Blackbird Baking Co. Riverside — Restaurant in Toronto

This place was recommended by so many, I had high expectations, but it was such a let down. The guy at the counter wasn’t super friendly- I had a question about the sandwiches (turns out they were displayed in the case + written on the wall with no substitutes but it was my first time there so how would I know?) and he answered it very curtly. I wasn’t going to let that deter the recommendations from others so I proceeded. I ordered a Harissa chickpea sweet potato sandwich (which they warmed up) and an almond croissant (I’m obsessed and I try them at every bakery). It was $18!! At that price I said no to a coffee or anything else. Loaves of the focaccia were $8.50… Hopes were still high. The sandwich was poorly presented and the taste was very meh. The toppings were just thrown in there and nothing kept them inside so when it was handed to me in a vertical position, all toppings fell to the bottom of the bag. The harissa flavour was not balanced so there were some spicy flavourful bites and others with no taste. I managed to get some back in the sandwich but it was very messy. I ate it in the car because there was no where to sit. A couple of stools awkwardly against a wall with many items on the narrow counter so it didn’t look like a spot to eat, just to wait. The bread was a 1.5/5 at best. It had no flavour, only tasted fresh because it was warmed.. super disappointing. The almond croissant was not the worst I had but certainly at the bottom of the list. It had an overwhelming vanilla extract flavour which overpowered any almond taste. It was thick with the layers clumped together. I ate it 10 min after buying it so it was fresh and should have been at its peak. Such a disappointment overall and an expensive one at that. I’m giving it 2 stars because it was edible and clean but will absolutely not return and will share my disappointment the next time this place is...

As someone who loooooves supporting local businesses, I’ve been a regular at this bakery for a while. The pastries are always on point, the sandwiches are delicious, and the vibe inside is charming and cozy. However, I feel it’s important to address an issue that’s been bothering me for a while now.

I noticed the staff here, while always friendly and hardworking, don’t seem to receive digital tips anymore. After speaking with a few of the staff, I learned that the bakery had removed the option to tip on the machine, which I find wrong. These folks are hustling day in and day out, selling bread and serving customers with a smile, but there’s no system in place for a customer to show gratitude every once in a while.

As a customer, I’d love to have the option to tip them directly on the machine, especially since their service is top-notch. It’s honestly a shame when a business overlooks the importance of compensating their staff for the excellent service they provide.

Small businesses like this need to recognize that the people behind the counter are just as important as the product they sell.

I’m giving two stars because I love the bakery, but I really hope they take this feedback to heart. If you want to keep your talented staff happy and motivated, you’ve got to show them the respect they deserve – including tipping. Please consider implementing a digital tipping system for your employees....

Blackbird Baking Co. has consistently impressed me with their absolutely fantastic bread. Each loaf is crafted with such care and precision that it’s clear the bakers are passionate about their work. The crusts are always perfectly crisp, and the interiors are delightfully airy and flavorful, making every bite a sheer pleasure.

What sets Blackbird Baking Co. apart, besides their exceptional bread, is their commitment to supporting local agriculture. They source some of the finest produce from nearby farms, which not only enhances the freshness and quality of their products but also fosters a strong sense of community. It’s heartening to see a bakery that values sustainability and the importance of local, organic ingredients.

Whether you’re picking up a classic sourdough, an artisanal rye, or exploring their seasonal specials, you can taste the difference that local, high-quality ingredients make. Blackbird Baking Co. is more than just a bakery; it’s a testament to the beauty of artisanal craftsmanship and the importance of supporting...