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Best of Toronto

The Best Pies in Toronto

Posted by Ivy Lovell / November 22, 2009

Pies TorontoThe 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 »

Hansen's Danish Pastry Shop

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 »

Discussion

32 Comments

jack / November 22, 2009 at 02:24 pm
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i can't believe u put wanda's pie in the sky as the first.. this is the worst, fucking terrible place i have ever been to.. it is expensive, terrible food, the pies are gross and disgusting...i took a friend there and thought it was a special treat as i had heard about this place before on blogto... i could not believe, how terrible it was.. i would rather buy a fucking pie from loblaws or T & T than eating there.. they must have paid you to put this as the first..
Meera / November 22, 2009 at 02:56 pm
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"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."

Calories = measure of food energy. They're what keeps your body running. They're not a negative feature of food. Also, most of these fruit-based pies contain a lot of nutrients, that being the other pressing reason to eat food.
pk / November 22, 2009 at 03:36 pm
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Wanda's is horrible for taste, and the rude service is even worse! Plus the fact that everything is over priced is just as bad.
jack replying to a comment from pk / November 22, 2009 at 04:33 pm
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pk, you are right on!
WR / November 22, 2009 at 04:53 pm
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Agreed about Wanda's not being #1-worthy...I don't find it disgusting, but it's just so-so and the chaotic service doesn't help matters.

Also, too bad about Madeleine's using lard in their crusts; I've been meaning to check that out but I guess it's not vegetarian-friendly.
mary / November 22, 2009 at 09:01 pm
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Wanda's Pie in the Sky is ok... I wanted to be blown away but I wasn't. They probably have the most chaotic set up ever to pay for your goods. The best pie I ever had in Toronto was purchased from the Sorauren Farmer's Market. The girls who sold it to me were really nice and friendly when I purchased the pie-- something that was seriously lacking at Wanda's.
megr / November 22, 2009 at 10:28 pm
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Wanda's is definitely 'hit-and-miss' - i can see why there's so many conflicting opinions. i've had the most amzing pumpkin pie at wanda's, then also the worst key lime pie, and (some variation of) apple over there as well. it's one extreme or the other. definitely doesn't deserve top spot - 'Altitude' is consistently spot-on, and should be ranked much much higher.
Cameron / November 22, 2009 at 11:13 pm
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What, no spinach pie? (Athens Pastries FTW)
jack replying to a comment from megr / November 23, 2009 at 12:19 am
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hit and miss means they should close the cafe and sell pies in their own back yard, and not charge the price like they are some fancy restaurants.. i had stomache pain last time after eating there
Marco / November 23, 2009 at 02:20 am
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Well I can't comment on Wanda's but based on the bad reviews I won't bother. I have tried the Pie Shack and can't believe they are calling what they sell as "PIE" because it's layers of crust with the odd piece (and that's being generous) of fruit (not a filling of any sort). The fruit is more like a garnish than anything else so I don't know why people went nuts over this place. I am not saying what I had tasted horrible but it certainly isn't PIE by any standard.
baby / November 23, 2009 at 02:26 am
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i wanna argue about something as retarded as pie to. i think madelines is the best pie. and i think the flaky tart sucks. and someone gave me the cut eye at dinah's one time and so it sucks to. sometimes i'm ok with a place like futures, but i heard they get their pie from wandas. oopsy.
Andy / November 23, 2009 at 09:43 am
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What about savoury pies? Anywhere know a good outlet for a good steak & kidney?
DL / November 23, 2009 at 10:06 am
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Hate the Pie Shack. After reading such a glowing report at blogto about this plac, I couldn't wait to get there. While the customer service was wonderful, their pie sucks. I'm sorry but a puff pastry crust does not cut it for me. Also, nobody mentioned that the pies (I had peach and my companion had apple) had slivered almonds in them. What would have happened if I had an allergy to nuts and bit into it not knowing this?

Totally agree though about Altitude. Nothing fancy but everything is always consistently good.

If you want a steak pie, Brick Street Bakery wasn't too bad. They now have one open in the Beaches.

I've also heard that the Summerhill Market has really good savoury pies but they go fast.
Lorraine Hawley replying to a comment from mary / November 23, 2009 at 12:22 pm
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Hi Thank you! The Sorauren Market Pies are actually from Mabel's on Ronces and the friendly girls are our staff!
Judy / November 23, 2009 at 02:41 pm
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Does anyone recommend a good place for a chocolate pie???? Not too much of a fan of apples or peaches but a chocoalte silk, mmmmmm
jack / November 23, 2009 at 03:53 pm
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you want good pies? bake your own
Susan replying to a comment from Judy / November 23, 2009 at 04:24 pm
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Mabel's makes an AMAZING chocolate pie! It's not on their menu, but you can special order it if you know you want one a day or two in advance! I ordered one for my husband's birthday a couple of months ago, and he still talks about it.
Judy replying to a comment from Susan / November 23, 2009 at 04:27 pm
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Thanks Susan, I will give it a try
Mika / November 24, 2009 at 07:57 am
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Wanda's Pie in the Sky should be Wanda's Fly in the Pie. I went there twice in the summer and both times there were more flies inside than I'd care to see. Flies all over you pies and inside yur display case ... Surprised that shit didn't get the kick from public health!
david / November 24, 2009 at 04:13 pm
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Anna Mae's in Millbank Ontario make the best pies. All priced under $10 and where else can you buy the only pie that matters: shoo fly pie?
nitroMiner / November 24, 2009 at 05:05 pm
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I remember Wanda's when it was located on Yorkville. Those were the days. Then she moved to Mt. Pleasant w/Dinah, then Kensington.

One day I wandered into the Kensington store, I Needed a large lemon meringue pie...she was busy chatting with a friend, while I stood patiently close by...finally, after years cooling my heels, I gave up and walked. Guess she didn't get the hint. Never been back since. The place looked a sloppy mess. Inattentive, just like the owner I presume.

Bought a great meringue pie at the St. Lawrence farmer's market instead.

Something's up with Wanda, too bad, used to be great pies and service.
concerned replying to a comment from jack / December 2, 2009 at 05:50 pm
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nice language.... too bad I don't understand what you are trying to say.
Jackie / December 25, 2009 at 11:19 am
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I went to the Pie Shack and really enjoyed my experience.l I thought the customer service was top notch and I loved the almond crust. I did see signs everywhere warning those with allergies too. I went with my Father who was visiting and we stayed for a while enjoyed a bottomless cup of coffee and played cards. It was a really nice experience.
hypatia replying to a comment from WR / April 3, 2010 at 01:27 am
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You should never assume a pastry crust is veggie. Lard is what makes that fluffy flake that most people expect. Always ask.
Johnny Cash 2.0 / September 12, 2010 at 11:31 pm
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Where can I find the best KEY LIME pie in Toronto?
Markus / March 27, 2011 at 04:14 pm
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Canadian Pie Company 198 Queen St E is a must on this list. They have absolutely phenomenal pies. The crust is especially delicious.
LINDA / February 13, 2012 at 12:33 pm
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for sure coming again!!!!
o men, I have eaten with some friends the chicken pot pie and the spinach goat cheese quiche and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!
I hope the other pies are so good as them!!!!
Jessica replying to a comment from jack / April 9, 2012 at 06:34 pm
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I totally agree with Jack. I think it's a travesty that they can call what they sell 'pie' or even 'dessert' because it's horrid crap.
COSPLAY / September 26, 2012 at 11:33 pm
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Does anyone recommend a good place for a chocolate pie???? Not too much of a fan of apples or peaches but a chocoalte silk, mmmmmm
roger / November 7, 2012 at 12:31 pm
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Dessert Lady

Dessert Lady has the best pies in Toronto. We go there all yera round for special treats. My have is pumpkin and apple but they have other flavs too. I totally recomend them
onlinegame blog / February 20, 2013 at 08:14 pm
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Theo / February 28, 2013 at 10:01 pm
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They need a separate listing for Lemon Meringue/Key Lime pies. In fact is it possible to get authentic key lime pie anywhere in the city (authentic key lime pie is not green by the way)?

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