For night owls with sweet teeth (Photo by 3liz4)
Toronto sometimes seems short on late-night noshables, but some of the city’s restaurants serve dessert well into the wee hours. After the jump, our compendium of places that can satisfy a sweet tooth after 11 p.m.
Gladstone Hotel
Queen West crooners can pause from belting out Pat Benatar to bite into one of chef Marc Breton’s sweet specialties, all of which are served after hours. House favourites include the toasted marshmallow fudge brownie and the new, Archie-approved banana split. Sunday to Wednesday until 11 p.m., Thursday to Saturday 10 p.m.–1 a.m.
1214 Queen St. W. (at Gladstone Ave.), 416-531-4635, www.gladstonehotel.com.
The Roof Lounge
The perfect accompaniment to the Park Hyatt’s library-chic lounge and sweet view are the strawberry cheesecake and maple crème brûlée. Both are served until last call, at about 1 a.m.
4 Avenue Rd. (at Bloor St. W.), Park Hyatt, 416-324-1568, www.parktoronto.hyatt.com
Sicilian Sidewalk Café
For post-drinking fun along College Street, try such syrupy classics as crêpes and ice cream–topped waffles, which are served until around 2 a.m. most days (though the sprawling patio can stay packed until later on summer nights). If partiers are pausing before round two, such specialty coffees as the Café Francese—a scoop of vanilla ice cream with espresso and cocoa—make good fuel for the rematch.
712 College St. (at Montrose Ave.), 416-531-7755.
7 West
Serving dessert 24 hours a day, this downtown standby offers three kinds of chocolate layer cake, a chocolate-banana creation, and the much-adored dulce de leche cheesecake, for which the spot is known.
7 Charles St. W. (at Yonge St.), 416-928-9041, www.7westcafe.com.
I Feel Like Crepe
Sweetness at this west-end “creperie-lounge” is not limited to dessert. Such sugary martinis as the Tiramisu and Lollypop are served alongside crêpes, like the signature Margot (hazelnut and white chocolate spread with fruit and nuts). Friday and Saturday to 2 a.m., and until midnight on weekdays.
605 College St. (at Clinton St.), 416-832-5679, www.ifeellikecrepe.com.
Shanghai Cowgirl
West-end revellers can treat themselves to dessert until the last desperado falls at 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Selections feature Wanda’s Pie in the Sky apple crumble (best à la mode) and the homemade Jagermeister chocolate mousse. Sunday to Tuesday until 11 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday until midnight. (Summer hours coming into effect soon: Sunday and Monday until midnight, Tuesday to Thursday until 1 a.m.)
538 Queen St. W. (at Bathurst), 416-203-6623, www.shanghaicowgirl.com.
Hair of the Dog
Village-goers can hop over to this gastro-pub for sweets until 1 a.m. Thursday to Saturday. The selection of desserts varies, but the usual suspects are lemon-blueberry cheesecake, triple-chocolate mousse cake and berry crumble. Monday to Wednesday until midnight.
425 Church St. (at Wood St.), 416-964-2708, www.hairofthedogpub.ca.
Are you Kidding ?
You don’t even mention Demetre’s, particularly the Danforth location. I finally think I’m going to read about venue I’ve been to, because Demetre’s has got to be up there for “Late night dessert”. But no, I guess it’s not “shi shi poo poo enough for you. So therefore I guess I’m not shi shi poo poo enough or maybe I’m too ethnic because I like to dine on the Danforth. I am considering canceling my subscription as I find it difficult to relate to very much of the restaurants you feature.
April 30, 2009 at 10:25 am | by OlgaOlga says: ‘Are you Kidding?’
Wow.. you got your knickers in a knot because your fav desert spot was not mentioned?
Some of us actually appreciate reading about places we’ve NOT been to. That’s how we expand and find new ‘favourites’.
Me thinks you need to cut back on the sugar. ;)
April 30, 2009 at 11:27 pm | by DianaWho cares about Demetre’s..i would rather know about some new and interesting places i can visit.
July 20, 2009 at 9:01 am | by RidaDemetre’s is already well known and there is not much to write about. Oversized portions of low quality, super sweet desserts. Places like Demetre’s are why obesity is on the rise.
October 17, 2010 at 5:13 pm | by nenToronto is also filled with them now. there are plenty of shisha places around town mainly in the north york and midtown Toronto area. finally people don’t have to travel far places like Mississauga to enjoy the night and smoke shisha with friends
December 12, 2011 at 8:18 pm | by Hessy[...] pie ($18), braised beef cheeks ($25) and a tagliatelle carbonara ($16). Afterwards, check out some late-night dessert spots. 503 College St. (at Palmerston Ave.), 416-944-8884, [...]
January 9, 2012 at 3:31 pm | by Where to eat during Pride 2009 | Where to Eat Near... | torontolife.com