I first visited Caffe Artigiano in Vancouver 3 years ago. That was my first foray foray into "specialty" (for lack of a better word) coffee and I've been hooked ever since. I was super excited to see them open here in Toronto and I was eager to see if it was as good as I remembered.
(1) The coffee: The espresso is strong and well balanced. The milk is steamed to the perfect temperature and the ratios of espress-milk-microfoam in the espresso-based drinks are spot on. Their Spanish latte is a must try.
(2) The ambiance: I love that it is bright, spacious, and there is plenty of seating. In addition to standard 2 - 4 person tables, there are large tables for communal gatherings and comfortable armchairs for relaxing. There is free WiFi and because it IS so spacious, you will never feel self-conscious for settling in for awhile.
(3) The people: Friendly. Unpretentious. Decent human beings (unlike some other cafes where the staff act like they're gods and you're just a plebe).
There are definitely places in and around downtown Toronto that serve more unique and interesting espresso roasts, but Caffe Artigiano offers coffee at a price comparable to Second Cup/Starbucks but at a higher level of consistency and quality. If you're downtown and looking for a good cup of coffee, Caffe Artigiano should definitely be on your radar.