The Best Pies in Toronto

The best pies in Toronto are scattered across the city. Nothing store bought about them either. All the pies offered by the 11 bakeries that made this list are fresh baked daily and all use local ingredients when available. So, while there might be plenty of calories on that pecan or lemon meringue, at least you can feel good about cutting into a pie that supports local farmers.

From the vegan spelt options of Kensington Natural Bakery, the crunchy and delicately crisp flavor emanating from the Pie Shack, to the exquisite artistry of Altitude, the beautifully baked and sometimes seasonal pies are often a product of family recipes that have been honed, tweaked and passed down for multiple generations. Many of the hard working pastry chefs will also accommodate special requests so don't be afraid to ask for an ingredient to be left out.

Everyone loves pie. So the next time you're hankering for a slice or you're the point person to bring dessert for a special occasion bookmark this list of the 11 best pies in Toronto.

Wanda's Pie in the Sky

Affectionately described at the "pie that won the World Series", after Joe Carter dined on one of Wanda's creations and hit the home run in the 1993 World Series. Wanda's boasts over 200 variations of pie, including many apple variations like Apple Pear. She also has her own cookbook, and is about to embark on baking classes come January. Try the tart and sweet lemon meringue pie. Wanda's offers whole pies to go, or sit and enjoy a slice with a cup of tea. One drawback - prices are on the steep end. More »

Madeleines Cherry Pie

This family run business is in it's 6th year of baking absolutely scrumptious pies. Their signature cherry pie is made with local cherries and they use real lard in the crusts for that perfect flaky crumble. The filling is some of the best I've had yet. They offer gingerbread house making events and are able to host a wide variety of parties and special events. Moderately priced and worth every penny. Madeleines (which is the name of the bakery's signature cookie) have a short shelf life, so you know the ingredients are real! More »

The Pie Shack

They've only been around since June, but have already made quite an impression in the Beaches. A husband and wife team create the pies daily for the shop. It's a relaxing and comfortable space with board games and cards available along with the best looking pies I've ever seen. The raspberry pie is my absolute favorite and I'd recommend the Pie Shack to anyone looking for great pie. The raspberry pie is tart and tangy but with just enough sweetness to satisfy my sweet tooth. Also available are apple (and variations therein), blueberry, blackberry, and strawberry rhubarb. More »

Flaky Tart

The shop is comforting and airy which speaks volumes about the cheery staff and customers. Regular customers love the customized recipes and delicate looking pies. Chunky portions of apple pear pie are sure to delight. I find the crust sweet and flaky, living up to the shop's name. Look out for new baked goods and delicacies coming next year. Moderately priced. More »

Phipps Bakery Cafe

The chocolate pecan pie from Phipps is not only a work of art, it's a taste of heaven too. It's rich and smooth with hints of fudge. The bakery has ample seating so you can sit and enjoy a slice whenever the mood strikes. It's a real treat spending some time here as the customers and staff seem to have a great relationship. Expect higher than average prices. More »

Mabel's Bakery

Though they're only in their first year of business, Mabel's has been able to craft a brilliant selection of pies and other baked goods which are fit for any special occasion or for just a slice on the go. By mixing old recipes from their Cordon Bleu trained chefs they've created flavorful and aromatic pies. The rum pecan pie is my personal fave. The filling is a little runny, but the sweetness and crunch of the pecans makes me happy. Moderately priced, seasonal pies. More »

Hot Oven Bakery

These master bakers put out an impressive 200 pies a day! They serve up nine different kinds of fruit pies, and also have savory meat pies as well. The bumbleberry pie is so delicious I recently ate three pieces in one sitting. It's sweet and rich, filled with juicy berries and a warm crust. Very affordable prices. More »

Kensington Natural Bakery

This small Bloor Street bakery is the only one on our list that uses 100% all natural, all fresh, and vegan ingredients. They work with St Michal's Hospital to bring healthy choices to patients and can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs. The spelt crust is fantastic and the pumpkin pies are swoon worthy. As their pies have no preservatives or additives whatsoever, you need to eat them within 2-3 days. Very affordable given the quality of the pie. More »

Altitude Baking

The all female staff at Altitude fashion the most superb looking pies and the apple crumble seems to defy gravity. During a recent visit to the shop several people stopped by to ask about the pies. They always have sour cream apple and lemon meringue but they have many fresh daily variations like wild blueberry or an orchard pie which has tons of berries in it. Moderate-high prices but so very worth it. The pies are a conversation piece! More »

Hansen's Danish Pastry Shop

This small, homely shop in Pape Village boasts around 12 kinds of pies including apple, strawberry, rhubarb, peach, and pumpkin. The family has been in business for almost 50 years and they still bake everything by hand daily. The apple rhubarb pie is tantalizingly crisp and full of ripe flavor. Great prices for authentic home cooked pies. More »