Despite multiple trips per week to Kensington Market for coffee or sometimes lunch, I only recently became aware of Blackbird Baking's presence in the Market. A colleague of mine had made a special trip to Blackbird to get one of their lemon tarts. It is not often that this particular colleague endorses products or restaurants but the few he has recommended were particularly memorable. Thus when he boldly proclaimed that Blackbird Baking has "the world's best lemon tart", I knew I had to trek over there to see whether there was truth to his claim. The bakery is situated in the space once occupied by ACE bakery a few years back. Like ACE bakery the smell of freshly baked bread and pastries is intoxicating when you walk in. They sell a huge assortment of bread, cakes, tarts, scones, Special items such as caneles, brioche, challah, and olive breads are only available on certain days of the week. Spelt bread is available for the wheat sensitive consumer. There was a basket of generously sized fresh baguette slices to sample. The bread was delicious and had the perfect balance of slightly chewy crust to soft tender bread. The selection of gluten rich items was quite overwhelming and I instantly regretted not having brought more than a few dollars change (intended for my coffee). I eventually spotted the original object of my desire and raison d'être in the store...the lemon tart. It had a perfect brûlée topping, deliciously tart and not-too-sweet lemon filling, and a browned shortbread cookie-like crust. For $4, it was very reasonably priced and will continue to be a reason for me to repeatedly visit this bakery. I can honestly say it is definitely one of the best lemon tarts I have ever had. But I plan to reserve declarations of it being "the world's best" until I've tasted lemon tarts across the globe. If you are a fan of bread, you must check out Blackbird Bakery! read more

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Only bought a loaf of multigrain bread. Place was clean and friendly staff. Took the 12 grain loaf home and it was shockingly excellent. Delicious while being healthy isn't easy. I'd come here again! Sorry for the lack of a pic. read more

This is my neighborhood bakery and I love it. Their sandwiches are incredible and their pastries are to die for. Bread is out of this world. I recently picked up their lemon tart brûle which was so good I went back the next day to get another and (because I ran out of hats) decided to go to another location the next day to get another so I wouldn't be embarrassed seeing the two same workers I'd seen two days in a row all over again. Their stuff is so good and tastes amazing. If you're in the area definitely stop by and grab a treat. If you live in the neighborhood idk where you're getting your bread from now but it needs to be here by tomorrow. read more

Blackbird Baking - Lemon tart brûle - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I think this might be the best bakery in Toronto. If you know one that is better than blackbird please let me know.

Best peach galette I've had in my life! No picture because I ate it too fast. Full of juicy peaches, the crust was buttery, light, and flakey, not too sweet, and it was still warm when I got it! It's a seasonal item so come quick to eat them up! Wanted a canele too but they only make them on the weekends ... which means they must be fresh fresh fresh! read more

This tiny spot in Kensington Market turns out some of the best baked goods I've ever had. I bought two croissants, a small sourdough baguette, and the pièce de ré·sis·tance, a tomato pastry. The service is friendly and fast. I also noticed tempting, premade sandwiches in the cooler, such as a vegan chick pea creation. Go to the market on a car-free Sunday for maximum enjoyment. read more

Saw great reviews for this place so I decided to pop in. Was a little overwhelmed as I didn't know what to get... and I was trying not to eat so much carbs... really I shouldn't have stepped in here :p So after looking at a few reviews, I decided to try the following - Almond Croissant - Lemon Tart - Chocolate Hazelnut torte Hubby basically ate most of it and said it was good. Personally I had found the torte a bit dry but I guess it would go well with coffee/tea. I had ordered the lemon tart as someone had written that it was to die for, but after trying it, I can't say that. It was ok... would I order it again, probably not. I guess I need to come back to try the breads :p read more

Amazing bread and pastries. The hazelnut peach tart will have you screaming in joy and crying in euphoria. read more

Blackbird Baking - Great pastries! - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Beware carb-ivores! This place will be your downfall. I love that this place is open early. It's easy to grab freshly baked goodies on the way to work. They've got so many sweet and savoury treats that change daily such as canales, mini cakes, croissants, scones from 2.50-3.75. You can also grab freshly baked bread and baguettes - the sourdough comes in between $5-$6 depending on which one you're getting. I'm typically here on a Saturday morning and, because it's a small store front, the place can get pretty crowded. Don't let that deter you though, it is absolutely worth it! Grab one of the scones to go! You won't regret it. read more

Blackbird Baking - Fresh baguette - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Yes it is worth the 45 min drive to get fresh baguettes from Blackbird. The shape of the bread is unique, very pointy. For those that like to eat the ends of the baguette this one is for you. The crust is extra crispy and the taste is better then any baguette I have had this side of the Atlantic. But wait it gets better, Blackbird now makes Caneles de Bordeaux, if you haven't tried these French pastries you must. I consider myself somewhat of an expert on these since I spent $300 to get 24 of he copper molds to make them at home since I could not find the real things in TO. But Blackbird's Caneles are the authentic version made with the correct copper molds, crispy on the outside with pudding like custard inside made with real vanilla beans. Thanks Blackbird now please open more stores. read more

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I've been there a few times this summer after being a long time regular. What is going on with the incredibly flat loaves? The bread is no longer crusty and really flat even if you go right when they open to get the fresh loaves. I noticed this deterioration of the past year but this is just bad now. Unfortunate. read more

Stopped in today for a bun because I made a solemn promise to myself never to pass this place again without taking some of their bread home. Grabbed a few whole wheat single rolls ($0.75 ea.), still fresh and delicious hours later at dinner. I give extra points for how a place looks usually, and it IS super friggin' cute here thanks to the tiny, clean space and monochromatic branding, but the bread and treats here earn those stars all by themselves. Oh and last summer I ate the best burger POSSIBLY OF MY LIFE on a Blackbird challah bun, if you're wondering about the back story of that solemn promise thing. read more

Blackbird Baking - Grilled up a burger and the best part of it was the whole wheat bun. THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN if the bun wasn't from Blackbird. - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

En route to Toronto today, I heard Canadian radio doing a story on Blackbird so I quick checked Yelp for tips... And THANK YOU Sack S. From Toronto because I bought the very last 3 Caneles de Bordeaux they had this late afternoon and that was a rare experience indeed!! Amazing! And you will not find Em so perfectly done anywhere else in North America. Also bought a sandwich, a baguette and a chocolate croissant because, hey, who knows when you're coming back to town! But stick with those Caneles.. Amazing! Everything was perfect but the Caneles are a rare find. read more

Fresh warm bread right out of the oven is like experiencing heaven on earth! Their unique flavours will have you coming back for more. It's a tiny space that can get crowded but the line moves fast. The olive/rosemary bread is delish and I had my eye on the Moroccan bread with za'tar spices but I didn't have time to go back and get some. Definitely pick some up next time. They use the highest quality ingredients which are all locally sourced. They also carry some organic maple syrups here as well, If you want a dance party in your mouth, start with some bread from here! read more

People were nice. We got two croissants with butter and sugar layers (forget the name), a pear pastry and an apple pastry! Was delightful, 10/10 would recommend. Nom nom read more

I love their scone!!! Finally I could catch their scone before it sold out. From my previous visit to Blackbird, their bakery usually sold out before 4 PM and their store will be empty. This time, I visited the store around 2 PM and purchased a Fig & Maple Scone $3 and Apple & Butterscotch Danish $4. I ate my Apple & Butterscotch Danish first because of the Apple slices on top, and it contained both soft and crispy texture. I like it. I put the Fig & Maple Scone in the fridge for 2 days because I forgot to eat it, and warm up in Microwave for 40 seconds. It was still delicious!!!! It was still crunchy outside, and not dry inside. I especially LOVE the fig slice inside and it is unique. I will recommend Blackbird to my friends as always. read more

The bread is the best I drive excess of 50 KM just to get a loaf of Kensington Bread Not sure why they can't sell there products in more locations? Usually long wait time but worth every minute. Keep up the great job read more

Yup - I'm a fan! I've yet to try their baked goods, but the breads are fantastique! The focaccia, sour dough, good ol' baguette. Minimal, yet so satisfying. It's a bit far away from my house, but I am delighted to see Blackbird breads at some of the speciality grocery stores nearby. read more

Amazing bakery on Baldwin street in Kensington market. The vegetarian sandwich is really delicious. The chocolate cork cake is amazing!

I was here today and picked up a sandwich and a flourless chocolate cake. First off, I popped my head in here a few weeks ago and have been eyeing their veggie sandwich. And I was, upon consumption of it today, blown away with the flavours that were dancing on my tongue. Marinated Eggplant, melted mozzarella cheese, red peppers and arugula all between two pieces of their focaccia bread. Unfortunately, I didn't snap a picture of it. I was enjoying it by savouring every bite, but I will the next time I am in the kensington area. They grill it and it is pure perfection! I have yet to try their other goodies, both savoury and sweet... OH, how could I have nearly forgotten the flourless chocolate cake? See, that sandwich rendered me speechless enough to almost forget chocolate (extra long gasp)! Extremely rich, probably best paired with a glass of milk, but again decadence is sure to be in every bite with their flourless chocolate cake, it does have walnuts on the bottom, which adds to the taste, however, if you are allergic, you know what to do and that is go with option no. 2: ________ ( insert anyone of Blackbird's other nut-free treats)... and you will be sure to return! read more

Blackbird Baking - Flourless Decadent Chocolate Walnut Cake - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Just discovered this gem. The people who work there were friendly and helpful and the Quiche!!!!! Is epic!!! By far the best I've ever had! Perfectly light and delicate mixture of Gruyère cheese, mushrooms and shallots sitting on a flaky tart crust read more

Was introduced to their excellent sourdough bread by my client. I did drop by the Kensington Market location to pickup another one & ended up purchasing a few more of their other pastries. Lemon tart (crème brûlée like), Kouign Amman (not too sweet & buttery) was all delicious! Unfortunately they did not have any Canele, which I plan to go back for. I might go to their location on Queen St., East in Leslieville to trying their other yummy baked goods and pastries! read more

the baked goods here are absolutely delicious! not a single item I've tried has not been good. I've bought multiple packs of white buns in the past, froze them and reheated in the toaster oven and they are almost just as good was also a great plus they participated in a farmers market during the summer, super close to home for me so it was convenient to get my bread fix during the work week read more

Blackbird Baking - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Love this local bakery in Kensington... very Toronto. Their bread is beautiful and i love they list the contents and can slice the bread. Best bread, with exception of SudForno, in Toronto. read more

Blackbird Baking - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I love me a good sourdough loaf, so I am now obsessed with Blackbird. This hasn't been great for me since I'm trying to cut carbs from my diet, but Blackbird has made that a bit difficult. Their chocolate croissants are also a pretty good snack. Just an FYI to those planning a visit. There's a 3 person limit during the pandemic, so there's usually a line. read more

Delicious bread....HOWEVER I went into their store on queen st East this week and there was a young lady behind the counter helping who constantly fiddled with her hair with a glove on and then used the same hand to reach to touch the loaves by hand....uggggghhhhh!! Why didn't the other staff stop her? Where was the manager? Yes I called the health dept and NO I won't be back!!! Fred's Bread is very good! It's also wrapped in plastic so there's no chance of contamination! read more

I see they have a lot of high ratings. I can only assume this is the millennial raised fast food generation or...? I am very disappointed in this place, first they don't use organic flour and second the cut the slices so thin. A good artesian bread should be made with organic flour and should be tasty and thick so one slice does it and it doesn't dry like rock in the toaster because it is too thin. I found them expensive too when you consider other bakeries that use organic flour charge the same. You are paying a high price for non-organic flour. This is one of those trendy places that is trendy for no good reason. Personally I am not a fan of trendy for trendy sake. I like first rate quality, for this reason I won't be back. St Johns Bakery on Broadview is still the best for quality/organic experience. Brick Street Bakery cuts the bread nice and thick. read more

Best bread in Toronto. Kensington Sourdough for every day, but everything is great. Deserts are great. Roman pizza for a quick lunch when you shop. read more

I am updating the review of blackbird baking. Last time I gave it bad bad review because of the very unfriendly staff. But they hired a new crew that is super super friendly and I have to say that it is a pleasure to walk into the bakery. The bread is so fresh as always!!!! read more

Blackbird Baking - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The shop is small and very lovely. It's located at the core of Kensington market. I love baked goods so much. By love I mean eating everyday. I bought a piece of ginger honey scone and it tasted sooooooooooo nice. I could taste an amazing mixed flavour of ginger and honey. It's a must-try for ginger lover! read more

There's not many fresh bakeries in the core and this is one I go to if I'm ever hosting or going to a dinner. I love the sourdough baguette from this place. Have also gotten the croissants, which are decent and the pullman loaf as well. Wish they just made a white loaf bread so I could get it here vs Cobbs or Loblaws. They supply a lot of restaurants, which says something. If you go to Gare de L'est in Leslieville, they will give you a whole loaf of the baugette which is amazing. read more

Longer line but moves fast. Pastries are soooo good and can't leave without a loaf or two of their breads!

Give me a loaf of Blackbird's sourdough (either the brown or white) and a bottle of good olive oil, and I am a happy man. Their sandwiches are simple yet excellent -- and very filling for $6 a pop. Some of their sweet treats, like the hazelnut torte and canele, are standouts as well. I would skip the challah and also the croissants (they look amazing but are only alright). read more

Fantastic little bakery in the heart of Kensington that has become part of my Saturday morning ritual. I love coming here in the mornings for an almond croissant or a ham and cheese scone. If you want something a little sweeter, their Caneles (I think only Thurs-Sun) are to die for, super crispy yet soft and gooey on the inside. (No seriously you need to try one) Their bread is amazing, albeit a little pricey, but after having bread here even the "Fresh Baked" grocery store bread will not suffice. Their Kensington white sourdough is amazing. read more

Kouign amann is yummy and a big size with pieces of caramel brûlée pieces. Gets a bit crowded but easy quick checkout

Good quick service for a variety of delicious baked loaves. Got a whole wheat baguette and whole grain sourdough. Was able to get the sourdough sliced and everyone enjoyed it over the holidays. Want to go back for their other treats! read more

I love Blackbird. The best bread in Toronto plus their desserts are very strong too. The kids love the plain white bread but the real winner is the sourdough. Crispy crust, soft crumb, lots of flavour. The pastries are winners too, especially the fruit danishes and canelés. Plus, one of the only places in Toronto to get Kouign Amann. read more

Yes, yes, yes! Best sourdough and service in the area. Love this place!

I wanted to love this place - small, cozy, baked on site, and a wonderful smell of baked bread when you come in the door. But the method of choosing your bread/item is gross - the 'help yourself' style of grabbing tongs hanging on the wall and picking your loaf or focaccia yourself from the shelf is unhygienic. Bread items just sitting there, loose for the masses to touch and fondle - come on. Germs exist and we all know it in this day and age. A lot of great bakeries have their wares behind the counters and are distributed to purchasers by an employee. It was crowded when I went and of course eager beavers were cutting in front of me to grab the tongs and grab the bread lying around, while touching other loaves as well. Being winter time, there were lots of coughs and sniffles around too. Sneezes as well. Nice to know all those germs are being sprayed on the baked goods sitting out there. Also, while at the counter, I felt rushed by the person at cash, who did not ensure that I had everything I wanted. The bread itself was good, but I'm not going back. There are plenty of other great bakeries in the city and elsewhere that are more sanitary. read more

Came here for burger buns. White ones were crunchy but whole wheat were soft. When i asked the counter staff why that was the case, i was met with indifference. Got a cinnamon bun...it was alright but i prefer the frosted softness from Cinnabon. I was turned off by the customer service. You'd think i was inconveniencing them to take my money. No please or thank you. Is the bread good? Its alright. Is it worth the aggravation? No read more