North Pole Bakery - Toronto, Ontario

North Pole Bakery, located near Greenwood and Danforth, is a local iconic establishment. Anyone who's lived in the area will know North Pole Bakery. Like an iconic classic that it is, their discerning customer will be someone with an acquired taste for nostalgia because it doesn't have any shiny modern bells ... and whistles. It's family run and you go there for cozy, remind me of my Italian Nonna who's going to feed me with heaps of food, kind of vibe. I've seen people go in to grab their pizza, focaccia, pasta meals, and they all leave happy and grinning. They also have an assortment of breads and baked treats. Mixed reviews on the baked treats (some find them too dry, others love them, they're not for me and I'll leave that up to you to decide). One thing that everyone seems to agree on is their cannoli (see images provided here). The exterior cannoli shell is crispy and crunchy. The ricotta filing has just the right hint of sweetness with a dusting of icing sugar to finish them off. The ones I picked up on this occasion seemed a bit more golden than I'm used to but they were still delicious. Time moves differently at North Pole Bakery. I've seen regulars who go in just to have a chat with the owners and share a cappuccino while others seek this place out for the must-have Italian dinner. Read more

Stepping into this small Italian bakery felt like taking a journey back in time. I had the pleasure of chatting with one of the owners, a delightful old lady who shared fascinating stories of her family's multi-generational business journey. It was heartwarming to hear about their dedication to preserving tradition ... and the love they pour into their craft. My visit wasn't just a trip down memory lane; it was a heartfelt mission to find special cookies for my grandmother, reminiscent of those she used to lovingly bake herself. And this bakery turned out to be a true treasure trove, offering a wide selection of cookies that brought back fond memories of her homemade treats. The staff, too, exuded warmth and hospitality, guiding me through their offerings with genuine care. While browsing, I couldn't resist trying their arancini, and let me tell you, they were nothing short of heavenly. Each bite was a burst of flavor, leaving me craving more. However, I must admit, the bread didn't quite meet my expectations. Despite being made in-house, it lacked the wow factor I anticipated. Nevertheless, my overall experience at this bakery was nothing short of delightful. From the heartwarming stories to the mouthwatering treats, it's evident that this place is steeped in tradition and passion. I'll definitely be returning for more of those unforgettable arancini and perhaps exploring more of their delectable offerings." Read more

Sorry to say, but we are very disappointed, we picked up a box of mix cookies for our Family Day celebration. The quality was of a very dry hard cookie, not at all the moist delicious cookie I would usually get. I spent $37 and could not even put the ... cookies out for family to eat, I was embarrassed to serve them. Will not be returning. Read more

You will walk in thinking you're not hungry but shortly after walking in the smell from the oven and the sight of all the pastries will change the tune of your tum tum. The pizza slices have that beautiful homemade taste and the people who work there are great too. ... Anyone can find something in this bakery's selection that they'll enjoy. Read more

Delicious arancini, very good pastries. I'm happy to discover this place. We will definitely come back for those arancini and to try some other things. UPD: We absolutely love their cannoli