Photography courtesy La Bamboche
When it comes to the French macaron, we’re particularly partial to the perfect creations from Ladurée, but when Paris is not an option, we had to find a local fix. The great news for us is that thanks to the popularity of the macaron in the last few years there are no shortage of options in Toronto. Here are six of our favourite places in the city.
1. La Bamboche
Opened in 2005 and led by pastry chef Stephen Nason, this bakery has been known for its marcarons since the beginning. Offering traditional flavours like chocolate, caramel sea salt, and espresso, you’ll also find unique flavours including lavender, yuzu, and creme de cassis. Generously sized, a perfectly creamy ganache centre and light and crisp crust, these are to-die for!
Price: $2.50/each
Locations: 1712 Avenue Rd. (416-224-5595); 4 Manor Rd. East (416-481-6735)
Cake designer Allyson Meredith Bobbette and pastry chef Sarah Bell, gained notoriety with their wedding desserts (by order only) — now thanks to their new storefront in Leslieville — anyone can pick up some of their delicious macarons. Flavours include gianduja (chocolate with pralines and hazelnuts), pecan, vanilla and raspberry. Well-sized, these have a crisp crust and generous filling.
Price: $2/each
Location: 1121 Queen St. East
416-466-8800
Led by pastry chef Nadège Nourian of Lyon, France, the macarons in this high-end patisserie are light with a thin, crisp crust. Offering flavours like cappuccino, olive oil, rose and salted caramel, you’ll also find adorable Marie Antoinette mini-cakes with macarons and other delectable pastries.
Price: $2.10/each
Location: 780 Queen St. West (at Trinity Bellwoods Park)
416-386-2009
4. Petite Thuet
A gourmet food shop with goods from celebrity chef Mark Thuet, the macarons aren’t the main focus, but are a welcome addition. Chewy and small, they offer a variety of flavours including pistachio, lemon and hazelnut.
Price: $1.95/each
Locations: 1 King St. West (416-867-7977); 244 King St. East (416-519-4847); 1162 Yonge St. (416-924-2777); 882 Eglinton Ave. West (416-901-9307)
This stylish Yorkville bakery and lounge specializes in — you guessed it — chocolate, but also offers gorgeously displayed macarons. A delicious mix of crunchy and chewy, flavours include coconut, pistachio and salted caramel.
Price: $3.50/each
Location: 99 Yorkville Ave.
416-961-2202
6. Patachou Patisserie
A Rosedale staple, this bakery and cafe has been making macarons for more than a decade. The flavours offered are classic favourites including chocolate, lemon, coffee, vanilla and raspberry, with a nice chewy texture.
Price: $1/each
Location: 1120 Yonge St. (at Macpherson Ave.)
416-927-1105
