The 38 Essential Toronto Restaurants

"With their crispy-crackle crust and melting-moment centers, Philip Haddad’s croissants are legendary. They’re also incredibly messy, though you should wear the buttery debris on your fingers and mouth as a badge of honor. Beyond the classic, there’s also an emerald-studded, twice-baked Sicilian pistachio croissant, which oozes a creamy frangipane from its butter-busting pores. While you’re there, pick up a loaf or two of the sourdough, which is fermented for 24 hours, offering a compact, chewy crumb and a rustic crusty exterior. The cafe also offers breakfast, lunch, and early dinner options. The tahini halloumi toast is a life-affirming (if thematically messy) selection: Fragrant, bitter tahini is slathered on thick-cut sourdough, topped with salt-kissed grilled halloumi, and finished with maple syrup and sesame." - Tiffany Leigh