Hitotoki Bakery — Restaurant in Toronto

We recently heard about the soft opening of Hitotoki and were excited to try some of their items so we got the sweet potato loaf, mandarin orange cream pastry, and egg custard tart. While the loaf was fluffy and moist and the cream pastry/egg tart had nice flaky exteriors reminiscent of croissants, the flavours on all 3 items were unfortunately lacking.

Despite looking like a Portuguese pastel de nata on the outside, don't be fooled by appearances. The egg custard tart ($4.50) was very mild and definitely eggy. It tasted lightly sweet with a slight tinge of saltiness mixed in. Saving grace was the flaky, croissant-like crust.

The mandarin cream pastry ($6) was disappointing because once the orange slice on top was gone, the cream inside was purely vanilla with no hint of orange at all. When you bite into it, you get either a mouthful of pastry or a mouthful of cream - there was no balance to the textures. Once again, the flaky crust was the star of the show.

The sweet potato loaf ($8.50) was a nice moist egg bread consistency but other than that, there wasn't much else notable about it. The dollops of sweet potato puree were sparse in the loaf but it does make a nice light snack.

Overall, we thought the pastries had potential but sadly the flavours were a miss this time, especially for the price. Not sure if it's just because it's a soft opening or perhaps their other items are a little stronger in taste, but we would not go out of our way to make a trip here. Oh and also the website currently doesn't work so you're out of luck to find info if you do not...

April 2024 Update:

Upgrading my review to a full 5 stars. I came back to try their spring menu and it's a homerun! Love the sakura Mont Blanc latte - the earthy Mont Blanc sings so well with the sweet taste of the latte. I'm also surprised that it's not crazy expensive either and on par with most mid-range bubble tea places (that don't even taste half as good...).

My favourite item is the sakura shokupan though. It's just soooo fluffy and delicious! Not too sweet either, which is great if you don't have a sweet tooth. I will definitely be back to try the matcha one!

Cute Japanese bakery at the busy Yonge and Carlton intersection. I tried the Mont Blanc pastry and the egg tart.

The egg tart was one of the best I've tried - even triumphing some Portuguese ones - and the egg flavour was intense without being overwhelming. The pastry was also baked well.

The Mont Blanc on the other hand was disappointing. There was barely any taste of chestnut. It was pretty bland and I can hardly remember its taste a few days later.

Lastly, I wish they would use freshly-baked bread for the sample pieces. The piece I tried was dry and cold, and obviously had been left on the counter for a long while. I don't think it represented how their shokupan is supposed to taste, so that was a shame.

Overall, my experience is closer to a 3.5 but I'll give them a 4 for the...

Food On their opening, we had the pleasure of sampling an array of pastries, a treat that left us and our friends utterly delighted. Each pastry boasted a perfect balance of lightness, sweetness, and rich flavor, making it a memorable culinary experience. Among the array, the Mont Blanc and the pudding emerged as our top favorites, thanks to their exquisite taste and presentation. The portions were thoughtfully sized, ideal for individual enjoyment and savored without feeling overwhelming.

Service The staff's performance during our visit was nothing short of exceptional. Their friendly demeanor paired with unwavering professionalism made our experience even more pleasant. Despite the inevitable rush of opening day, they worked with remarkable speed and efficiency. Their dedication and hard work, especially under the pressure of such a significant day, were truly impressive.

Ambiance The cafe presented itself as a beacon of modernity, with its bright, clean interiors exuding a fresh and contemporary vibe. The space, though limited, includes a few indoor seats, offering a cozy spot for patrons to enjoy their pastries in comfort. The modern aesthetic contributes to a welcoming atmosphere, making it a charming place for a quick stop or a leisurely...