Discover the Charm of Café Cancan in Toronto

Nestled in the heart of Toronto's Old Toronto neighborhood, Café Cancan was a beloved gem known for its pastel-hued dining room and inviting atmosphere. This quaint restaurant offered a delightful contemporary twist on classic French bistro staples, making it a hotspot for food lovers and trend-conscious travelers alike.

An Unforgettable Culinary Experience

Café Cancan delighted guests with its innovative menu featuring standout dishes like salted duck eggs paired with a tangy mushroom sauce, mushroom gnocchi, and exquisitely crafted trout crepes. The brunch was particularly popular, celebrated for its fresh ingredients and creative flavors. The French onion soup with braised brisket left a lasting impression, while the coffee and pastries earned praise for being the perfect pick-me-up in a photogenic setting.

A Cozy, Feminine Ambiance

The restaurant was renowned for its adorable decor and pastel color palette, creating a feminine and inviting atmosphere. Indoor seating was cozy and charming, featuring unique touches like booths with delightful bells to summon rosé. While the patio provided a nice outdoor option, guests often preferred the indoor ambiance during daylight hours. Service was generally attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience.

What to Know Before Visiting

Is Café Cancan still open? No, Café Cancan permanently closed its doors in early 2025.
What were the operating hours of Café Cancan? Café Cancan operated from Tuesday to Saturday, offering brunch on Saturdays and dinner from Tuesday to Friday.
Did Café Cancan accept reservations? Yes, reservations were accepted and recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

Community Sentiment and Legacy

Positive describes the community sentiment towards Café Cancan. Patrons frequently praised the spot for its charming atmosphere, unique French-inspired menu, and memorable brunch dishes like duck eggs and trout crepes. Whether for casual coffee dates or special occasions, this cozy Toronto restaurant left a lasting impression with its attentive service and vibrant ambiance.

Café Cancan: A cherished french bistro in Toronto's Annex neighborhood.

Nestled at 89 Harbord Street in Toronto's vibrant Annex area, Café Cancan was much more than just a dining spot — it was an experience that captured the essence of a Parisian bistro with a distinctly contemporary twist. Known for its pastel-hued interior that radiated warmth and charm, this gem quickly became a beloved destination for food lovers in the city.

a journey from opening to closing

Café Cancan opened its doors in 2017, quickly establishing itself as a hotspot for those seeking a modern take on classic French dishes. Its brunch menu, in particular, received a warm reception, drawing in crowds eager to indulge in elegant yet approachable fare. The restaurant’s intimate ambiance, complete with cozy seating and soft pastel decor, offered visitors a unique blend of sophistication and comfort.

Despite its popularity and charming allure, Café Cancan's journey concluded in early 2025 when it permanently closed. Though the bistro's doors have since shut, its legacy as a pastel-hued haven for French cuisine lovers in Toronto’s food scene remains memorable.

why café cancan stood out

Pastel-hued ambiance: The soft, feminine color palette created a visually delightful environment that was both cozy and elegant.
Contemporary French bistro cuisine: Creative reinterpretations of French classics that appealed to modern palates including brunch favorites.
Intimate and inviting setting: Its small size and charming decor made it perfect for cozy gatherings and relaxed dining experiences.

Café Cancan in Toronto: A charming French bistro experience with some caveats.

Located at 89 Harbord Street in Toronto, Café Cancan invites guests into a pastel-hued dining room that perfectly embodies a chic and feminine French bistro ambiance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and innovative takes on classic French staples, this spot is a favorite among locals and visitors seeking an authentic yet contemporary dining experience. The charming decor, accented by soft colors and intimate seating, creates an inviting backdrop for everything from brunch gatherings to elegant dinners.

Highlights and strengths

Guests consistently praise Café Cancan for its attentive service and the creativity infused into its French cuisine. Popular brunch offerings, such as expertly crafted eggs Benedict complemented by refreshing watermelon salad, make it an ideal choice for mid-morning indulgence. The coffee and pastry selections, especially the latte and chocolate croissants, are also frequently recommended. Diners appreciate the cozy ambiance enhanced by pastel tones and thoughtful decor details, including quaint booths and a small outdoor patio area for pleasant weather dining.

Considerations and potential drawbacks

Despite its many charms, Café Cancan does have a few limitations. Seating can be quite limited, making reservations recommended for dinner or peak brunch hours. Some visitors note that the patio, while pleasant, doesn't quite match the charm of the interior seating, particularly during daytime. Pricing is on the higher side, which might make it less accessible for casual everyday dining. Additionally, some diners have experienced inconsistencies with food preparation, such as undercooked dishes or flavor imbalances in certain menu items like the French onion soup or steak tartare. These issues suggest that while the restaurant excels in ambiance and concept, culinary execution can occasionally vary.

Summary for visitors

Café Cancan remains a beloved gem in Toronto’s dining scene for those seeking a visually delightful and cozy French bistro experience. It stands out for its innovative dishes, warm service, and stylish ambiance tailored especially to brunch enthusiasts and lovers of French cuisine. However, prospective guests should be mindful of the limited seating and relatively premium price point, as well as the occasional inconsistency in food quality. For visitors prioritizing atmosphere and creative menu options, Café Cancan offers a memorable visit; for those seeking a more casual or budget-friendly meal, it might be worth exploring other options.

Pros : Charming pastel decor, attentive service, innovative French cuisine, cozy ambiance, popular brunch offerings
Cons : Permanently closed, limited seating, higher price point

4.1

89 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1G4, Canada

(647) 341-3100

Closed

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

Closed