Best Bakery in Toronto

[A more general discussion has been split off from this thread to the General Chowhounding board: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/483183

]

Hello everyone,

I'll be in Toronto for the first time this weekend and I'm looking for a list of the best bakeries in town. Any suggestions? I'll be staying downtown but will have access to a car.

Thanks!
Megan

ps- Any suggestions on cheap(er) places to park downtown? I'll be staying near Richmond Street West and University Ave.

[buffytvs]

I know this is a really old thread, but nonetheless:

Best bagels: Bagel World, Wilson Avenue -- great crust, soft centre, not too sweet. The other half of the city likes Gryfe's (Bathurst) -- which for me are too sweet and soft and chewy.

Best lemon meringue pie: Harbord Bakery. No contest. The other stuff's not bad here either :) The LMP's are only available Thursday-Sunday.

Pain Perdue (Sty Clair West) has world-class quiches, but you have to be there early or order in advance.

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Harbord Bakery
115 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S, CA

Bagel World
10 Disera Dr #150, Vaughan, ON L4J0A7, CA

[Yongeman]

Oh, oh...here goes another bagel rant. I also love the Bagel World twister and the 'newish' flat bagels. I also have strong feelings for Gryfe's light bagels as well as Bagel House's Montreal-style bagel--all good in their own right.

-----
Bagel House
1548 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4G, CA

Bagel World
10 Disera Dr #150, Vaughan, ON L4J0A7, CA

[Food Tourist]

I had a delicious and nicely textured gingerbread chocolate cookie ($1) at Yummy Stuff on Queen West near Roncesvalles today. They also had bacon-topped chocolate oatmeal maple cupcakes!

[jmarcroyal]

Hmm, nobody mentioned Montmarte???

Its a bakery in Scarborough off Midland north of Lawerence on the west side of the street(in a kinda industrial area). Anyway, their baked goods are to die for!

They have fantastic soft and fresh croissants, excellent soft pretzels, a nice selection of bread including baguettes and buns. They are however known for their pastries. They offer some pies but their Strudels are amazing. I believe its only $4 for a nice 18in strudel, and they usually have apple or cherry flavors. I also love their Banana Bread and Carrot Cake.

If you havent been here, you gotta check it out, I think they are closed Sunday and Monday, and are open til maybe 5:30/6 on weekdays and Saturday, but its all so damn good!

[ToxicJungle]

Montmartre Bakery
105 Midwest Rd, Scarborough, ON M1P 3A6
The owner Joe who is over 80 yrsold still there everyday baking those delicious goods for us to enjoy, I haven't find anything there that I don't like.
They have the best Bienenstich outside of Germany, and they only make them in Jan - June, can't wait!!!
I got their Germany christmas stollen on the weekend and it's gone before Monday, nice and moist, perfectly sweeten so that it's not covering all the goody inside, mmmmmm
I am going back Wed to pick up all the goods for christmas

[Googs]

Link!

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Montmartre Bakery
105 Midwest Rd, Scarborough, ON M1P 3A6, CA

[two]

hi, what's the place place to get a kids cake? has to taste good as well

[msm]

Lamanna's in Scarborough has some amazing italian baked goods, Rahier (on Bayview) has an awesome walnut loaf, and the Queen of Tarts.

[Boodah]

Queens of Tarts closed down.

[Googs]

Absolute Bakery & Cafe is far from the best in town. However it's a solid neighbourhood bakery in an area lacking in bakeries. I wanted to mention Absolute since it seems oft missed by Cabbagetowners.

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Absolute Bakery
589 Parliament St, Toronto, ON M4X 1P9, CA

[trpetrick]

I love San Remo's in Mimico, the cream-filled donuts are very addictive, especially the coconut and lemon ones.

[Boodah]

The coconut ones are like crack.

[lambersky12]

How about decent bakeries north of Sheppard and in the 905? Is everything that is worth eating south of Eglinton/Downtown? Nino Daversa on Yonge street just south of Clark is a great Italian bakery. Any other suggestions?

[jayt90]

Breadhouse, at Bayly and West Shore has great loaves at reasonable prices. Double rye is $3.49

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Breadhouse Bakery
893 Bayly St, Pickering, ON L1W, CA

[Davwud]

St. Philip's. Islington and Rutherford.

Dorio's in Kettleby.

DT

[toveggiegirl]

Grodzinski has probably the best Challah bread in the city and some very good pastries and whole-grain/spelt bread. There is a location on Centre St.
http://www.grodzinskibakery.com/
For excellent European pastries and cakes, check out Amadeus and Chocolada.
http://amadeusfinecakes.com/
http://www.chocolada.com/

[Mr.D]

For my money the best bakery and also the best value is Dimpfilmeyers on Advance Rd. th e different varieties of pasteries that they make there is unbelievable and their breads are unbeatable as well. Everything is made there with their own spring water. But the best piece de resistance are the prices. I wont say cheap but they arebaked very very reasonable for what you get. I live in Thornhill and have no problem driving down there to get my baked goods. By the way their Jelly Doughnuts are to die for!

[Ediblethoughts]

Is this the place you mean: http://www.dimpflmeierbakery.com/
From the site, it looks like it's all bread?

[Marumari]

I really like Cherry Bomb on Roncesvalles- good rustic and simple scones and snacks. Get there early!

[Food Tourist]

Agree that CB's cookies are to-die-for delicious.

[Ediblethoughts]

Any particular kind that you really like at CB?

[Food Tourist]

According to my notes, I loved the almond coconut macaroon and the chocolate cranberry cookie! I also appreciate that CB's great latte only costs $2.50. A rare deal these days for tasty coffee.

[Food Tourist]

I tried the double chocolate cranberry cookie today and it didn't impress. Kind of disappointing. A bit hard, a bit dry -- maybe it wasn't fresh.

[lamaranthe]

Best croissants at Cobs Bakery (The Promenade, Thornhill).
Best baguette: www.labamboche.ca - 4 Manor Road. East - [phone]

[Muffin__Top]

I just gotta say

While I was waiting for Harbord Room to open last night...

I had the absolute WORST COOKIE EVER at Harbord bakery

So dry, tasted of 100% sugar, crumbled into bits, tasted like cat food =(

[phoenikia]

How can something taste of 100 % sugar and at the same time taste like cat food? Cat food doesn't contain any sugar.

[Muffin__Top]

I don't know what cat food tastes like I just meant it was inedible

[lilithlives]

for the BEST butter tarts ever you must go to Flaky Tart on Mount Pleasant (just South of Eglington) they are amazing - also a great place for beautiful celebration cakes!!!

[trishna]

Since this old thread has been revived, I'll add my vote for Hot Oven on Bloor just west of Runnymede. Excellent baguettes. Their Asiago & Black Pepper bread is amazing, as is the Potato and Onion loaf. Good portugese tarts too.

[theresah]

There is a great place called Pino Bakery at 2068 Avenue Road (across from Bruno's). The owner is always working the front cash. The cakes, pies and tarts are one of our best finds last year. The price point is much more attractive than other places in the area, ie: Pusateri's and Bruno's. Everything is made fresh that day so you don't have to worry about when things were delivered and how long they have been sitting in the display case.

[singe]

Visit the Distillery District, go to Brick Street Bakery and have an Eccles cake.

[Full tummy]

Second that, big time. But you can also get them from the Queen Street location. Best Eccles cake in the city, for sure. Best $2.00 I've spent in recent memory.

[singe]

True. Come to the Leslieville location!!!!

How would you describe it to the uninitiated?

If I have to explain them, first, I ask them if they like butter tarts. Then, if they say yes, I say, well, this is like a less cloying, less runny, less doughy, version. It's all you love about a butter tart...perfect pastry, perfect filling jammed with currants, only better in every way. I adore them!

[haven]

The best bakery would be nova bakery. It is a portugese bakery that has wonderful breads. If you get treats try there cupcakes and tarts.

[drchaim]

Dessert Trends Cafe at 154 Harbord is amazing. Everyone says their my wedding cake is the most beautiful cake they have ever seen.Pastry Chef Don is incredible ... his pastries are to die for! The lunch possibly the most healthy and wholesome meal I've had in a real long time. The place is quite busy from noon till 2:00

[Charles Yu]

Interesting no body mentioned ZANE on Queen Street East?!! I recently discovered this little gem whilst getting myself some Apple strudel from Konditor a few doors down. Quality of Zane's pastries was very similar to Jules or Rahier but NOT AS SWEET. The croissant and quiches were excellent too. Pity its a long drive from Richmond Hill!!!

[Full tummy]

Zane is my neighbourhood choice for croissants and other goodies. The financier are delicious. Actually, everything is great.

[icey]

for really great unique desserts...west finch bakery near weston and steeles (1107 Barmac)...Its a misnomer, as they don't actually make bread anymore. but on friday, saturday, and sunday, you can find desserts that are delish. I already wrote a review...
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/34094...
i really recommend it.
by the way, sanremo's garlic baguette is yummy!!! but i find myself scraping out quite a bit of the garlic before i eat it.

[cwong5]

Did I mention the dessert lady. They can bake! www.dessertlady.ca

[Food Tourist]

Award for Worst Croissant Ever: Le Petit Paris on Bloor West near Jane. It's bread masquerading as a croissant.

Patisserie Saint-Honore on Bloor West near Royal York has surprisingly good croissants (regular and ham&cheese) - they are really crisp on the outside (reminiscent of the texture of Michel's Baguette Bakery Cafe savoury croissants) and dense & chewy on the inside and best warmed.

[deelicious]

Discovered a bakery today that has been around for 40 years.

It is on Royal York south of the QEW called Sanremo Bakery.

EXCELLENT breads - many different corn breads with items folded in. I bought 2 - the roasted onion, and the hot pepper with olives - both are addictive. They also had garlic, sundried tomato, zucchini, red pepper, olive, cheese. They are very unique.

I completely fell in to this place and also tried the yeast raised and apple fritter donuts. Again, both were so fresh and delicious.

They have tons of different bakery items and serve hot food as well.

Has anyone eaten the prepared food? I saw that they serve pizzas and all kinds of sandwiches like veal, sausage and meatball at lunch and I am wondering if they are as great as the baked items? It would be a bit of a drive for me for lunch....so is it worth it?

It is probably a good thing this place isn't closer to my home.

Thanks!

[Food Tourist]

San Remo's dessert pastries are not tasty. I once got two trays of assorted small pastries for a party and they ended up going to waste. Everything else they make is much better (hot counter, gelato, etc.)

[deelicious]

Thanks for the info; although disappointing. Also, because of your posting the name as "San Remo" (two words), I re-searched chowhound and found many helpful entries. Makes more sense - I thought it was strange that nobody had ever mentioned it before.

FYI - it is actually one word Sanremo but I guess it seems like it should be two to everybody.

[Food Tourist]

You're right, it is Sanremo. It's funny how the brain can play tricks and create different realities!

[red dragon]

I have to agree with Food Tourist. After googling Sanremo, I ordered a special year birthday cake. It looked beautiful but the taste was extremely underwhelming and we threw 2/3 of the cake away. The hot counter is good and the donuts are amazing. I personally just wouldnt order the cake (Bacio), the nuts were very stale tasting, the cake was very dry. I would go back for the donuts but it's a far drive for me.

[Davwud]

I've been to San Remo and agree that the hot bar is very good. I can't comment on the baked goods though.

DT

[peppermint pate]

At my old office, we had a supplier who would bring in a box of Sanremo donuts a couple of times a month. They were unbelievable - fresh, perfect texture, great taste - impossible to resist. I've recently been wondering where to go for for my once or twice a year donut craving as the average donut shop has gone so far downhill. I haven't had a Sanremo donut in years but based on those old memories, they were the ones to beat.

[deelicious]

They really still are!!

[Yongeman]

I agree with you, egon61, about Celestin. I'd also put Jules Patisserie (4 doors south of Celestin) in the same 'best of class' category. A great way to do a precise taste test, since they are so close.

[spigot]

I did that this weekend! Celestin won with croissant and pain du chocolat; Jules's were very slightly overdone IMO.

But who'm I kidding; love 'em both.

[balthazar]

Third on Celestin and/or Jules for French (Rahier is good too but these two are my faves). Both have great breads, different styles. Baguette is heartier at Jules (and they have multigrain baguette). Fig bread at Celestin is lovely. Pastries at both are good, though Celestin's croissant slightly edges out Jules for me, but Jules has more selection in other pastries (apricot, lemon, etc.). Jules also has big, fluffy, scrumptious madeleines (traditional and chocolate!) & cookies, fabulous quiches, sandwiches, etc.

If you like Chinese bakeries there are various ones in the Chinatowns, but since you're downtown easiest for you is to hit T&T supermarket on Cherry St. below Lakeshore. The bakery there is decent and has great, fresh selection. You're here at the perfect time to go to T&T - they have the Chinese New Year goodies out too (not as insanely as at the Warden location, but many of the key CNY goodies are there).

[egon61]

Have to throw another vote in for Le comptoir de Celestin, on Mt. Pleasant at Manor Rd.

I have yet to be disappointed. Usually when I go in I try at least one new thing. My only complaint is that they sometimes can't keep up with the demand for their croissants! Flaky, buttery perfection!

[egon61]

...oh yeah, I should add, they're not cheap. But try to make this a regular "special treat" nonetheless...if we don't support businesses like this, all we'll have to choose from is Wonder Bread!

[starvin]

Ace Bakery on Hafis Rd ( Keele/Lawrence Ave W area ) I know you can buy Ace Bread at many grocery stores, but I love to go straight to the source! They have an amazing lunch menu as well...various gourmet sandwiches on super fresh bread...yummmm

[xizhimen]

Zane's, beside Konditor at Queen and Woodbine, is often overlooked. I judge their croissants a chunk better than Clafouti, and their danishes, made with custard, are incredible.

[Full tummy]

Yes, I agree with that recommendation. I have enjoyed everything I've tried at Patisserie Zane, and living in the area, I now no longer need to drive halfway across town to Rahier for croissants. Definitely worth a visit.

[embee]

Warning: Zane's custard stuff, though yummy, has a terrible propensity to lose its custard to your lap, expecially in hot weather. I'm not kidding.

[dreff]

Everything we've tried at Zane's has been excellent. The custard danish may be a bit over the top, but worth a try. The custard with fruit (strawberry, blueberry, apricot) versions might be more manageable. The lemon curd croissant is just fabulous. The chocolate in the pain chocolat has just the right amount of bite to it.

[dreff]

Here's a link for Zane (reviews & location): http://bit.ly/bTe5V

After living in Paris and Copenhagen, I'd recommend Zane's for the danishes (I have yet to check out Hansen's Danish Pastry shop on Pape http://danishpastry.ca/).

For croissants, I like Pain Perdu on St. Clair http://bit.ly/msxB5R.
For baguettes, try Coco Patisserie Boulangerie off LakeShore Blvd W. http://www.patisseriecocoa.com/

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Pain Perdu
736 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C, CA

[toveggiegirl]

Their pastries may be excellent, but I do not recommend their baguette.

[Cereal Killer]

Guess I'm not going to suggest Vienna Bakery - strike another one off the list. Damn it.

[Blueicus]

That's a pity, I used to enjoy going there for a slice of dessert and a coffee... one of the few advantages of taking a bus back to Toronto.

[cwong5]

Dufflet's is probably my personal favorite of the "North American" style cake. But since you are here in the land of multi-cultural Toronto, may I suggest a Chinese Bakery. Chinese Bakery that does "western style" baked goods usually have them less sweet.
As far as Chinese bakery recommendations, I suggest Richmnd Court in Richmond Hill. (Inexpensive and pretty good). There are tons around. walk in and pick out a small piece that looks nice!

[Chester Eleganté]

I dunno...I think Chinese bakery items are pretty weak, especially the breads. I guess if you're up in Richmond Hill, the Chateau Bakery outside of Times Square is decent.

[cwong5]

Really depends... The one inside Chartwell Mall in Huntingwood & Brimely is might good. Is Chateau Good? Is that the really small one that makes nice egg custard tarts?

[Chester Eleganté]

Yah, I think Les Chateaux is better than the other places in the area. It is the small one. Lucullus Bakery at Chalmers Gate is aiight as well. Yeah, guess I'm just not much of a fan of the bun items but there are still other good choices available, when made well (i.e. cookie crust egg custard tarts).

[cwong5]

yummmmm. cookie crust egg custard tarts..
Not sure if you tried... The more traditional recipe suppose to make the crust more flakey. (I wish my baking vocubulary is bigger) Although I sometimes actually prefer the cookie dough because it's just not as heavy. (that means I can eat more! LOL)
Where is your favorite custard tarts...

BTW cwong5<--- That C stands for Chester too!

[Chester Eleganté]

Yeah, the Lucullus egg tarts and coconut tarts are pretty good. I also like their little rolls of green tea cake filled with cream and red bean paste.

I used to be a fan of the flaky crust for the egg tarts but now I find it too greasy/rich. I like the taste of the cookie crust, and how it holds the filling together better.

[Food Tourist]

I love Chinese bakery items, especially the buns with savoury or sweet fillings!

[embee]

I agree with most of the suggestions above (exception: I find Future's non-bread goodies apalling). Since no single bakery does everything well (ah Ebinger's, if any other old crocks from Brooklyn are surfing here), here are some suggestions in no particular order.

For bread:
- Ace and Fred's packaged breads (widely available)
- French flour baguettes from Loblaws
- Croissants from Rahier, Bonjour Brioche, and Cake Master
- Baguettes and brioche from Bonjour Brioche
- Jewish breads from Harbord Bakery (downtown) and from Grodzinsky and Hamishe (north Bathurst). Silverstein's on McCaul sells bread directly from the oven, and it's good (same bread as their packaged products in stores, but the packaging and time lag kills it)
- Montreal bagels from Bagel House
- New Yorkish and twister bagels from Bagel World
- Manoucher packaged breads (widely available)
- Bread of the day from Smalltalk on Bayview
- Epi Bread on Bayview
- Persian cherry bread from Alchemy

Other goodies:
- Cake Master on Cumberland has fabulous Danishes, croissants, and cream cakes
- Konditor (Queen E) and Rahier have some fabulous pastries, though some don't taste as good as the look
- Altitude (Queen E) has very good North American style cakes and pies
- Europa on Danforth has great Portugese custard tarts
- Arz on Lawrence E for Mid-Eastern pastries
- A small shop on Kingston Rd (south side, west of Victoria Park) for real Danish baking
- Granowska's on Roncesvalles for Polish
- Cafe du Marche, Le Petit Gourmet, and Patachou for gateau Basque
- Athens on Danforth for Greek savouries and for galactaborico (sic) and bougatsa
- Pusateri's has a well-edited selection of baking from many of the best sources
- Vienna Home Bakery (Queen/Bathurst) has wonderful pies and tarts, including the best chocolate pecan pie I've ever had (I heard they may be closing)

[mrbozo]

Nice list!

However, for my money, Pain Perdu makes the best croissants, hands down: a taste of home (Montreal) for me.

[embee]

Haven't tried them. I obviously should.

[hanc]

Croissants at Pain Perdu is usually burnt. I prefe Rahier or Jules.

[mrbozo]

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

A link to some info:

http://www.jewelsoffood.com/index.cfm...

[bestandworst]

Vienna IS closed. Sad to say : (

[Zengarden]

What happened to Gay Couillard and Vienna?

[tasoid]

Building is up for sale.

[timpano]

Sadly Gaye has closed the doors at Vienna Home Bakery - she has retired. Not sure I'll ever have a pie as good as her raspberry one. :(

[Anna B]

I wouldn't recommend Granowska's as an example of good Polish pastries (the exception is their home made ice cream). The delis on Roncesvalles sell better (and fresher) pastries. Try Benna's or Open Window.

[embee]

Granowska's was the best I found. The delis I've tried randomly over the years seemed to have very commercial-tasting stuff that didn't thrill my taste buds even when very fresh.

I'll certainly try Benna's. Are there any great ones in the intensely Polish areas of Missisauga?

I'm curious about your recommendation of Open Window. A very good Jewish-style bakery in the sixties, they've gone steadily downhill in that baking realm ever since. The last Babka I had from one tasted like sweet cardboard. Where does this branch source their goodies? Do they bake onsite at the location you recommend? I haven't had anything worth eating from an Open Window (including their flagship North Bathurst and Eglinton locations) in decades.

[Anna B]

The Open Window on Roncesvalles bakes their own, including the Polish paczki (donuts), crescents, everything you see in the window. The people who run the store are either Russian or Ukrainian and it is worth trying out for their baked goods outside of the Open Window products.

In Mississauga, the Wisla plaza at Burnhamthorpe and Dixie is very popular, and the largest deli there has good baked goods. They are crazy-busy on Saturday mornings. Their smaller Polish donuts are good for those who can't eat eat the normal ones. Not to be missed is the hot table - they had amazing chicken wings stuffed with prunes and wrapped in bacon, in a sweet glazy sauce. That might not sound appetizing to some, but, oh, they are so good.

[Davwud]

If you can get to a Portuguese bakery, you need to try the custard tarts. From an old thread, probably the two best in the city are Caldense http://www.caldensebakery.ca/ and Nova Era http://www.novaeraonline.com/ which are my personal favourite. They really aren't to be missed when in town.

Make sure you hit the St. Lawrence Market http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/ . It's just an all around great place.

Enjoy your stay

DT

[mrbozo]

Old thread but nonetheless interesting.

Echo recs for Pain Perdu and Alchemy.

Favourite bakery in my neighbourhood is Riviera (on College). Tasty pastries and very good bread (multigrain is wicked). Coffee's allright too.

Alcoa Bakery (Portuguese) on Davenport just west of Shaw also has very nice pastries.

[toveggiegirl]

Alcoa has some great bread too.

-----
Alcoa Bakery
1147 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M6G, CA

[chalenegirl]

oso good bakery on college near ossington is a small little bakery where everything is made by one lady working day to night. very home feeling as all baked goods are kept in clear tuperware.
also i like Future bakery in the Kensington market. some ppl don't like their goods there but i think they are pretty good.

there is a bakery on Queen/leslie too...i've never gone inside but their items looks great.

Try Konditor, 1856 Queen East (http://www.konditor.ca/) for good old Austrian baked goods.

And great croissants at Bonjour Brioche, 812 Queen East (http://www.torontolife.com/cityguide/...).

St.John's Bakery in the back of the church / mission at Broadview and Queen.
http://www.stjohnsbakery.com/stjohnsb...

The Stonemill Bakehouse downstairs at St. Lawrence market for their german sourdough breads. Especially on Saturdays.

Second the vote for Bonjour Brioche baguettes. And croissants and pain au chocolat...

The Brick Street Bakery has a British twist to it. Eccles cakes, Bakewell Tarts, meat pies, etc., and the Distillery dDitrict, where it's located, is worth a visit. Excellent sandwiches as well!

I have yet to find a bakery that can do it all, but here are my picks for specific items:

Cheese croissant, savoury shortbread cookies • Alchemy Baking (287 Augusta Avenue, in Kensington Market)
The croissant is so perfectly buttery and crispy yet soft and mmmmm. Not too flaky...

Apricot danish • Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton Street)
They usually sell out early. Balzac's in the Distillery carries their fruit danishes on Mondays only -- which truly makes going back to work on Mondays something to look forward to!

Almond croissant • Brick Street Bakery (55 Mill Street, Distillery Historic District)
Just the right amount of buttery almondiness. None of that cloyingly sweet pasty filling -- but if that IS your bag, try the almond croissant at Clafouti (915 Queen West).

Key Lime tart • Osogood (874 College Street)
Creamy tartness is nicely balanced with the chocolate coconut crust. Also excellent here are the Banana Cream tarts -- though Suchada doesn't make these as often.

Fresh Berry cheesecake • Harbord Bakery (115 Harbord Street)
If you like your cheesecake not too rich, but not too gelatinous.

Baguette • Bonjour Brioche (812 Queen Street East)
Lovely even without preserves. Butter is all I need.

Rolls • wherever Fred's Breads are sold ^_^
As the food runner at a now defunct bistro, I was responsible for preparing bread baskets. We served Fred's Breads. I don't think I'd ever eaten so much bread in my life. There is almost nothing as gratifying as cold hard unsalted butter on one of Fred's soft rolls -- OK, maybe that last sip of whipping cream from the carton.

Happy Carbing!

All good choices. Don't forget Clafouti on Queen West at Strachan as well as Alchemy in Kensington Market for great breads and those tasty cookies with unique flavor combinations.

[chalenegirl]

market bakery in Kensington market is SO delish. cheap as well. $1.50 for a yummy haystack brownie (coconut/chocolate) or strawberry rhubarb square, dutch apple custard sqaure. etc etc etc.
so good

[Nosher]

Yes, Clafouti would be my suggestion, as well. I always send friends of mine visiting Toronto in for a snack.

Nosher

NYCnosh* http://nycnosh.com

You have many choices...Pain Perdue on St Clair Ave West...Rahier on Bayview South of Eglinton...Patachou...2 locations Yonge at Summerhill and St Clair West...and my fave Frangipane on Dupont at Madison...Miranda

I agree with the above, but can give you further suggestions downtown.
Queen of Tarts on Roncensvalles has great tarts and pies
I still like Dufflet's Pastry on Queen, but some might disagree
Harbord Bakery has some really good European breads.
Their sweets are more Eastern European, and not at par with the French Pastry shops.
They are all downtown.

[Food Tourist]

Queen of Tarts is truly spectacular. Try the passionfruit raspberry tart or the chocolate chile tart. Great texture and balanced flavours.

[mairbren]

Rahier is great, but my favourite is The Bake Sale on Bloor St. W., just west of Royal York. Beautiful desserts, cakes and breads. My favourite is their Lemon Bars.

[Food Tourist]

Enjoyed Bake Sale's chocolate cupcake ($1.85) despite stiff icing; it's better than their mild vanilla cupcake with extra-stiff icing. One-bite choc chip cookies (4 for $1) satisfy a sweet craving.

[The Chowhound Team]

This board is for finding great chow, so please focus on Megan's request for bakery information. Cheap parking is off-topic and replies about parking will be deleted.