Internationally inspired specialty bakeries in Toronto
Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, which means we’re fortunate enough to sample international cuisine on every street corner. Here are some unique specialty bakeshops serving sweet and savoury baked goods from around the world.
Athens Pastries Pies
509 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1P5It’s no secret that The Danforth is Toronto’s go-to ’hood for Mediterranean cuisine. This Greek bakeshop first opened in 1978 and has set itself apart with its authentic street food fare prepared with family recipes from Northern Greece. Light and flaky phyllo pastry plays a starring role among many of the sweet and savoury options like spanakopita (spinach pie), tiropita (cheese pie) and galaktoboureko (custard pie). If you opt for a plate of the sticky honey puffs, ask to have them sprinkled with chocolate or cinnamon.
Mashiom Bakery
345 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2G3There are plenty of Chinese eateries along this stretch of Spadina but this Hong Kong style bakery has a large and loyal customer base thanks to its tasty Asian fare and affordable prices (especially when it comes to end-of-the-day specials). Next time you’re in Chinatown stop in for a large selection of sweet and savoury buns (try the BBQ pork), egg tarts, mooncakes and Loh Mai Chee rice balls. The high turnover here means there’s always a fresh batch of goodies no matter what time you visit.
Beaches Bake Shop
900 Kingston Rd, Toronto, ON M4E 1S5East end locals stop in for “fika” at this charming Swedish café and bakeshop in the Upper Beaches. Owner Anna Tvinnereim can be found in the open kitchen preparing light meals and baked goods using traditional family recipes. Nyponsoppa is a unique dessert soup made with rose hips while the authentic Swedish cinnamon buns get an extra little spice thanks to a dash of cardamom in the dough. The homey shop interior is also decorated in true Scandinavian style with colourful clogs and soothing folk music playing on the radio.
Venezia Bakery Ltd
114 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z4This family-owned bakery at Ossington and Argyle has been turning out traditional Portuguese bread and pastries since 1979, long before Ossington Avenue became the trendy dining destination it is today. Locals stop in daily to sip on espresso and pick up rustic loaves of artisanal breads to take home. The pastel de nata (traditional Portuguese egg tarts) are the real stand out item. The three-bite tarts features a flaky pastry shell filled with creamy egg custard with a caramelized bruleed top.
Tre Mari Bakery
1311 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6E 1C2This old school Italian bakery and deli has been in business on the St. Clair West strip for over 50 years. The family-owned neighbourhood haunt is divided into different sections for deli goods and groceries, fresh baked bread, desserts and a hot food counter. Locals love the traditional Italian desserts like coffee-flavoured tiramisu and sweet cannolis stuffed with creamy ricotta. For a unique take on the ice cream sandwich trend, try the gelato panino, which sees your choice of house-made gelato sandwiched between slices of brioche bread.
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