Pilot Coffee Roasters

We visited this café during the LEGO Botanicals pop-up bar. It was a fantastic event with beautiful decorations. On top of that, the coffee was excellent, so it’s definitely worth visiting even without the LEGO event just to enjoy a great drink.

I had such a wonderful experience at this cafe! The atmosphere is so cozy and the barista was incredibly kind and professional. I’m quite sensitive to caffeine and have a milk allergy, but the barista wearing the black hat went above and beyond to double-check the ingredients for me. He recommended the Miso Hojicha Latte, and it was absolutely delicious. It has a beautiful, deep nutty flavor—almost like black sesame—with a hint of saltiness that balances everything perfectly. The latte art was stunning and the texture was so smooth. I really appreciated the extra care taken for my dietary needs. I’ll definitely be back soon! ❤️

Mocha is great but matcha latte is not. The place looks nice and fresh but drink is very basic.

I’d heard about this coffee roaster before but had never actually tried their coffee. If you search for coffee roasters in Toronto, this place usually pops up near the top. I happened to be walking down Ossington and stumbled across it, so I figured it was a good time to finally give it a shot. The vibe of the café is kinda industrial, high ceilings, a wide open layout, and multiple espresso machines built right into the counter, which I’ve honestly never seen anywhere else. There’s also a little retail corner where you can buy their beans. I’ve heard their “Heritage” blend is what they’re known for, and that’s what they use for most of their drinks in the café. The menu has a good range of both hot and cold options. They also have a small pastry selection, though I don’t think they bake them in-house. They had a couple of cold brew towers, which are pretty rare to see in Toronto. As for the coffee itself, it was really good. Smooth, earthy, and topped with a nice layer of espresso foam. I’ll definitely be back, and next time I’m grabbing a bag of beans to take home.

This location is a lovely cafe spot with plenty of seating and aesthetic atmosphere. Have only tried the Mango sticky rice matcha here - unfortunately too sweet and not enough matcha flavour. Generally, have tried various Pilot Coffee Roasters locations and the coffee is great, but the matcha is lacking. Have not tried the coffee at this location personally but I’d assume consistent quality.

Update: pistachio lemon matcha was phenomenal. Pomegranate lemonade was super refreshing. The banana bread latte was absolutely delicious. Relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff.

Pilot on Ossington is one of my favourite spots in the city. The Lego pop up was the perfect way to end my work week :)

Coffee was pretty decent, I was not amazed, but it was good, also had the cheese croissant, basically a croissant with a scent of chesse haha, small pastry offering only, they are more focused on coffee. Almond croissant was good.

This review is solely based on my experience at Pilot today where I was told that I could not order a coffee to go because I had my miniature poodle with me. The barista approached me and asked if my dog was a service animal. I replied no, and I was told that I would have to leave her outside. I told her I would not be doing that and I walked out. Absolutely senseless that in a city like Toronto, where every other person has a dog, and where dogs are welcome in so many places- even Tim Hortons, that you cannot bring your dog into Pilot for less than 5 mins to order a coffee to go. I think Pilot needs to really re-think this... Would be good if other dog owners voiced the same sentiment.

Beautiful interior. Great spot for getting some work done! Came here for a hot tea, just in between dinner time so I didn't get to try their coffee/ brews. However, got their sencha green tea and it was great. Service was friendly and interior is beautiful! The interior is nicely lit, white, bright and just overall lovely to look at. The place was packed with students and people studying/ working away on a weekend. Loved the cute little seating area by the wall on a tiny tiny table - all the aesthetics! Would recommend this spot for a date, quick catch up with friends or just a quick sip of caffeine.

Modern vibe and spacious coffee shop in the middle of the hip part of Ossington. They offer all the usual coffee drinks and a decent selection of pastries. I was a bit disappointed with the espresso lungo though, they added far too much water which basically turned it into an americano. Their cappuccino was good, although the milk wasn't quite frothed enough for my taste. Tables are relatively well spread out, it is not too noisy and wifi is available so it is a good spot for working on your laptop.

One of the largest cafes in the pilot chain - lots of places to seat, good, but small selection of pastries, quick service and great coffee. Great place to people watch on Ossington, or just spend some time.

Husband loves this place!!! Every time we are back in Toronto he always wants to go to pilot coffee!! This time he got the canned coffee as well so he can have his fix!

HERITAGE is the best coffee I fee I've ever had ROOSTER also uses that bean I've bought so many bags of it, love PILOT.

An aesthetically very pleasing coffee shop... however, the coffee was very watered down - their chai was mostly melted ice. I would not recommend...

This is a really cute cafe just a little bit more to the side of central downtown. It's a little bit difficult to get to but good for isolating yourself to focus on work. The place is super cute and unique making it a really comfortable workspace. Tables are available for lone workers as well as small groups, though personally, I recommend bringing a friend to watch your stuff during washroom breaks. I ordered the avocado toast and a matcha latte and this is where I deduct my star. It wasn't bad per se, but the matcha was definitely lacking in matcha powder, it just felt like milk latte featuring matcha powder but perhaps that's the Asian in me criticizing an Asian drink in a western cafe. The avocado toast was pretty good, just a little too salty as you eat it over time, so going lighter on the seasoning to let that avocado goodness shine would be good. In addition to all of this, I really wish there were more selections of food to choose from, more things that are snackable and unique, and less "I can make this at home and do it better for cheaper". I felt the washrooms were pretty well kept except in the middle of the day as more people used them they got pretty gross, but this has nothing to do with the cafe itself. Regular maintenance should be taken into consideration if the funds are available, but otherwise its all good. Would I come back here? Yeah, but not often. It's super cute and the fact that it far makes it not too busy which is nice but it's also the fact that it's far that makes me not really want to go. I do definitely recommend trying this place out, it's worth discovering if this is your new favorite coffee spot.

Wowwwwww, hands down the best ham and cheese croissant I've ever had will be back just for this.

Well priced coffee, aesthetic but also practically thought out shop. Coffee here is mostly miss (80%) or hit (20%), but is pretty affordable compared to the best roaster in Toronto (the LSC). I've discovered some interesting coffee thanks to this place such as the Tanzanian Umoja (milk chocolate and flowery), Guatemalan San Jeronimo (sweet and subtle orange), and the Costa Rican Ruva (milk chocolate and green tea). I've also had my share of terrible coffees such as the Ethiopian Uraga (savory and rotten), Colombian Las Palmas, Burundi Kiririma, Costa Rican Sumava, PNG Keto Tapasi, and the Kenyan Kiamugumo (unbearable bitterness). Nice place to work or have casual conversation. I'd give 5 stars if the shop name were Pilot Coffee rather than Pilot Coffee Roasters, but since "Roasters" is in the name, the quality of the coffee makes me want to drop the rating a notch. P.S. Espresso-based drinks are great, but you'll more than likely end up with a mediocre or bad filter coffee from here.

Pilot Coffee Roasters new, chic Ossington location is a hit. It's a huge, bright open space filled with coffee porn, light snacks and large coworking tables. The staff is knowledgeable, the clientele is super snobby about their beans and if you want to be buzzing along with others as you work, pull up a laptop at one of these tables. Bonus for carrying fresh pressed juices and cookies. I'm not much of a coffee person if we're being ruhl. I know, I know. Weird.

Pilot was rammed and felt like chaos had landed here. It was so busy with barely any seats available. It's a decently sized place too. We managed to get a couple bar seats. I would describe Pilot as Aroma with less food options. I got a double espresso, breakfast cookie and the PB&J. All were quite good. Staff was good. There was no WiFi that day. I did see power outlets so it was probably a good place to work although that's discouraged at certain times like the weekend. Overall, I didn't like the experience as I prefer a chilled café atmosphere. Judging by how busy it was, you would probably like it. Myself, I won't be going back.

Awesome new Ossington cafe! Modern decor, lots of space and sunlight. Marble, wood, and concrete touches bring the place to life in a very upbeat way. Was very much needed to be honest. I live nearby and besides Jimmy's and the Tampered Press (which I love), options are limited in terms of cafes you can work at with enough seating. The coffee itself is great! I got the Cold Brew Soda which was refreshing and light. Nice summer drink. They have a toast menu as well which is decently priced (avocado toast for $5) in addition to salads and yogurt parfaits. Didn't try anything food-wise, but will next time. Service was efficient and friendly. Overall, a great addition to the neighbourhood. Will come back with my laptop.

It's amazing. Their coffee is the best on Ossington. Hours are odd but probably due to covid so still 5 stars!

Service excellent. Prices are unnecessarily exorbitant (quad Americano 50% more expensive than other bespoke espresso shops) and no wifi on weekends....supposedly to improve socializing....really?? Won't be back. Too bad

My go to place for a pour over. I really like the friendly and insightful staff, they explain the different beans and their profile for the pour. The space is open and bright. I always sit at the bar to watch the pour over. Bonus, it's a laptop free zone at the bar. Great for people like me that are solo.

Fantastic coffee shop. Lots of fun, tons of freelancers working in there which gives it a very calm and fun vibe (not loud, but moderate noise level). I don't drink coffee, but I had the matcha and liked it. Not sweet at all, very dark deep grassy green, and satisfying. I would try all the other stuff for sure. Their branding is great, but their customer service -- they can't seem to get orders straight, one girl asked for something iced, they brought it cold. Still, doesn't dissuade me.

Love Pilot Coffee and this location is a beauty! It's huge, bright and modern. I popped in to pick up some beans during COVID and they are practicing all the safety measures with max 3 customers at a time, ensuring people are keeping 6ft apart with their signs and looks like they are keeping their staff safe with the glass in the appropriate areas. I look forward to having a coffee here once we are able to "dine in" again!

This is my new go to coffee spot after Crafted and it's wonderful back patio closed down for good. Gone is the hipster look, replaced with a fresh millennial look, though the staff carried over from the old spot and still brings the same fun service to the place. New glasses and cups are also on point, bringing the espressos brewed on the new machinery a crisper more professional look. I still miss that patio and the birds and flowers growing, but Pilot is a worthy successor.

Really loved the set up, service, coffee, and hipster vibe of this place. Modern space, prepared-to-order right in front of you coffee drinks, and a high-energy crowd of friends visiting and individuals working away. Loved the energy. Loved the coffee. Great spot in a crowded industry.

Pilot Coffee Roasters - Toronto. Delicious iced coffee!! The iced chai latte is good but it's the from Starbucks. Not many options for pastries.

I ordered the pear and ginger cider on a freezing cold day. They serve you right at your table. The drink was lukewarm and didnt burn my mouth. I think i would have preferred it a little warmer as it got cold real fast!

I drink the Heritage blend coffee almost every day--it is amazing. Their Ossington location is also great--modern, minimalist, spacious, etc. I highly recommend both (coffee and location).

I never leave reviews but I felt compelled to after their customer service left an awful taste in my mouth. I have been to pilot roasters twice and I will never go back again. The coffee is good but there are other places you can go in the city with good coffee and friendly staff. Both times I have been, the staff was rude and it immediately left a bad taste in my mouth.

This spot is one of my favorite spots to visit for coffee. However today I went with my laptop to do some work. I sat at the bar were apparently it's a non laptop zone, however I needed to plug my laptop in. I was met by the manager who passive aggressively held up the sign saying it's not a laptop zone. However the zone they have created for laptops funnily enough has no plugs which makes total sense' when I mentioned this to the manager she shrugged her shoulders and said I can just have the lead stretch over to the table. Which is ridiculous considering people are walking around with hot coffee (it's a busy spot) I understand the concept of no laptop zones but seriously you guys need a plug solution for the laptop zone! As the current solution is mind boggling and quiet frankly stupid AF!

Super good atmosphere but no WiFi on weekends! Very bright, well designed space. Good for working, writing and reading (lots of people do). No laptops at the front window tables.

Great coffee vibes and they have a great selection of baked goods. I had their savory muffin

Majority of the time when I go to this coffee shop I have terrible service. This is for the one on ossington. I find most people have poor social skills and are very focused on themselves and not the customer. I've been ignored while walking in when the store was empty no one said hi. It was very awkward. The store also was already opened so i walked in around 810, no one greeted me and I had to ask to be served which they were hesitant about as they were still getting ready. If the door says the store is opened shouldn't I receive service then and not be questioned? I've also been poorly greeted as I've come up to the cash register. My dad also had a poor experience as he came to buy a coffee was a few cents short he only had pennies and they refused to accept it making him go all the way home to get some more money when I personally believe that sometimes for a business to do well you have to help the customers out here and there. It was a few cents... I've never written a review in my life so this has to say something. I just think this place needs to really improve in their customer service. I really enjoy the food at this place but I don't like feeling awkward at a place I'm buying food from because of the workers. In comparison, walking into Starbucks is a very different experience as I'm greeted immediately and they actually make conversation with me.