Amadeus Patisserie Yorkville is a stylish location of a cherished family-run spot.

Originally opened in Thornhill, in 1991, Amadeus first cemented its reputation with a tempting roster of classic Eastern European pastries and an instantly recognizable name guaranteed to call greatness to mind.  

"The family came from Eastern Europe," says co-owner Lior Aronovich, of the business' roots. "They were very much influenced by all the Eastern European pastries and the music. And Amadeus Mozart is from Eastern Europe. … So they came up with using the name Amadeus. Sort of like a symphony of pastries and cakes."

Classically-trained in Paris, Anat Aronovich built the business with this father and brother, and gradually tweaked the menu to reflect his significant proficiency with fancy French pâtisseries and viennoiseries.

What began with a menu of traditional, if more rustic, cakes, pastries, squares and more has, over the last 30-plus years, morphed into a list that jumps from layered entremets and macarons to laminated pastries and enough individual cakes to satisfy a voracious sweet tooth for days.

At the new location, which opened in late November, each one is enticingly displayed in a cooly chic room designed by Odami, a Toronto-based design studio celebrated for its modern, minimalist looks.

"All the pastries and cakes are really colourful. They're art as well," says manager Dana Aronovich. "We wanted to keep the store minimal so that they pop out."

Enter the space — to a sea of burnished, golden croissants, cream-capped desserts and lacquered cakes — and it's clear that the design is working its magic.

Inside, a steady stream of people survey the gorgeous assortment of diet saboteurs. Some, opt for hot or cold drinks, like Lattes ($4.95) made with the bakery's signature blend of dark-roast beans or Iced Matcha Lattes ($5.60).

Others, fall for the lure of tiny layer cakes, sourdough breads or boxes packed with prismatic collections of crunchy, creamy, delicate macarons ($2.75 each, 20 for $48).

"A lot of people requested it," says Dana Aronovich, of the new location. "We thought Yorkville is a perfect environment for us. It's more on the upscale side and that's what we represent."

So far, the neighbourhood seems all too keen to sample what Amadeus Patisserie is dishing out. In the morning, their attention goes straight to tidy rows of light, crunchy, just-baked croissants, ranging from the simple to the decadent and fruity.

"We use the best of the best butter," says Aronovich, adding that the recipes currently rely on a French brand. "We invest a lot into our ingredients. We spend a lot of time finding the best to get imported here."

At Amadeus, there are jumbo Almond Croissants ($5.75) and two-toned Praline Croissants ($6.95) plumped with luscious chocolate hazelnut cream.

Juicy Mango Passionfruit Wheels ($6.95) sport a dusting of coconut while a crown of ripe, ruby-hued berries make it perfectly acceptable to begin the day with a fresh Lemon Raspberry Croissant ($6.95).

Later on, sandwiches catch customers' eyes. Built on house-made baguettes, focaccia or croissant wheels, they're filled with turkey and prosciutto, tuna salad or, in the case of the Salmon Croissant ($11.50), with a satisfying combo of herbed cream cheese and capers, smoked salmon, egg, cucumber and macro greens.

Despite a showcase teeming with pretty things over which to salivate, there's no denying the allure of chef Anat's cakes. Sit for a time in the bustling space and see customer after customer gravitate helplessly to gawk at the array.

Petite enough for one or sized to share, the options range from a caramel-covered, choux-based St. Honoré to a berry-embraced Strawberry Shortcake and the most exquisite little Tiramisu the city has ever seen.

With a layer of hazelnut dacquoise, milk chocolate gianduja cream and praline, La Roche ($9.50) is a sophisticated play on the perennially popular jarred spread.

Smooth and subtle, with a wide swath of cream cheese mousse, Red Velvet ($9.50) is pretty enough to gift but tasty enough to inspire greed.

Though Amadeus Patisserie's Yorkville location may feel shiny, bright and modern to those familiar with the company's beginnings, it's still run by the same family with the same focus on freshness, quality and taste.

Plus, for those hankering for a taste of the old country, there's still a handful of Eastern European goodies, from honey cakes and babka to Hungarian rolls and seasonal sufganiyot, to be had.

Amadeus Patisserie Yorkville is located at 1235 Bay Street.