La Petite Colline & Chu Loo

La Petite Colline & Chu Loo is the Scarborough sibling to the popular North York-based Shan Shan Cafe, bringing a well-executed trifecta of Taiwanese comfort food, café culture, and artisanal baking to McNicoll Avenue. The space functions as both a sit-down restaurant and a bakery, creating a bustling, approachable atmosphere that feels equally suited for a quick lunch or a leisurely weekend meal. The team behind this venture has built a strong reputation for their commitment to quality, utilizing stone-milled organic Canadian wheat and house-made natural yeast for their daily-baked breads, which are a major draw for locals looking to stock up on high-quality loaves and pastries alongside their meal.

For a first-timer, the Taiwanese beef noodles are essential; the broth is deeply flavorful and comforting, paired with tender beef and perfectly chewy noodles. The braised minced pork rice is another standout, offering a classic, savory taste of Taiwan. Don't skip the bakery counter—their garlic cream cheese bread and various shokupan offerings are exceptional. Prices are mid-range for the quality provided. It can get busy on weekends, so arriving early or booking ahead is wise if you are planning a group visit. The menu is extensive, so come hungry and be prepared to leave with a bag of fresh bread for the next morning.