Malta's Finest Pastries — Restaurant in Toronto

OCT 2024 UPDATE Always try to grab some cooked pastizzi when I'm in town from BC. Was sad to hear the original owner Julian passed away in July...my condolences..talked with new owner Julius and he is so kind and friendly and the restaurant looks refreshed and clean.. the pastizzi were still the best I've had even better than Malta nowadays anyways!!

The BEST pastizzi hands down!! The flaky crust and tasty pea/meat mixture is bomb!!! And I am Maltese so I grew up with this food!! Very dated decor but lots of nice Maltese memorabilia around.. a bit pricey for the frozen pastizzi but sooo worth it!! John is so nice and friendly.. will go back every time I’m in TO and it’s worth the drive... Free parking in parking lot. The other Maltese dishes are really authentic and tasty and you can get twisties and Kinnie...

The Wyck Recommendation: Malta’s Finest Pastries Rating: 4.5/5 Eat One Now, Freeze Twelve: Malta’s Finest Ritual

Intro Scene Step inside and it’s like someone hit pause in 1978. A tiny shop, the hum of an old fridge, and that same old gentleman behind the counter who’s probably been here longer than my questionable diet. The air smells like butter, peas, and Maltese grandma love with a whisper of actual rabbit if you dare.

What Was Ordered

A hot ricotta pastizzi (flaky, steaming, zero regrets)

A pea pastizzi (the sleeper hit, peppery and nostalgic)

Nutella pastizzi (dessert in pastry form, don’t skip it)

Qassatats (like a pastizzi’s chubbier cousin, equally worth hoarding)

Rabbit dinner (yes, actual rabbit, like your great-aunt would braise for Sunday)

A dozen frozen pastizzi to hoard like it’s the end times

Service Commentary Is he quick? No. Is he friendly? Extremely. He’ll bag your dozen with the same care your mom used for your kindergarten lunches. Expect old-school, card-in-hand, don’t-rush-me energy and honestly, bless him for it.

Vibe Check No vibe other than ‘you’re here for the pastries, pal.’ Usually a couple of older Maltese expats chatting. It feels like a corner of Valletta wedged into Toronto and it stays stubbornly authentic.

The Space Itself Tiny. Clean. A glass case that holds flaky gold. Nothing fancy. Linoleum floors, a whiff of fryer oil, and a soft hum that says “We don’t do renovations here, friend.”

About the Neighborhood Parked on a bland East York strip. Blink and you’ll miss it. Good luck with parking, street spots are your best bet. Bring your card and your appetite.

Hits & Misses ✓ Ricotta pastizzi: Hot, crispy, perfect ✓ Pea pastizzi: Underrated, hearty, peppery joy ✓ Nutella pastizzi: Sweet flaky bliss ✓ Qassatats: Chubby, savory pastries that deserve freezer space too ✓ Rabbit dinner: Old-world comfort, full send

Final Verdict Some places age like a fine wine. This one ages like a deep freezer full of pastizzi. Zero frills, infinite comfort. If you know, you know. And if you don’t? Better start thawing.

Rating: 4.5/5

Perfect For

Hoarding flaky carbs for the winter

Time-traveling to the Mediterranean without crying...

Absolutely delicious pastizzi, with crumbly and flaky pastry. Both the cheese and meat filled are very, very tasty. A bit daunting walking in, but the staff helped me as I tried to muddle through what I wanted (I had pastizzi before, but didn't know the name and they aren't on display). It's clearly an older place, but I'm thankful these establishments still exist....