The Best Italian Bakeries in Toronto

The best Italian bakeries in Toronto are usually more than just bakeries. Yes, each boasts racks of fresh ciabatta, focaccia, and other breads and buns, plus ricotta-filled cannoli, almond cookies, and sweets, but the shops don't begin and end with a little flour and yeast. All of the bakeries on this list offer a fully-stocked hot tables, complete with veal sandwiches, pizza slices, hot pasta and more.

And as if that wasn't enough, more, still, make their own gelato (though most, just in the summertime), which accompanies their espresso bars, deli counters, or pantry shelves. And have I mentioned olive bars? These bakeries, in other words, offer the various aspects of Italian eating, emphasizing — most importantly — the principle of abundance

Here is the list of the best Italian bakeries in Toronto.

See also:

The best Italian restaurants in Toronto
The best Cannoli in Toronto
The best Portuguese bakeries in Toronto

La Rose Bakery

For those who love bread, the presentation at La Rose in Etobicoke will certainly inspire awe. And wicked carb cravings. For something a little sweeter there's the cannoli, of course, and plenty of almond cookies and sweets to tide you over until you hit the hot table. That's right. Carbs and protein. Glorious. More »

Tre Mari Bakery

Tre Mari has been in Corso Italia for more than fifty years, operated by the Deleo family and keeping true to original recipes. There are always plenty of fresh parigina, cannoli, and croccante on hand, plus a fully stocked hot table, deli section, and espresso bar. More »

Francesca Italian Bakery

This Scarborough bakery was named for the owner's wife which, I think, I speaks to its authenticity in and of itself. (That and the framed picture of the Pope on the wall.)The Sicilian cannoli made here are some of the best in the GTA. It's a must-grab for Francesca's regulars who stop by for a warm loaf. Gelato in the summer, and a hot table all year round. More »

Rustic Bakery

Named for its street, not rough North York surroundings, Rustic Bakery has a wide assortment of bread that is all baked on location. Around lunchtime, though, it's all about veal on a bun, which is the without-doubt Rustic Bakery hot table favourite. Also the place for an authentic Italian espresso. More »

San Remo Bakery

San Remo is huge, and it has pretty much everything you'd ever want from an Italian bakery. Lots (understatement) of baked goods, of course, plus whole cakes and pies, a meat and deli counter, a hot table, gelato, espresso, and grocery. And perhaps most importantly, San Remo has plenty of seating since the sight of all that food is sure to make you hungry. More »

Nino D'aversa Bakery

Nino D'aversa is known for its bread (which can be found at various outlets throughout the GTA), but like most Italian bakeries, it doesn't stop at a few Vienna calabrese or ciabatta buns. The North York bakery offers two types of cannoli (Siciliani and Sfoglia) among its other pastries, as well as specialty foods, hot items, plus Italian music and magazines. Because a zeppole just isn't as good without a side of gossip. More »

Messina Bakery

The cannoli, again, is the big draw at this family-run bakery. Still, those who can tear their eyes away from the crunchy ricotta-filled delights will notice that Messina also has a fair spread of almond and shortbread cookies, pies, strudels, and other sweets. Messina's hot table offers pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. More »

Dorio's Italian Bakery

Owned by Manuel and Josie Dorio, this bakery has actually made quite a name for itself through its custom-designed wedding cakes. Of course, a little flower garland topper never got in the way of a hearty plate of lasagna, and Dorio's serves it daily from its bakery hot table. If not in the market for a wedding cake, Dorio's offers smaller sweets such as tiramisu, cannoli, and danishes. More »

Agincourt Bakery

The vibe at Agincourt Bakery is kind of like that of your nonna's kitchen, with people bustling about and the smell of fresh cooking luring you in. The oversized veal sandwich is what draws in most, but the fresh breads and pastries (plus the great selection of almond cookies) shouldn't be overlooked. More »