The Best Latin American Cafes and Bakeries in Toronto

The best Latin American bakeries and cafes in Toronto don't necessarily stick to one specific region. While some bakers, indeed, pick a country (and associated baked goods) and stick with it, many more borrow from one place or the next, recognizing the delicious power of quality dulce de leche or queso fresco.

Some of the best Latin American bakeries and cafes in Toronto offer up the experience as much as the goods, such as the number two spot on this list, while others allow customers to experience the culture of El Salvador or Argentina through a bite of its pupusas or spinach empanadas. I'll take either.

Here is the list of the best Latin American bakeries and cafes in Toronto.

See also:

The best Latin American restaurants in Toronto

La Merceria

This cozy space near Portland and Adelaide straddles several lines as an Argentinean cafe and retail store. That means alfajores are aplenty and there's hot cafe manchado on hand, all available while you explore the latest trinkets and gift items imported from Argentina and beyond. One of the few places you can pick up a one-of-a-kind porcelain bowl along with a box of chicken empanadas. More »

El Almacen

While you can get yerba mate just about anywhere nowadays (well, anywhere in the vicinity of a bike lane), El Almacen on West Queen West is one Toronto cafe where you can actually get the yerba mate "experience." There are wooden gourds available for those in sharing moods, and espresso drinks for those feeling unadventurous and under-caffeinated. Alfajores, milhojas, canones, and more to eat. More »

Columbus Bakery

The specialty at Columbus Bakery is its bunuelo made with queso fresco and cornbread, though casual observation tells me its appeal has more to do with the Colombian community that has deemed it an unofficial meeting place. Along with shelves of imported products, the Colombian bakeshop makes its own savoury and sweet treats, including pastel de arequipe, pandequeso, empanadas and aji. With two locations, one on Jane St. and the original near Dufferin and Lawrence. More »

Angel's Cafe

This Junction Triangle cafe is a family-run shop (the family lives upstairs) with awesome alfajores and a husband/wife team behind the bar. The family hails from Ecuador and brings with them eats in the form of empanadas, tamales, and their specialty weekend breakfast. The shop also hosts Stich N' Bitch, which has nothing to do with Ecuador. More »

Pasteleria Barreda

A little bakery near Christie and Dupont run by a husband-and-wife team originally from Chile, Pasteleria Barreda does a few things, and does them well. Breads are its mainstay, along with empanadas of several varieties (cheese, spinach, beef, chicken), alfajores, miloja cakes, and manjar pastries. More »

Juan Meat Market (El Gaucho)

Once we've all had a good chuckle about the name, we can appreciate Juan Meat Market not just for its chorizos, chicken, ribs, and other meats, but also for its freshly baked goods. The North York Market offers pastries and breads with an Argentinean twist, all prepared under the watchful eye of owner Juan Reda. More »

Pancho's Bakery

With multiple locations including Davenport and Kensington Market, Pancho's Bakery is said to have some of the most authentic Mexican bread around. Husband and wife Adalberto Aguilar and Violeta Correa makes batches of conchas daily, along with bolillos, orejas, tamales, and more, some of which is shipped to other shops around Toronto. More »