Gourmet Bakery

I have never before bought food from a vendor within a subway station. Then, a friend told me about how they used to come here all the time and that their patty sandwiches were legendary. I will confirm, $ 3 for a Jamaican patty on a coco bun is a pretty good deal and it was quite tasty. They even warmed the coco bun so that everything was extra soft and pleasing. This patty sandwich alone opened my eyes and changed my opinion on subway station food options.
I was also impressed by the sheer amount of samosas, strudels, turnovers, danishes, and many other varieties of pastries that are available here, and I couldn’t find anything prices over $ 3. That said the raspberry turnover ($ 1.75) I had was okay but ridiculously flakey (seriously just eat it right over a garbage can unless you want to be covered in pastry bits).
The employees were friendly, and I moved past my fear of eating food in a subway station, but I can’t in good conscious give this place 5 stars as the few tables to choose from were dirty and the room looked it could use a good cleaning, and its just a small little underground bakery that is no frills in approach.

Gourmet Bakery —
Located in the Islington subway station. A great place to stop for a quick fix if your hungry. On your way to work or on your way home. The old man thats behind the counter is fast, no slow service here and if there is its because someones being complicated. They have pastries, patties, samosas, coffee etc. Everything looks fresh and yummy even if its in a dirty subway station. Its all closed off by doors, so less subway smell and there are chairs and high tables. Looks run down but you get what you need, that is a fast bite to eat. So don’t be afraid you’ll be a returning customer. I go often!
Patty’s are $ 1.75
Veggie samosas are $ 1.50. (These are my fave, and I’m not a vegetarian)

The best Jamaican patties in Toronto are sold here. I’ve introduced about 13 ppl to try them as now it’s a weekly meal for us. They make their own patties and the beef party has a gravy inside that you will want to drink!

best coffee

This has got to be one of my favourite bakeries in Toronto. My friends and I often take lengthy TTC detours just to hit up this spot. As far as bakeries go, there’s a lot to choose from — sweet, savoury, hot, cold, meaty, veggie — you name it. I highly recommend the spinach and cheese pastry, and the olive and cheese boureka (get them warmed up!). As far as dessert goes, their cheese pastry is not too sweet but not too salty, and they have those awesome cartoon character gingerbread men. The people who work there are friendly, and you can get enough food to fill you up for less than $ 5. This spot is a must if you’re ever inside or passing by Islington Station.

Probably one of the most inaccurately named businesses in Toronto, as there’s absolutely nothing gourmet about this bakery. It’s a dumpy, no frills underground counter inside the TTC’s Islington Station near the bus platforms for Mississauga Transit. In fact, I had to conduct extensive research to locate both the name and a photo of this ‘fine’ establishment that resulted in a phone call to the TTC’s leasing department, who provided the answer. Hey, I’m nothing if not resourceful, right?
Having said that, I’ve been going here since the 1990s when I went to high school nearby, and now on a monthly basis on the way to eyebrow threading (#37 Islington bus to Rexdale, yo!) for one reason only: STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE DANISHES. Warm and melty. They are truly the best. Ask them to warm them up extra for you (they usually do by default anyway) and try your very best not to stuff the entire thing in your mouth at once. I’d recommend savouring it as long as you’re able. Oh, and the best part: $ 1.25 including tax.
I’ve also heard rave reviews of their beef patties but haven’t tried them myself. Someone report back!
Cash only.