The Best Macarons in Toronto

The best macarons in Toronto are a testament to the art of the fine French confectionary. With a crunchy meringue shell and a buttercream, ganache, or jam filling, these little pastel treats seem to be advancing to some sort of trendy sweet status in this city (so watch out, red velvet cupcake). The macaron, for all its merits, is usually but an inch or two in diameter, and I find it wasted if eaten on an empty stomach. Yes, the macaron should be savoured--perhaps eaten as an after dessert, dessert--and gobbling it up too quickly only leaves you with salted caramel crumbs and regret. So take some extra time, especially with the following group of macarons.

Here are the best macarons in Toronto.

See also:

• The best cupcakes in Toronto
• Where to find whoopie pies in Toronto

Photos by Jesse Milns and Dennis Marciniak. Additional photos by Jen Chan from the blogTO Flickr pool and the Cake Opera Co Facebook page.

Nadege Patisserie

Nadege Patisserie displays its macarons in its new Rosedale shop as a jeweller might his pick of prized diamonds. And I've talked to chef Nadege Nourian about her prized French treats, and it's pretty clear she views them in somewhat of a similar manner. Twelve flavours at $2.10 a piece. They can also be had at the original locations next to Trinity Bellwoods. More »

Petite Thuet

Petit Thuet typically has 12 flavours of macarons available at any of its three Toronto shops. While the more typical varieties such as raspberry, rose water, and hazelnut are always in high demand, city lore tells of the occasional oddball popup, including a past foie gras limited edition macaron. $1.95 Each. More »

Bobbette & Belle

I'm always struck by how light and airy Bobbette & Belle feels when I walk inside, it's no wonder that its macarons seem perfectly suited to the space. The eight flavours aren't particularly outrageous, with staples including dark chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, and raspberry, but they do include a "secret ingredient," which Sarah and Allyson keep close to their chests. $2.00 Each. More »

Patachou

Patachou prices its macarons on the low end of the spectrum, which is good if you're looking to sample a little bit of everything. It offers six 'nothing wild' flavours including chocolate, vanilla, lemon, and raspberry. Patachou's macarons are $1.25 each. More »

Moroco Chocolat

While chocolate, obviously, is the signature offering at Moroco Chocolat in Yorkville, it displays its macarons quite proudly under glass in its boutique. It offers 12 flavours of macarons including passion fruit, salted caramel, coconut, coffee, vanilla and, of course, chocolate. $2.50 Each. More »

Frangipane

With so much variety at Frangipane, its petite macarons can easily be overlooked. But alas, they're there at Dupont and Madison, just waiting to be selected, admired, then enjoyed. Frangipane offers six flavours of macarons including cinnamon, honey, raspberry, and salted caramel. $2.50 Each. More »

Lemon Tree

Lemon Tree pops up at the St. Lawrence Market each weekend, and owner Kelly Lee brings with her a rotating roster of six flavours. When we chat she's already planned her offering for next week, which includes strawberry, vanilla bean, chocolate, and cassis. Lemon Tree's macarons are $1.75 Each. More »

Sweet Escape Patisserie

Sweet Escape in the Distillery also offers a rotating roster of flavours, which include typical offerings such as salted caramel, vanilla, raspberry, and chocolate. For something a little different, try a merlot, banana, or Earl Grey, macaron--perhaps customized with your monogram for an extra $0.25. I wonder if narcissism actually tastes sweet. $1.95 Each. More »

Rahier

Rahier does it a little differently by charging by weight. Usually it has about five or six varieties of macarons on hand in its shop on South Bayview, in flavours such as blueberry, mocha, and pistachio. Macarons are $8 per 100 grams. More »

Cake Opera Co.

Cake Opera Co. on Eglinton West offers eight varieties of macarons in flavours such as coffee, roasted hazelnut, pistachio, and vanilla orange blossom. You can opt for a sole macaron at $2 a piece, or else go for something a little more impressive like a macaron tower. Of course, that starts at $375 per tower. More »

Brick Street Breads

Brick Street Breads often has a good selection of macarons, in varietites such as blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, pistachio, chocolate, and more. Must arrive early, as some locations (usually the Distillery) often sell out early. Macarons are $1.84 including tax. More »