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Rahier Patisserie
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for Rahier Patisserie
Review Highlights
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"Now i want to try their chocolate croissants." In 12 reviews -
"...has been able to match Masse's chocolate mousse cake." In 3 reviews -
"early because they sell out by 10am." In 3 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Antonia W.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 4/27/2012
Considering how much I love the croissants here, I can't believe it's been a year since I last dropped by. I came back hete for croissants last Saturday morning and it was just as good as I remember. Flaky on the outside and well layered inside.
I tried out their smoked salmon and asparagus quiche as well. The quiches are in the display and they pretty mich take it out and plate it, which made me wonder, "should quiche be served hot or cold?" There's no option for slices of quiche, they make you buy the entire pie. This would have really sucked if I didn't like it, but it was pretty good. I did leave behind some of the crust at the end.
The girls working here are friendly and efficient.
Still the Number one croissants designation from me!Listed in: Hunting for Croissants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/5/2010
I'm on a never-ending quest to find the perfect croissant.....
Rahier gets my vote for best in T.O.… Read more »
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Review from Elvis A.
Folks this is my favorite dessert place in all of Toronto. It pains me to deduct a star as I have adjust my rating for the sandwich.
I was in the area as I like this drag of shops and stores. I decided to have my brunch fix and came here for a sandwich. Among the usual offerings of cured meat items the apple, brie and walnut sandwich caught my attention. They bake their breads in house so the bread was top notch nice and crusty. Now for the other items it was not enough and the bread to filling ratio was off. There was little Brie so were the walnuts. Apple quantity was decent but overall the sandwich was more bread.
So 2 stars for the sandwich.
Now this place saving grace is the desserts. I just wanted a small fix so I went for their danish and coffee combo for $3.75.
Desserts as always are dependable and the danish was flaky and buttery with just the right amount of sweetness. Mr. Rahier I salute you for being consistently good over the years and providing good desserts to this city.
Now I have to come back for my fruit tart and croissant fix soon.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/19/2010
This is one of the best dessert places in TO. Good Macarons, tarte tatin, Crossaint etc etc. Now… Read more »
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Review from Rainie L.
Markham, ON
1/15/2012
I'm a big fan of pastry so I just had to come here. But I don't live in the area so it's been a couple months since I've been wanting to come here but not having the chance to. Until today :) I like this patisserie. It's one of those places that I would come to pickup something for special occasions even if it means going out of my way. Here's my ratings:
Macaroons - 5 (say 'yes' to the salted caramel)
Mini cakes - 5 (Balzac, Dumas, Pompadour)
Coffee - 4 (It's really good considering it's not a coffee house)
Service - 3
Ambiance - 3
Baguette - 4. It's fresh and warm and perfect for biting into as you're walking out of the store... -
Review from Amar R.
Toronto, ON
5/26/2012
I finally went into Rahier today at about 130pm after reading all the rave reviews on yelp and other sites. Maybe I had too many expectations and that's why I felt so disappointed.
First off, the service was pretty dismal and I almost left before ordering anything. Would it kill the saleswoman to crack a smile? Why the long dark face to go with the long dark dress? She looked solemn. Perhaps it's her take on Parisien but not mine. I told her that I needed a moment as it was my first visit and I wasn't sure yet what to get but was very hungry and hadn't had lunch. She told me that they have quiches and sandwiches so I said, "great, I will have quiche" but then she tells me they are sold out. What? I have since been told by other customers that they sell out often of things, sometimes well before lunch. So why not plan accordingly? After all, to sell out by noon when you have 7 more hours to go is not good business sense unless you are going for that "hard to get aloof" ambience.
After the disappointment of no quiches or sandwiches, the countergirl suggested a ham and cheese croissant and since they are famous for their croissants, I said ok. It was put on a long plastic tray without a napkin, plate or cutlery and honestly was the oddest presentation I have experienced in a long time. I also ordered a tea. The croissant had potential to be good but was cold and not too appetizing. I mean actually cold, not room temperature. I know others will disagree but I like warm, soft, flaky buttery croissants not cold chewy pastries.. Thank God for the hot tea to wash it down. Now for those who say these are the best croissants in Toronto, I am sure that fresh and warm they are. I am just saying that mine was too cold to be enjoyed properly. I am so glad there was no quiche as cold quiche is not for me and apparently they don't heat those up either. I didn't know that before I wanted one.
I went up again to ask about desserts as they are highly raved about online too. i wanted a great dessert to knock my socks off. It seemed that the majority of desserts are chocolate and mousse based. I was kind of disappointed. There were tarts too and they looked nice but I now realized that everything would be served cold so I better chose wisely.
I chose a dessert with coconut, pineapple, mango creams on white sponge cake. It was topped with a raspberry. I waited a bit before eating it as I was reading and that gave it a chance to warm up to room temperature, I hoped. I took one bite and it was good! Light, not too sweet and airy, just like I enjoy my desserts. It is very similar to cakes from Chinese bakeries. In fact, all the cakes reminded me of Chinese bakeries in look and style if I am 100% honest. Go into Furama on Spadina and they have very similar desserts and taste just as good for a fraction of the cost.
Anyways, I hadn't meant to eat the whole slice but it was so light and tasty that I did indeed finish it. After I didn't feel too full or gluttonous like I have felt after consuming a desert at other bakeries or restaurants.
Overall, the cake was what brought my review up. The overall experience was just ok. Maybe next time I will buy some croissants and bring them home to eat warmed up with jam. Or try their chocolate croissants.
As for the cakes, I could see how they could be preferred desserts or birthday cakes for adults but certainly not for children.
I hope to return to Rahier during the summer and if my experience is better or different, I will update. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Been coming here for years, as it's the ONLY place my parents will buy cakes, pastries and other baked goods. No matter how difficult or how much they have to sacrifice, if my dad is eating some cake product, he'll have to buy it from here.
It was here, about 10 years ago, that I learnt to LOVE flakey croissants and discovered that they can be filled with sweet almond. I believe they still sell these, but get there fresh when it first opens. I didn't notice this time around, but it might still be there.
On Saturday I came buy to pick up cakes for my Dad's Birthday. I got 6 small cakes for 4 people to share (it was quite a lot). My favourites was the chocolate mouse dome, and the passion fruit/chocolate mouse/wafer crunch. Also the fig flakey piece was quite tasty as well.
Some other cakes, like the raseberry with sponge cake dots (and passion fruit version) is my dad's favourite, but I dislike, because there is nothing special to me about it.
Each one of these range from $4 - 5.50
I also then noticed the Macarons! I had to try them. They sell half a pound for $8. That's about 5 Macarons. I got 8 and it was $13.
Unfortunately, they weren't the best I have tasted, and they did not stand well to pressure i.e. you poke it and it kinda squishes. The better ones I've tasted have a crunch to it, and doesn't completely squish out to the sides biting in. The layers were thin. But what do I know, I may need Yvonne T (the connoisseur to help me here)
The filing inside was tastey and super sweet.
Overall, they have great stuff, just need to find it. It's a bit pricier, but worth it. Come here for an indulgence.Listed in: Where to take my parents to…
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Review from Heather B.
Scarborough, ON
All I need is the Eiffel Tower in the background along with my patio setting and I'm in France!
Had to make a pit stop to pick up some Brioche Bread for a pal of mine (Mr SK - you owe me some Stuffed French Brioche Toast :P )
This place reminds me being back in Paris with the little sidewalk cafes.
There are a few tables and chairs you can enjoy outside.
Walking inside the staff are friendly and are quick to help you with your needs. I believe the owner is originally from France. If not then she is from Quebec because she has a strong french accent.
Since I was getting the bread (which JUST came out of the oven *Bonus!), I decided to grab my brekkie there as well which was a coffee and a croissant.
Coffee was very good - not too strong but full bodied, and the croissant was to die for. Fresh and flakey and just buttery goodness. You didn't have to add anything to it - it justs melts in your mouth.
I was eyeing up desserts as well - cakes and eclaires.
They also have some lunche options with their quiche so I will have to come back and give you an update.
The only thing about this place is the parking- It's very tricky to find a spot, I had to circle around the residential area for a bit to grab a legal spot.
Bon Appetit! -
Review from Sandra K.
North York, ON
7/10/2011
As French bakeries go, this has to be the best in town. The skill and beauty behind their pastries is incredible. And it's not just their looks. The quality is amazing too. A place of inspiration.
Now that they have renovated their patio, the space is good too. A nice place to meet a friend for coffee, which by the way is also excellent.
Their sandwiches and dry pastries i.e. croissants are great, but the real highlights are the cakes and tarts, which are truly unrivaled. -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
4/10/2011 2 photos
Nomnomnom is in the eyes(and stomach) of the beholder. Future events are unpredictable at best, like a Monkey throwing a Dart. I threw 2 Darts at Rahier from 2 different distances and the outcome were not as I predicted derived from historical knowledge and available intelligence. Only living in the moment and experiencing it myself first hand can I see the result of the hypothesis.
What that meant is that the Dumas wins over Balzac Cake hands down. Dumas(+ 0.5 Star) surprised me as one of the better Mousse-style Cakes I've had but Balzac didn't have nearly the same outcome. Another unpredictable result was that I would have never thought that the Individual Cake at Rahier HQ($5.00) was more costly than one of their Retailers($4+) they outsource.
I came by on a Sunday afternoon when there's breeze business but even with that I didn't get much of attention or welcome nor a sign of farewell for that matter. Service obviously wasn't what I came here to consume but I'm sure one of the Two ladies could have easily attended to the Table area where it looked like a Pastry Battle occurred earlier with battle remains on the floor as I wiped my Dishwasher washed Fork of water-stain prior to consumption.
This beholder nom'd your cakes better when it's not from your store.Listed in: Desserts - Western
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Review from Kat K.
9/11/2011
This place is a favourite spot in the summer, when I head down to the Bayview and Eglington area.
Since I live up in the GTA, anytime I come here; it is a real treat. Also, I'm practically mandatory to bring my mother along for the ride. Her favourtie are the breakfast pastry twists, with a cup of their coffee; which is works out to around $3.
Rahier's menu changes seasonally, with a few staples that hang around year round. I'm a huge fan of their strawberry and lime mousse cake, they had a few years back' which they haven't brought back... :(
But most of the stuff, I've tried here is pretty good. I recommend their berry, apple and apricot tarts; which are sold in individual portions as well as multi-servings.
Rahier has extremely limited seating, so even if you buy your stuff here; there generally isn't enough seating capacity to accomodate you. So I suggest grabbing a seat to dump your stuff on first then going to order whatever you want to eat that day.
They also offer sandwiches as well, which aren't too bad. But they do sell out quite quickly.
If you want to order a cake from here, I reccommend ordering at least a few days to a week in advance. -
Review from Wendy C.
11/29/2010
Very good macarons, delicately crispy shells, the "interior" is more airy than the ones you get in Paris (PH or Laduree) so you don't get much almond meringue chew or taste, but I still like them. Flavours vary from day to day, I like their caramel de sal, rose, and pistachio.
Nice cakes - Dumas (hazelnut mousseline with dark chocolate ganache shell), Moreau (chestnut cake, walnut mousseline), Pompadour (pistachio praline buttercream mousse), Opera are all good.
I haven't done breakfast pastries for a while. From what I remember, croissants and palmier were awesome. -
Review from Mariko M.
12/25/2010
A few months ago, I had an issue with the regular bakery that I used to go to so I looked around in the neighborhood. In my search, I found Rahier, just a mere block away from my ex-bakery.
Came here to order a Christmas Log Cake for the family dinner. Staff were pleasant and efficient. I decided to stay for some coffee and a pastry. ....I was impressed!
Now, on the 25th, I have also tried their Log Cake... freakin' delicious!
Next year, I know who I'll be ordering from.
They sells heaps of cookies that would compliment a gift basket for any occasion. In addition, there are a lot of little cakes to choose from.
Yay, I'm a fan. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
12/10/2010 13 photos
Rahier Patisserie is such a cute bakery. When I walked in, I really feel like a kid in a candy store.. all the packaged cookies, all those individual cakes that looks so yummy that is hard to pick one!
Rimbaud ($5)
- Mango mousse, ginger cream, financier sponge cake
- Beautiful presented and good size as an individual piece..
- I love mango so I am a little bias.. but this tasted so so good! Not too sweet, not too heavy... the hint of ginger really balanced the mango flavour
Butter Croissant ($1.75)
- Dare I say it is one of the best croissant I ate recently?
- buttery and flaky outside and so light inside too... more like a pastry.. with no doughy texture...
- I got all the crumbs all over my desk and myself when I tried eating it at my office desk!
- Size wise it is one of the most chubby ones...
Cappuccino ($3)
- not bad but cannot compare to real espresso bar... but I really need a coffee to enjoy my pastry...
BTW, they have little sample cookies that they placed around the store for you to try.. I ate 2 before I even placed my order......
Aside from sweet and pastry, Rahier afford baguette sandwiches I think I will try one of those next time when I come in... -
Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
8/2/2010
If there is one thing you MUST add to your bucket list, it is having a salted caramel macaron from Rahier. I'm not kidding. If you are an atheist, this maacron will make you see God. If you are a pessimist, eating one will fill you with hope. If you are depressed, it will make you deliriously happy. I'm not a fan of salted caramels, and I have been back to Rahier three times since Rita E's Great Macaron Crawl of 2010 because I love these things so much. So... yes. GET YE TO RAHIER AND HAVE A SALTED CARAMEL MACARON.
Oh, the other stuff is good too. All of the other macaron flavors are good (particularly the meringue and vanilla), but nothing holds a candle to the salted caramel. Their palmiers are perfectly buttery and flaky, the baguettes have a nice crust and perfect soft center. On each visit, the staff has been very nice and helpful.
Blah blah blah. I could say other wonderful things about this place, but why are you still reading this review? Get off your ass, go to Rahier, and get a salted caramel macaron!Listed in: Toronto Favorites
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Review from Duong N.
2/4/2011
Oh, I love this place. The cakes here are so good. The French bread is excellent as well, although the sandwiches are a little pricey but yummy nonetheless. As far as French pastries go, this place is as close to authentic as you can get to France itself.
I remember one time, I got my friend a mousse cake here. She usually does not like cake, and told me that she would not eat that much. Guess what? The cake was gone by the next day! I judge how good an establishment is by how it makes a person not do what they normally do. This is definitely excellent.
The ham croissants were also very tasty. It does bring back memories of Paris. I usually come around noon, and they still had plenty of variety to choose from. I always visit this place every time I visit Toronto. -
Review from Angie C.
Toronto, ON
11/4/2010 1 photo
I went in with only one intent in mind: MACARONS! I am a macaron monster, and I am on a mission to find the best in the GTA. At Rahier, I bypassed all the cakes, pastries and cookies and went straight for the macarons.
They are sold by weight, which is a good idea considering the sizes are inconsistent. I got four, and the girl somehow picked up two average sized ones (slightly larger than a toonie) and two tiny ones (about the size of a quarter). This cost $2.45 plus tax. They only had two flavours for individual sale today: lemon and apricot.
They also had large multi-flavour macaron packages, but I didn't want to risk it. Interesting to note: the packages are sold by weight too, and they weigh them in the box. So you are paying for the weight of the box!
Macaron verdict: they were really good! Very fresh, crisp shells and moist melty interiors. The fruity flavours were done well and not overly sweet. I would definitely go back for these again, especially to try in other flavours. And buying them by weight is a pretty good deal, instead of the set price of approx $1.75-$2.50 per macaron at most places.
The service is not the best though, I'd expect better than the rude little girls they employ.Listed in: Macaron Mania in Toronto & GTA
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Review from Tina H.
2/25/2011
I was hoping for the croissant to blow my socks off but it didn't. They had no more plain or chocolate left so I got an almond one. It was ok but for all the rave reviews I was expecting more. It costs more than most croissants too.
For a delicious croissant, try Manic Coffee (~$2), or pay $3 for a good one at Ezra's Pound or Wanda's Pie in the Sky. -
Review from Shari M.
Toronto, ON
5/2/2010
I love how midtown is bakery central. The stretches of Mount Pleasant and Bayview between Davisville and Eglinton are a carb cloud of heaven.
Rahier is no exception. I have only been twice to this little gem, but I will be back. I have had the egg bread, coffee and the pain au chocolat.
First off, the egg bread from Rahier is hands down my favourite bread in the city. The crust is almost like a croissant. Very flaky and buttery. You could easily be happy for the rest of your days with this loaf of bread and some butter. But, at $5 for a small loaf - this carb cloud of heaven isn't cheap.
The coffee leaves something to be desired. Its okay (strong for their mild blend), but not great.
The pain au chocolat was very tasty, but no where near as good as Jules or Epi.
The decor is very light and airy with clean IKEA-esque lines and mugs. There are some European delights (chocolates) for purchase as well as some items that are tailored to their cake specialities.
Rahier has a small sit down cafe area and serves its clients light lunches (quiches, sandwiches). This spot also offers catering services, and the previously mentioned cake delights.
Note: go early, they sell out quickly on weekends.
Rahier's extensive sweet and carb offers are tempting and beautiful. I will absolutely be back, and am trying to make up a special occasion so I can buy a cake.....Listed in: Mid Town
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Review from Jessica C.
Toronto, ON
4/6/2009
The chocolate croissants here are sort of like Polkaroo. "Darn I missed them again!" I made the trek down here three or four times after hearing about their delicious chocolate croissants only to be told that they had run out. The one time they did had them I felt like I hit the jackpot. They do normally have plenty of almond croissants available.
Rahier only makes a set amount of each item every day. Once they run out, their doors close.
Chocolate croissants are delicious albeit a tad on the small side. Almond croissants are just as delicious especially if you go early in the morning which is the only way you'll get them anyways.
Cakes are delicious, but I've seen them at Pusateri's and other higher-end grocery stores. I come here strictly for the croissants and bread. -
Review from CalamityJane T.
Toronto, ON
9/25/2011
I picked up an opera cake from Rahier and it wasn't as rich-tasting as I have had in Europe, though it was alright. It wasn't my first choice of cake but most of the others were all sold out by the time I got there. I didn't want any tartes or anything mousse-y so this left few options. Jennifer (the lady with the French accent) was also gone by then and I ended up being served by this snooty little woman who could care less about being altogether pleasant!
They have their usual array of 80's-looking mini cakes and other baked goods as well as their patio out front which does not remind me of a sidewalk cafe in France but moreso a front deck with lots of traffic and noise that surrounds.
Rahier's website is a little outdated but they do have a seasonal menu for cakes, cookies, tartes, bread, often highlighting whatever is in season (ie, berry tarts for summer, etc) and other cafe bites such as quiches and sandwiches. They also sell ice cream!
NOTE: they are one of very few places (that I know of) in Toronto to offer croquembouches, which in simple terms is a cone-chaped tower of cream puffs that is often served at certain special occasions. I can't comment on whether theirs is good or not but I see nothing wrong with a stack of cream puffs glazed in caramel~ -
Review from Linda Y.
4/10/2009
I live in the Bay Area now, but every time I visit home or there's a special occasion, my friend, a very good friend, sends me some of their cookies. They are heavy on the butter (and high quality butter at that!) and divine! If you are ever in the neighborhood, you must stop by. If I had a Rahier in my neighborhood, I would be there everyday! In fact, my whole family would be there. My husband and daughter fight over their cookies--they're that good.
I don't often rave about food--I'm very picky--but Rahier has won my heart.
Now i want to try their chocolate croissants... -
Review from Chris P.
6/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is a quaint little bakery and cafe. I enjoyed an apricot danish while people watching from their patio. It seemed like they had a ton of staff working for a Sunday morning so they must have a strong following.
What stopped this from being 5 stars for me was that they were out of stock for many things. It seemed as I ran down the menu the girl that was helping me just kept repeating "sorry we're out of that one today".Listed in: Bakeries
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Review from Pearl C.
8/26/2009
I've read from a few other Yelpers to check out Petite Thuet but somehow found myself at Rahier...pronounced Raw-hey. Well actually my cousin's wife insisted that I go here instead because it was better. I never made it to Petite Thuet...
Rahier is smack dab in the hautie tautie section of Toronto so my first thought...it'll cost me! Actually the prices weren't too bad....4 custard croissants and 6 plain croissants cost about 20 bucks.
If you're there...early because they sell out by 10am...you must try the custard croissants because my cousin was right, they were YUMMY! Warm it up for 30 seconds and it's just divine.
The plain croissants were okay...not any different from any other croissants I've had.
I wish I had tried more items because maybe Rahier would have received more stars. Well there's always next time! -
Review from murdles i.
Scarborough, ON
5/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had wanted to come to get sandwiches, macaroons and any other goodies I could get my hands on. I had been craving macaroons and read about this place on another website. The pistachio and chocolate were my favorite (I had also bought blueberry and salted caramel (I think)). I had also gotten their last Mille feuille....SO GOOD. I missed Paris and this brought me back there. Unfortunately they had no more sandwiches, but I'm sure I would have FELT like I was in Paris if they did. I might have to take a trip back to Rahiers. :)
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Review from Elle P.
4/2/2010
After leaving Berkeley, I thought that I lost my heart forever to Masse's on Shattuck. About a year later, I found Rahier and discovered that a broken heart can indeed be mended again by the right one.
Rahier, and only Rahier, has been able to match Masse's chocolate mousse cake. Rich, velvety, delicious as sin moussey chocolate cake that leads to an epicurean orgasm there is nothing better than Masse's and Rahier's.
The croissants are also fabulous. Rich, buttery, flaky layers that need nothing else, but if you want to indulge yourself in gastronomic delights go head and add some butter and strawberry jam or Nutella.
Death by eating? Yes, please. -
Review from Nino G.
Toronto, ON
9/17/2009
Seriously, the croissants of all sorts and shapes are the best I've had in North America, the coffee they brew beats any major franchise easily and everything they make is very reasonably priced for the quality. If you are into gourmet bread, you have to try the walnut bread the make.
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Review from Aaron E.
11/1/2009
best croissants ever.
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Review from Aaron S.
12/30/2009
best croissants ever!
