Ma Maison — Restaurant in Toronto

The Wyck Recommendation: Ma Maison Rating: 4.3/5 Croissant So Good I Forgot My Name

Intro Scene There’s a moment, sitting outside on a too-small chair at Ma Maison, where you bite into a croissant and briefly lose the will to speak. Not from disappointment. From awe. You become French. You become flaky. You become whole.

What Was Ordered Two croissants—each better than the last—and a velvety espresso that didn’t try too hard but knew it was hot. Also tried the quiche and madelines and had to fight the urge to propose to the counter. The madelines were soft little butter clouds, and the quiche was a golden slab of warmth and wizardry.

Service Commentary Surprisingly excellent. The server was super attentive—like genuinely into the fact that you were there. No pretension, just warmth and a sense that you were part of the morning routine. Rare for a pastry place where people usually grunt and point.

Vibe Check Quiet, familiar, and gently buzzing with old souls. The kind of place where people don’t just come—they return. Regulars nodded to each other like it was a parish. This wasn’t brunch. This was ritual.

The Space Itself Part Parisian fairytale, part suburban secret. Eiffel Tower decals in the window, flaky goods on gold trays, and espresso served in real cups. The indoor layout is charmingly cramped, and the outdoor setup? Cute but criminally small. Prepare to elbow someone with your joy.

About the Neighborhood Tucked near Islington and Bloor, in a low-key strip that screams “don’t underestimate me.” Neighborhood seemed full of Maltese locals, all in the know. There’s plenty of free parking in the back, which in Toronto is as rare as an honest realtor. Zero hipsters, just retirees and immigrants who know what’s good.

Hits & Misses ✓ Croissant: an emotional experience ✓ Espresso: dark, smooth, no attitude ✓ Quiche: golden and glorious ✓ Madelines: buttery dreams in sponge form ✓ Server: attentive, kind, and present ✓ Parking: free and plentiful (seriously!) ✗ Seating: tight enough to kiss the table ✗ Closes early—dreams crushed by 4 p.m. ✗ No room to linger—it’s a grab-and-glow-up kind of place

Final Verdict Ma Maison doesn’t just feed you—it charms you. It’s a pastry shop with soul, anchored by regulars who’ve been coming since the dawn of pastry. The food? Fantastic. The service? Shockingly warm. The vibe? Pure Maltese-Toronto bakery magic. Just don’t expect to stretch out and read a novel. This place is built for bites, not brunch marathons.

Rating: 4.3/5

Perfect For A solo escape with flaky therapy Impressing your aunt who...

My wife and I used to come here religiously under the original ownership....when they were passionate about food. The food was impeccable, there was so much variety and the experience always had us coming back for more. Chef Patrick was true perfection. I remember dropping in for quiche Lorraine and those crab cakes. Wow! But then the quality started to deteriorate a little some 2-3 yrs ago (perhaps the owners got a little tired and wanted to sell). I noticed the croissants went from "spectacular" down to just "very good". The quiche seemed like it was 3/4 the size and the crust was a bit over-cooked/dry. The selection of prepared foods and quality also trended down a bit. Our 5 star experiece was down to a 4. Sure we went back again and again but the weekly experience became a monthly visit.

Then came the change in ownership. It has deteriorated further. The dessert selection is a fraction of the original. The croissants are 2/3 the original size (while the hit to the wallet hasn't changed). The prepared foods seem like they've sat there for an extra couple of days. I have no desire for the quiche Lorraine which when I look at it, seems to be made 3 days prior. The bottom line is that its just gone down. Sure, the pay-no-tax promos are okay but there is one thing they miss here.....patrons will always pay $25 for something spectacular, rather than $18 for something that's just okay/good.

I really do want Ma Maison to flourish, reminiscent of days gone by. I hope the current owners perhaps ping chef Patrick and solicit his advice/consultancy on what they need to do to bring it back to what...

Wow, an amazing hidden gem that I'm surprised my coworkers and I haven't discovered before. If you haven't been to France and want to indulge in authentic French cuisine, Ma Madison is your little slice of heaven. From their absolutely delicious pastries, their croissants has the perfect flaky crunch outside and soft buttery inside, butter tarts, cookies and an entire display of every delicious dessert you can dream.

To satisfy your hunger, you are presented with amazing dishes prepared using fresh local ingredients and all of the love you can expect from a beloved local establishment. Their Beef Bourguigon was fork tender and full of flavor, perfectly paired with their mash potatoes. Their roast chicken, with it's crispy skin and flavorful juicy meat, is another perfect option. If quiche is your fare, they have you covered with an amazing selection for you to discover. Oh and they have a nice selection of home made soup!

It was nice to meet you all, Jay, David and Maho. Thank you for making me feel welcomed and for providing a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere to enjoy your delicious and...