Toronto can’t compete with Paris when it comes to fashionable street style or old-world architecture, but our authentic local croissants could rival those at any European pastry shop. Whether you’re craving a simple butter croissant or the perfect pain au chocolate, you’re bound to find buttery flakey goodness at these bakeries.
Peer through the windows into the open kitchen and you’ll spot chef Nadège Nourian hard at work preparing her delicate desserts for her eponymous Queen Street patisserie. You might be distracted by the eye-catching array of artfully designed tarts and pastel macarons, but the authentic Parisian croissants are not to be missed. Nadège uses classic baking methods to create her signature twisted pastry pockets in whimsical flavours that change with the season.
You won’t find stale pastries at this Leaside bakery. Owner Francois Rahier has achieved celebrity status in the neighbourhood as locals clamour to get their hands on his fresh-baked viennoiseries made with traditional techniques and premium ingredients. Croissant fans won’t want to sleep in as the popular pastries tend to sell out by noon. Try the almond croissant with a light and flaky texture, stuffed with a sweet and creamy almond centre.
St. Clair West locals order croissants by the basket at this petite neighbourhood hotspot modelled on an authentic French café. The fresh-baked pastries are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Try the house special Jocelyn croissant made with maple and raisin. The tiny bakery fills up on weekends so be sure to arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Fans of French baking have found their happy place at this authentic European bakery on Mount Pleasant. Parisian-trained husband and wife team Marc and Sylvie Thobor prepare their signature pastries with fresh, rich Belgian butter to give them a wonderfully sumptuous taste. Signature croissants are available in classic plain and chocolate varieties but the best-selling almond croissant is a neighbourhood favourite.
Venture west to the gentrifying Jane Street strip in Baby Pointe and you’ll find this charming French pastry shop serving some of the city’s finest viennoiserie. When you arrive, check out the chalkboard menu, which boasts a selection of classic French desserts including buttery plain croissants and sweeter options filled with chocolate, almond and chocolate banana. The quaint spot has limited seating inside so be prepared to grab your pain au chocolate to go and enjoy a quiet walk around the eclectic ’hood.
This Roncesvalles mainstay also happens to be an under-the-radar croissant haven. Plain, ham and cheese, and almond are the usual flavours on offer at Cherry Bomb, and trust us, these baked-in-house beauties pair just right with an expertly rendered Americano (the café also roasts the Toronto-famous Spitfire Coffee). Enjoy it on the seating area out front and soak in some serious Sunday people watching.
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