Looking for the best butter tarts in Toronto? You’re in the right place. Toronto’s bakery scene delivers some of the strongest versions of Ontario’s classic treat — flaky or shortcrust pastry, properly balanced caramel-butter filling, and that sticky-sweet comfort that tastes like home.
In 2025, Circles & Squares dominated Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival. Combined with long-time neighbourhood favourites like Ba Noi, the city has a clear shortlist for anyone hunting the real deal in 2026. Here’s an honest, practical breakdown of the best butter tarts in Toronto right now.
Best Butter Tarts in Toronto: Top Picks at a Glance
- Circles & Squares — Current award champions with multiple locations
- Ba Noi — The micro-bakery locals keep recommending
- Gerrard Street Bakery — Big, classic East End tarts
- Tartistry — Best gluten-free and vegan options
- Larry’s (Parkdale area) — Clean, traditional “no nonsense” style
Where to Find the Best Butter Tarts in Toronto Right Now
Circles & Squares – Award-Winning Best Butter Tarts in Toronto
Locations:
- 197 Bartley Drive (East York)
- 1909 Yonge Street (Davisville)
- 77 King Street West (TD Centre, Financial District)
Circles & Squares earned its place at the top by sweeping the 2025 Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival (Traditional, Wild Style, and Best in Show). Their classic is generous and reliable. The maple pecan and coconut cream versions are standouts that many people rank among the best butter tarts in Toronto.
The new downtown location makes these much easier to grab if you’re in the core. Go earlier in the day for the full flavour selection — popular ones sell out.
Local tip: If you usually stick to plain, try the coconut cream. It balances the sweetness better than most. Pair a morning stop here with a wander through nearby neighbourhoods like Cabbagetown for a full local morning.
Ba Noi – A Strong Contender for Best Butter Tarts in Toronto
806 Bloor Street West (Bloorcourt) Hours are limited (typically Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Mondays). Quantities are restricted.
Ba Noi consistently ranks near the top in local discussions and Reddit threads about the best butter tarts in Toronto. These are smaller, with a flakier layered pastry and deep caramel notes. Many come with a light sea-salt finish that elevates the whole tart. Classic style (no raisins by default) done extremely well.
The shop is easy to walk past if you’re not looking for it. Arrive early on weekends.
Other Excellent Options for Best Butter Tarts in Toronto
Gerrard Street Bakery
(635 Gerrard Street East) These large, slightly flatter tarts deliver old-school bakery character — crumbly buttery crust and a syrupy, caramelized filling. No gimmicks, just solid execution. A frequent mention when people talk about the best butter tarts in Toronto that feel traditional.
Tartistry
Locations in Etobicoke (The Queensway) and the Distillery District area. Dedicated gluten-free production with reliable vegan options. They offer a wide range of flavours. If dietary needs usually leave you out, this is currently the strongest specialized choice for best butter tarts in Toronto that everyone can enjoy.
Larry’s / Parkdale classics
The original Larry’s Folly built a loyal following for a clean “no nuts, no raisins, no nonsense” tart with a thick flaky crust and sticky filling. The brand has shifted locations in the Parkdale/Queen West area in recent years. Still worth seeking if you prefer pure traditional style. While you’re in the west end, the annual Roncesvalles Polish Festival is another great reason to explore the neighbourhood.
Charmaine Sweets in the Leaside area also produces a refined version that reminds many of family recipes.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Best Butter Tarts in Toronto
Tartistry leads for dedicated gluten-free and vegan butter tarts. Consistency is better at bakeries that specialize rather than those that occasionally offer alternatives. Always confirm current availability, as small shops change recipes.
The Raisin Debate and What Makes Great Butter Tarts
Ontarians argue about raisins, runny versus set filling, and maple versus classic more than almost any other food topic. Many of the best butter tarts in Toronto (including Ba Noi and Circles & Squares classics) skip raisins. Some people want the filling to drip; others prefer it closer to soft caramel.
There’s no single correct version. Try a couple of the spots above and decide for yourself.
Practical Tips for Finding the Best Butter Tarts in Toronto
- Arrive early. Ba Noi and weekend mornings at Circles & Squares sell out of the best stuff.
- Group stops by neighbourhood if you’re trying more than one.
- Start with a classic, then try a maple or pecan variation.
- Eat at least one the same day — butter tarts are best fresh.
- Expect prices in the $3–$5 range depending on size and location.
If you’re planning a longer Ontario weekend, a butter tart stop in Toronto pairs perfectly with a drive to Muskoka or one of the province’s hidden gems. Families can also check our guide to free things to do with kids in Ontario for easy add-ons.
FAQ
Where can I find the best butter tarts in Toronto in 2026?
Circles & Squares (for awards and variety) and Ba Noi (for the pure local favourite) are the strongest current options.
Which bakery makes the best butter tarts in Toronto according to awards?
Circles & Squares took top honours at the 2025 Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival.
Should the best butter tarts in Toronto have raisins?
It’s personal preference. Many top Toronto versions are made without them.
What’s the best starting point for first-timers?
A classic from Ba Noi or Circles & Squares.
The best butter tarts in Toronto reward people who go looking beyond the supermarket versions. Hit one or two of the bakeries above and you’ll understand why this simple pastry still matters so much in Ontario. For more local food and travel ideas, explore our guides to Ontario’s best beaches or a proper Point Pelee National Park visit.
Have a favourite we missed or a strong opinion on raisins versus no raisins? Share it — locals never get tired of debating the best butter tarts in Toronto.