La Bamboche is quietly nestled on Manor Rd E just north of Yonge & Davisville, and without pretention exudes French decadents at its finest. It took me two years of my four years living at Yonge and Davisville to find this petite patisserie, but it wasn't long before it became my secret haven for Macarons, Pan Au Chocolate and Eclairs that would make a French Mime scream with excitement.

On Sunday mornings patrons flock to snag the few tables that decorate the small patio outside of the shop while sipping Lattes, Americanos and choosing from an impressive selection of loose-leaf teas that include Chai, Gold fruit and Vanilla Redbush. If you are feeling extra frisky, the breads and croissants are delightful. Offering Almond croissants to pan au chocolate, these buttery crescents are the perfect compliment to one of the soul soothing beverages. Even pair it with a hot chocolate on that frosty Toronto morning.

Intricate tarts and playful varrines line the modest fittings of this Yonge & Davisville nook. The unique combinations and rich colours lend themselves to a truly mouth watering experience. The Green Tea Sesame cake is a must, while the little capris of chocolatey raspberry heaven call your name like sirens from the glass display cases.

The macarons, which range in price from $2.50ea to $32.00 for a dozen, come in a wide variety of flavors including Lavender, Passion fruit, Chocolate and my personal favorite of Caramel and Sea Salt. Each brilliantly coloured and delicately crafted using traditional French and Japanese techniques; this French version of the Alfahore is the perfect bite size dessert. You can even wrap some up and give them as a gift to your favorite sweet tooth.

La Bamboche also offers seasonal home made gelato, and its one of the few places in mid-town that does. With flavors that include Chocolate, Vanilla, Mango, Strawberry or a combination of each they go for $3.80 per scoop. Try it in a cup or get all-gluttonous with their extra sugary waffle cones. Either way you're leaving feeling tres jolie!

Hours of operation:

Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm

Fri-Sat 8am-11pm

Sun 8am-9pm

Writing and photography by Carolyn Sandler.