i have had the occasion to visit quite a few espresso shops in the city. i would say that JET FUEL COFFEE SHOP from all that ive experienced is the best all round espresso shop in toronto. there is no other coffee shop that ive visited that has a communal or a familial vibe like jet fuel. there is no other coffee shop that seems to have a vision of what they are - they have their own cycling team; the owner is a pastry chef and eccentric in his own right; theyve sponsored community events; they throw a party every year for their customers; they play great music there; feature great art; their space is interesting to both look at from the outside and peek outside from the inside.
and their coffee is superb.