Finding somewhere in the big city that brings back a small town feeling can be challenging. When you find this gem it really gives you the chance to see Toronto from a new view. Working downtown on King Street I have discovered many great places, but none compare to Wagamama Pastries & Cafe. Located on the corner of King and Tecumseth Street sits the greatest little café in all of Toronto.
Wagamama Pastries & Cafe opened in March 2000 as a small pastry café and has since grown into a fabulous locale offering its patrons delicious arrays of soups, sandwiches, cookies, cakes, coffee and tea. When I first heard of Wagamama’s I wasn’t too sure if it would fit me. I can be fairly picky and am a Starbucks addict. However upon my first couple visits to Wagamama Pastries, I realized this was the café I was searching for. the place that cares about its customers and truly has a passion for what they do. I sat down recently and spoke to Wagamama Pastries owner and co-founder Miwa Yamada to get the full story about this great little place. The idea behind Wagamama’s was to create a small café similar to what is popular over in Japan. Miwa explained when she first came to the area there was not a local cafés that brought the neighborhood together, a small menu, a small place but filled with a lot of love. In Japanese the term Wagamama translates to ‘self indulgent person’, which is fitting, as the desserts offered are decadent treats!
Over the years however Wagamama Pastries & Cafe has expanded their menu to fit what their regulars want. Starting with coffee and cakes Miwa began to hear from regulars that some breakfast items would be a great addition. Soon breakfast was selling out before the morning was over. With breakfast being such a hit, people in the area were asking for some lunch options. Now offering a perfectly sized lunch menu, Miwa did not forget the original dream behind Wagamama Pastries & Cafe.
What really takes the proverbial cake is that everything offered is made in house. From the bread right to the syrups put into their coffees. This allows Miwa to ensure her customers are getting simply the best and nothing less. They also offer some gluten free options for customers with dietary restrictions. The soft, fresh homemade sandwich options are: Roasted vegetables, ham & swiss, turkey or tuna ($5.30 for a whole sandwich or $2.65 for half). These sandwiches are packed with deliciousness! They also offer a (obviously) homemade daily soup for $3.75 for a large, $2.75 for a small. Wagamama Pastries cares about the people who come in and the community it is part of. It really makes you feel at home from the moment you walk in. So may I recommend going to have a coffee and a sandwich, and take a minute to discover the passion that can be found at Wagamama Pastries & Cafe.
