DOWNTOWN. Along with reliable every day favorites such as whole wheat and rye, Alchemy offers an amazing selection of creative artisan breads. You may find blue corn-jalapeno, organic spelt sourdough, or spicy tomato and black sesame. Also available is delicious focaccia baked with potatoes and herbs, blueberries and raisins, or kalamata olives. Owner and expert baker Brian Kirk is well known for his inventive shortbread cookies ­ rosemary-lemon-cracked pepper, orange cardamom, and mint poppy are just a few of the varieties he makes. Other sweet treats abound, including classic cakes and fruity mousses. If it's lunch time, try one of the vegetarian rolls or empanadas.

EAST TORONTO. This bright and friendly spot is a great choice for breakfast or brunch. Feast on French-style pastries, fluffy omelets, crave-able spinach quiche, and what are widely regarded as some of the best baguettes in the city. Be prepared for a wait on the weekends ­ the place is popular and often packed.

WEST TORONTO. Opened by pastry chef Dufflet Rosenberg in 1982, this much-loved bakery has become one of Ontario's most popular purveyors of wedding cakes, party trays and special treats for folks who feel the need for a little pampering. Whole cakes, pies and tarts fill the cases, but you'll want to investigate all the wonderful little individual baby bundt cakes, tiny tarts, and charming cakelets, a selection unmatched anywhere in Toronto. Whether your Achilles heel is fruity or chocolaty, spicy or buttery, Dufflet has created something especially for you. Go ahead. Indulge!

MIDTOWN. There are only four seats here, so your best bet is to plan on getting your goodies to go. The individual gruyere tart makes a stellar light lunch, and the dainty pastries, petits fours and cakes are ideal when a treat is called for. Many items are blessed with a layer of homemade frangipane ­ a moist, ground-almond filling ­ that adds richness and depth. The owner also makes her own organic preserves to use as fillings. If you're lucky, she'll have a few jars for sale when you visit!

DOWNTOWN. This bakery-café gets extra points for its healthy, low-fat cooking. Organic flours, spring water, and real butter are used, but not preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, or refined sugars. Most items are dairy- and egg-free; cakes are all vegan. Popular breakfast fare includes muffins, croissants, and pastries, along with fourteen different types of herbal tea or freshly squeezed juices. At lunch or dinner, you can choose from a variety of delicious Asian-inspired vegetarian dishes.