The 38 Essential Toronto Restaurants

"Can pies solve all of life’s problems? No, but the ones at Gertie’s get close. Operated by chef Ryan Campbell and his wife, Sara Steep, Gertie’s — named for Campbell’s mother Gerda — throws together humble ingredients with potently evolved results. A butter-enriched crust made with peanuts and graham crackers is topped with a voluptuous mound of soft-whipped mascarpone cream (with some extra-fancy peanut butter mixed in for nutty oomph), followed by a filling of your choice — lush caramel, deeply dark chocolate, or perky strawberry jam — and finished with top-notch roasted Virginia peanuts. The brand shows up regularly at Castelli Mercato out in Ancaster, but you can also find pies at Fiesta Farms or Good Behaviour Ice Cream (also on this list)." - Tiffany Leigh