Rise Cafe at 107 Mutual (near Jarvis and Dundas) with a runner up nod going to LIT Cafe on Broadview south of the Danforth...
RISE has a real Italian feel... which is more accident than intention I suspect. Its super small, with only a narrow bench and bar stools for seating. They focus on small drinks: esspresso, cordato, cappiccino.
They have a drink called the BULLIT too... An in house creation inspired by the old movie poster on the wall: a shot of espresso with a single chocolate covered coffee bean bullit at the bottom. Lock and load!
The barristas are all friendly, relaxed guys who are musicians and art students. The soda bottles that look like beer bottles surely appeal to the local Ryerson students, and the all-organic coffee and premium tea to the downtowners in general.
I say if you are in the hood, need a boost... skip the local Tim Horton's and put a bullit in your head to get a Rise!