Kouign-Amann
Caramelised, shattering, faintly indecent. Get there before eleven.
Bakery · Parkdale
The Tempered Room
French pastry in Parkdale, made by someone who counts the laminations
BakeryParkdale, Toronto$Details being confirmed
The review
The plain croissant is the only honest test of a bakery — nothing to hide behind, no fruit, no chocolate. The Tempered Room's passes, and that alone puts it in a very short list for the west end.
The kouign-amann is the thing to actually plan around: caramelised to the edge of burnt, shattering, and gone well before lunch. Seasonal tarts change with whatever is good. Buy two of everything, because you will eat one before you reach the streetcar.
Honest notes: the best items sell out by noon, seating is minimal, and it is closed Monday and Tuesday. Go before eleven on a Saturday or do not bother.
What to order
Plain Croissant
The only honest test of a bakery, and it passes.
Seasonal Tart
Whatever the fruit is. Buy two, eat one on Queen Street.
What works
- Lamination is genuinely first-rate
- Small enough to bake fresh, not hold
- Coffee is well made
What doesn’t
- Sells out of the good things by noon
- Very limited seating
- Closed Monday and Tuesday
Verdict
Kouign-amann and a plain croissant, before 11am. Buy two.