The best new cafes in Toronto in 2011 offered great atmosphere as much as quality espresso. With more and more independent cafes popping up around the city, the best of the bunch were able to deliver that intangible "it" factor (and others, laundry drop-off services, stocked bookshelves, and of course, free WiFi).

As well as new arrivals pulling their inaugural shots in 2011, the year saw the opening of new locations of popular cafes; Crema on Spadina and the Danforth, Bulldog at Yonge and Eglinton, and TAN in Baldwin Village, to name a few.

The best turkey burgers in Toronto need not be considered the best of a reluctant substitute. That is, there are delicious, tender, juicy turkey burgers out there that are more than just a healthier-than-beef, lower-taste-tier option. These burgers deserve all the mango chutney, caramelized onion, and homemade guacamole adornment as is so often frivolously bestowed on their beef counterparts, especially since they carry much less of the subsequent guilt. Where's the beef? Pft. More like where is the naturally-raised, hormone-free, locally sourced turkey?

Here is the list of the best turkey burgers in Toronto.

The best falafel in Toronto, needless to say, comes down to the quality and freshness of its ingredients. I once, to my horror, was served a pita stuffed with microwaved falafel balls, and as I attempted (and ultimately failed) to choke down the gritty mess, I vowed never again to approach the (falafel-related) new without scrutiny.

My favourite falafel spots in Toronto are the ones with owners who recognize that hummus, pickled turnip, tahini, hot sauce and other add-ins must all come standard--and never shall a ball be fried before a customer has placed his or her order. A fresh, warm pita (or laffa) is another must-have, and as with most things, the bigger the better.

Here is the list of the best falafel in Toronto.

The best baguette in Toronto, unsurprisingly, is found at the most authentic of French bakeries. These are the shops that welcome you in with a "bonjour," would never use the term "chocolate croissant," and many of them, for some reason, seem to boast head bakers with the first name "Marc."

While the recipe, so to speak, for the perfect baguette remains a simple one, the bakeries that have made it on this list seem to add a bit of "je ne sais quoi" to make theirs extra crispy, extra fluffy, and overall, just more delicious. There must be some magic behind the name Marc, or else, I have no idea what makes these baguettes so good.

The best Indian restaurants in Toronto are not ranked based on ambiance. Copper Chimney, for example, the number six spot on this list, indeed looks like it was plucked from another decade. And then there's Lahore Tikka House sitting at a venerable number two, which still uses plates and forks you can throw away at the end of your meal. Unless, I've totally got it wrong and it's this irreverent charm that makes them so appealing, these Indian restaurants offer something else to earn themselves such high esteem.

And that, of course, comes down to their food. The list of best Indian restaurants in Toronto is not specific to northern or southern cuisine, yet each spot in the ranking is known for authentic flavours, unique combinations, and interesting takes on traditional fare. So keep your eyes on your dish, and not the decor.

The best veggie burger in Toronto is an intriguing category. The sheer number of restaurants that now feature this sandwich is rather overwhelming. From the grimy and greasy beef joints, to the delicate and clean vegan-only spots, the choices are as different as the ingredients used to produce these patties. One thing is clear; the veggie burger is the ultimate crossover. It's got friends in total dives and in swankier environs. Some have their liquor licences (Burger Bar, Stampede Bison Grill) and others quietly don`t even open on Sunday, instead observing church. Let`s not even talk about the Five Guy's veggie (non-) option.

Here are the best veggie burgers in Toronto.