The Epicure Shop — Restaurant in Toronto

Imagine a place where the essence of gourmet living is distilled into every bite, where the history of fine food and impeccable taste converges in a single, intimate setting. Welcome to The Epicure Shop, a cornerstone of Toronto's Cabbagetown since 1980. This isn’t just a deli – it’s a sanctuary for those who revel in the exquisite, the extraordinary, and the exceptional.

From the moment you cross the threshold, you're enveloped by the rich aromas of freshly roasted coffee and the visual feast of meticulously arranged shelves, brimming with culinary treasures. Here, every item tells a story, a narrative of quality and tradition that invites you to explore and indulge.

Start your day with a revelation: their breakfast sandwiches. Crafted with care, particularly those featuring the iconic peameal bacon, these sandwiches are the perfect morning indulgence. As the day progresses, their lunch specials beckon. Picture this: a hearty soup paired with a gourmet sandwich, each bite offering a moment of pure comfort and delight, an oasis from the city's frenetic pace.

But what truly elevates The Epicure Shop into the realm of the sublime are the Polish donuts. Rich, buttery, and impossibly delicious, these confections, when paired with their expertly brewed coffee, transform a simple snack into an experience to be savored. Each bite is a testament to the art of baking, a symphony of flavor that leaves a lasting impression.

The atmosphere is intimate, almost familial. Junior, the proprietor, adds a personal touch that is as warm and inviting as the shop itself. Her passion for culinary excellence and her knack for sourcing the finest ingredients are evident in every product on display. This is more than just a shop; it’s a curated journey through the best that gourmet living has to offer.

The Epicure Shop is a destination. It’s where daily specials become daily celebrations, where every visit is a new chapter in your culinary adventure. From the legendary Polish donuts to the exquisite artisanal charcuterie, there is always something to tantalize your taste buds and ignite your passion for fine food.

For those who seek the extraordinary in their everyday lives, The Epicure Shop is more than a store – it’s a haven, a testament to the enduring allure of quality and taste. This is where your gourmet journey begins.

Visit and discover why The Epicure Shop is not just a place to buy food, but a place to...

Avoid the Dried out pre-cut cheese. The first time I was offered one of the pre-cuts, I bought it instead of insisting on a fresh cut. I threw a third of it away when I discovered it was dried out. The next time, I was buying several cheeses for a dinner party and I asked for no pre-cuts and the tall guy insisted it was fresh. The pre-cut piece was again half dried out. Everything else was fine.The last time I went into epicure, he again insisted on trying to sell me the pre-cut cheese. I refused and mentioned that I have bought them twice and it was a waste of money. He continued to insist, and I had to say firmly and slightly loudly that he can choose not to sell me the cheese if he will not sell me a fresh cut. He looked embarrassed and finally cut me a fresh piece. This is terrible service!!! I want to support a neighborhood business which is why I shop here but their prices are not great and being offered sub-standard cheese for full price EVERY time is ridiculous. The lady who I think is the owner is always very pleasant and I want their business to thrive but I can’t continue to frequent a place where as a person of color, sub-standard food is pressed upon me even when I have expressed my preference. I hope there is a response...

I normally do not like to leave bad reviews, but I felt like this one was due. My recent visit here was unfortunate. The staff all seemed to have a terrible demeanor & attitude. The staff struck me as being unenthused and angry with having to work their designated roles  They were quite rude, to be honest. The overall impression was that they did not want to have to serve a croissant or a coffee, or do anything else. It seemed cumbersome and you got the vibe things were a chore, which made things extremely uncomfortable and it felt very unwelcoming.

We used to love this place but the overall vibe in the past few visits were such a turnoff. Others had indicated the same during their visit and you could just sense the dissatisfaction We LOVE to support local.. But I think moving forward I would rather opt with Farm Boy or Eataly with the same pricing but better service.

Good news: Food was good (but a bit pricey for what you got) Bad news: Service was extremely uncomfortable.

I hope the owners can make a change as you would like clients/customers to feel welcome in your...