Artisano Bakery Cafe
1020 Islington Avenue, #14 
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Phone: 416.207.9940
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Artisano Bakery Cafe on Islington offers more than just freshly baked breads. I stopped in with a friend this week after hearing him rave about their lunch offerings, and was delighted to find they offer a huge selection of "gourmet sandwiches" and soups for all tastes.
The cafe counter sits in front of a wall of boards with all the specials and standard sandwich offerings staring you down. It's a heck of a lot to process, but mostly because I kind of want to try everything.
I buy some time as my friend orders up his reason to be there: The Turkey, Brie & Green Apple sandwich. I wind up going with the Grilled Vegetable, Portobello & Arugula toasted panino, myself. Both sandwiches come with a slice of pickle and choice of chips or an apple. With our bills comes a buzzer device. We're told to find a seat in the cafe -- we'll get a vibrating notification when our lunches are ready.
Moments later, he's buzzing and the Turkey, Brie & Green Apple is ready. Pictured at the top, this is a non-toasted sandwich on a fresh bun. The blend of tart apple with creamy brie, along with a cranberry mayo makes this one work of sensory art and he loves every minute of it. My buzzer goes off just as I take the photo, and most of his sandwich is gone before I return.
My toasted sandwich arrives hot and stuffed with big chunks of portobello, zucchini, onions and eggplant all held together with pesto and provolone cheese. The bun is an onion focaccia that compliments the dark rich veggies within.
The only thing I would have asked for more of is arugula. There were surprisingly few leaves of it considering it's a title ingredient. Still, this was a quality sandwich and a really filling one too. I considered just packing up the second half for later, but the smell of those fresh ingredients did me in.
Both sandwiches were about $8 + tax, including chips/apple side and well worth it. If I'm ever in the area around lunch again, I know exactly where to stop.
Food photos by Tanja-Tiziana.
Comments (13)
Delicious lunch & dinner menus, fantastic breads and pastries. Great A.M. stop before heading to the office. Quick breakfast smoothy is a favourite (and why not, get the whipped cream on top!). Good service. Con - a zoo during lunch hour.
lol Marie
are you the owner?
if so then it CHARGES TOO MUCH FOR A FREAKIN $1 SANDWICH!
I'd rather kill myself at a Subway Sandwich rather than get gouged that much from a "gourmet" sandwich place that will sink in 3 years time.
The sandwiches and pizza are good, but as previously said way over priced. The decor is nice and separates it from the usual caffe chains. However I find even the lates and machiattos cant be compared to the chains.
Way overpriced? Try Sandwich Box. It's up to three locations now and still wildly successful. Some people would rather pay for ingredients and taste.
To be fair, I wouldn't pay $8 for a 100% veggie sandwich. Needs some meat.
Been a local customer since Day 1. Artisano was a welcome change from the glut of sub shops in the area -- not that there's anything wrong with Subway etc. but variety is the spice of life! Artisano is a little pricey and it seems like their portions have got a liiiiittle smaller since the early days but the quality of their food is absolutely the best! In my view, it's worth it.
If you haven't had their pizzas bring your couch -- you'll need it! LOADS of toppings and just delicious! They're not delicate and they mean business!
They're my neighbourhood favorite sandwich spot - amazing pizzas. The dough is so fresh, the crust is the best part and never left behind. They've gotten super busy lately and even expanded the former bakery into seating area.
one of my favourite sandwich places too
i also like the high prices to a small extent
because it keeps the trash out
never tried the sandwiches, but the cheescake and hot chocolate i had there was amazing! the buzzer system was nice too, it gave me a chance to grab a seat and drop off all my stuff before getting my food :)
I always think Subway is cheap, but when you get a combo meal I'm spending about $10 anyways. I'm happy to spend that much on a really delicious sandwich (and I'm vegetarian!).
The place is packed every day with people from every demographic. Korean evangelicals? Check. Old-school WASPS? Check. Russian Gangsters? Check. Somalian refugees? Yessir.
Oh, and the food is excellent. There's a Subway franchise 40 paces away and it's always empty.
I checked out the Oakville location which is located in a new development centre - had myself a steak & portobella sandwich which was simply amazing. At first I was taken back a bit that its $8-9 for a sandwich (+apple) but the portions were very very generous (this is probably since its a new location in a new, mostly empty shopping centre - inside the cafe it was quite busy @ lunch). I was stuffed. And the quality of ingredients and careful (not sloppy) preparation made it very tasteful. I'll definitely be stopping by again.
I'm always surprised when people are shocked at $9 sandwiches. Do you still think this is 1990? A 'combo' at any fast food place will run you $7 or more and that's grade D meat and some artery clogging sides.
Artisano has good quality food at an average price. They're not actually gouging you.
If you're just eating to fill your stomach, there's a Subway and McDonald's within walking distance.
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