National Bakery & Pastry

What is National Bakery & Pastry? Anchoring the corner of College Street and Ossington Avenue at the edge of Little Italy and Trinity Bellwoods, National Bakery & Pastry is an old-school Portuguese bakery, cafe, and neighbourhood community anchor. The bustling storefront is filled with the aroma of freshly baked crusty breads and espresso, featuring a long display counter filled with golden custard tarts, sweet pastries, and a hot sandwich deli counter where local residents gather for morning coffee and lunchtime bites.

National Bakery & Pastry Menu & What to Order The star of the pastry display is the freshly baked Pastéis de Nata, characterized by blistered, caramelized custard tops and flaky, multi-layered puff pastry shells. For lunch, order from the hot deli counter: the Traditional Bifana features thin, marinated pork cutlets simmered in garlic, white wine, and piri piri sauce, piled high into a crusty, flour-dusted Portuguese caseiro roll. Other staples include the pressed Tosta Mista (grilled ham and cheese sandwich), chewy Pão de Queijo cheese breads, sugar-rolled Bola de Berlim donuts filled with egg cream, and a warm glass of Galão (espresso with steamed milk).

Know Before You Go The bakery operates on an early morning schedule, opening at 6:30 a.m. on Saturdays and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, with early afternoon closure at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Morning weekend queues for fresh-baked caseiro loaves and warm natas move quickly thanks to seasoned counter staff. The 506 Carlton streetcar stops right outside the front doors at College and Ossington.