ecluded away from the foot traffic on the central promenade within the Distillery fortress, the modest building that houses Café Uno on Distillery Lane seems scarcely noticeable. Yet, to dine courtyard style while admiring the Victorian-era industrial architecture proves irresistible (especially while enjoying that cozy cuppa).

The notion that good fences make good neighbours is entirely remiss at Uno, and the open-air seating scattered along this cobblestone street imparts a European sensibility that is rarely encountered among eateries in downtown Toronto (though the Distillery is a bit of a trek from downtown). Despite the semi-private surroundings, bursts of people wander past occasionally, ogling at the adjacent art galleries (and providing you with people-watching entertainment).

Indeed, the Distillery District is a touristy haunt—replete with the occasional Segway-farers—but natives too can appreciate the century-old sun bleached brickwork of the surrounds while sipping on steaming cups of brew over the morning paper.

Once inside, the chocolate torta and coconut biscotti stare me down as I order an espresso proper (rule of thumb: sugar buoyancy relates to its quality, a test that Uno passed perceptively). Sweet temptations aside, several calorie and sugar conscious options reside on the menu, both guilt-free and decadent, like the 16oz raspberry mocha latte.

Next to the dessert display, trays of sandwiches are piled high with turkey, brie, and sliced granny smith apples on Russian dark bread. The tuna salad, dressed with carrots and walnuts and smothered with melted Provolone cheese, is a mere example Uno’s defiance of traditional ingredients. More strikingly Mediterranean than international fusion—what with the gourmet pizza, lasagna, quiche, and pastas—the odd Caribbean and Asian inspired dishes are thrown in for good measure. Roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables, fruit cocktail, bean salad, and wild rice are given preferential treatment over conventional French fries (trust me: your waistline will thank you).