The Best Cannoli in Toronto

The best cannoli in Toronto are often found outside of Toronto proper. At least according to this list. It seems Etobicoke and Scarborough each hold their own when it comes to mastering the Italian pastry, finding the perfect symmetry of crisp shell and creamy ricotta or custard filling. Of course, Corso Italia and Little Italy both have quality cannoli to boast; though it's less about the neighbourhood and more (or all) about finding that real authentic taste. And, of course, how to make it last.

Here is the best cannoli in Toronto.

Photos by Jesse Milns, Dar Mustafa and Dennis Marciniak.

SanRemo Bakery

An authentic family-owned Italian bakery, SanRemo makes its cannoli with homemade deep fried pastry shell filled with ricotta cheese and chocolate chips. For a little added sweetness, SanRemo tosses in candied fruit peels and adds a light dusting of icing sugar. Take that, Sicily. $2.50 Each. More »

Francesca Italian Bakery

The name alone tells you it must be good. Francesca's cannoli is more than just a light snack, made with a nice crisp shell and sweet ricotta filling. The bakery also offers custard-filled cannoli for those looking for something extra creamy. $2.35 Each. More »

La Rose Bakery

La Rose Bakery in Etobicoke has everything Italian, including veal sandwiches, pizzas, fresh cheeses, and more. You would think its cannoli would get lost in all of those offerings, but alas, not so, say its faithful fans. Cannoli at La Rose is sold by weight. More »

Tre Mari Bakery

Family-owned for over 50 years, the cannoli at Tre Mari Bakery are said to rival some of the best of Italy. Tre Mari makes its ricotta-filled cannoli in two sizes; a smaller snack size for $1.25, and a full-sized cannolo for $1.95. More »

Nino D'Aversa

Nino D'Aversa in North York offers two cannoli varieties. Its signature Cannoli Siciliani and its Cannoli Sfoglia. The Cannoli Siciliani is made with fresh ricotta cheese, and the Cannoli Sfoglia is made with either chocolate or vanilla custard. Cannoli are $2.00 (Siciliani) and $1.50 (Sfoglia). More »

Riviera Bakery

Riviera Bakery in Little Italy is my place for cannoli. While it makes a cream cannoli filled with vanilla custard ($2.25), my allegiance is forever to its Sicilian cannoli with its crisp shell, creamy ricotta cheese, and light sprinkling of icing sugar. Riviera's Sicilian cannoli are $2.75 each. More »

Dorio's Italian Bakery

Dorio's Italian Bakery has lots of little Italian pastries including tiramisu, zeppole, and of course, cannoli. Dorio's Sicilian cannoli is made fresh daily with a creamy ricotta filling and light, crisp shell. And for just $1.69, it's hard to resist getting two. More »

Commisso Brothers & Racco Italian Bakery

If you're pining for a cannoli at 2 a.m. (and a good one, at that) Commisso Brothers & Racco Italian Bakery is open 24 hours at its location on Kincort Street. Offering sandwiches, pastas, fresh bread, and Italian pastries, neighbourhood locals have been dropping by for cannoli for decades. $1.25 Each. More »