I heard since moving to their new location, they've received a lot more foot traffic, and people weren't wrong! I arrived around lunch time and there was a long line up. A friend had recommended me the premade sandwiches from the grab and go shelf. I got the chicken salad sandwich to try. The bread was so moist and the crust was crispy and chewy. The chicken salad was decent. But the portions were a bit small for the pricing ($16). I also ordered a nutella bombolone. It was good. Service was fast and there's a lot of variety to choose from in the store. From drinks, hot and cold sandwiches, desserts, and soups. Loved the variety. There's seating inside and outside on the patio too. Very lively cafe. read more

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The food is great and super fresh! The butternut squash soup is one of my fave fall type hearty soups and this fit the bill. The sand was brisket and served on a fresh bun. It was a lot bigger than I expected. They even make their own macarons there, if you're a fan. Service is courteous and prompt at the counter. The order took a bit longer than I anticipated, but I was in no hurry. As far as the atmosphere, very bright and open windows. The noise level was perfect without loud music to have to shout over. They seem to have their formula figured out, pretty well. The staff is very knowledgeable about their menu, which is very helpful. They also have a bakery and sell artisanal breads and such. Highly recommend. read more

Charmaine Sweets - The counter - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I had the butternut squash soup and the chicken pot pie--both were absolutely delicious. The flavors were rich, comforting, and clearly made with care. The space is beautiful, cozy, and welcoming, with a great atmosphere for relaxing or catching up with a friend. The service was friendly. It is on the pricier side, so more of a treat than an everyday stop--but for the quality and ambiance, it felt worth it. They've recently moved to 939 Eglinton Avenue East, and there's 1 hour of free underground parking, which makes visiting super convenient. read more

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Happened upon this place when we were looking for a cafe in the area. Such a cute cafe shop at such an unexpected area surrounded by big box plazas. (I used to live in this area and was surprised to see this new place; a much welcome and needed pastry shop/cafe !) We had the breakfast sandwich, which was so scrumptious and savoury; very unique delicate flavours. We also had cheddar chive biscuit, which was also so subtly delicious - love the infused taste. The coffee drinks were also delicious, especially the mocha one. I would definitely swing by here whenever i'm in the area! Interested in trying all their other variety of items! read more

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Great bread and sandwiches. Also good macarons and croissants etc. No ce bright room and good coffee

I wanted to love this place as I've heard good things about it, and I was shopping in the area so I was excited to give it a try. Sadly it was not up to par. While the new location is tastefully decorated, it was very crowded, and the flow of the line up ordering and waiting for pick up was not well designed, making it crowded and chaotic. There's alsono menu board to tell you what sandwiches or soups are available, so if I hadn't checked online, I wouldn't have known they even offered this and would have thought they only sold pastries if I just walked in off the street. There is seating inside and out, however outside it was very noisy from the traffic on Eglinton & Laird. They need plants or potted trees to create a buffer zone and block the view & noise from the traffic. While they get points for having very good quality, tasty food, served on china with real cutlery (not paper or plastic) the bread on my sandwich fell apart as I was eating. It was sliced too thin and broke apart, with all of the chicken filling falling onto the plate. There was lots of pieces of chicken breast in the sandwich and the cauliflower soup was also flavorful and it was a generous serving. This is a fast casual setup- place your order and they call your name for pickup. The Chicken BLT sandwich, soup, and danish came to $44.81with tip While I don't mind paying for quality, this place missed the mark. An upscale reserved seating for brunch with with a relaxing ambience can be had at a number of places downtown in this price range. While the food and pastries are good, their not so amazing that I feel I have to go back. This communal seating inside is fine, but it was crowded due to poor design and eating outside was unpleasant due to noise from the street traffic. Overall I left feeling disappointed and I did not enjoy my lunch at Charmaines.. Given the prices, they need to make some minor tweaks to level up before I can recommend it as a 'must go to' read more

Nice place for treats. First time there and tried a selection of goods, including beignets, pain au chocolat, scone, and flourless brownie. There are a few seats inside and outside. Plus, they have their own little parking lot in front. The treats were good, and the service was friendly. read more

Charmaine Sweets - Clockwise: pain au chocolat, flourless brownie, cinnamon sugar beignet, blueberry scone, Nutella beignet - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Amazing local bakery serving up so many delicious sweet and savoury creations from viennoisseries, scones, cakes, sandwiches, soups, salads, and pot roast lasagna! They had this incredibly detailed puppy mousse cake that looks quite realistic -- I'd feel really bad about cutting into this cake! Must try items include their beignets and butter tarts (which are easily among the best I've had and surprisingly not overly sweet). Limited capacity during current Covid restrictions. Limited parking on site. Can't wait to come back to try some savoury items next time. read more

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This is a fantastic hidden gem!! I've been searching for a decent croissant across the city for ages and this place has got to be on my list of top places in the GTA. Also tried the butter tarts which might be one of their best things they've got Still need to get to their beignets. I need to space this out so my doctor doesn't get all up in my case. But this is a very dangerous place read more

Didn't have a good experience at this bakery. Staff were not welcoming, baked goods were not on display, and instead were on a trolley behind the staff, so you couldn't see anything. I did purchase two items: a butter tarte, which was tiny and disgustingly sweet. Very disappointing. The cherry pie had a very dry crust with scant filling. I wouldn't return to this bakery. Overly priced, especially considering the awful service. read more

Super cute little "mom n pop" bakery with amazing dessert and sandwiches. Customer service on the other hand was horrible. All the staff seemed lost. L The very young girl that took my order just walked away mid order without saying anything to me. Then came back and acted like nothing happened lol.. I then continued to try and place my order telling her i wanted 2 boxes of the exact same order and i was about to pick out the ones i wanted she then told me i need to order one box at a time so it doesn't confuse her... even though i wanted 2 boxes of the same items. Anyways, delicious desserts! Slow and bad service. 3.5 read more

Charmaine Sweets - Charmaines showcase display - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This bakery cannot be missed as they have their name painted on the wall of their building. I finally had the chance to swing by! They open at 9am and I totally wish I stopped by earlier! I dropped by at around 1:30pm on a Sunday and the goods were extremely picked over. I must go back closer to opening for a better selection! The staff was extremely friendly and social distancing was practiced. They allow only 4 people in the shop at once but that's no issue since everybody orders, pays and the line moves on. While I was there, I did pick up an almond croissant (the only type of croissant left) and a mini bacon cheddar quiche. They had some cakes, macarons, cookies, challah and other breads left, but you can see the display case was pretty bare when I arrived. The quiche was quite petite, but that quiche was the best quiche I ever had! The pastry was something I've never had before, the egg filling was soft, smooth and bouncy! It's something I will definitely order again and highly recommend others to try it! Their almond croissant was also very delicious! It was very flakey and and the almond spread was evenly distributed throughout. I definitely will be back for more! read more

Charmaine Sweets - the front of the building - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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BEST CROISSANTS IN TORONTO! You heard me. I am OBSESSED with charmaine sweets! Their butter croissant and mushroom&cheese croissants are my favorite. The cheese is perfectly sharp. I've tried the ham and cheese croissant too, which was also good, but please just try that mushroom one! I also love their mini chicken pies, which just crumble in your mouth. Due to covid, we've been ordering curbside pickup and paying in advance to get our croissant fixes. The process is easy and smooth. Also, the staff are super friendly! Prepare to wait in line if you're not preordering. They are really busy lately as they have cut down their hours a lot due to covid, which is why we now always preorder. read more

Popular spot! I recommend pre-ordering because they sell out. Croissants were so fresh and crispy and the scones, though it was small, was delicious. Crispy outside and soft inside with bursts of raspberry read more

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This is such a lovely and friendly family-run cafe. Charmaine herself was working the counter when I came here for the first time. They have an amazing array of sweet and savoury pastries - I had a wide selection of croissants and danishes , all of which were delicious. I loved their lemon beignet! We got a few of their pre-wrapped sandwiches for lunch - I only wish I had heated up the sandwich beforehand as it was just a little tough to chew through the baguette but still tasty despite this. Planning to make this a regular spot when I'm in the mood for baked goods! read more

Very nice pastries here! The cherry Danish was lovely. High quality and the crust was perfectly crunchy while being moist. Really you can't do better than this. The croissant shared the same lovely thin crust with a tender interior...the donuts were also really tasty and very light.. On the whole very nice food here.. read more

Charmaine's is such a cute hidden gem in the neighbourhood. Unfortunately the parking situation is a little tricky, but totally worth it! Their pastries don't disappoint! They're full of flavour and flakey. They have a wide range of fresh made sandwiches, cakes and other treats for you to grab and go. If you're looking for something for dinner they also have premade soups and other prepped foods. read more

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Amazingly buttery & flakey croissants! I can't seem to leave the parking lot without first eating one of their freshly baked croissants. I can't get enough of them. Everything is delicious! Aside from their croissants, I also love their egg bread, assorted cookies, Macarons, and various sandwiches. If you're looking for a bargain, then this is not the place for you. They source high-quality ingredients to go into their baked goods. From European style butter for their croissants and I'd imagine thier other pastries, to high quality fine matcha for their match shortbread cookies, to free range chickens for their sandwiches. It's easy to see that the owners are passionate about what they do and that they care deeply about the quality of their products. read more

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A really delightful local bakery that has setup a great COVID/ social distancing 'patio'. Everyone stayed 6 feet apart....roughly. We got the beignet (French Donut) and tried one of each of the filled flavors. I really loved how the Beignets were not just very airy, but also not that sweet at all. The lemon filling was really tart, and was definitely my favorite, the Boston cream was also really good, but the nutella one was a little too thick/too much. read more

Charmaine Sweets is an adorable, family fun bakery, located in a gentrifying part of old, industrial Leaside. The interior is bright and welcoming. There is limited seating inside (removed for Covid), however they've set up tents and outdoor seating if you want to enjoy your coffee, baked goods, sandwiches or breakfast options. They have the usual French goods including breads, baguettes, plain, chocolate, savoury and almond croissants, scones, cookies, beignets, macrons, fruit pies, cakes and butter tarts. Everything is baked in house, in fact they offer baking lessons on premises. On this visit we ordered and enjoyed blueberry beignets, almond croissants, raspberry lemon scones and chocolate croissants. Everything was delicious. The service quick and friendly. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to try one of their butter tarts and a muffuletta sandwich. I highly recommend this place. read more

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Came to this cute little bakery with my family and once you enter the shop you can smell how fresh the baked good are it's hard not to buy any. I got their dill cornbread and it was one of the best cornbreads I have ever tasted. It was just the right amount of dill in the cornbread. A great place to chill on a nice summer day! read more

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Nothing here is basic. The breakfast sandwich has a bacon bourbon jam, the BLT has thick cut bacon with garlic aioli, the muffins are paleo with flavors like coconut mango, and on. Haven't tried the cakes yet, maybe someday! I popped in before end of day, needing a quick bite for the road. I don't usually get chicken salad sandwiches, but it was the only real meal food left. If every chicken salad sandwich was this damn good, I'd always get it. The bread is probably the best part, and I'm not sure how they make the salad, but it might have some dill. So good. So filling. Pricing can't be disputed for the quality your getting. Cute interior with a common table. The bells they have hanging off the door are kinda clunky and annoying. I applaud trying to be different, but it doesn't work. I did have the cashier pass me over once. I was the only one browsing while someone paid, thinking I was standing behind them in line. Then some others walked in and immediately started asking for stuff and ordering. I thought it was strange the server didn't ask me anything or say "oh I'm sorry I just have one person ahead of you - sir can I help you?" So I got budded in line...and guess what, they took all the almond croissants that i was hoping to get :( I was not pleased by how it played out. Skip the tims down the street and give your tastebuds what they deserve. read more

Charmaine Sweets - The delicious chicken salad sandwich. - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I love this place. I have been going here for quite sometime. It's located in the centre of the city (if you live in the Laird and Eglinton Area...sorry if you live downtown this wouldn't work for you!). I like it because they have an extensive selection of treats that are both savoury and sweet from macaroons to broccoli spinach quiche. The staff is always attentive and they make some of the best coffee in the city. The only downside of this place is that they don't have any wifi in order to work on emails or get stuff done. This is not an ideal coffeeshop for those who constantly need to be connected. I REALLY like how small it is. It can maybe seat 10 people total...thats the way to go! I recommend trying their flat white, its really strong and delicious. read more

Had a great first experience here. Came with babies, and was a bit concerned about the limited amount of seating, but ended up having a nice lunch. Was a weekday lunch and people were coming and going. Comfortable space and friendly counter staff. Sandwiches were delicious and fresh (Smoked salmon and avocado on croissant, Muffaleta). Breads were especially good. Chocolate almond croissant was flakey buttery goodness. Solid Americano. Not cheap but value is there. Prices on par with other similar bakery cafes. It's a lot to ask for a small space but a highchair would put this place over the top in my eyes! Definitely coming back! read more

Charmaine Sweets - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Got a pistachio yule log here for an Xmas party and it was DELICIOUS. The place is so cute and feels like the owners love what they do. The best though is the customer service. They close at 6 and allowed me to come pick up the cake at 6.30. read more

Favorite bakery of all time!!! Best croissants in Toronto!!! I always order their plain butter croissant and their mushroom and cheese croissant. I pre-order it because they are always sold out of the mushroom and cheese one so fast read more

I simply googled "best pies in Leaside" and Charmaine appeared! I requested to order a blue berry pie for a birthday and as soon as they picked up the phone to the end of the conversation they were so friendly. So customer service 10/10, now I bet you want to hear about the pie it's self. Never have I ever had a pie with such perfect , flakey, buttery delicious crust. You can tell this pie wasn't frozen or mass made, this was fresh straight out of oven made. The filling was not a typical filling it was fresh and flavourful. I can't speak more highly is this bakery. I have yet to try anything else but their blueberry pie was 10/10. read more

Charmaine Sweets - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Butter tarts really well done, they have a bourbon one that is also very good for the liquor lovers. Chocolate and butter croissants very well done and properly texturized. Almond croissant was a bit on the drier side Macaroons Matcha & white chocolate - had a strange fridge radiator after taste which I hated and the matcha was too mildly infused. Earl grey has a chocolate filling which is honestly, too overpowering for the bergamot notes. Red velvet also more chocolate in flavour not quite enough vanilla (maybe just the supplier). Over all there were a few I did really enjoy and would recommend, as I would select the following flavours again upon my next visit 100% Salted Carmel then, Hazelnut, Pistachio (could be a little stronger but still amazing) , Lavender, Boston cream is very true to flavour, Raspberry, and Chocolate. Honestly, the last time I came in but NOT the first three times ... but the last time .... all my macaroons had a really off putting stomach turning fridge taste. As it was the only time that happened I will he going back as I love the lavender and salted caramel macaroons ! Have yet to try the pies but they look fabulous along with the scones and meat pies.... can't try everything in one day ;) read more

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easily the best french bakery in toronto. hidden gem in leaside. great service and amazing pastry !

Our secret lunch getaway in Leaside. As many of our followers have read; Charmaine's has the most incredible roast chicken salad on pain au lait (maybe the city's only) that one could imagine. Well last week we popped in for lunch again to see what may catch our eye, and there it was. Quiche in a flaky crust, buttery, warm from the oven (11 am), lean and delicious bacon cubes rounding off this symphony of tastes. My wife and I were beside ourselves on the incredible execution. Apparently on weekends they make some great smaller breakfast sandwiches that I need to try. There homemade peppered bacon jam on their homemade crumpets are apparently a must try. Can't wait to get there soon. read more

Charmaine Sweets - This is that wonderful sandwich I spoke about earlier..... - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Charmaine Sweets, where have you been hiding? What? Not hiding at all, but a mere block away from Home Depot where Hubby shops on the regular? What? Croissants. Everyone has their favourite. Charmaine Sweets just took the crown for me. Flaky on the outside, tender soft on the inside, with rich butter flavour but not leaving greasy hands. So delicious, no need for butter or jam, but the ham and cheese version is a tasty addition and is hubby's fave. Lemon tarts - it's a bit of an obsession in our household, and again, Charmaine Sweets wins by a mile. Tart lemon curd (or what Charmaine Sweets call lemon cream) that is bursting with lemon flavour, topped with beautiful meringue that is not too sweet. Bonus, the pastry crust is tasty, and is definitely pastry, not that cookie style so many shops use, and firm enough to hold up to all that lemon, and the best part is that this lemon tart does not have that chocolate coating that many other lemon tarts do - chocolate and lemon is something hubby and I really don't like. Thank you Charmaine Sweets for finding a better way! Bliss! I originally went in for the cookies, and while the Lime Melt Away Shortbread were tasty, they were not mind blowingly good as the Croissants and Lemon Tarts. Sadly the ginger chocolate cookie was dry and not chewy as we hoped, but maybe if ordered and picked up fresh baked, the texture would be better. On our second visit we tried the Chocolate Mousse dome, and lemon danish, both outstanding. I look forward to trying other items - the cute 4" cakes caught my eye, and will definitely give them a try. I am a serious fan - and the bonus being every time hubby goes to The Home Depot on Laird, I can visit Charmaine Sweets. read more

Cute and cozy little shop. Their sandwiches are just amazing and the desserts are great. I'm not a coffee person, but "Heavenly Cream" Tea never disappoints. It's tiny and gets busy around noon and seating is limited but that doesn't stop me from going whenever I'm in the area. So worth a visit. read more

Absolutely love the customer service. Very friendly staff. Cookies & pastries are delish. My favorite are the macarons and the croissants. Would definitely recommend to others. read more

Charmaine Sweets - Yummy macarons from Charmaine Sweets - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

We always drove by here because we go to the shops on laird so often but finally decided to try it. It's so cute inside, desserts are a work of art and you MUST try their beignets (only made in Friday and Saturdays). The boston cream one was my favorite, butter tart was good and not too sweet. Very good gluten free sections. They should offer tea parties or high tea because I can see it being a popular spot. read more

Charmaine Sweets - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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What an adorable little bakery in sadly a difficult spot to get to given the construction. It is worth it to go. From absolutely perfect mini quiche to flaky/crispy/gooey butter tarts to exceptional scones. Yum! read more

Came here on a Saturday afternoon with a few friends. The outside of the building stands out because it is painted white and teal. Once inside, there was a a lot of different variety of different pastries, cakes, and cookies. Everything looked really delicious and I had a hard time picking what I wanted. The service was good and all our questions were answered. I ended up ordering an almond croissant and a brewed coffee. They brewed a fresh pot of coffee just for me and my friends! The croissant was one of the best I have ever had. The pastry was so soft and moist and the sweetness was perfect. The coffee was also very good. I can't wait to go back next time and try other the other pastries and cake! read more

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Came here on Good Friday afternoon. Ran out of butter tarts and so we got the bourbon pecan tarts. Amazing ! Chicken pies were great, too. read more

Charmaine Sweets - Bakeries Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I drive past this place all the time and I just couldn't resist anymore because the outside just looks so cute. I tried the macarons: salted caramel, pistachio, espresso and red velvet. Red velvet was definitely my favourite. My boyfriend tried the lemon tart which he enjoyed as well. The inside is just as cute as the outside however there is limited seating. I definitely want to return and try other goodies ! read more

The very best croissants I have ever had. I have thought I have had the best croissants from other places, but Charmaine's has spoiled me and my family. They are soft and buttery and layered on the inside and the outside is crisp and tasty. They are simply magical. The beignets are excellent. My favourite is the lemon curd filled beignet. Everything is so fresh. The decor of the bakery is very fresh and cute and it is always a delight to enter this space. It is also impeccably clean and tidy; important for a place that is preparing food. Charmaine's got us through the pandemic as it gave us something to look forward to every week - our Saturday morning treats! Thanks for being there for us, Charmaine and family!! read more

The chocolate-almond croissant was absolutely perfect - puffy and light, flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. No greasy croissants here! The earl grey cream tea is also amazing! Although a little on the expensive side (especially the drinks - an iced coffee is $4.50) it was worth every penny! And of course, it's always wonderful to support a local business! read more