Phipps Bakery & Dessert Shop — Restaurant in Toronto

Family is gathering at a downtown hotel for an important birthday celebration, so did lots of research and picked Phipps and ordered a special cake 2 weeks ahead of time. Two family members are allergic to soy, so put this in the order information. I didn't expect a problem as most better bakeries avoid margarine and soy-based shortening. Today, less than 24 hours before we arrive in Toronto, I get a call that they can't provide a soy-free version of what I ordered, and their ingredients are pre-mixed so they can't substitute butter. Then when I asked them to refund my substantial payment, they said they couldn't as it went to the delivery person so I'd have to get the money from them. However, they wouldn't or couldn't tell me who the delivery person was. I order on the Phipps website. My credit card charge was from Phipps. I argued the point and the person backed down and took my credit card info to provide a refund. I did a review for 2 stars as at least they called and we didn't end up with half the family in the emergency room on the birthday. But still really, really unhappy with the last-minute notice, with the poor ingredients used by a supposedly high-end bakery, and with an argument over getting my money back. The next day, the owner emailed and called with deep apologies and said she would provide a soy-free cake at no charge. However, I had scrambled around and foind a bakery late the night before, so I suggested a few croissant or Danish would be lovely. A beautiful spread of croissants was delivered the next day, and they are fantastic! So the prompt apology., explanation and sincere and generous response led me to edit this review. I'd give them a chance if ever needing...

I have been a loyal Phipps buyer for the past 2 years!! PLS STOP MESSING UP ORDERS!! I ordered 2 blueberry pies and a 5-inch cake 3 weeks ahead for Thanksgiving. And when I went to pick it up today they told me that there was no pie made for my order at all. They said my order did not go through at all, but for some reason the cake part of my order was made??? I called a few days before to confirm my order, and they told me everything will be ready. I didn’t even get an apology from the staff at all.

One of the staff offered that there will be 2 pies ready for me by 5pm the same day. Mind you, this bakery is 1 hour away from my place. I even asked this girl twice to confirm that I will be picking up 2 pies, I saw her write it down clearly and even saw her talk to one of the bakers. So I agreed, and when I went back at 5pm ONLY ONE was made for me, even though I was promised TWO (just like the original order). They said that the Manager only told them that 1 PIE was ordered when I literally ordered TWO.

This has happened so many times over the past 6 MONTHS alone. SO...

I bought a Lemon Raspberry cake from Phipps for a special occasion after hearing how good they were. The website shows all their cakes whole and their descriptions are not very good so I thought I would show the inside of this cake with a few comments. Disappointed, no really disappointed. There were supposed to be layers of raspberry coulis and lemon curd. There was no curd. There was a little raspberry in the centre and that was all. The cake was dry and almost hard. The butter creme had some lemon flavor present but didn't have any tang. And the thickness of the butter creme was used to cover and smooth over a very uneven cake. Picture eating a forkful of wax on every bite with some dry crumbly cake. This cake was expensive and I was truly disappointed. Try one of the other...