Like a breath of fresh Italian air, the stylish new b espresso bar has brought its unique charm to downtown Toronto. Not your run of the mill espresso bar, this little piece of the Eternal City serves the most delicious and authentic Italian coffee. We are sure this oasis will become one of your favourite spots, as it has ours.

Owner Bruno Colozza was immediately drawn to the unique space in a heritage building located on Queen Street East between Church and Jarvis. "Right away I could see that this space and this whole area had the potential to be great." Bruno's instincts were spot-on with a luxury condominium, a boutique hotel and a gourmet restaurant currently in development all on the same block.

It's obvious from the moment you walk in that they've broken the cookie-cutter mold with this flagship store. The dŽcor is absolutely stunning thanks to the vision of designer Anne Simone of Cecconi Simone Design. The room perfectly blends the traditional structural elements of the building with the sleek, modern, Italian interior.

The back wall is a striking mosaic of tiny red tiles with gorgeous imported stainless steel and glass counter in front. Two long custom made Italian marble tables run the length of the room and encourage customers to socialize and chat while perusing the fabulous collection of books and magazines that pay homage to all things Italian - architecture, fashion, food, art, literature, etc.

For those craving something a touch more intimate, the one private booth makes anyone who sits there feel like a VIP - leather banquette, surrounding shelves filled with books and gifts and a striking modern deconstructed chandelier over-head.

Coffee is king at b espresso bar. Forget that bitter, acidic beverage you've been thinking is the real thing. Here, the professional "barristas" behind the counter are ready, willing and able to "pull" you the perfect espresso, macchiato, cappuccino or lattŽ all made with authentic Italian Illy Coffee for the same price you'd pay at your corner chain. Rich and creamy without a hint of bitterness, anyone else's coffee pales in comparison. And if you haven't been converted into a coffee lover, have no fear - come in and enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice, fantastic Revolution teas, or even a cocktail from their fully stocked bar.

To go along with all the wonderful drinks, Chef Sergio Onorati has made sure all the food is just as wonderful. At breakfast, customers can choose from a selection of fresh bagels, croissants, muffins and fruit, but our hands-down favourite is Sergio's frittata - a perfectly cooked omelette on a freshly baked cheddar scone. A few seconds under the pannini-press and you'll never be satisfied with a bowl of cereal again.

At lunch, breakfast items are replaced and the counter is filled with a variety of light lunches - panninis, wraps, salads, personal pizzas, and a different homemade soup everyday.

For those with a sweet tooth, they bring in only the finest cakes, pastry, and cookies from the most exclusive bakers. Unique treats include a rich chocolate zucchini cake, individual carrot cakes, marbled Tuscan brownies and the most delicate all-butter short bread cookies flecked with tiny leaves of Earl Grey tea.

b espresso bar is open daily Monday to Saturday, but during the nice weather is also open every Thursday evening. Customers can come and enjoy the Italian tradition of a leisurely cocktail with complimentary aperitivado (appetizers). As well, the striking space is available for private parties and small corporate functions.

So don't settle for anything less than the real thing. With the arrival of b espresso bar, Torontonians can take a trip to Italy for the price of a cup of caffŽ.

b espresso bar
111 Queen Street East #102, Toronto
Phone: 416.866.2111
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday after 5 PM seasonally