourced.

Coffee-wise, if you know what the company's about, you'll recognize the taste immediately. Serving Hale Espresso, a light blend with a dark chocolate aftertaste, it's the kick-in-the-ass you need to wake up and feel alive.

On to my third cup of coffee before lunch, I order an Americano and waited for the caffeine to hit. Two-handing that and a heated chocolate croissant ($3.75) with chocolate oozing everywhere, I feel it kick in. It's safe to say I'll be back for more croissants and Australian-style coffee in the near future.

Photos by Hector Vasquez.