Goûter — Restaurant in Toronto

Hidden gem in Yorkdale with authentic French pastries by an authentic French chef.

Inside this unassuming old strip on Bathurst Street, Gouter lies amongst a cluster of Jewish specialty stores. But Gouter is anything but kosher; in a good way of course (for those of us who aren't OJ at least).

"Goûter" is the French word for the verb "to taste", but to a native French speaker has many more connotations. One thing is for sure, you won't get a massively inflamed big toe from anything you eat here (Disclaimer: gout flares aren't ever funny).

You may have heard of Chef Rodney Alleguede (RA) from "Ma Maison" fame in Etobicoke where he was head pastry chef for over a decade before venturing out on his own to follow his creative ambitions. Thank God he did!

His passion is in chocolate; his truffles to die for. But have you had his authentic Parisian macarons, tarts, and cakes?

The difference in quality will be apparent to you immediately. High grade ingredients in the hands of a professional with true genius.

Pasteries and breads are baked fresh every day. The chef is always on premises to answer any questions. He also gladly drops everything to personally consult with you on custom orders, helps plan out catering and even does ANY size custom cakes. He should be a florist as well since he clearly knows how to incorporate fresh flowers into his art.

When I don't have time to go to France, this is the next best thing. I will go there on weekends from Oakville. Worth the trip everytime. He will par-bake anything so you can take it home. Store these goodies in your freezer for those chilly winter nights when you want to make a baguette in your own oven, in the comfort of your home. Make sure you grab some croissants as well. Enjoy both with Chef Alleguede's savory and rich pate, all made in house. Buy extra, or you'll find yourself scraping the empty jar wishing you had more... Not a good scene.

You must try the chocolate croissants and eclairs. Buttery and warm with smooth cocoa to compliment. When chocolate and pasteries meet, Chef Alleguede shines. I wish he would hire a sommelier to pair some red wines in house. If this happens, I might rent the place upstairs.

Also, they make their own ice cream in house from fresh cream. You can request flavors, or even buy a whole tub to indulge at home.

The Barista serves fresh ground and pressed coffee, which makes this an unbeatable place to stop by first thing in the morning. The coffee is amazingly strong French roast that begs to be consumed with something sweet and rich. Wonder where we could find that?

Do yourself a favour... Matter fact, do DJ Khaled a favour... Go check out Gouter and taste something different and special.

Anyways, diabetes can kiss my...

In French, "goûter" is the verb for "to taste", and everything I've had so far at Goûter was definitely tasty. The interior smells of the fresh butter they use in their boulangerie, so entrancing!

My significant other and I shared their Piña Colada gelato (especially amazing), Banana Chocolate Caramel gelato, Pain au chocolate (très bon!!), Almond croissant (though I think I prefer the filling at Amadeus and Nadege), Kouign-amann (MUST-HAVE, buttery sugary crispy fluffy goodness originating in Brittany, France), Tarte au chocolat (not as rich as I'd hoped), and a super crunchy French baguette (too crunchy for my tastes but I would still repurchase) that we used to make a couple sandwiches at home. There's a market across the road and a No Frills just North at Wilson where you can pick up toppings to make your own delights.

The shopkeeper was very polite and definitely has a strong knowledge of French patisserie. She let us sample their new scones - buttery, a bit cheesy, and fluffy, yet with a firm crust, we'll have to get some next time! From what I've seen, they also allow you to pick up frozen Pain au chocolat (and perhaps other items) that you can proof and bake in your own kitchen!

I asked about when they usually sell out of their baked goods, and apparently every day is different. If you are worried, you can order in the morning and then pick up your items by the end of the day. They really care not to over-produce so that they don't waste food, and so that their products are always fresh out of the oven. I was really impressed when the shopkeeper said that they make everything themselves, nothing from other stores.

Verdict: Definitely one of the best patisseries in the city. We'll definitely be back to try their other products and repurchase our favourites! Looking forward to trying some chocolates, eclairs, and...

What a joy to discover this traditional French pâtisserie and bakery right down the street from where I live. After living in Paris for a couple of years and getting used to walking to my local boulangerie, I didn't think that I would ever find this in Toronto. But find it I did, at Goûter that opened up on Bathurst a few months ago.

The croissants, pain au chocolat and pain au raisin were perfectly flaky and fresh. By far the "most authentic" that I have found in Toronto (and I have tried a number of French bakeries on Avenue, Yonge, Bayview and Mt. Pleasant in North York). I didn't get a chance to try the baguettes yet (the real litmus test), but I will certainly go back. The confectionery and home-made icecream look delicious, and they have an amazing looking espresso machine that I definitely want to try.

All-in-all, a great experience for a newly opened store on Bathurst. I will do my best to help it stay around.

OK, I just went back to try the fresh baguette (actually more like a French "tradition" with a harder crunchy crust and a chewy, rather than the soft fluffy inside of a baguette), and it was fantastic. Seriously. I am upping my review to 5 stars....