Taku
Google
Updated on Sep 2025:
This place is becoming one of my favorite places again! I felt like everything that had to be improved is changing.
Now every staff smiles, their food was good, and loved the background music. Now the museum’s temporarily closed so people might not be able to find here easily, but it’s worth it. It’s not always easy to face where to improve, and I’m glad everything good is coming back here. I’ll be coming back here soon!
(My Old Review on March 2025
I’ve visited over 200 cafés, and I can confidently say that Forno Cultura is home to some of the best pastries in Toronto. This particular location was always a beautiful place to enjoy the sunshine and the view.
It’s unfortunate to say this, but this used to be one of my favorite cafés in Toronto. I’ve been here more than 20 times. However, over the past 8–9 months, I’ve noticed a significant change—especially in the service, the music, and the overall atmosphere that once reflected a strong sense of hospitality and a carefully curated café experience.
One day, I noticed that a barista seemed a bit down. I wondered if something had happened but didn’t engage much. Over time, I realized that their demeanor had changed completely—there was no warmth, no smiles. At first, I thought it might just be my experience. But later, when I recommended this café to a friend, she told me that he had been there before and had a similar experience. She mentioned that the staff seemed more engaged in chatting with each other than with customers. In fact, she had ordered a matcha latte, but her payment was completely forgotten.
Of course, there are still wonderful staff members here, and I truly appreciate them. But to be honest, the overall atmosphere used to be much better. Even the music has changed. It used to complement the space beautifully, with a jazzy, museum-like elegance. Now, I often hear mainstream pop songs, which may simply reflect the staff’s preferences. While it’s ultimately up to the café to decide the kind of atmosphere they want to create, I personally feel that the space no longer has the charm it once did.
That being said, the main reason I’m writing this is not to criticize any individual staff member. Rather, I believe the issue lies in the management’s lack of awareness regarding the staff’s experience. It seems like the employees are no longer happy or enjoying their work, and that feeling inevitably reaches the customers.
More than anything, I believe that café staff deserve to be happy. They should feel joy in their work, in engaging with customers, and in receiving fair compensation for their efforts. It’s up to the company to create an environment where employees genuinely enjoy being there. This is not about blaming individual staff—it’s about the responsibility of the organization to foster a positive workplace. When staff feel heard, valued, and fulfilled, it naturally reflects in the quality of service and hospitality.
I’ve always appreciated what Forno Cultura has offered, and I sincerely hope this location can return to the warm and welcoming space it once was. It’s been changing since the past that we have more options for coffee and pastries there such as Coffee By Joy, Ethica, Martin coffee, Portfolio coffee and Spaccio for pastries and sandwiches. But I’d really hope and wish to see the change here as this has the biggest potentials to be the best. If I visit Forno Cultura again, I’d be more than happy to leave a generous tip for the support. If I’ll see the good change, I am sure I will edit and change this review to all five stars.
Wishing you all the best moving forward.)
