Went here earlier today.
I wouldn’t bother posting about my experience but I’ve noticed “La Bastille” bakery mentioned in a few Toronto subreddits in the last week with 5-8 upvotes claiming it has the best croissants or baked goods. There aren’t many Google reviews, ~100 maybe. Never heard of it before and thought it may be worth checking out. It wasn’t.
I bought four items:
– Ham and Cheese Croissant
– Kouign Amann
– Cinnamon Raisin Danish
– Butter Croissant
**Ham and Cheese Croissant:**
I believe the bakery only bakes its goods once during the day because the ham and cheese croissant was disgusting. It looked like how it tasted. And stale. Like someone’s half-assed DIY attempt at “Parisian”-style croissant by slapping on a slice of No Frills ham and tossing shredded cheese into a Pillsbury croissant. Then left it out to dry out. I had a few bites before tossing it. This was the worst out of my purchases.
**Kouign Amann:**
The kouign amann tasted sweet and had a slight yeasty flavour. It may have been sitting out too long. The texture wasn’t right. It was too soft. Heavy in the outer edges where it should be light. And it felt as though it was made by insecure baker. The caramelization was…. Very light. There was no crunch. No flakiness. You’ll find better ones easily at most places in Toronto (I like Tasso’s).
**Cinnamon Raisin Danish:**
The cinnamon raisin danish was alright. I suspect this is because this one contains more moisture, and doesn’t become stale as quickly. They’re generous with the raisins, so yay.
**Butter Croissant:**
Finally, the butter croissant. It had a nice crispy outer crunch. Soft and airy on the inside. Would have loved it if it were more buttery. It was good. Not amazing but good. And the only item I really recommend out of the four items I bought.
I imagine it’s alright if you’re local. Definitely not worth going out of your way. It’s hard to find even with a car since it’s located in an area with miscellaneous lots of a few random businesses (car parts, muay thai, security) and well, mostly multiple empty lots.
I wouldn’t be so harsh normally but there’s been a recent string of reddit mentions of this place. (Posts are listed below.) Food is personal, and each of us have our own preferences.
If this is an advertising campaign to get more foot traffic to a random lot in Scarborough (the location is not TTC-friendly btw), you got me.
If I was being unnecessarily paranoid, then please continue enjoying whatever makes you happy.
Photos:
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Links where La Bastille is suddenly popping up
Posted 5 days ago for “Paris-like croissants”:
Comment
by u/Comfortable_Clock_82 from discussion In search of CROISSANTS! 🥐
in FoodToronto
Posted 5 days ago for kouign amann similar to those in “Montreal”:
Comment
by u/elyr14 from discussion Good Kouign Amaan places
in FoodToronto
Posted 8 days ago for “best croissant” in Toronto:
https://www.reddit.com/r/askTO/comments/14subur/comment/jqz5q4q/
by myumapples
8 Comments
They’re fine, for the area especially, but nowhere near the best. The croissant game has stepped up huge in the last few years.
My new rule is if i am going to buy a croissant, i am asking the person helping me to say the word. If they cannot pronounce it i am walking out.
Some of the passing croissants i have had were from small french owned shops.
Best place is on Dundas/River Le Beau it’s pricey but it’s quality. Of course if you can go in the morning it’d be best!
What time did you visit the bakery? I think you should really include this information. While they’re not the best in Toronto, I’ve been a few times (all before 10am) and have found their croissant, kouign aman, and almond croissant all to be quite good. I’m not sure it’s fair for you to come on here and put a business down without providing more context
I am very skeptical of reviews these days to be honest for a few reasons.
1) they are paid.
2) the person is used to medium good food and it makes them happy.
3) the person hasn’t baked or cooked much so they don’t understand alot
4) they haven’t traveled the world and tried epic things
5) they smoke it messes your buds up.
6) they bought into the hype so they rave about it because they want to be part of it. This is what I categorize Matty Matheson in. His following is like this – they act like it’s food made by a god. It’s really not, it’s decent food at a god price.
Long story short go to La Genie when you are in the area. Expect to pay out of your asshole. If you don’t like these then I don’t truly know what you are expecting.
I live down the street and this place is pretty much the ONLY thing going in the area (within a half hour walk in literally any direction – even the neighbourhood convenience store is a massive disappointment) so for locals it’s a godsend. Scones are very tasty and there’s a line out the door every weekend morning.
If this place was disappointing like you said you should have at least one comment agreeing with you. Or maybe you just like bashing businesses
Honestly? Everyone is a “foodie” or “influencer” nowadays so need to take it with a grain of salt… it’s like people not knowing how it is to taste authentically and rate a restaurant high on how pretty it is or the service they received.
Like croissants… downstairs at st Lawrence market stone mill it’s about $2 each… and at marvellous by Fred’s it’s $5…. Both good but I have different expectations for each. Jules I only like their filled croissants but don’t think their original