Charmaine Sweets
115 Vanderhoof Ave, East York
(416) 234-5105
Recent Reviews
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I’ve been a loyal customer of Charmaine Sweets since they moved to their new location, and I absolutely adore their pastries, especially the blueberry scone and the kouign amann. However, I had an unfortunate experience during my last visit. My husband and I went there on a Friday to work from the café, as we often do. The atmosphere is usually great and the space is large and comfortable.
Unfortunately, when I asked about a power outlet, the staff responded in a quite dismissive manner, stating that the owner does not like customers working from the café and prefers to keep the seating area open for casual visitors. It felt quite unwelcoming and left a bad taste in my mouth, especially since we regularly purchase their pastries.
I understand that every business has its own policies, but a more courteous and professional approach would have made a world of difference. Sadly, this experience has made me hesitant to return, despite how much I love their pastries.
I hope they consider revising their customer service policy, because most of their products are tasty.
Very good pastries at reasonable prices. Good for afternoon tea. Waiting time is a bit long.
Best Baguette ever
We have tried various dessert items from Charmaine Sweets over the last few years. We enjoyed all the treats we have picked up to try: the tarts, mini pies, mini cakes, and cookies. We usually pick up and eat them at home so we can't review the dine in environment. They usually have a line up on Saturdays because the baked goods are really delicious. Highly recommend this cute little neighborhood bakery!
✨ My neighborhood gem! ✨
Ever since moving into the area, Charmaine Sweets has quickly become my go-to morning spot for an iced latte and something sweet. Their pastries and treats are not only delicious but clearly made with love and care from the way they’re arranged to the flavors themselves.
Sometimes I’ll treat myself to their prosciutto sandwich (so good!), and I’m always impressed by the quality and freshness. The space itself is charming and polished, with big bright windows, seasonal florals, and an aesthetic that feels both cozy and elegant.
I had the pleasure of meeting Charmaine, the lovely owner, who occasionally pops out to greet guests with a warm smile and a genuine hello. I even got to learn a bit about the café’s story it’s a a kind of passion project brought to life by Charmaine, her husband (who does most of the baking!), and her supportive family. That just made me love it even more.
You can truly feel the heart behind this place. A wonderful local business with high-quality goods and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere I’m so happy it’s in the neighborhood! 💗
Oh, and they have plenty of seating both inside outside and a patio area and although no live animals are allowed inside they always leave a nice doggy dish full of water for the pups that passed by !
There is a scarcity mindset here from the top down. Purchased prosciutto sandwich on a baguette. If you’ve been to a salumeria, or even a deli- $18 you expect a sandwich. Not here. 2 slices of tomato, pesto mayo, ONE thin translucent slice of prosciutto. Not even the standard arugula. Just a baguette >$18. Asked if one slice of prosciutto on a baguette is the standard, it gets sent back to me, “yes it is.” Manager doesn’t know what arugula is. Reviews echo this. The owner must know of these issues as she said, “oh you like meat stacked? They should have given you more.” Nothing was resolved. Yes : a grown man should have a sandwich. Yes :more than one slice is common sense. Penny wise & pound foolish. Ciao 🥖
Lovely 💎 Rare ❤️ Warm
I’d like to share my recent experience regarding a takeout order that unfortunately left me quite disappointed. I had placed an order and made payment for butternut squash soup. However, upon arriving to pick it up, I was informed by the staff that the soup had run out and was offered a broccoli soup as a substitute.
Shortly afterward, the chef, Min, came out and gave a different explanation, claiming the soup had gone bad. Then, in yet another version, I was told that the restaurant had been closed the previous day and the necessary ingredients hadn’t arrived. The inconsistency and conflicting reasons were confusing and quite frankly, disappointing.
While I understand that unforeseen issues can arise in food service — such as supply delays or spoilage — what I find troubling is the apparent lack of honesty. Customers appreciate transparency and clear communication, especially when they’ve already paid for something specific.
It’s not the lack of soup that’s the issue, but rather the handling of the situation. I hope the management addresses this with the team, as maintaining trust and consistency is essential for customer satisfaction and loyalty.
What the French toast. Liked it when it was a local bakery. Freakin 17-18 bucks for a salmon croissant. Jeez
Croissants and beignets are fantastic
Restaurantji Recommends
The blonde young girl was rude Un enthusiastic you need to get her out of there! December 18th at 4:00 pm we were excited first time in there she did not crack a smile. Otherwise hands down great cookies and pot pie.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Cookies, Sandwich
I've had the privilege to eat from Charmaine Sweets for a while now. Our family owned several bakeries in the past and at first I thought Charmaine sweets was just using regular fillings, but later found out, for example, they would get Wild organic blueberries and make their filling from scratch. I know this takes so much work and care just to have this in their products. The croissants are so consistent and I love their organic sourdoughs. I could go on and on, but Just wanted to mention that this place has great value knowing that everything is made from scratch. That is extremely hard to do.
Our family opted to purchase premade products, at our bakeries, and it would taste ok, but NOTHING like the production at Charmaine Sweets.
Just incredible quality and care for good value.
Thanks Dustin, Charmaine, and Crew
Parking: They have parking on premises, but immediately across there are about 100 parking spots that you can use freely.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Follow @bredgyeats for more food pictures!
Cinnamon Sugar Beignet - Cinnamon taste was distinct but I wish it could've been stronger. Dusted with a generous coating of sugar on the outside. Beignet was pretty airy and light, oil fragrance was a little too subtle though. Can't compare it with GH.
Lemon Beignet - Same beignet but with powdered sugar on top and a tangy and sweet lemon filling.
Almond Croissant - Very distinct umami and caramelized crust, fragrant roasted aroma permeates through your mouth. The exterior is crisp and flaky as well, and the structure on the inside can't compare with a butter croissant, but for an almond croissant, it was pretty good. The almonds on top were fragrant as well with a bit of colour. The almond filling was also a perfect amount of sweetness.
The vegan date tart was delicious and the cashier was very friendly. Will definitely return!
I really enjoyed getting my regular morning coffee here. Food is good too. Prices are outrageous, but I never minded because of the sheer quality. However, what's off putting is the absence of customer service. You really need to train your young staff to understand how important it is to serve customers efficiently instead of engaging in personal chit chat behind the counter. Three people behind the counter not serving anyone at all and making me wait more than 10 minutes for a black coffee is non-sense. It was a turn off. Not to mention the fact that the person who served me was fidgeting with her nose the whole time. Honestly, have we learned nothing at all from COVID and the proper way to handle food. Never going back again as a result. Truly disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
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