When planning our trip to Toronto, I made a list of classic Canadian treats I wanted to try. Sitting right at the top was the famous butter tart — a rich, sticky dessert that’s considered a staple across Canada. After seeing them in several bakeries around the city, one place kept coming up as a must-visit: Bà Nội.
Dining at Bà Nội:
Trying a proper butter tart was high on my Toronto food list. Although Bà Nội was slightly out of our way, we decided it was worth the trip to see what the hype was about.
As soon as we arrived, the smell of freshly baked goods drifted out of the shop — always a promising sign for a bakery visit.
At first I couldn’t spot the butter tarts, but then I noticed them: an entire trolley stacked with trays of freshly baked ones. It was impossible to resist, so I ordered one to take away.
Atmosphere & Setting:
The bakery itself felt like a classic neighbourhood spot — small, welcoming and full of character. The staff were clearly enjoying themselves behind the counter and were incredibly friendly, which made the visit even more pleasant.
What We Ordered:
Butter Tart: It was rich, buttery and unapologetically indulgent. The filling was sticky and sweet, while the pastry was both flaky and chewy thanks to the buttery filling soaking into the crust.
In many ways, it reminded me of a British treacle tart — but turned up to eleven. It was messy, it stuck to your teeth, and it lingered on the palate long after the bite was gone.
Service & Overall Experience
Service was quick and cheerful, and the pricing was very reasonable for a speciality bakery in Toronto.
Final Thoughts:
The butter tart itself was… incredible.
The staff were friendly, the bakery had that cosy, neighbourhood vibe and the butter tart was bang on. One is definitely enough in one sitting, but it’s absolutely something you need to try if you’re visiting Toronto and want to experience a classic Canadian dessert.
Pros and Cons:
- Incredibly buttery, sticky butter tarts✅
- Friendly neighbourhood bakery atmosphere✅
- Slightly out of the way, depending on where you’re staying❌
Gourmet Gauge: A fantastic place to try one of Canada’s most iconic desserts. The butter tart at Bà Nội is rich, sticky and unforgettable — a must for first-time visitors exploring Toronto’s food scene.
Taste: 9.5/10 🥄
Presentation: 8.5/10 🍽️
Ambience: 8/10 🕯️
Service: 8.5/10 👨🍳
Value for Money: 9/10 💰
Total: 43.5/50 Highly Recommend!
Click here to see where they land on our Gourmet Gauge Scoresheet!
You can find “Bà Nội” at the following location:
806 Bloor St W
Toronto, ON
M6G 1L9
Canada
Have You Visited Marry Me Mochi Recently?
Have you tried a butter tart at Bà Nội? Let me know what you thought — and whether you’re team raisins or no raisins!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a butter tart?
A butter tart is a traditional Canadian dessert made with a flaky pastry shell filled with a rich mixture of butter, sugar and eggs.
Is it worth travelling for?
If you want to try one of the best butter tarts in Toronto, many locals recommend making the trip.
Discover more restaurants, attractions and travel tips in our full Toronto guide!
The Taste Trekker 
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