Nestled in the heart of The Beaches neighborhood, Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches has earned its place as one of the best bakeries in Toronto, celebrated for its plant-based, eco-conscious approach to baking. Since opening its doors in 2012, this charming café has been delighting locals and visitors alike with a menu that’s as diverse as it is delicious—offering everything from gooey cinnamon buns to gluten-free cupcakes, all crafted without refined sugar or animal products. Whether you’re savoring a handcrafted espresso or indulging in their famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, Tori’s Bakeshop offers a warm and welcoming space that feels like home. With its commitment to organic ingredients and sustainable practices, it’s no wonder why this gem is often mentioned among Toronto’s best bakeries. Read on to discover why Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches is a must-visit for food lovers and health-conscious eaters alike!
Location & Ambience
Located at 2188 Queen St. East, Toronto, Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches is a standout destination for those exploring this vibrant neighborhood. Positioned on the north side of Queen Street East, between Maclean and Balsam, it offers easy access for both locals and visitors.
- Address: 2188 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4E 1E6, Canada
- Contact: +1 647-350-6500
- Website
The bakeshop exudes vintage charm with its pastel hues, rustic decor, and carefully curated details that create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. With a seating area available, customers can enjoy their baked goods and beverages on-site while soaking in the laid-back vibe of The Beaches neighborhood.
Socials
One of the shop’s highlights is its proximity to the water—just a block north of the shoreline. This prime location makes Tori’s Bakeshop an ideal stop for anyone enjoying a day near the beach or exploring the local attractions. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this gem offers a unique experience among the best bakeries in Toronto.
History and Background
Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches first opened its doors on March 9, 2012, marking the beginning of a new era for plant-based cafés in Toronto. Founded by Tori Vaccher, the bakeshop was inspired by her personal journey of “veganizing” her family recipes after adopting a plant-based lifestyle. Combining her passion for baking with skills honed through George Brown’s culinary program and her background in set and prop design, Tori turned her creative talents into a thriving business.
As Toronto’s first fully plant-based café, Tori’s Bakeshop quickly gained a reputation as one of Toronto’s best bakeries. Its eco-conscious operations, which include the use of reclaimed materials and energy-efficient practices, reflect a deep commitment to sustainability. This focus on creating ethical, high-quality baked goods has cemented its status as a favorite among the best bakeries in Toronto.
What Makes It Unique
Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches stands out as one of the best bakeries in Toronto for its unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and inclusivity. The bakery offers a fully plant-based and vegan menu, ensuring that no animal products or byproducts are used in any of its offerings. For those with dietary restrictions, Tori’s Bakeshop also provides a wide selection of gluten-free and refined sugar-free options, making it accessible to a variety of customers. Explore the best gluten-free bakeries in Toronto for more affordable and upscale treats.
All items are crafted with organic, non-GMO ingredients, ensuring the highest standards of quality and taste. To complement its baked goods, the bakeshop serves ethically sourced coffee and beverages, exceeding fair trade standards to support sustainable and responsible practices.
The menu is also celebrated for its seasonal innovations, such as the coconut-based “ba”con,” which showcases their creativity in reimagining classic flavors with a plant-based twist. These unique offerings have solidified Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches as a go-to destination among the best bakeries in Toronto.
Menu Highlights
Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches offers an extensive menu that has earned it a place among the best bakeries in Toronto, catering to both sweet and savory cravings with its plant-based delights.
Signature Items
- The cinnamon buns are a must-try and a customer favorite, praised for their perfect texture and flavor.
- Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, a personal favorite of Tori herself, are another standout item.
Categories: The menu is divided into a variety of categories, including buns, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, donuts, pies, and more. This ensures there’s something for everyone, from classic treats to unique creations.
Seasonal Specials: Items like the apple cranberry crumble pie and holiday cookie boxes highlight seasonal flavors, making each visit unique and timely.
Savory Items: Savory options include the popular vegan “b”lt sandwiches made with coconut-based “ba”con” and the hearty spinach & herb scones.
Beverage Offerings: To pair with their baked goods, the bakeshop serves a range of drinks, including espresso, tea, smoothies, and even wine, beer, and cider.
Whether you’re in search of a signature baked good or a refreshing beverage, Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches delivers a memorable experience, making it a top choice among the best bakeries in The Beaches and Toronto’s best bakeries.
Customization & Services
Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches goes beyond its exceptional menu by offering a range of customizable services that cater to its customers’ unique needs. Whether you’re planning a special celebration or stocking your café, the bakeshop ensures flexibility and convenience.
Special Orders: Customers can place special orders with a 48-hour notice, allowing ample time for the team to prepare personalized items, from themed desserts to large batches of treats.
Pickup and Delivery: The bakeshop offers convenient pickup options from its Queen Street East location. For added convenience, delivery is available across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), ensuring customers can enjoy their favorites from one of the best bakeries in Toronto wherever they are. For a seamless way to order from Tori’s Bakeshop, check out the best food delivery apps in Toronto for hassle-free delivery options.
Custom Cakes: For memorable celebrations, the bakeshop creates custom cakes tailored to your occasion. Options include tiered cakes, with various flavors and designs to suit weddings, birthdays, and other events. For beautifully crafted cakes, don’t miss the best custom cakes in Toronto, designed to suit every celebration
Wholesale Partnerships: As one of Toronto’s best bakeries, Tori’s Bakeshop also collaborates with local businesses, providing wholesale baked goods to cafés, coffee shops, and commissaries. This service ensures their plant-based treats reach even more customers.
With its customizable offerings and reliable services, Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches continues to set itself apart as one of the best bakeries in The Beaches and a trusted choice for high-quality baked goods.
Community Engagement
Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches is deeply rooted in the community, building meaningful relationships that reinforce its commitment to sustainability and quality. This focus on collaboration and local connections further distinguishes it as one of the best bakeries in Toronto.
Local Suppliers and Healthy Businesses: The bakeshop partners with like-minded local suppliers and businesses to source the finest organic and sustainable ingredients. This ensures their products align with their plant-based and eco-conscious values while supporting the local economy.
Brand Collaborations: Tori’s Bakeshop collaborates with renowned brands such as Belmonte Raw, known for its fresh juices, Trebilcock Coffee Roasters, a family-run coffee operation, and Chocosol, which supplies high-quality, ethically sourced chocolate. These partnerships elevate the quality of their offerings and connect customers to other healthy, ethical products.
Participation in Community Events: As an active participant in Toronto’s community events, Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches often engages with local initiatives that promote sustainable living, ethical food practices, and small businesses. This involvement strengthens its role as a trusted and beloved member of the community.
By fostering these relationships and participating in local events, Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches has become a celebrated part of The Beaches neighborhood and a standout among Toronto’s best bakeries. Tori’s Bakeshop is just one example of the incredible local businesses Toronto has to offer; check out our guide on how to support local businesses in Toronto to discover more.
Tips for Visiting
Visiting Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches is an experience to savor, and a little planning can make your visit even more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your trip to one of the best bakeries in Toronto.
Best Times to Visit
For a more relaxed experience and to avoid crowds, visit during mid-morning on weekdays, between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Weekends can be busy, especially around brunch hours, so arriving early is recommended to secure your favorite items and seating.
Recommendations for First-Time Customers
First-time visitors should start with the signature cinnamon buns or oatmeal chocolate chip cookies—both are customer favorites and highlight why the bakery is celebrated among the best bakeries in The Beaches. Pair your treat with an ethically sourced coffee or tea for a complete experience.
Importance of Pre-Ordering
Popular items like custom cakes, cinnamon buns, and seasonal specials can sell out quickly. To ensure availability, it’s a good idea to pre-order through the bakeshop’s website at least 48 hours in advance, especially for larger quantities or special occasions.
Planning ahead will help you enjoy everything Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches has to offer, making your visit a memorable one to this gem of Toronto’s best bakeries.
Future Plans
Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches is continuously evolving to offer new and exciting experiences to its customers, solidifying its position among the best bakeries in Toronto.
Evening Wine Bar Concept
For a complete day out, combine Tori’s Bakeshop’s baked goods with a visit to one of Toronto’s premier wine bars, ideal for wine enthusiasts. The bakeshop has plans to transform into an evening wine bar, offering a curated selection of biodynamic and organic wines alongside small plates featuring plant-based and seasonal ingredients. This concept aims to provide a relaxed and unique dining option for The Beaches neighborhood, blending sustainability with an elevated culinary experience.
Expanding Menu Offerings
As part of its commitment to innovation, Tori’s Bakeshop is exploring ways to expand its menu with more biodynamic and organic options. This reflects their dedication to using high-quality, eco-conscious ingredients while catering to evolving customer preferences.
These forward-looking plans ensure Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches remains a beloved destination for both locals and visitors, further enhancing its reputation among Toronto’s best bakeries.
Customer Policies
Tori’s Bakeshop in The Beaches maintains clear and customer-friendly policies to ensure a seamless experience, whether you’re purchasing in-store or ordering for delivery.
Refund and Delivery Policies
Refunds: The bakeshop is not responsible for baked goods once they leave the premises. Customers are encouraged to inspect their orders upon receipt and report any damages or incorrect items immediately to resolve any issues, if possible.
Delivery: Delivery is available across the GTA for a fee of $10 on orders over $80, or $15 for smaller orders. Orders over $150 qualify for free delivery. For tiered cakes, delivery and setup are offered, with additional costs finalized one week before the event. All deliveries are made during the selected time window, but delays may occur due to traffic or weather.
Care Instructions
Care instructions are provided with each item to ensure customers can maintain the quality of their baked goods. For delicate items like cakes, proper handling and storage are crucial. Customers are advised to pick up their orders, especially tiered cakes, to ensure the best condition.
These policies reflect the bakeshop’s dedication to providing high-quality service while maintaining transparency, further solidifying its reputation as one of the best bakeries in Toronto and a favorite in The Beaches.
FAQs
- Is everything at Tori’s Bakeshop vegan?
Yes, the entire menu is 100% plant-based and free of animal products or byproducts. - Do they have gluten-free options?
Yes, Tori’s Bakeshop offers a wide variety of gluten-free baked goods. - What are their most popular menu items?
Customer favorites include the cinnamon buns and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Complement your visit to Tori’s Bakeshop by exploring the top cinnamon bun spots in Toronto for more irresistible treats. - Can I place custom cake orders?
Yes, they offer custom cakes for occasions, including tiered cakes, with a 48-hour notice. - Do they offer delivery in Toronto?
Yes, delivery is available across the GTA, with free delivery on orders over $150. - Can I pre-order baked goods?
Yes, pre-orders can be placed with at least 48 hours’ notice. - Do they offer wholesale services?
Yes, Tori’s Bakeshop provides wholesale baked goods to local cafés and businesses.