Celestin

Rated this place:

623 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto, ON, M4S 2M9

Croissant: The best. It is as good or better than some patisseries in Paris (although not better than this little place on rue de Seine in the 6e whose name I can't remember). It is better than Jules or Rahier, and much better than patachou, bonjour brioche, or anywhere else. Unfortunately, I prefer the tarts at Rahier (those at Celestin use crushed almonds or almond paste) although the item at Celestin with puff pastry, creme patissiere, and apricots is quite simply my favourite thing to eat, period.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• croissant

Via Allegro Ristorante

Rated this place:

3-1750 The Queensway, Suite 443, Etobicoke, ON, M9C5H5

Pizza: No where else even comes close. My regular order is the Sofia, substitute the bocconcini cheese for mozzarella, although this is a personal preference.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Pizza

Mercury Organic Espresso Bar

Rated this place:

915 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, M4M 1J4

Espresso: It's very good. Grab a twisted puff pastry glazed with orange zest at Bonjour Brioche down the street, and then have an espresso at Mercury for an awesome breakfast. While Bonjour Brioche doesn't have the best pastry in the city, its proximity to Mercury is why I have included it here. If you can, grab a croissant at Celestin (NE corner Mt. Pleasant & Manor Road) and then head to Mercury. But even I am not that food-obsessed to do that... well maybe only once a month.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• espresso