Saving Gigi

There are a lot of really good friendly coffee places on bloor west of bathurst, but this one is not one of them. Coffee is over priced, wifi is super weak and does not work when there is some people using it and staff seem to only have a forbidden to smile hipster attitude. If you want good coffee, good internet connection, warm smiles and good pastry keep on walking until you reach The Common.

Been here a few times, the service is super slow just to order a coffee. Coffee prices are not cheap. Ive had the sandwiches which are pretty good but heavy. Most people come here to use the free wifi and they sit for hours drinking water. Not my favourite place and the inside could be fixed up a little more.

Came in for a coffee and to read the newspaper. Very tasty full bodied roast with pleasant service. I sat on the patio and the only table open was unbussed from the previous diner’s lunch. This place was great and had a lovely atmosphere, but the dirty plates sat in front of me for the hour I sat there. Silver lining though, I fed the crackers to some sparrows! To the server — don’t forget about the patio. Would go back for sure

I come here for brunch every so often. I like how casual it is. The smoothies are delicious and the food is really good. My go-​to is the breakfast sandwich but everything on the menu is equally good.

Good quality, cheap coffee. I want to try brunch here one day. Super chilled café with free WiFi. And super hipster. Staff are so so… depends who is making your coffee. I guess I’m used to more engaging baristas and café staff who make you feel at ease. These dudes are kind of passive about that, but maybe that’s the vibe of the café. I still go for the coffee. It’s decent!

I’ve passed by this place numerous times without entering. I suppose I have other places I frequent in the area for just coffee and there are plenty of other restaurants close by that I enjoy and frequent. One day whilst in the neighbourhood being undecided as to whether I wanted a coffee and snack or a full on breakfast I decided to head into Saving Gigi. I’m glad I did.
I ordered a coffee and perused the menu. The more I looked at the menu the hungrier I got. So many tasty offerings I didn’t know where to begin. Finally I succumbed to a decision by the prompt of a growling stomach and decided on the «old white cheddar» sandwich. As my sandwich was prepared I enjoyed my coffee which was good (organic & fair trade by the way) and took in the atmosphere. It’s about average size for an independent café, or otherwise what could be considered a small restaurant. It has a warm comfy rustic appeal to the décor. Free wifi so you have the laptop crowd but for the most part it seemed occupied by groups of friends and couples.
Sandwich arrived and I immediately started to devour it. My god that’s a tasty sandwich! There’s just something about a well made sandwich of complimentary fresh ingredients that really hits the spot. Seriously, one of the best I’ve ever eaten. I almost ordered a second.
As for the service it was good, friendly and despite limited kitchen staff I was served in a decent amount of time. Prices are reasonable enough though I wouldn’t consider it a most bang for your buck if you are looking for a substantial quantity of food. All in all I enjoyed my time there and am looking forward to exploring more of their menu. Note they have a patio too!

The thing I like the most about here is how they play records throughout day. They have a wall of books and records for you to look at and which they play. There’s a cozy layout w dark wooden benches and chairs. There are a couple communal tables Which creates an open and friendly vibe. The two people running the café the day I went were very friendly and brought me water right away after I finished my coffee. They have limited menue items for sandwiches, but the grilled sandwich I had when I went was deeeelicious! They offer a solid selection of beers, and have a variety of events at night.

My new favourite lunch spot! Great food, great people and great atmosphere.
I’ve been here twice now and I have gotten the same delicious sandwich– the chicken club. At first I was like what kind of crazy person puts a chicken club on cinnamon raisin bread?!? but now I don’t want to have it any other way. SO good.
This is also a perfect spot for bring your laptop and work the day away as you will be surrounded with amazing coffee, food and a really great wifi signal.
Other than all that a major plus for me is the music, or rather how it’s being played. Gigi’s has a record player with a very large record collection (especially for a café) that plays great, curated music throughout the day.
love love love this place!
Oh I forgot to mention it’s also licensed, so if you want a beer to follow up that coffee you can totally go right ahead and do so.

Hands down, my favourite coffee shop in Toronto. I’m not a coffee drinker, but they make great tea drinks (the london fog is the best), and an excellent beer selection, from cheap-​but-​still-​good to pricey-​and-​worth-​it! The food is also delicious, with a good selection of salads and sandwiches.
The staff are a great bunch of people, and I generally find that if the service is slow, it’s because half the neighbourhood has already placed their orders.
The atmosphere is as good as the drinks, somehow strangely just as perfect for getting work done as it is for having a drink with a good friend.
One important note: it’s cash only. They have an ATM in the basement.

I’d say I come to Saving Gigi at least once every couple weeks for the past few years or so with my boyfriend. It really is hit or miss depending on who’s working, although it has enough charm that I keep coming back.
Service has definitely gotten worse in the past six months. If you’re in a hurry, I’d take a pass on this place, especially if you’re eating. Food can take a ridiculously long time to arrive (especially since it’s mostly just sandwiches) and I’ve also had food orders completely forgotten about. That being said, when the food finally arrives, it’s quite good. I’ve had most of the sandwiches on the menu and the bacon, cheddar, avocado one is my favourite.
I wouldn’t say it’s a destination restaurant or café, but overall a pretty nice neighbourhood spot.

Saving Gigis is one of those places you can have an incredible conversation with a total stranger or write a novel without anyone interrupting you. It’s a community where jazz musicians play their instruments with passion and precision, where record players have an infinite selection and you have that vague sense you have been invited to an introvert’s perfect party.
If you go for breakfast get the biscuit sandwich. It’s a gourmet version of that Tim Hortons biscuit that makes it okay to get up at five in the morning to get on a plane and sit next to someone who snores. Every gourmet sandwich is delicious. Personally I stick to my top three: melted cheddar, cranberry club and another sandwich I believe named after a cheese. All have bacon. Good bacon. The type your mother made when she realized you didn’t cry at the end of Charlotte’s Web. Horrifyingly delicious.
I am an addict of ice americanos and Gigis makes a mean one. The type to get your heart going a little faster and make your mind razor focused like you were ready to defuse a bomb if you had to.
The owners are community builders and a fantastic couple. They know most everyone who comes there and have good singing voices. I know this because I hear them singing to their adorable child. The songs usually involve the words poop. That is the only shitty thing about Saving Gigis and I mean that exclusively as a pun.
They have cool drink specials everyday and great beer on tap.
It’s the type of place that makes Toronto worth living in. Where the staff actually want to work there and hang out after their shifts and know what you are going to order before you do.
Where the coffee is great, the food memorable and the people the friends you haven’t met yet.

Saving Gigi is an excellent neighbourhood hangout with delicious coffee and good food. It’s one of those places where you can set up shop for a few hours thanks to their free wi-​fi and big coffees and teas. The only issue here is inconsistent customer service. Sometimes you’ll get a great group of staff that are friendly and attentive, but sometimes you end up the a group that doesn’t greet you when you’re standing at the counter for 5 minutes. Overall it’s a wonderful spot that I frequent once or twice a week, but beware of the moody staff!

I feel like I know everyone in Saving Gigi from local shows, shops and bopping about Christie Pits. I love these neighbourhood hot spots, they give me the community warm and fuzzies.
Strong coffee, stronger wifi, an excellent sandwich selection (two sided menu! at a coffee shop!) and a patio.
PEPPER PREFERS to order the breakfast sandwich, all the live long day.

The vibe: A place stacked with miscellaneous antique furniture, a record player playing a variety of genres from classical to rockabilly, and the friendliest staff under the sun. It’s a great place to do some work, there’s wifi and sandwiches and great coffee.
The food: The sandwiches. It’s all about the sandwiches. I’ve had a bacon and cheddar melt and the chicken club. Both awesome.
My go-​to meal: Bacon and cheddar melt with apple. mmmmm
Secret: There’s free wifi, and if it matters to you (like it does to me) their eggs are free range and their meat is locally sourced. Also! Cash only!

Went for a quick Sunday coffee and brunch with 2 friends. Saving Gigi is a cute and comfy, communal café. Americanos are okay — Northwood’s are better. Service is a little slow and nothing is served with a smile. Food took awhile — my bf and I both ordered two egg brunches — eggs were really tasty, potatoes were a little bland, and the turkey sausage was tasty but dry.

Gigi’s has been THE neighborhood coffee shop for as long as I have been in the area (4+ years) and has been responsible for bringing the neighbors together day in and out. It’s the best place in the city to cozy up with other work-​from-​coffeeshopers and take part in this awesome community vibe. Oh yeah, coffee is top notch (they have that latte art down pat) and food is some of the best healthy homemade stuff you can get in T. They really care about their patrons well being here.
Saving Gigi, I love you.

Good place that is somewhat Kitschy, but not really in a bad way (if that’s possible). Our party of two, sat down at a table for four, but the problem was that a party of two was already seated there. They didn’t seem to mind, but because they were there first, we let their conversation dominate over our conversation. Are ya following me so far?
I ordered the egg sandwich and even though it took a bit of time to get (this is not a paid endorsement by the way), it was the best damn egg sandwich I’ve ever had. I have no idea why, but it really was. Maybe I’m just easily impressed, or maybe the cook added crack to my eggs. Regardless, yum. So yeah, that’s it. Be prepared to wait for a table, then share a table, then wait a bit for your food, but I think it was worth it. For the record, I was so engrossed in my own damn sandwich, that I forgot what my companion ordered. Oh well, couldn’t have been as good as mine. ..

This place is the bestest ever. And why oh why, do I not live in this neighbourhood. Stepping in here is like getting a big hug from home.
The records in the background + collection of books in the vanity + yummy sammies + indie coffee = Please just let me move in.
I have long been searching for a place where I can drink beer while reading. And Toronto just hadn’t provided it until NOW. They’ve got an awesome selection of beers to keep company with that absurdist novel you’re reading.
The owner is a super nice guy. He talks to everybody, everybody talks to him. Everybody talks to each other. Like I said, HUGS.

This place is awful. If quick and dirty brunch is your thing they definitely have the dirty part down pat – everything is filthy – but service is extremely slow.
FILTHY. Dust everywhere, dirty cups that were poorly washed and still have lip stains on them, and food that looked worse than you could make yourself at home while hungover weren’t even the worst part of it. And don’t look up unless you want to gaze at the dust bunnies living in the paper lanterns above your head. Not sure how they passed a health inspection looking like that.
The slow and rude service was the worst part. Our waitress was nice; the problem was with the manager or owner dude, who I will now refer to as ‘Bruh’ (pronounced something between ‘bro’ and ‘bra’). It was taking a really long time to get my order. The waitress came by and put an order that looked like mine in front of me. Seconds later she came back and took it away. She had mistakenly brought it to the wrong table. She seemed new. No big deal. So the manager/​owner, Bruh, was quite rude and started yelling at her across the restaurant as if to make her feel stupid that she didn’t know where table 6 was. I thought that was unprofessional and felt bad and embarrassed for her. I don’t support places that treat their employees disrespectfully, especially so openly in front of customers. Not cool.
Several minutes later when he was coming by I got his attention and told him that it’s been over half an hour since I ordered my food – though in retrospect I’d say closer to 45 minutes – and that waitstaff keep coming by and telling me it’s coming, that I haven’t seen it yet, and that if he could refund me my money so I can go eat somewhere else. He said «F*** yeah bruh!» and stormed to the cash register. He was so mad! It was a definite «what the heck?» moment.
I went to follow him, somewhat confused as to what was going on and if I was imagining how mad he was right now. I heard him angrily say something like «that GIRL over there,» as if to purposely be condescending and disrespectful. When I got to the register I tried to calmly explain that I was leaving because it was taking a really long time. He yelled «I don’t care!» He was really mad and rude, making a huge scene, as if he took it personally. His behaviour was so ridiculous that I asked «Why are you so mad?» and he responded that I was mad and giving attitude so he was mad back. Great answer. The professionalism and maturity definitely shined there!
I was trying to calmly rationalize with him to calm him down, then he started raging, saying that his place is organic and that I could go to Egg Smart across the street and be served faster, which sounded like he was trying to act like his place was better than Egg Smart. And I’m pretty sure organic eggs cook just as fast as factory farmed eggs. I buy organic eggs, Bruh, and make them at home and they don’t take that long to make. Organic food doesn’t take longer to cook; I eat at local, natural and organic restaurants all the time, and Saving Gigi takes the (organic, dust-​covered) cake for the worst place I’ve been to in a while.
His behaviour was completely unwarranted and irrational. He was blowing it out of proportion. He was so mad, extremely unprofessional, and seemed to take everything personally. He was rude to me and dropping F bombs every few seconds. I was really shocked. I’ve never seen anything like it. I think I was more confused than offended. I decided to stop trying to rationalize and calm him down because people like that are incapable of rational thought. He was a total jerk, extremely loud and obnoxiously overreacting. Very dramatic. This guy is ridiculous and needs to chill out.
This was one of my only «hipster» impressions and it left a bad one for sure. We left, checked Unilocal and ended up going somewhere else, which also seemed to be run by hipsters – if the definition of hipsters was mid-​rise tapered jeans and plaid – but they were friendly, polite and clean, so I know that this dirtiness and rude attitude wasn’t a hipster thing, this was just a Saving Gigi thing. I will never go back here or the sister restaurant Saving Grace.
If price is your reason for going here, it’s not even that cheap. The value is not there. We went to Union on Ossington and paid $ 4 more for a much better dish – naturally raised, freshly ground beef burger – so if you’re broke and that’s why you’re thinking of going here, I wouldn’t even count that as a pro, bruh. It’s low value. This place is expensive for what it is (which is crap, if I wasn’t clear).
Cole’s Notes version:
If waiting 45 minutes for eggs and pre-​made sides, slow service with a rude unprofessional manager, dirty glasses with lip stains, hair stuck to water carafes, and an ambiance full of dust bunnies is your idea of weekend brunch, then definitely hit this place up! Maybe if you’re lucky you’ll get to be called «bruh» and referred to condescendingly and experience some F bombs and watch him rage at his staff!

Been spending way too much time here recently.
I’m such a sucker for good coffeeshop music. I spend way too much time in these places to have to suffer through the radio dial or iPod tributes to Will Smith.
Saving Gigi delivers. An outstanding collection of well picked music played through vinyl on an old school hi fi.
I have been here for four hours. I’m on my third drink. Duke Ellington is on. Love it. Love it. Love it. Love it.
I don’t even have my headphones on.
Finally, someone gets it.