Who knew that Leaside was such a sweet place to live?
With a bounty of bakeries, patisseries, chocolatiers and confectioners in the area, Leaside is a rich and tasty place for those looking for holiday gifts, delicious desserts or myriad opportunities to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Some of these places have been in the neighbourhood for decades, while others are more recent additions to our community. Whether you want cookies or croissants, pillowy bread, artisanal chocolates or fancy desserts, there is a place for you to find these items in Leaside. Since we each have favourites, or perhaps an occasion that requires something special, the broad range of choices in Leaside ensures there is something for everyone.
Baked goods
Rahier Patisserie (1586 Bayview Ave.) opened in Leaside in 1996 and has been at their current Bayview location for eight years. Some of the most popular items are croissants, the Dumas cake, the bouches and of course their holiday specialties and beautiful desserts. Manager Samantha Legay says that people “love the authentic European style of Rahier” as their offerings are prepared by Belgian chefs. Rahier is a regular stop for people in the neighbourhood and also draws devotees from all over Toronto. www.rahierpatisserie.com.
Patisserie La Cigogne (1626 Bayview Ave.) marked two decades in Leaside in 2023. This wonderful shop has a broad selection of pastries, cakes, macarons and treats for special occasions, such as the French Wedding Cake and the French Croquembouche. These delicious treats are made by Thierry Schmitt, a French master pastry chef with over 30 years of experience in artisanal baking. As the proprietors of the patisserie say, “think of us for your desserts”! We do, we do. www.patisserielacigogne.com
Bomou Artisanal Bakery (1636 Bayview Ave.) is a relative newcomer to Leaside, opening on March 15th, 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic. Owner Negar Sabzevari says, “we love the neighbourhood, and the people here were very supportive through the pandemic, which helped us survive that trying time.” The bakery’s breads are very popular. One of their signature items is a ‘shahzadeh,’ a beautiful pastry with pistachio mousse, rosewater and raspberry. For the holidays, Bomou has many chocolate and showpiece offerings along with something special for kids – last year there were decorate your own gingerbread cookies. www.bomou.ca
The Leaside location of Sweetie Pie (1639 Bayview Ave.), which opened in February 2022, attracts a large following of regulars. Shop manager ‘Jacob’ says that “Leaside favourites include butter tarts and strawberry rhubarb pie.” Jacob also mentions that in addition to their wonderful sweets, the shop “has savoury pies like spicy beef curry, classic chicken pot pie and vegan options.” Lots of tasty choices, both sweet and savoury. www.mysweetiepie.ca
Epi Bakehouse (1526 Bayview Ave.) is a longtime Leaside establishment at the corner of Millwood and Bayview. This popular bakery is well known for delicious breads and pastries, and also a wide selection of desserts and prepared meals. As their website attests: “From the sweetest pastries to the most savory sandwiches, we have something special for every palate.” www.epibakehouse.com.
Charmaine Sweets (115 Vanderhoof Ave.) is a lovely bakery a little off the beaten track with a wide selection of bread, cakes, croissants and pastries. The family-owned business is named after the owner Teresa Ho’s daughter, who is also a pastry chef. The lovely offerings are all made from scratch, in the French style. www.charmainesweetsstudio.com
The Leaside location of COBS (1539 Bayview Ave.) is another favourite in the neighbourhood. There is often a lineup of regulars waiting to purchase the many different breads, scones or hot cross buns, along with special seasonal treats. www.cobsbread.com/local-bakery/leaside-bakery.
Cookies
Craig’s Cookies (1581 Bayview Ave.) opened in Leaside in October 2020. Founder Craig Pike’s business started in his own kitchen and has grown into several shops around the city. Leaside is very lucky to have one in our neighbourhood. According to Craig Shaw, manager of the Bayview store, “Leaside’s favourite cookie is the classic chocolate chip.” There are many other delicious and unusual flavours along with several special cookies for the holidays, including candy cane shortbread and white chocolate gingerbread. Cookies can be purchased either at the shop or online. www.craigscookies.com.
Churchill Fine Gourmet Gifts (882 Millwood Rd.) has been a Leaside favourite for almost 20 years. They are well known for their melty shortbread cookies, a favourite of Leasiders, and many beyond our borders. www.churchillsgourmetgifts.com.
Other notable Leaside ‘sweet’ establishments, many covered by Leaside Life in previous issues, include:
Isabella’s Mochi Donut Boutique
1669 Bayview Ave.
www.isabellasdonuts.com
La Diperie
1559 Bayview Ave.
www.ladiperie.com
Dolce & Gourmando
1493 Bayview Ave.
www.dolcegourmando.com
Macarons and Mint
864 Eglinton Ave. East
www.macaronsandmint.com
Laura Slack Chocolate Artist
90 Thorncliffe Park Drive
www.lauraslack.com
The Chocolate Messenger
1645 Bayview Ave.
www.chocolatemessenger.com
Avoca Chocolates
850 Millwood Rd.
www.avocachocolates.com
LaRochelle Confections
209 Wicksteed Ave. Unit 32
www.larochelleconfections.square.site
Many of our local shops appear on ‘best of’ lists, making Leaside a destination for sweets and a nod to the local places creating delicious and beautiful confections. If you have not had a chance, give some (or all!) of these places a try. They routinely receive great reviews from clients, both in person and online, and when you visit any of them, you will know why. Tell them Leaside Life sent you!
Happy eating on Leaside’s sweets trail!
