Aroma Espresso Bar

Always have a great time at aroma. Their coffee, lattes and pastries are delicious. Love the chocolate that comes with the coffee. Also my daughter devoured her kids special.

I hate to give Aroma Espresso Bar the 2-​star treatment because I like those little Chocolate Chip Cookies, but I decided to give a shot into their breakfast offerings.
Got myself the Classic Breakfast. Now, you get turkey bacon, which I actually love more than regular bacon, but I’d expect full strips of bacon. Instead they serve you 1.5 slices where they’ve cut full slices in halves and each half constitutes a slice. And to boot, the bacon didn’t have the slightest browning. Also, you get four large slices of bread but only one packet of butter. But I really enjoyed the toast.
All for $ 10??? Not worth it.

Even though everything is overpriced lol, the food is still good especially their salads and drinks mmmhmmm. Try not to go here at rush hour, the line and wait will piss you off

I remember when I first heard about Aroma coming to Canada– I thought: «It couldn’t get any better than this… and to top it off, it’s a hop, skip, and a jump away from my neck of the woods!» Then slowly, more locations starting popping up around the GTA. and so the inevitable happened…
Aroma quickly went
D
O
W
N
H
I
L
L
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Aroma is not the Aroma I remember many years ago… This place overcharges for food that has gone down in quality over the past few years. Their coffee is nothing to rave about, however I would choose it over Tim’s coffee any day… But they’re more expensive than Starbucks so be prepared to shell out some cash.
The last time I visited Aroma, it was last week in the middle of a hot, sticky, summery day. Excited about my Iced Aroma light, I hastily walked into the restaurant, waited 10 minutes in line only to find out that they ran out of the powder used to make the Iced Aromas. I was quite upset to say the least. I mean, put a sign on the door… SOMETHING!
I digress…
The patio is nice, the décor is inviting, but the food quality has definitely gone down within the past 1.5−2 years. To top it all off, my Iced Aroma cost me over $ 5 for a small, which is more than a Frappuccino at Starbucks.
To conclude, if you’re looking to spend astronomical prices for mediocre food, then this is the place to be. I suggest saving your money, and putting it to better use.

Today we decided to try the Aroma at Bathurst & Rutherford. The place was so busy that the lines of folks splintered off almost out the door. I paid about $ 30.00 for a few sandwiches and a teeny croissant that was charged $ 2.45. I can say with certainty that the place charges the more folks come to spend. The egg salad got rave reviews, but watch out for the giant portion of crunchy water on the breakfast sandwich
. Bring loads of cash and your cell phone to make sure people around you look at you, you lucky rich folks north of hwy 7!

Last Saturday, my hubby and I went to buy groceries at Longo’s and stopped at Aroma Espresso Bar, our friends who live in the neighborhood mentioned that their coffee is excellent. We intended only to stop for coffee, but then realized that it’s lunchtime and we both really hungry. Besides, their food menu was too tempting to be passed by. John got shakshuka (I think he just loved the sound of the name) and I got portobello mushroom sandwich. My sandwich was excellent and John liked his shaksuka, it is some kind of Moroccan/​Israeli meal where you get sunny side up eggs floating on the top of spicy tomato paste with toasted bread on a side. Yes, coffee was good too, though I had better. It is 4 starts because the service was a bit slow (had to wait 15 minutes until they called my name) and the place was really crowded — there was no space inside and we had to sit outside even though it was windy and cold. Yet, the prices are reasonable and the food was good, so we will be back to Aroma again.

It’s a hard call between the mint tea made by pouring steaming water over fresh mint or the hot chocolate made by pouring milk over chunks of Belgian chocolate. So good.

I like this place they have a nice patio where you can sit in summer time and enjoy a hot cappuccino.

I liked this place a lot!
It was one of those mornings where you’re actually on time for work and could really use a pick-​me-​up. I went in anticipating a huge line up and was so, so wrong. I was the only person there. I ordered an espresso & breakfast sandwich to go.
The breakfast sandwich was unlike anything I’ve had before. Who puts pickles on a breakfast sandwich? Well let me tell you this. It was incredible! Multigrain bread, eggs, cream cheese, pickles, parsley, tomatoes and lettuce. It was actually pretty amazing and I regret nothing. I’ve also sampled their warm chickpea salad at another location and that was fairly appetizing (and filling?!).
The service at this location was perfect. The morning crew is friendly and attentive. Nothing too over the top which is preferred at 7 in the morning.
I have to admit, the chocolate with the espresso is a nice touch.
Update: I am hindering the review from a 4 start to a 3 based on today’s experience. Went in on a Friday afternoon around 330pm to grab ½ lb of ground espresso beans. It took some time before the cashier came to the counter.
I asked for the beans and she stared at me blankly saying «I don’t know how». I said, «don’t know how as in, how to gring the beans or how to ring it in the machine». Her answer was «yeah»??? I asked if there was anyone else who could help me; she looked over at her coworker and said «we’re both like, new here, sooo».
It was super irritating. I had purchased the same order a week prior as a gift and thought I’d get some myself. Aroma, train your staff!
I will not be returning to this location.

It is probably the most busy café I’ve been to and they don’t have change for a $ 100, after I already ordered and showed her the bill in my hand, as if. Anyway, small portions/​food is tasteless and not worth coming back. Sad to say Starbucks wins this round.

Just keeps getting worse. My last experience will be my last. I was over charged for something — which really wasn’t worth an argument over (around $ 5 on a $ 37 bill). When i pointed out something was wrong, it was all downhill from there. It was an argument and i was insulted, made to feel like an idiot, blame displaced onto the ‘system’. Very pointless really.
In the end, once i opened up the takeout, i found the issue all along was an extra salad i didn’t order (hence the extra charge). What get’s me upset though is the effort spent by three staff member to tell me how wrong i am, and no one took the effort to just double check the order. The sign from the owner placed in the store says text me for feedback. Never heard anything back either.
The point really is, this place has gone to crap over the past little while. No need to support them anymore. I like the chain, just don’t like this one.

Tried the cappuccino here and it was pretty good. I also got the Alfajores. It had no flavor whatsoever and I felt like I was eating paper with dulce in the middle lol.

I’ve enjoyed every occasion when I’ve been here and the other locations as well. If you want the feeling of being in Europe this is the place to be

This was the first of the aromas I tried a couple years ago. I go there often and to many of their city locations.
The GOOD.
+ They are only chain that makes a good espresso that never tastes burnt or old, and they are consistent. (unlike over rated Starbucks) + You can actually get some average priced food to be healthy, with salads and soups options etc along with your coffee.
The NOT so GOOD
— This location is often really busy. — I’ve seen some pretty rude things done by York Region socially oblivious patrons (like being rude to other patrons). — People stare a lot at each other at the RH location. Which makes me NOT like how they call out your name on a speaker but in the city locations it’s not so bad.

wow this place was busy considering it was a Friday afternoon. Cooled off with a nice ice latte on a warm summer day. I wish I was able to sit on one of their patio seats but they were all taken. I guess people didn’t have to work that day just like me. Service was fast and drinks were refreshing and not overly sweet with great coffee flavor. $ 10 bux for 2 drinks but you get what you pay for.

I really like this place for their coffee, pastries, and portabello mushroom sandwich :-)
The atmosphere is very lively yet there is often shortage of seating as many patrons stay there for a long time sipping their coffee and doing some work or studies. I would not recommend going there between 12−2pm, all other times it’s fine.

If you are looking for a place that is happening in Richmond Hill/​Vaughn/​Thornhill then this is the place to be. It is more than just a standard coffee shop; it is a social scene. Locals gather to occupy the patio at the moment that the weather calls for it. Otherwise, the comfortably spacious interior can get pretty packed where individuals talk boisterously where it can get a tad noisy. Students, parents, young and old come to this little spot to hang out, read, or study. In consideration that there is a gym in the plaza, many come here for their healthy food options which lists from various salads, sandwiches and soups. Additionally, portions are generous and food products are fresh. The coffee here is recognized and praised for by many. This is because there is a great variety and at ones discretion it can be customized. The staff is very friendly and makes an effort to get to know regulars and welcome newcomers by answering any questions or providing recommendations.
The modern interior is furnished with a couple of couched booths and couched at the borders. Otherwise, there are plenty of comfortable chairs and tables. Similarly, the patio is also filled with plenty of chairs and tables which are big enough to hold a full meal or two. The only concern that should be emulated is for those who come work on their laptops; come with your battery full charged because the plugs are limited.
Try the Alfajores ! For those with a sweet tooth and open something out of the ordinary. It is a little cookie/​chocolate sandwich that crumbles smoothly with every bite. It is just the right blend of sweet and savory. Accompanied by your coffee to your liking and you have a perfect coffee break in the waiting.

It is difficult finding a seat at this café, even at 2pm on a Monday afternoon.
I came here to enjoy a coffee and do some work, since I heard there was free wifi. I was not disappointed with the wifi. Were there power outlets? I found one, but the seat was occupied and I didn’t want to walk around a crowded café looking for one. So I sat at my table until my name was called. I picked up the mocha, sat back down, and enjoyed the free wifi. When I first drank the mocha, I thought the coffee was a little strong, and really couldn’t taste the hot chocolate part. To my surprise, I didn’t realize that there was a chunk of chocolate inside the bottom of the cup until I was near the end. I prefer that the barista mix it in for me, since I can’t see through the coffee in the cup. It’s not intuitive. What was left of the mocha and melted chocolate was too sweet, but I bet I would have enjoyed it if it was mixed properly before I reached the bottom.

Visited Aroma today to meet with a friend over a coffee. Its an interesting space to say the least, you can tell that Aroma was at one time a really hip almost unique space before they started opening locations all over the GTA/​Toronto. This particular location is not only well decorated but it attracts some … well decorated people as well. If ya know what I’m saying.
It’s the trendy kind of place where the wealthy 1% and those who want to look the part go to enjoy their lattes, trying to look socially conscious and less corporate by avoiding starbucks (even though that’s where they really want to be) and go here «to be seen». I don’t mock, I’ve lived around it my whole life so I accept this crowd — just don’t ask me to explain them.
One thing that I thought was a bit low class for a space trying so hard to espouse class and sophistication in the 905, was their ordering system. You order at a cash desk and instead of waiting to pick up your order the announce your name over the loud speaker — kind of kitsch in my opinion. With this level of place I almost expect someone to bring it to my seat. I’m not a snob I swear… just think this place should maaayyyybbbbeee be more consistent in what they’re going for.
Crowd aside the space is comfortable and free wifi is always a plus for those of us working remotely day in and day out like myself. But the most surprising thing here was the latte art (see picture). It was a pleasant surprise in a space like this and one of the coolest presentations I have seen in coffee in the GTA in some time.
Not all bad, will return, especially if they keep handing out the complimentary chocolates (aka Crack) with each coffee.

Holy moly.
I got takeout from this place two days in a row. Day one: half soup and salad meal. Day 2, salad.
Both were incredible and incredibly huge. They have a poster outside the place that says that nothing is premade, the salads and bread are all cut and chopped when you order. I believe them. These were the freshest salads i’ve ever had outside my house, and the soup (chicken and wild rice) was really great.
Plus, the portions are gigantic. The «small» salad easily yielded two meals.
The service is also quick and very friendly.