KAFE 002

What is KAFE 002? Taking over the former Café Neon space at 1024 Queen Street West near Ossington, KAFE 002 is the Toronto outpost of the L.A. "brew-and-collab" brand co-founded by Toronto native Bill Germanis and licensed Q Grader Amir Bayat. The room trades typical cafe clutter for a cinematic, high-contrast monochrome design fitted with minimalist counter service and sleek indoor seating. Instead of flying solo, the space shares its footprint with Mount Albert institution Frano Pizza & Panini to seamlessly bridge daytime espresso culture with fresh baking and pizza.

KAFE 002 Menu & What to Order The farm-to-cup coffee program is meticulously dialled in, but the boundary-pushing specialty drinks are what draw the crowds. The headliner is the Blacktop—a velvety, layered blend of iced espresso, whole milk, Greek yogurt, cardamom, cinnamon, date syrup, and activated charcoal. Non-coffee and dairy-free options hold their own with the Saffron Matcha crafted on creamy pistachio milk, or the comforting North Latte flavoured with real maple and smoked sea salt. To eat, Frano delivers crispy, thin-crust Roman-style pies—the eggplant parmigiana slice is the clear standout—alongside savoury pressed panini and sugar-dusted bombolini.

Know Before You Go Service is counter-order and strictly walk-in, so expect steady lines during mid-morning work breaks and the weekend Trinity Bellwoods rush. The space is easily reached on the 501 Queen streetcar right between Ossington Avenue and Dovercourt Road, though street parking along Queen is notoriously tight. Hours currently run daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for all-day caffeine and fresh pies.