The bakery prides itself on classic French baking techniques made from scratch and in small batches. Their well-established chefs use local ingredients are incorporated in their recipes including fresh herbs, fruit and free-run eggs baked daily. Chef Tina is a Cordon Bleu trained French Pastry chef with several years with her team baking some of the city’s finest macarons and fresh pastries at sister bakery Butter Avenue. Chef Lucas has been a pastry chef at some of the city’s most established restaurants for over 20 years. Both classically trained and both  are obsessed with details.

While you can certainly find a flaky buttery croissant, or two, here, Butter Baker’s most unique and definitely drool worthy offerings also include their signature Pork Belly Croissant made with cherry wood smoked pork, gruyere cheese, smoked cheddar and house-made bbq sauce. Their  Bahn Mi Croissant sandwich made on the spot with roasted porchetta is a fresh twist to a favourite grab-and-go meal filled with fresh herbs, daikon radish and pickles nestled in a toasted brioche. The Baker’s Roulee is a croissant based pastry created by their in-house executive chefs that is lovingly drizzled with the house-made caramelized brown sugar syrup fresh out of the oven. The Kiwi Kiwi Danish is filled with Madagascar vanilla custard, house-made kiwi jam and fresh sliced kiwis. There are plenty more and it seems like each time we visit we’ve been introduced to something new and exciting. Hello Triple Chocolat Croissant!  Our tastebuds are doing a happy dance!

Aside from their croissants and danish offerings, Butter Baker has also introduced a signature line of decadent cakes and yes we tried them all! The moist and flavourful Banana Goodness cake marries the perfect combination of fresh banana with gooey caramel in a light layered cake that made our hearts swell with happiness. The Matchamisu cake is filled with light mascarpone vanilla creme and layered with milk chocolate and dark chocolate chantilly between layers of Uji matcha chiffon cakes.  Several other cakes including a S’mores cake are offered on their roster. The chefs tell us the cakes will also include seasonal offerings along side signature roster.

We also tried their signature Latte made of organic espresso, steamed milk and their own caramelly smooth tonka bean syrup. It’s really good! By the way, the tonka bean has somewhat of a elusive background that makes this hot beverage even more intriguing! I found this interesting reading here “The Tonka Bean: An Ingredient So Good It Has to Be Illegal” in The Atlantic.

The walk-in bakery itself is a soothing space of tranquil white sweet hints of freshness. A green herb garden is set against one wall. We’re told that herbalists visit once a week to maintain the living plants. The wall itself in the front entrance is made with quail egg shells that have been recycled and re-purposed for interior design use. The owner tells us that their designers sourced this natural material from Japan. Butter Baker is the first restaurant in Canada to incorporate this element into their space. The bakery is also designed to cater to the fast paced area of workers in business towers, students, and tourists in the area that are wanting something unique, quick and made with fine ingredients. A modular set up allows the front of the bakery to change it’s flow and access when needed.

Butter Baker is located at 120 Dundas Street West (Bay and Dundas) and is open daily. More for take away rather than a sit down place. They also accept orders online for delivery and pick up. While you can order up a slice of cake to take away, full cake orders require 48 hours notice.

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Colette Grand Cafe: 550 Wellington Street West

This Parisien restaurant also has a delicious bakery for take out. Their croissants takes a twist on the classic baked good with flavours like striped chocolate raspberry, raspberry coconut along side classics like almond, classic butter and pain au chocolat.

Maman: First Canadian Place

South of France Family inspired recipes of both sweet and savoury pastries makes this a popular location with the Bay Street crowd. Armand Arnal, Head Chef at Michelin Star restaurant La Chassagnette in the South of France collaborated with the menu here in this charming space.

Nadege Patisserie: 780 Queen Street West and other locations

Masterfully created croissants are offered and if you’re lucky enough to be there on a day when a special flavour is offered, buy more than one. One time we were lucky to walk in when they had a ginger pear croissant. Yum.

Delysees: 780 King Street West

My mouth waters from pressing my nose against the display cases of croissants. This great neighbourhood bakery and cafe does take out, of course, but you may want to hold back one and enjoy a quiet afternoon there. Almond pistachio is calling my name. Delivery available.Yes.

Bonjour Brioche Bakery Cafe: 812 Queen Street East

This popular brunch place in Leslieville has weekend line ups out the door for a good reason. French style bakery serves up buttery croissants and other pastries.

The Tempered Room: 1374 Queen Street West

In the heart of Parkdale, this patisserie is worth visiting for one of Chef Bertrand Alépée’s treats. Get one of each traditional croissant including butter, chocolatine, almond, and chocolate almond.

La Societe: 131 Bloor Street West

Stop in and relax in between shopping errands on the weekends during the brunch service for a basket of fresh warm pastries. The croissants are heavenly.

Patisserie Sebastien: 3306 Yonge Street

The go-to chocolate almond croissant is flaky and great when it’s fresh out of their oven or ask for it warmed. Comfort found in this North Toronto neighbourhood friendly patisserie. Go early as they usually sell out by mid-day.

Mabel’s Bakery: 1156 Queen Street West

Almond croissants are glorious. Neighbourhood favourite with artisan bakers that specialize in rustic pastries and breads. Use all natural ingredients, local and organic.

Brioche Dorée: 648 King Street West

With locations around the world, this chain offers savoury and sweet croissants. Add a cappuccino for an ideal way to start a day.

Cafe Jules Patisserie: 617 Mt. Pleasant Avenue

Chef Marc Tournayre has over twenty five years in the food industry and offer traditional French croissants at this location as well as supplies to several restaurants across the city. Everyone raves about his almond croissants.

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Any other favourites that you’d recommend? Let us know!

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