Le Dolci

I just took the macaron class. It was ok– the class was too big in size to really enjoy the class. The class should have had 6 people tops but there was 14 of us and it was not enjoyable… the place wasn’t set up properly for that many people. There should have been three stations at least. The instructor was great but I left disappointed, all the pictures online show small groups– I’m not sure why this class was so big!!!
However, I also too the cake decorating class, which was much better– more intimate, only 4 people. The instructor was very tentative and informative. I left with a beautiful cake and so much information on how to decorate my future cakes.
Would I recommend a class– it depends on the class size. Anything bigger than 6 people no way!

Found their instagram page and liked what I saw. Called to get pricing on a cake last week. Called again yesterday to confirm my cake order and was given inconsistent pricing. Service was rushed and unpleasant, so I didn’t go through with the purchase. It’s too bad, I was looking to buy a large cake for a corporate event. Will stick to my neighbourhood cake shop.

Le Dolci is an interesting business, because not only do they sell baked goods, but they also offer various pastry classes on things such as croissants, donuts and danishes, souffles and puddings, eclairs and profiteroles, and French macarons, which is one of their most popular. Apparently they also offer some lessons on savoury foods, as well as some food-​related skills, like cake decorating and food photography! Each class is $ 95 for a two-​hour lesson, while some are 3 hours and will cost you $ 129. They also have some weekly bootcamp programs you can register for, as well as a culinary summer camp for kids!!! If I had kids, I would definitely sign them up for this, so that they could cook for me when they come home… just kidding (not really.)
The shop is super adorable inside. I attended the French macaron class with some friends, and our class had 11 people in total. Not gonna lie, before we started I was completely TERRIFIED. Our instructor told us that the macaron class is their most challenging and I immediately felt a sense of impending doom. For the record, I pretty much bake like, never, and once I burned a batch of ready-​to-​bake Pillsbury cookies, so French macarons are definitely well beyond my skill level.
Our instructor, Lindsey, was a total sweetheart though. She spent the first part of the class teaching us about the pastry and some of the different methods of making them. She demo-​ed some of the key steps, and what I really liked what that she explained the science behind certain steps and how ingredients would react, which was really interesting to learn. She encouraged us to take as many notes as we wanted (they have notes and recipes they will send you after the class) and even to film her using our phones.
When it came time for us to bake, we were split into two groups. The process was very guided and definitely over-​simplified to make sure it was doable for everyone (i.e. ingredients had been pre-​measured and pre-​prepared) We all got a chance to participate though, in the mixing and piping process.
In the end, our macarons all turned out successfully, and there were so many that each person got to take a full box home! I thought the class was a super fun activity and really enjoyed it! I liked that the class was simple enough for people of all skill levels, and pretty much guaranteed success, so it was very fun and didn’t leave anyone feeling discouraged. The flip side of that is that because it was OVER-​simplified, I don’t feel like I got to fully experience the whole process from beginning to end, and I’m not sure I would be able to replicate the process myself, unsupervised.
I think this particular class would be best for people who have an interest/​some background in baking, and maybe some people who have tried making the pastry before, but want some extra tips or want to elevate their skills. Otherwise, just come for fun if you’re looking for something different to do, it’s a blast!

I cannot recommend this place at all. I called in the morning to see if I could pick something up that afternoon for a dinner I was going to (cupcakes). I arrived at 2:00, and there was a class going on, and I knocked at the side door because there were a few people there. I was ignored, but I had called, so I «knew» I would be able to pick something up. I was persistent, since I was coming by literally on my way to dinner out of town and I didn’t want to go to dinner empty handed, and finally a girl rolled her eyes and opened the door slightly and said, we’re closed. I explained my situation, and someone else came, I guess the person who answered the phone because he said, «oh yes, I’m sorry we actually have a class today. You can come by tomorrow!» Like that is any kind of solution at all.
It’s one thing to hold classes and to sometimes be closed, but what’s the point in calling if you are not going to give me accurate information?

Took a macarons class here with Lindsay (I might have the name wrong) and it was awesome! So much fun and very informative. We thought it might be too hard for us and neither of us bake a lot but we felt confident when it was our turn to bake and the treats were delicious. Our class only has six people so we had TONS to take home. The class gave us a recipe for what we made but I never received the email we were supposed to get with another recipe for the filling. Reading the recipe printed from the class I don’t know if I could follow it well enough to make them at home, I wish they had pens out so I would have thought to take notes. However, our instructor was so friendly about ask questions she even said we could email with questions or pictures and she would give us advice. Highly recommend!

We ordered a custom cake here for our wedding. The staff completely accommodated our requests and met our budget. Everything about our cake was amazing. It was so beautiful, delicious, and accented our art deco theme perfectly. I’m so happy. There’s nothing like having the cake of your dreams for your special day! I also ate it for breakfast the next day. ;)

Overpriced custom cake, mediocre product (the cake tasted… okay), will not do business with Le Dolci again

Very strange experience here. The billboard out front advertised cold drinks, amongst other things. I went in the classroom half accidentally and the girl working there was quite friendly and directed me through to the store half. The girl working in the store ignored me while talking on the phone and then rudely told me they had nothing to sell because they weren’t open.
Obviously, I have no problem if the store is not open yet, but maybe don’t put your billboard out front, direct me around the store, ignore me, and then rudely tell me to leave.

We went here for a work function, 25 of us got to «compete» in a cake-​boss type of cake challenge.
When we arrived, they had 5 large tables ready to go with a large slab of fresh made cake, a bown of buttercream icing, fondant, and a bunch of other tools. We were giving minimal instruction to begin with but they had several people walking the floor in order to help if we had questions.
Each time assembled a «summer» theme cake, I think we had 90 mins to do it. Overall it was really fun, but I was a little bit dissapointed with the limited items we were given to create something cool with. We had white fondant then 4 balls of bright coloured fondants. No chocolate or any way to make your own colours, etc, so was pretty tough to make anything super appealing.
They donate the cakes to charity (if you don’t want to keep them) which is amazing, and everyone gets to take home half a dozen cupcakes each.
Overall we had fun, but I think one of their instructional classes (macarons, cupcakes, etc) would have been a lot more useful.

We just took the macaron class at Le Dolci and it was the best money spent. You’re not just paying for a single class and running away with a dozen macaons. You are also making a professional connection to the baker. The instructor truly want you to succeed in making macarons at home and encourages everyone to contact them for any question. Lindsay is knowledgeable, funny, passionate and reminds me of a certain rising pastry chef, Christina Tosi. We will be booking another class next month on croissants.

Summertime. Walked by. Gasp, cupcakes! Went inside to look, and firstly, they all looked so small and boring that I was immediately disappointed. Decided with a chocolate though (tasting is believing) yet, even in that it was just a boring cupcake. Wamp wamp.

I love this place. Not just your ordinary bakery. Been here twice with a friend for their classes. Macaroon making and our recent visit to their new Molecular Gastronomy class. Their class are interactive and fun. Their instructors are very experience, you will always learn something new in their class.
I love this place.

Another bakery. Another macaron.

Delicious baked goods, but they aren’t always the freshest.
Their version of the cronut is HEAVENLY. I bought 2 on my first visit intending to share one with my bf. I devoured both (they were still warm!) and decided to order 4 more to share with friends (reserving one for myself of course). I then returned a week later to procure 4 more for friends. The salted caramel is the best flavour. The cronut is crunchy with lots of little layers reminiscent of a croissant, and they roll them in just the right amount of cinnamon sugar before dipping them in salted caramel. They’re sugar bombs, and oh so addictive.

They have lots of Gluten-​Free stuff! And it’s amazing.
Discovered Le Dolci in the summer when it was 40 degrees out and had a watermelon ice pop. Ended up wanting one every day it was hot afterwards.
Now, I can’t drive by without stopping in. I regularly get the gluten-​free muffins; carrot, chocolate chip and chocolate. The chocolate ones are insane. I want to be put on call for when they come out of the oven. I think I keep missing them and they’re sold out by the time I get there. They are hollow at the top with some kind of chocolate fudge or fondant inside. OMG, so good I don’t mind I can’t eat the cupcakes.
The macaron’s are gluten-​free too! And there’s usually at least one type of gluten-​free cookie. Last time I got both peanut butter and the chocolate ones (two different cookies). Every time I go in I leave with a box of stuff ’cause everything looks so good.
Went to a chocolate class once too, which is normally not something I would be interested in, but it was really fun even though my chocolates were awful. It’s harder than it looks to make nice truffles. I only took four home ’cause I ate everything else. Fun class for anyone with a sweet tooth. Everyone attending was nice and it was really laid back vibe. Lots of tools and stuff set up beforehand so that the class time was well spent.

I live nearby and stop by when I am craving sweets.
The cronuts — delicious, ditto the cupcakes and cookies.
I have yet to take a class there but would love to learn how to make croissants or pies. It sounds like so much fun!
Lisa, the owner, and all of her staff are so warm and friendly and full of information about their products and events. It’s a nice community spot with delicious treats.

I did two baking courses in Le Dolci.
The first one was really good, cupcake decorating. The lady was really knowledgeable and was giving tips pretty much in every sentence. The result was very satisfactory!
My friend and I were so happy and impressed with the place that went for another course, baking the perfect cake. I don’t consider myself an expert (that’s why I did the course, duh!) but the lady, very nice and polite, did not have the knowledge I expected for a course claiming the PERFECT cake. I think the two recipes were not up to the standards to be called perfect, in fact the vanilla cake tasted like eggs! We were deeply disappointed.
I think one needs to know who is teaching the course as the level is not consistent.

A great place for a party — especially if your friends like their cakes in cups.
The occasion? A friend’s private birthday party.
Description: Cupcake Decorating Party. A choice meant to bring together a variety of people in a special salon where beer or wine drinkers exchange quaffing in favour of decorating. But wait! There was also quaffing! What more do you need from a birthday?
ATMOSPHERE
Professional and homey. The chic, exposed brick walls, high ceilings and snazzy décor give the impression of space and a touch of class. A long table in the centre provides space to decorate said cupcakes; there are tables for appetizers, counters for wine and cookies (courtesy of the Birthday Girl). Our party had a giant jar for donations to B-Girl’s charity as in-​kind exchange.
As a venue, it is big enough to roam for more wine and meet new people, small enough to be homey and allow for the drumming trio. (Yes there was one of those. Obviously.) The space accommodates 30 people standing, 14 — 16 people seated.
SERVICE
As a party service, Dolci provided vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting and a dizzying array of cupcake condiments for the cupcake game. We made interpretations of the birthday girl via sprinkles, licorice, and a liberal use of pretzels. Number one made a cupcape Mohawk for a prize woooooo. Four years of arts school for the win! Knew it would come in handy.
B-​Girl brought in extra catering and special beverages, which was great and a great way to save some cash as well.
One of the owners took care of us throughout, just ensuring everything was running smoothly, and was as sweet as sugar frosting.
It hadn’t occurred to me to go to a place like this as a venue, but they pleasantly surprised me. Le Dolci provides birthday, bridal and other types of party packages, including corporate events and regular decorating classes as well.
LOCATION
Relatively easily accessed via streetcar from Dundas subway station. Take the streetcar west to Trinity Bellwoods Park, near Grace Street and Little Italy. A lovely area to walk in and not too strenuous to find from the burbs.
OVERALL
This birthday party gave me Sweet Valley High b-​day jealousy. I keep going to bars! I am so uncool. Cupcakes are the new alcohol.

This class was a lot of fun and I learned a lot about decorating. For example, fondant and I do not get along. On my way home with a box full of cupcakes it occurred to me, oh sh%$t I am not going to see any of my friends this weekend. Can I be trusted with ALL these cupcakes? The answer was a resounding NO! I ate them all in 2 days. Delish! I enjoyed this class so much that I took their Perfect Parisian Macaron class (I got a 2 for 1 coupon). Sadly I did not enjoy the macaron class nearly as much as the cupcake one.

Seriously a fan — macaron class and it was hands on!!! The instructor was amazing with giving us tips and tricks on how to do these ourselves. Mardi was super nice and got a small box of Macarons to take home with us too at the end of the class. The class size is small — no more than 10 people at a time.
The studio is moving soon to another location — but what a great place to spend the afternoon. They have a chocolate truffle making class — which I might sign up for at a later date.
Next step to make them at home — but now at least I don’t feel intimidated of making Macaron myself.
Pricing for the class was fair — and included all the stuff you needed to get through the class.
Registration for the class is done via their website and an e-​mail is sent out a week prior to the class giving to instructions on how to get to the class. It felt very orgainsed.