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Le Gourmand
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Food Desserts Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Desserts
152 Spadina AveToronto, ON M5V
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core
(416) 866-2127
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 8 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jiao S. said: "I admit that I went in because I saw the sticker on the door "people like us on yelp":) I ordered hazelnut latte, very rich foam, although instead of hazelnut, it has a caramel taste to me, but i loved it. Love the cream flake cake,…" read more »
15 reviews for Le Gourmand
15 reviews in English
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Review from Donny M.
Toronto, ON
1/1/2012
Le Gourmand has great tasting pastries, especially their cookies. They offer an assortment of high-quality and good tasting breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, you can find a full menu listing on their website.
I recommend trying an almond croissant and/or their grilled prosciutto sandwich.
It's a good hang-out place, lots of seating, nice atmosphere. They have a side-walk patio which is great in warm weather. -
Review from Karly G.
Toronto, ON
11/26/2011
Gourmand has THE best cookie on the planet. (It's more of a cake really) It's sort of like the mystery of how they get the caramilk into the caramilk bar - how do they infuse so much chocolate inside that damn cookie?
If you're looking for something a little less sweet and a little more substantial, try the avocado tomato sandwich (grilled or not) it's amazing. (Vegans: There is cheese). I end up caving in and getting one of these bad boys 2-3 times a month, SO good.
The staff is friendly, especially with familiar faces. I strongly recommend popping by! -
Review from Tara A.
11/24/2011
I have worked in this neighbourhood for 5 years now and very early on, I had the pleasure of experiencing Le Gourmand. It actually surprises me that I haven't written a review yet!
The decor reminds me of a French cafe. The menu is written on a chalk board, the tables are intimate (aka small) round wood tables and at the back of the restaurant is pantry where you can purchase goods such as olive oils, pasta and chocolate.
The reason this review doesn't get more stars is because of their prices. I find them to be astronomical in comparison to what you get. Yesterday I got a large soup, (which isn't all that large) and paid close to $7.00 for it. The average meal is around $12.
If you need an afternoon pick me up though I do suggest going and getting one of their massive cookies. I dare you to try and eat the whole thing. they are pretty big and pretty fantastic. That with a latte, it will fuel you to get thru the rest of the day. -
Review from Jane M.
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I ate here last weekend because a friend had a brunch Groupon. Even without that, it was extremely good value. I got the chili and it was pretty great. My only complaint is that they don't give out enough bread, just two tiny chunks that resemble a garnish more than a ... side? Either way, I am a huge whore for bread and they were definitely rationing it out.
Like everyone else has said, the cookies ARE.INSANE. Between four of us we actually managed to sample the freshly baked chocolate souffle, the chocolate chip cookies AND the peanut butter cookies. The souffle (the first I've ever had -- sheltered, I know) was divine. It's a cakey consistency, but then it melts in your mouth like some kind of heaven-sent pudding... PUDDING. The chocolate chip cookies were hot from the oven and as thick as a phone book. I was half-expecting there to be something in there (fudge, nutella, a kinder egg toy?) but nope, just cookie, chocolate chips, chocolate chips and more chocolate chips. I can't comment on the peanut butter cookies (excuse me while I vomit at the thought), but apparently they were, rather surprisingly, the lightest of all three.
I'll definitely go again. Minus one star because when our drinks were ready, no one brought them to our table or called us up to collect them. They just sat there on the counter. When we finally went up and asked, they were almost cold. Boo!!
I have a lunch date to go here tomorrow, so I'm hoping I can update this to a five star review. I'll have to check for consistency with those cookies, though. Obviously. -
Review from jocelyn l.
11/10/2011
I had a choc chip with walnut cookie today and it was AMAZING!
It was huge, which i'm always suspicious of (usually, only nasty cookies are that huge) but it was soft and moist on the inside and crumbly and hard on the outside. there were ample choc chip chunks and walnuts. MmMMm
Oddly, i got the cookie from our company flu shot clinic.
Take a shot, get a cookie.
The cookie was so good, i wanted to take another flu shot to get another cookie.
I'll definitely venture to the cafe to check out their other goodies. Can't wait! -
Review from Peter S.
7/27/2011
I'm definitely a fan of this place. I would've given it 5 stars, but I'd like to come back and try more of their food before I assign 5 stars.
The ambiance is fantastic. I haven't been in France, but it's certainly how I *imagine* a French cafe would be. Very earthy and bohemian. Good spacing between tables, however the place is busy, so despite the spacing, I wouldn't take a date here (except to take out a giant cookie to share or something).
I've read reviews that say the people who work here give bad service and are unfriendly. I haven't witnessed this myself. The worst I can say about the service is that it *can* be slow at times and that sometimes it's adequate -- they do their job and that's it. No spontaneous smiles or small talk. I think one reviewer got it spot on when she said the service here can be hit or miss. In comparison, the people who work at the Starbucks next door are friendly, chatty and flirty. Too bad! Perhaps the owner of Le Gourmand should try to steal Starbucks' employees!
Coffee is good. Very nice flavor. My preference is for something stronger, but it's certainly stronger than most coffee places you see. When Starbucks next door brews, say, a Verona blend or a French Roast blend, Starbucks will be stronger. However, other than Starbuck's darker blends, the coffee here is about on par with a typical Starbucks bold blend. The difference is, of course, is that it's about 50 cents cheaper here than Starbucks. Of course, you can get super cheap refills at Starbucks, so if you plan on getting refills, Starbucks is the better place to go. If not, then I'd come here.
The Americano was NOT bitter as one reviewer commented. It was a typical Americano. If anything, I wish it were more bitter. I thought it was weak for an Americano.
Note: the Yelp entry says WiFi is free here. I don't think Le Gourmand has WiFi, however, Starbucks WiFi from next door does reach this restaurant very nicely. I'm pretty sure they were on Starbucks WiFi without knowing it.
Food Reviews:
============
Croissant w/Cheddar, Bacon and Egg: A+
Yes, that's right. A+. I almost never give A+. For something to get an A+, I will want to have it again, and again, and again. I need to think back and say "You know? That food I had 2 weeks ago really kicked ass!". Their breakfast croissant w/cheddar, bacon, and egg qualifies for this coveted position. It is one of my favorite breakfasts anywhere. I think about it for days. Get it grilled. You'll be in heaven.
I plan on trying some of their cookies and quiche. Once I do, I'll update this review. If they're nearly as good as the breakfast croissant, this will be a 5 star restaurant! -
Review from shyni y.
6/4/2011 2 photos
I have passed by this place so many times that I may have built some hype in my mind, which may have ruined it for me.
First impression: LOVE the open space. LOVE the decor and LOVE the chalkboard menu. It's awesome. I even enjoyed waiting in line because, it was totally going to be worth it - so far everything was fabulous and so the food must be also.
Got a bit of Spanish & salmon salad and butter chicken - the salad seemed to have all the things I love; salmon, nuts, spinach in light dressing - and well, can't go wrong with butter chicken really, can you?
Apparently, you can.
I think this is where I need to say that I am a food lover- the sight of it makes my mouth water 95% of the time and you've really got to have not tried for that to not happen. This was one of those times.
The chicken - was not quite buttery and had more curry flavour than anything else. I only had a few pieces of chicken and it really was a soupy kind, not the stew kind. it came with what I heard was Basmati rice - that was just dry - I believe Uncle Ben's basmati rice was better than this.
Apparently I don't like spinach and smoked salmon together either - even though I love both dearly.
My friend's meatloaf was absolutely wonderful -but the mash potato and house salad was not.
Overall, the bland food left lot to be desired - apparently they're not a big believer of seasoning. I have no idea what inspired me to pay $20 for blandness...but there you have it.
It's a chic little spot and I imagine fabulous place for coffee/tea with cookies or something - but if you're looking for a place to have a nice sit down meal during lunch or dinner or whatever - there are much better options just steps away.Listed in: Breakfast and Coffee spots
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Review from Maggie E.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 3/8/2011
So I ventured out to the west end and stopped by my old favourite for an americano.
What a disappointment.
After dealing with an unusually condescending cashier, I sat down, slightly less enthusiastic than when I stepped in. Whatever, I thought. My americano would surely make up for the less than pleasant interaction. Was I ever wrong.
UGHHH. It was bitter as hell. I actually couldn't have more than two sips before throwing it out. What happened Le Gourmand? You were my good old faithful cafe.
Oh, and no more fresh OJ. Bummer.
Guess I'll have to keep hunting...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/26/2011
Best. Americano. Ever.
If you like your coffee black, and don't mind mediocre service, this is the… Read more »
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Review from Anne M.
1/13/2011
This review is for their cookies. All of the food I've had here has been really good (croissants, muffins, soups, paninis, baguette sandwiches, etc.) and their coffees are pretty awesome too. But the five stars goes solely to their cookies. Soft on the inside, crumbly on the outside, and lots and lots of chocolate chips. When I came in today, the cookies were actually fresh from the oven... Yumm!
The only downside - a chocolate chip cookie costs over $2! If only it came with a free glass of milk... -
Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
11/14/2010 1 photo
I've had this horrible habit - coffee - morning coffee. Even if I don't need it. There is something about going to a cafe or coffee shop in the morning and standing in line with the other addict-eds ( because i am sure I am not alone).
My routine in the morning is the same. Get up, shower, make some toast and coffee. Catch transit, find coffee then off to work.
Le Gourmand is that stop along my route.
I had always wondered about this Lil place en route. I thought at first it was a french restaurant or a gourmet grocery store. All great things but not a place to stop on my way to work but then one day I did. It was because I saw the cookies in the window.
For the amount you pay for a cookie, it was either two fifty or something close to three bucks. For that change, it better be some darn fine eatin`! I hate to say it -nope.
That aside. The coffee ain't bad. It's next door to Starbucks. If those customers knew what they could get by walking a store over my bet is you would make the journey.
It's a casual cafe setting. Yet at the same time it sells everything from cookbooks to pasta to chocolate in one half. In the next half you buy your coffee, pastry, sandwiches or salad at a really awesome price (except that freakin cookie!) . Let me give you an example - a small coffee including tax is 1.26. If you go over to Starbucks you will be paying 50 cents more. Why?
Now don`t be put off by the customer service. It`s a bit hit and miss. I have yet to come across someone who actually seemed happy to see a customer. It`s not as if they are mean just there to get you what you need aka caffeine.
So give this little place a try, why don't ya?Listed in: Coffee Adventures in Toronto
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Review from Jenny H.
Toronto, ON
10/16/2011
I try to stay away from sweets for breakfast, but couldn't resist with their chocolate croissant ($2). I think I scarfed it down so quickly because it was that good! The chocolate wasn't too sweet and the croissant was just moist enough. I believe they bake their pastries fresh every morning.
I tried a brie breakfast croissant ($4.50) on another day. It was good, but I didn't find it great. I don't know if grilling it or heating it up is an option, but I'm sure it would have made the sandwich better.
It's a quaint area with dark wooden tables, chalkboard on the walls, and in the mornings the lines can become a little long. It's worth it though. -
Review from Patricia S.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 3/3/2011
I went for brunch the last two weeks in a row. So yummy!
I love the goat cheese mushroom omelet. It's flavourful and not overcooked like so many other omelets in the city. The yogurt parfait is also delicious.
But, the absolute best dish is the huervos chilques! It is so good I can't even describe it. Just go try it!
And those cookies...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/4/2011
The baked goods, particularly the cookies, here are fantastic! Please, please try the chocolate chip… Read more »
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Review from Antonia W.
Toronto, ON
3/3/2011
Le Gourmand seems to be very well-known for their seriously gigantic cookies. My first bakery love is croissants, but I'm always unfortunately tempted by cookies as well.
When I came in, I saw a handful of people sitting around with their laptops so when I ordered my cookie, I asked about if they had wi-fi. The guy behind the counter says "Yah we do, sort of. Well...Starbucks is right beside us so we can use their wi-fi through the wall!" Awesome, thanks, I'll use it!
Sitting area is pretty comfy and laid-back. They sell what seems to be imported European goods so it was interesting to just browse through their shop.
So I got their chocolate chip cookie, which is about the size of my palm and pretty thick. First couple nibbles were really good, I like the crispy parts along the outside so I eat all of that first. Then I start nibbling into the cookie and after a while, I'm getting kind of sick of it. There's nothing really wrong with it, but there is A LOT of chocolate chips (I know I know it's a chocolate chip cookie) but the batter inside still has that uncooked cookie dough mushy texture. It's O.K. but I guess it's not what I like my cookies to be like. -
Review from Liora I.
Toronto, ON
1/9/2011
This is cookie heaven. Most notable is their giant chocolate chip cookies which are miraculously always fresh and still warm from the oven no matter what time of day you stop in. Also noteworthy is the "nookie cookie", smaller in size, this bite-sized chocolate cookie is covered in icing sugar and is probably what people have in mind when they say woman prefer chocolate to sex...
oh, also they make good sandwiches, soups and salads. -
Review from Maggie T.
Toronto, ON
3/8/2011
I love this coffee shop. Its very French! The moment you walk in, you are surrounded by the mixture flavorful *air* of coffee and delicious pastries. They make the best GIANT chocolate chip cookies(with walnut). Yes they are GIANT! Each cookie is 3 times the thickness of normal cookies u get anywhere and it's like 3.5 inches cross. The center of their cookie is soft and with MELTED chocolate chips!! I first bought a cookie from Yonge/Bloor location 3 yrs ago, n have since addicted to their products and became royal fallower of their cookies, also has made my friends victims of cookie addiction =D Only Le Gourmand has the power of breaking my "healthy eating"diet I am helpless in front of cookies, I have to stop going sometimes just so I dont make a purchase. But the days sometimes when I do go, their cookies could be sold out. So if u want a chocolate chip with walnut one, go at least an hour before it closes!
Funny thing is if u choose to buy a Large size coffee for "here", they pour coffee in a big "soup bowl" style flat--ish around cup(no handle LOL). It always makes me feel like I am drinking from a big rice bowl. LOL u dont get a cup of coffee, u get a bowl of coffee. It doesnt look tacky, just its funny. LOL U have to drink it like holding a bowl of soup.
