Top 10 Best Downtown Toronto Dessert Places
If you’ve been reading this blog, you’ve probably come to the realization that I have a very big sweet-tooth. After much deliberation, I have come up with this list that encompasses some of my favourite dessert picks south of Bloor Street. This post is to help both Torontonian visitors and downtown-darlings alike satisfy their sugary cravings!
All the places mentioned are gluten-free friendly. None are celiac-friendly, unless otherwise stated!
1. Roselle
Roselle was a small-and-sweet pastry shop near the Distillery District that has recently opened up a new flagship location on Queen West.
Roselle was able to expand thanks to its cult following for their lovely treats (especially the Earl Grey soft serve). Those treats, by the way, are made from scratch!
They describe themselves as a “fiercely passionate small business”, and I’ve always had pleasant and kind service whenever I’ve visited.
Their star player in my books? Their “OG (ooey-gooey) chocolate dacquoise (that just so happens to be gluten free), and their Earl Grey soft serve that can be topped with crispy white chocolate pearls, tangy lemon curd, and a mini earl grey tea biscuit for a mere 50 cents extra.
Pop in for a soft serve or one of their pastries after a day downtown, and you won’t be disappointed!
Location:
362 King Street East (King East)
108 Dovercourt Road (Queen West)
Roselle’s other dessert offerings
Munchin’ the deliciousness
2. Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery
A hot day staple on Ossington, Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery offers customers excellent ice cream sandwiches.
Whether you prefer your ice cream inside a sammie, a choux, or a bubble-waffle cone, you won’t be disappointed at this small-but-mighty shop that has both gluten free and vegan options for those interested.
Even though this sweet spot “officially” closes at 10:00 p.m., don’t be surprised to find it still serving customers well past closing during the summer months! Yes, it’s *that* good.
The only downside? There is often a long line. However, that’s truly is a testament to it’s quality!
Location:
93A Ossington Avenue
Selection of cookies at Bang Bang
3. Butter Avenue
A fantastic assortment from Butter Avenue
Butter Avenue is an excellent downtown spot for macarons. Unique flavours coupled with high-quality ingredients make for truly delectable macarons.
Some of their standout flavours include White Chocolate Strawberry, Crème Brûlée, Earl Grey, Matcha, Sea Salt Caramel, and many, many more seasonal offerings (Halloween, Valentines Day, Christmas… they do custom macarons for them all)!
Look no further for your fix of the famous French treat!
They also offer Afternoon Teas on the weekends for $29.50 a person.
Location:
477 Queen Street West
Butter Avenue’s specialized “Canada 150” macarons
4. Peace Treats
You will feel at peace after eating one of Peace Treats massive milkshakes!
A concoction of all that’s yummy and sweet, this dessert place really specializes in dairy-filled delights that are as delicious as they are eye-catching. I recommend trying one on a summer day - it’s very refreshing!
Peace Treats have both a permanent and a seasonal menu, so pop by more than once to try some of their new offerings. The milkshake shop is located inside of a store that sells clothing from Peace Collective, so you can buy while you try their sweet treats.
Read more about Peace Treats by pressing this link.
Location:
131 Ossington Avenue
5. Cool N2
Cool N2 is both parts delicious and cool (pun totally intended).
This eye catching dessert spot serves up ice cream in a variety of flavours (matcha, honey, chocolates, etc...) that are doused with a healthy dose of Nitrogen. This makes it seem as if your entire cup is floating in a cloud, and quite frankly, adds a fun show to a late-night dessert outing!
Location:
412 Queen Street West
6. Tsujiri
Lovers of matcha will rejoice at Tsujiri, an originally Japanese powdered green-tea chain from Kyoto. All of the desserts here made with high-quality matcha, ensuring that each item had a rich taste. Choose from a variety of treats such as matcha soft serve (with adzuki beans and dango) or a matcha cookie puff.
Tsujiri have been in business since 1860, and have had a long time to perfect their speciality.
Whether you prefer to grab a tea or a treat, a trip to Tsujiri is totally worth it (wow… what an alliteration).
Find out more info about Tsujiri and other dessert spots by clicking here.
Location:
147 Dundas Street West (Downtown)
4909 Yonge Street (Uptown)
A sumptuous matcha-flavoured parfait from Tsujiri
7. Daan Go Cake Lab
By far the cutest macarons in the city, this small patisserie in Kensington Market should not be missed for fans of the traditionally French dessert.
In a variety of adorable shapes, these macarons delight the eyes as much as they delight the tongue. All of the shapes take inspiration from the animal kingdom (panda, corgi, etc…) or pop culture (the limited edition Toronto Raptors macaron) and anime (No-Face from Spirited Away, Tiger from Winnie the Pooh, and Doraemon, etc…).
Don’t assume DaanGo skimps on flavour in favour of aesthetic - these macarons are delicious. The unique flavours also make it worthwhile to visit. White Peach, Blueberry, Vietnamese Coffee, and Hong Kong Royal Tea are all ones I’d highly recommend!
Location:
3380 Midland Ave #11 (East End)
202 Baldwin Street (Kensington Market)
Some other adorable offerings at DaanGo Cake Labs
8. Dainties Macaron
Dainties Macaron is one of the latest dessert shops to open up along Spadina, near Toronto’s Chinatown.
Dainties adds their own unique twist on traditionally French macarons, offering them instead as ice-cream “macaron” sandwiches, or in a variety of Asian-inspired flavours.
Seating is definitely limited, but their macarons and ice-creams are easy enough to eat on the go, or bring along to a park or bench in the area.
Location:
235 Spadina Avenue Unit 2
9. FUGO Desserts
If you’re fu-going to Fugo, expect to be tempted by unique ice-cream flavours, mini-donuts being made before your eyes, and house-made marshmallow fluff.
The dessert place has minimal space but maximum flavour. The staff have always been kind when I’ve been, and it’s a nice place from which to grab a take-out treat, or a box of mini donuts!
Location:
205 Dundas Street West
Fugo’s mini-donuts and cookies (not gluten-free, sadly)
10. Arctic Bites
This Thai-style ice cream shop is known for its ice cream “rolls” topped with an assortment of treats (cookie crumbs, fudge, pocky, etc...). Upon ordering, the staff prepare your ice cream in front of your eyes.
Not only is this treat light and refreshing for the warm summer month, but it makes for a great place to bring a friend or a date you want to impress with a mini “show” before they receive their food!
Location:
21 Baldwin Street
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