The Best New Cafes in Toronto, 2012

The best new cafes in Toronto in 2012 are evidence that we haven't reached our espresso quota just yet. While there are, indeed, plenty of places to get a cup of something caffeinated around the city, these new cafes have emerged to try to deliver a pull that presents just a little bit better. Meanwhile, some existing mini-cafe empires chose 2012 to open some new spots, not the least of which include the new Balzac's at Ryerson, Sam James on the PATH, Dark Horse on John, The Common in Bloorcourt and the rebranded Black Canary. But this list focuses on the new cafes that are all on their own.

Here is the list of the best new cafes in Toronto in 2012.

Voodoo Child

With an emphasis on classic, superior espresso drinks, Voodoo Child landed on College in October of 2012. Backed by some of the team behind the former Liberty Belle Bistro, Voodoo Child started with a chalkboard menu of basic coffees, and grew to incorporate weekend brunch, ramen pop-ups, weekly cocktail nights, and daily lunch. Too bad the song gets stuck in your head every time you read the sign.

Cafe Con Leche

Dupont and where? Okay, so, it may have seemed a little funny for the owners of CocoaLatte to open a new café on the underwhelming stretch of Dupont west of Lansdowne, but Café Con Leche has certainly made it its home. Immediately winning over area locals after opening, Café Con Leche arrived in October and set to work pulling espressos and serving hot café con leche. An area catalyst, perhaps? We’ll see.

The Sovereign

From Liberal MP office to some mighty fine cappuccino. When the NDP won the riding for this area by Dufferin and Davenport, the landlord handed the space over to the men behind this café. John and Ross transformed the space with a little Rufino espresso and homemade torrone. You can still talk politics here if you like, but the apple caramel crumble muffin is a much better talking point.