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Tao Cafe
★ 4.0(1 review)Café
calmmodernlocal
About the Vibe
Tucked away in Ruskin Square just off East Croydon station, Tao Cafe is the kind of place that makes you want to linger over your coffee. It's a bright, airy space with soothing pastel tones and a curved concrete bar that feels more like a modern art installation than a coffee counter. What sets it apart is the thoughtful approach: fully vegetarian menu, specialty coffee from Plot and guest roasters, and everything made with sustainability in mind. It's an actual oasis in what can otherwise be a chaotic part of town.
Known For
- •specialty coffee from Plot roaster
- •fully vegetarian menu
- •homemade cakes and pastries
- •peaceful atmosphere
Best For
solo coffee workquiet brunchsustainable dining
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 2, 2026
A peaceful specialty coffee oasis in East Croydon
Tao Cafe has quietly become one of my go-to spots in East Croydon, especially when I need a break from the station's chaos. The space itself is lovely—bright, airy, and designed with a sense of calm that's rare in this part of town. I've had their cortado made with Plot's IMPACT espresso, which had this lovely milk chocolate sweetness, and the latte art was genuinely impressive. The cinnamon buns are worth the trip alone, and I'm excited to try their upcoming full brunch menu.
What really sets Tao apart is the thoughtfulness behind everything. The founders, Valentina and Tommaso, clearly care about what they're serving—fully vegetarian menu, in-house cakes and syrups, and coffee sourced with care. It's not just about good coffee; it's about creating a space where you can actually relax and feel good about what you're consuming. Yes, the music can sometimes be a bit loud, but that's a minor quibble in an otherwise solid neighborhood café that's doing things right.