Lion Coffee by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design: A 460 sq. ft. Café in Midtown Toronto
Design: Dubbeldam Architecture + Design | Project: Lion Coffee | Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Photography: Scott Norsworthy | published with bowerbird
Concept – What is Lion Coffee, and who is it for?
Lion Coffee is a neighbourhood coffee shop on a side street in midtown Toronto, an intimate, light-filled retreat from the bustle of St. Clair Avenue West. It is owned and operated by a young couple who care about coffee and community, and the menu reflects that: artisanal coffee, crafted drinks and freshly prepared food made on site.
Dubbeldam Architecture + Design kept the approach to the 460 sq. ft. space simple. The studio worked with natural materials chosen to echo the handcrafted quality of what is served: warm wood, sleek stone and finely detailed finishes that feel both inviting and refined.
Layout – How does a 460 sq. ft. café stay easy to move through?
The plan is organised as a series of linear zones, each with its own job. At one end, the coffee and food preparation area sits behind the service counter, arranged for an efficient workflow. On the opposite side, a customer circulation zone connects to a small seating area, which runs into a long bar counter set directly in front of a large east-facing window.
That window gives the bar a bright spot for people-watching. The arrangement makes the most of the compact footprint and keeps customers moving, while a small kitchen at the back lets the owners prepare freshly baked goods and sandwiches.
Counter – What anchors the design?
The long service counter, which spans the length of the space. Its front is a sculptural, fluted wood, topped with white quartzite. It is the cafĂ©’s focal point and the place where customers meet the owners and staff.
The counter’s curved end sits near the top of the entry stairs. It guides customers toward the ordering area and around a corner, where they can customise their drinks without holding up others coming in.
Materials – How does a modest budget still produce a rich space?
By choosing materials that are practical and have character. Durable engineered vinyl flooring keeps maintenance easy, and finish-grade maple plywood millwork adds warmth, giving the interior a rich but unpretentious feel.
A slatted wood partition at the entrance quietly defines separate areas while keeping the room open and airy. A soft green wall and light wood finishes lift the mood, and floating shelves of curated coffee products and greenery add both function and visual interest.
Lighting and flexibility – How does the room adapt?
Pendant lights with wooden accents give a warm glow, while large rice paper lanterns hung from a track add a playful, textural contrast. The lanterns and the tables can be adjusted for tasting events, so the café can shift from casual meetups to special gatherings.
For the owners, it is more than a café: a community hub where patrons can enjoy their daily rituals, whether a quiet morning coffee or a shared moment with friends.
More ideas: cafe designs by style, including timber, minimalist and small cafes, the counter design guide, and more cafes in Toronto.
Design: Dubbeldam Architecture + Design | Project: Lion Coffee | Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Photography: Scott Norsworthy | published with bowerbird
Author: Andrew Chung
Andrew Chung is an architect based in Sydney, Australia, and the founder of Best Cafe Designs. He combines architecture, photography, coffee and web design to showcase exceptional cafe designs from around the world.
