The Best Crepes in Toronto

The best crepes in Toronto prove that our love affair with this particular form of wrap isn't going anywhere any time soon. Influences in Toronto go beyond the classic French variety and include variations derived from Eastern Europe, in particular the palacsinta from Hungary. While the main distinction between these two types is the fillings chefs place inside, the traditional French crepe is also more eggy, spongy and pale/yellow compared to a palacsinta which is typically brownish in colour.

Either way, they're both delicious and seemingly becoming more common in the city. Even happening Lower Ossington has a crepe place now.

From the sublimely sweet to the decadently deluxe, here are the best crepes in Toronto.

See also:

The best pancakes in Toronto
The best French restaurants in Toronto

Note: This list was previously published on April 26, 2008. Comments below made up until June 9th, 2010 are in reference to the old list. We've purposely kept the archived comments here because we believe they (mostly) add value to this topic. If you don't want to have to wade through all of them, simply hit the "sort by newest first" link at the top of the thread.

With contributions from Frank Kocis. Top Photos by ljc and Creative Madness on Flickr.

Crepes a Go Go

Crepes a Go Go has been around for 10 years (but in this Yorkville location for the past 5). Owner and ex-pat Veronique demands perfection when it comes to her crepes. Made with barley flour and love, only the best ingredients are worthy of touching her creations. Accompanied with her trademarked Limonana drink and the live accordionist, je suis transporte! More »

Hibiscus

Picking up on the expanding market necessity for vegan and gluten free options, Hibiscus owner Joseph Tam is so serious about crepes that 85% of the menu is devoted to them. Offering multiple savoury and sweet options, they are made with buckwheat flour and if you’re smart, you’ll grab one topped with his non-dairy, made-in-house, chai masala ice cream. Wow. More »

Cafe Crepe

It should be illegal for this place to have its crepe window open to Queen St. as it makes it almost impossible to resist those late night Nutella/banana cravings. That being said, Cafe Crêpe does have the longest list of yummy alternatives that keep students, business people and tons of tourists flocking to its shop. More »

Crepe It Up

Sometimes when you're shopping in St. Lawerence market you're just not in the mood for italian veal or peameal. Well lucky for you there's something as tasty and as portable in the shape of crepes from Crepe It Up. And they're probably slightly more healthy for you. Smoky ham and heaps of cheese topped with a slew of veg and an egg on top, it's your four basic food groups to go! (They also have a location near Church and Wellesley) More »

I Feel Like Crepe

Open on College since 2007, this is the only crepe/martini bar on the list and it’s a great combination. Smitten with the crepes he kept eating in Greece on a vacation 9 years ago, owner Igor’s batter is so proprietary that even if you knew it, you couldn’t replicate it at home as it has to be used with his specific griddles. Combine that with super fresh ingredients and you get 37 varieties and counting – all good! More »

La Palette (Queen West)

Fully ensconced in its new Queen West digs, La Palette is still a big draw but with only one crepe on the menu it would seem a long shot to end up on this list. However, if you love a crispy edged, soft centered crêpe with venison side ribs, aged cheddar, caramelized onions, roasted apple and spinach, this is definitely for you. More »

Jules Bistro Cafe

This gorgeous little space on Spadina is a true gem. Open for 11 years, Jules Bistro’s owner Eric Strippoli moved to Canada from his native France for (what else?) love, and his passion infuses every aspect of this establishment. The crepes are made from scratch, like everything at Jules, and are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the tastebuds. Crisp on the edges, light as air and filled with prime ingredients, it doesn’t get any better than this! More »

Le Papillon on the Park

Whether coming for dinner or brunch, Le Papillon’s crepes won’t disappoint. Nestled in a gorgeous old restored brick house between Leslieville and the Beaches on the new Jonathan Ashbridge Park, the owners have been in the business for almost 37 years and it shows. The crepes are, well, you just need to go and check them out. Immediately. More »

Art Square Cafe

Open for 7 years across from the AGO, owner/chef/creator/designer Leyla has concocted a truly unique space with incredible crepes (and home-made chocolates!) Made with your choice of buckwheat, unbleached flour or rice flour (and soy milk), the crepes are supremely tasty, monstrously huge and go perfectly with their Turkish coffee. Constantly changing with new exhibits and AGO inspired cuisine it’s definitely a place to come back to time and again. More »

Prague Fine Food Emporium

Prague's owner/chef Tom Kral is the third generation of his family to be kind enough to bring us their palacinky. Thicker than a traditional French crepe, for brunch he combines it with such delicious ingredients as house-smoked salmon, poached eggs, chives, bryndza cheese and capers. Traditional palacinky with strawberry jam and quark cheese is so simple, but oh so good. More »

Krepesz European Palacsinta Cafe

Open for 2 years in Kensington Market, Krepesz is as simple and heart-warming as they come. With 4 savoury and 10 dessert options, the Szabo family knows their Hungarian crepes. While softer, puffier and not as crisp as their French counterparts, these crepes are delish – especially when combined with Mom’s chicken stew, sour cream, mozzarella and spinach. Pick up one of their new baked little Chimney Cakes on your way out, and you’re set! More »