Air Canada Café

Air Canada Café – Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

The Air Canada Café at Toronto Pearson airport Terminal 1 is a bistro-style space for Air Canada domestic Business Class and Star Alliance Gold passengers. The Café sports a generous selection of grab-and-go fresh food items and beverages that guests are encouraged to take away and enjoy on their next flight, unlike at Air Canada’s traditional Maple Leaf Lounges, where taking food away is frowned upon.

The Café is located opposite gate D20, on the concourse level (unlike the Maple Leaf Lounge which is above the security checkpoint.) The club is designed primarily for short visits, but patrons are also welcome to linger and enjoy their food and beverages on premises.

Air Canada Café YYZ design

Air Canada Café – Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

Designed to emulate a trendy urban coffee shop, the Air Canada Cafe at Toronto Pearson airport is conveniently located at the heart of the Domestic section of Terminal 1, near gate D20.

Chic and modern, the Café features a small dining zone flanked by a prominent barista station, as well as an adjacent touchdown area. The mood is sophisticated but casual, with artwork by Canadian artist Shawn Evans, contrasting dark and light tones, and uplifting background music.

Air Canada Café – Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

Two walls are outfitted with shelves stocked with ready-to-take-away food and beverages. The layout of the Café is optimized for short visits: ample space along the self-service zone and a shoulder-height divider around the central dining area ensure help optimize foot traffic so guests in a rush can help themselves and leave as quickly as possible.

Patrons who choose to linger will find dining tables and booths, two large communal tables, high-top seating along the window, and ubiquitous power and USB outlets. There isn’t much in terms of views or daylight, though: the Café overlooks the roof of the terminal and the airport’s elevated transit system.

Air Canada Café YYZ amenities

The Air Canada Café a Toronto airport features a full-service coffee shop, as well as a wide variety of grab-and-go food items and beverages. All food and drinks are complimentary and may be consumed at the Café or taken away.

Air Canada Café – Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

Before 11 am, the breakfast selection includes yogurt, fresh fruit and Goûter premium pastries. The all-day spreads is much more expansive, with healthy options including chia seeds, freshly-prepared salads, and whole fruit; more substantial fare such as mini-sandwiches, wraps, OKA fine cheese, and pastries; and indulgences including sweets, candy, and Lindt chocolate truffles.

On the beverage front, guests will find bottled water, flavored water, teas, espresso, soda, freshly squeezed orange juice, and delicious greenhouse organic cold-pressed juices including kombucha. Many drinks are ready to take away—there are even individual to-go cups of infused water—or available at the touch of a button.

Air Canada Café – Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

Should you have more time or wish to order a specialty drink, head over to the barista station for cold brew mocktails, nitro, and a variety of handcrafted of Lavazza espresso and cocoa drinks.

All drinks can be enjoyed on premises or carried away in bottles or paper cups. However, the Café does not serve alcoholic beverages.

One downside of the Café concept is the use of extensive us disposable containers. Down the road, Air Canada may want to look into a greener approach, including a switch to compostable materials.

The Café also features pristine bathrooms and a customer service desk. However, there are no traditional Maple Leaf Lounge amenities such as business facilities or showers.

Air Canada Café YYZ bottom line

Air Canada Café – Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

The Air Canada Café at Toronto Pearson airport Terminal 1 is a complimentary “grab-and-go” bistro and coffee shop for premium and elite domestic passengers. The concept (which was pioneered in Europe by Lufthansa but it is unique in North America) combines a thoughtfully-designed dining space and a substantial selection of fresh food and beverages to take away.

The Café has the potential to be a win-win for both Air Canada and passengers: it is much more cost effective for the airline to offer a large food selection on the ground than in the air, and customers have the flexibility to eat in the lounge, on their flight, or wherever their travels may take them. It remains to be seen if the unlimited, self-service approach works in the long run, or if Air Canada will eventually need to limit how much guests can take away.

The Air Canada Café is a one of Toronto airport’s best-kept secrets. A quiet oasis away from the concourse and bustling Maple Leaf Lounge, the Café is vibrant and serene, and caters to health-conscious travelers more than traditional lounges. There are still reasons to visit the Maple Leaf Lounge, though: the Café does not serve alcohol or hot food, and lacks typical amenities such as work cubicles, conference rooms, or showers.

For more details, read our blog post: Air Canada imports the Cafe Lounge concept to Toronto