I love the owner because he's just so friendly, hysterical and truly a kind person. Every time I'm in Toronto I come and get his apple cake and I can not help to miss it a lot every time I crave for it. When I was there I notice a lot of people knew the owner and he's always talkative. His baby girl is a cutie too doesn't cry and just giggles in her little baby carriage. The babies not always there though :) Awesome little place owned by a family and I totally support them! Try it if you're in the area. read more

I was encouraged by the staff across the street at Fahrenheit to grab lunch at Mystic Muffin, and they seemed overly enthusiastic about the food here, especially the falafel. From the the outside, Mystic Muffin doesn't exactly cause a lot of stimulation, but once you step through the door, there is immediately a great sense of character and homeliness in the decor. On the left of the entrance, you'll see Mystic Muffin t-shirts and mugs for sale, along with a bunch of yummy baked goods at the front of the store. Along the far wall, many, many pictures of patrons wearing the t-shirt at locations around the world are posted up. In addition to this simple, yet entertaining decor, are articles about the store owner, Elias. Elias himself is something else. He's calm, hilarious, and very practical. If you can keep up with all of the words he spits out, you'll enjoy his quick wit and sense of humour. Now the food! I ordered the falafel wrap, with lentil soup and I also grabbed a piece of his famous apple pie. I honestly can't decide which I liked the most. The lentil soup was amazing, without too much salt, and full of taste and healthiness! Falafel wrap was also delicious, crunchy and well balanced. The apple cake, which I was skeptical about, was moist, and so tasty. I would highly recommend this place again. It's got great food, great showmanship from Elias, and most importantly, you can honk the horn at the back of the store, and give customers a little surprise! Just a note, it's cash only :) read more

The owner is amazing. So casual, friendly and kind! Unfortunately, they don't accept debit but he was nice enough and told me to come back later and gave me my breakfast! Building customer relations based on trust! I guess there's pros and cons to that. He was so nice that I immediately went to withdraw money and pay him. And mind you, he doesn't even know me. I'm not a regular. He does this with my coworkers all the time too! The chocolate banana loaves are soooooo good! They bake them in house and he serves them fresh out the oven. I highly recommend this place. The service brightens up my day and is a really positive start to my mornings. This place is a true gem. read more

I really want someone to make a documentary about Mystic Muffin. This place is a true Toronto landmark. If you've never been there (which is highly likely because the exterior appears super sketchy - but I assure you it's all part of the charm!) then you NEED to check it out. The owner Elias is HILARIOUS. He is the reason why Mystic Muffin is not only a place to grab food, but an experience. Elias is always behind the counter taking orders and making food, so you're guaranteed to interact with him when you're there. He will most likely tell you some amazing jokes and try really hard to sell you a famous banana loaf or apple cake (both of which are DELICIOUS.) But seriously, he's a really good salesman - it's hard to say no because you'll just love him so much. Once Elias told me he was getting ready to celebrate Mystic Muffin's 20th anniversary. I asked him what he was doing to celebrate and he responded with "We're throwing a huge party. Bill Gates is coming." Enough said lol. One more thing: If you're lucky, on a cold day, you might catch Elias wearing his sweater vest. read more

Falafels to die for. And an owner who trusts you just as much you trust him, which is a lot. Bring cash. Though you won't need much of it. read more

In a seedier part of Toronto, but this little operation is worth the trip, not only for the entertainment value of both the personally hand decorated place and it's gregarious owner, Elias, but for the perfectly done Falafel smooshed in a pita with generous helping of hummus smeared on it. Feel down? The Apple cake fresh from the oven will cheer you up. In fact, while I was eating, a sad looking man stopped in and Elias said, "Here, have some apple cake, this will chear you up." "No charge". I don't know if it cheared him up, but unsolicited acts of generosity always leave me with a smile. If you're in Toronto, support this man, it tastes good to be nice! read more

Mystic Muffin is a little island of joy amidst a sea of concrete and cars. I stopped bringing in my lunch to work because the falafel is SO DELICIOUS. Get it in a sandwich or get it as part of a special. And I know salads have a reputation for being boring, but I dream about their regular chickpea, cabbage and lettuce salad. It's just PERFECT. The world famous apple cake is great, but I'm really thankful for the rice krispy squares. Sometimes a grown woman has got to have a rice krispy square. The oatmeal raisin cookies are also good. Haven't tried the eponymous muffins yet. Actually, I haven't tried much of anything yet, beyond the items listed above. The falafel is just too good not to order. Although, thanks to these Yelp reviews, I think I might try the chicken and potato salad with eggplant. The icing on the (apple) cake is obviously Elias and Wonita, who are fantastic. Elias always asks about my day while preparing my falafel. It's never very interesting, so mostly he just tries to sell me Mystic Muffin t-shirts. FACT: if you take a picture of yourself wearing a Mystic Muffin t-shirt anywhere outside of Ontario, Elias will give you a free whole slab of apple cake, which actually costs more than the shirt; the deal never expires! Hmmm. Maybe I've been going there too often. I've memorized the sales pitch. read more

I cannot believe I've been working in the St. Lawrence Market area for almost 3 years and am only now realizing what a gem this place is!!! I love a place that gives you an authentic experience. The staff at MM seem like they actually want to be there and are enjoying themselves - not just mindless robots working a minimum wage job and counting the minutes until they can resume their real lives. It seems to me that for the staff at MM - work is a valued part of their real lives. I walked in and it was busy. I was confused about where to order, and was quickly helped by the man making the sandwiches, advising me that if I wanted lunch, I had to make my way towards him. The man making the sandwiches spoke to every customer about something other than what he was making them, all while efficiently cranking out perfectly made pitas. When it was my turn, he asked me what I was having, and then asked my name because he knew I hadn't been there before. Within the 20 seconds it took to make my delicious chicken salad pita, he found out where I worked and told me a funny anectode about a director that used to work here that he knew. Then he shouted down to the cashier that "This was Laura's first time!" which means that I get a free hunk of the most amazing apple cake in the world. The pita was delicious, the apple cake was beyond fabulous and the staff were superb. I can't wait to go back!!! read more

Truly a gem of Toronto! Almost a whole in the wall, very unassuming, but this is a great place to be. If not for the delicious veggie platter and fresh flavours, then for the great people who own the place. Elias is a lovable character who remembers all of his regulars and greets first comers with free apple cake (delicious)! He is such a genuine kind and entertaining man, not to mention efficient at getting through the lunch rush! Will be back for sure! read more

Mystic Muffin - The amazing veggie platter. I was stuffed! Loved the variety on this thing. All that plus cookies or pita chips for $8. - Sandwiches Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

See all

Mystic muffin is unreal. If you haven't been yet, you must go. I've been trying to gather all of the veg friendly places I haven't tried yet to visit in the week, before I leave for the holidays. This one has been on my list for a long time and I finally checked it off today. Service is so friendly, the atmosphere is very welcoming and at home despite not having much interaction with owners past the initial ordering. It was my first time here, so the owners insisted I try an apple cake, I know I'll be back for the cake more than the food now, although the food is equally good. Lunch items are behind a glass display, I wasn't picky at all and got everything they had to offer with the veggie combo. They did run out of eggplant, but I came in a little later than lunch hour, so I'll have to remember to be early if I want to enjoy that. Hummus is definitely one of the more superior ones in the city. Super fresh and healthy, and extremely filling portions. read more

Mystic Muffin - Veggie combo, potatoes, rice, pasta, salad, hummus and 2 falafels and ofc, the apple cake - Sandwiches Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I thought I would add my two cents to all the other posts about Mystic Muffin...Elias is awesome and extremely generous. As soon as we walked in, he offered us a sample of the apple cake. He then proceeded to shower us with a take-home container full of cabbage and pasta salads as well as coleslaw. All on the house!! What a salesman. We ended up grabbing an apple cake and a blueberry banana loaf. The Apple Cake is worth the 5 stars, but the blueberry banana didn't have enough banana flavour for my wife and I. I'll definitely go back to hang-out with Elias and try the rest of his menu. read more

My husband raved about their apple cake so I decided to check it out. I went during lunch with a colleague to grab a quick bite and decided to get 1/2 an apple cake for an afternoon meeting. The lunch was very filling and the soup was tasty. The cake was out of this world. It went pretty quickly at the meeting and everyone was asking about it. I'm not sure if I'd walk the 15 mins to get lunch but I would definately walk it to get the apple cake. Friendly service and genuine hospitality was refreshing as I think is often hard to find in this city. If you're in the hood definately stop by.. and please don't forget the apple cake. read more

Ive never tried a better apple cake and i couldnt imagine one, i would really recommend the apple cake as perfect (IN EVERY CASE). As it is the most famous food for this place i only rate it. The banana bread also deserves a clear 5/5. The muffins are delicious but to dry (3/5). I didnt try the sandwiches yet but as it is not housmade bread (kind of a shawarma bread, supermarket) i dont think they are special. Very nice people, you really get the feeling that when you like their food its more important than the money for them. A BIT for the apple cake. BIT = Best Imaginable Taste read more

This place is awesome. It is difficult to find as friendly and memorable service anywhere else in downtown. For example the wraps and the cakes are just delicious! No wonder this place has so many fans and they run out of food sometimes. The mystic muffin man is wonderful and makes you feel really really welcome, really. I should actually go there more often!! read more

This is the second time I've been here and what a treat! :) I brought my friend who just came back from Europe for a visit. "You only have moments to make a friend and enjoy your time with them." Ah, Elias and his infinite wisdom. My friend was duly impressed by how easily Elias made a connection. Plus, the free apple cake didn't hurt either. Ahah, I had to tolerate being berated by her when Elias revealed his Mystic Muffin promotion (t-shirt!!!). Thought I'd try a muffin this time around. Elias: "You can't find this (Lemon Coconut) combination anywhere else in the city. Just like our apple cake. So, what'll it be?" Oh, Elias, you had me sold with that first sentence and the price was killer ($1), :D. read more

Mystic Muffin is Fantastic! The owner is super friendly and accommodating. I remember while going to GBC I stopped by for lunch. After ordering I realized I hadn't brought my wallet with me. Owner very kindly allowed me to have lunch and bring him the $$ owed the next time. Apple cake is bomb!! read more

It's always a show when you go to this place, this owner is a character ! He's extremely friendly and will take care of you if it's your first time ! There are a LOT of lunch combo options so sometimes it can take forever to choose !! Be prepared ! I took the veggie combo (falafels, hummus, salad, rice, beans and I must forget something and it comes with pitta or cookies). It's a big plate so here also be prepared to struggle to finish the plate ahaha. It was good, nothing amazing but for a cheap lunch with a great portion, you get what you paid and I was more than satisfied ! I also tasted (yes still some place for the dessert) their apple pie, it was delicious, soft inside and crunchy on top ! Try it ! read more

I love this place. My go-to is the Egg & Potato on pita, but I also love their falafel and veg platter dinners. Great chickpea salad. Amazing apple cake. Owner is quite a character - really nice guy. You gotta eat here! read more

Oddly enough, I haven't had a muffin from this place, but here's my story. I was starting a new job in the area and popped by Mystic Muffin around approximately 3:30pm, knowing full well a good chunk of the muffins could be gone, I didn't expect there to be NO MUFFINS AT ALL. According to the friendly counter-staff, a large corporate order swept up all the muffins around noon. I KNOW the apple pie is supposed to be phenomenal, but I was really craving a muffin. Noting my hesitation to order anything else, I walked away with a free sample of the blueberry banana bread which was moist and sweet but not overly so, and nom nom nomed my way back to the office, satiated, but hopefully I'll be able to actually get a MUFFIN next time! This place feels like time has stopped in an era before Starbucks and Second Cup, with real diner style tables and locals who love the hell out f this place and I think I'm a convert too. read more

Mystic Muffin is one of my favourite cheap eat restaurants in the city! I love their breakfast bagel deals (the $5 ham, egg and cheese fills me up right to lunchtime) and the owner is a super nice guy. I come here on a regular basis on my way to work and have never been disappointed. In terms of lunch dishes, there are a couple of sandwich options (falafel, chicken salad) and either chilli or a soup option. There is also a salad bar and the prices are again pretty reasonable. Everything is tasty but basic, so don't expect it to knock your socks off. There is plenty of seating inside and the owner's $5 banana loaf is perfect to bring back to work and share with your colleagues. Definitely not the best lunch you'll ever have, but the prices are very reasonable and the service is so good you'll keep coming back! Make sure you let the owner know if it's your first visit, he will offer you a free slice of apple cake to take with you! read more

Went for lunch with my wife and ordered a chicken salad sandwich (pita), Veggie plate with soup, blueberry banana bread and apple cake with a peach snapple. Total was $20. Pita was tasty and the falafel in the Veggie plate was excellent. Some of the best in the city. Veggies on the plate were just OK. Came with garden salad, coleslaw, potatoes, chick peas, and hummus. Owner asked if it was my first time and chatted us up a bit. He told his wife to give us the apple cake for free. Super nice guy. The apple cake...Omg. So good. Nice crunchy crust, moist cake and not too sweet. I'd go back just for the falafel and apple cake! read more

I'm eating the infamous apple cake (or crumble depending on who you ask) right now and my taste buds are happy. Wow. It's darn good. I didn't get to meet Elias but this little cheap food joint is a 10 minute walk from my work. I'll be back for more apple cake, maybe a falafel, that's for certain. read more

After reading the reviews, I had to try this "legendary" apple cake. The owner is friendly as people say, we started chatting about random things and he's nothing if not friendly. Served room temp (he didn't have a warm batch in the oven), I was pretty excited to try this, as apple desserts (pie, crumble, cake, you name it) are a favorite of mine. The cake was moist, tasty and had a great texture. I'd love if the top were a tad crisper on top (like a dutch apple cake/pie is), but overall it was a good cake. I wouldn't tag it "legendary" as other seems to have, but it's quite good. I'd love to come in the morning to try one warm and fresh out of the oven. A slice is $2.50, half a cake (6 slices) is $8.99. read more

Finally made it here after more than a dozen attempts to work it in to my schedule when I happen to be working downtown. The day hours have made that hard. The first thing I said to him was I finally made it here, and he said I've been waiting to take your money lol Came in between lunch and dinner while waiting for a friend to finish work so couldn't have any sandwiches but definitely settled on a green tea... As I was checking out the awesome guy who runs the store recommended the chocolate banana bread at a discount... @_@ he just said 2 of my favorite words. Even though I've been off sugar I said yessss Lol Sat and enjoyed my snacks while listening to the banter and fun neighborhood chatter going on around me. Love it! Made my whole day in toronto better. Too bad i didn't take advantage of it when I lived dt. 22 years anniversary this month! Bought the apple cake for take out ;) guess my friend gets a treat! read more

More than just muffins! There isn't much more I can add to the existing reviews. They've really said it all! I went in last week for the very first time and they were so nice and so cheap. When I got home, I immediately indulged in my delicious falafel! I've been back a few times since and the service and quality has been consistent. read more

I went to Mystic Muffin for the first time about a month ago. I ordered a falafel, which turned out to be very good. The apple cake dessert was incredible, and free since it was my and my roommate's first visit. The most memorable part, though, was definitely the owner, Elias, and his almost stand-up comic routine throughout our meal. He told us, for example, that he now "does weddings" (catering) for "only $7-a-plate!" He said to tell all my friends about this incredible deal. After explaining at-length all his ideas for this new service, he deadpans, "I do divorces too! Even funerals!" (I believe he said there would be a discount for buying the wedding and divorce packages together.) Mystic Muffin is one of those rare places that offers good, inexpensive food with incredible (and entertaining) customer service. Hope to go back soon. read more

I always prefer to have meals at small classic family owned restaurants. Their lentil soup relieved my uncomfortable feeling caused by stomach flu. The owners are very friendly. read more

Mystic Muffin - Having small lentil soup at mystic muffin. It is very small classic family owned cafe with excellent - Sandwiches Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Wonderful place, and Elias the owner is a really warm character. If you are looking for chi-chi then stay away. But if good food, great apple cake, a good cup of coffee and pleasant experience then this is a place you have to visit. read more

Go there. Healthy, tasty, generous, and owned/operated by a sweet and welcoming family. What else do I need to say?! We stopped by as tourists and it was a relief to have a regular healthy meal not unlike what we'd prepare at home. I'm sure local business people appreciate being able to stop by here for lunch. read more

Do not mistake the sub par exterior as an indicator of the inside, this is one of the best spots in Toronto for breakfast/brunch/lunch. They do an incredible veggie plate and all the combos are delicious. The owner is an anomaly, outrageously friendly and remembers a face very well. However, the best review I can give is for you to just try it. You won't be disappointed. read more

Walked/drove by this place numerous times and always thought is was a joke. Glad I checked the reviews online! Have been three times now. Sandwiches are amazing. Got a free slice of applecake during my first visit...yummy! I brought a friend the second time and she got free applecake and I got a free cookie cuz I 'referred' her. ;) Elias is hilarious, offered me a free hug my first time and entertained me with his wonderful stories! I plan to make this place a weekly spot. Only downfall is that it closes at 5. read more

This place had good vibes, great energy, and the owner is a fantastic person. The food was fresh, tasty, and hit the spot. This is a nice little gem in Toronto! Enjoy! read more

Mystic Muffin - Cute little saying... - Sandwiches Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

The owner is worth the price of admission by himself, but the food is a nice little bonus. We came in for breakfast and had a good bagel and egg sandwich and some coffee. What set the place apart was the fantastic hummus and the banana and apple breads. A+ all the way. Go check it out and enjoy your visit. Reminds me of a Seinfeld type place, definitely recommend. read more

Got the Better Life Combo, which includes green salad, cabbage salad, hummus, chickpea salad, potato, rice, 2 falafels and a choice between pita and cookie for only $9.50 including tax! Their falafel is the best falafel I have had: it is crispy when you bite it but soft on the tongue. On your first visit you also get a piece of apple cake. read more

This little shop is so cute and quaint. I walked in and was immediately made to feel welcome. With all the combos available, I got slightly confused so I finally told the owner to 'surprise me with what you have'. He went on to compose what he calls 'his best sandwich' - chicken potato with eggplant and a million other toppings. I got the soup combo and a free apple cake (yay!). I proceeded to take a seat in-house and sample the fare. FYI, the diner is smallish yet cozy - I could totally spend my time in here reading a paper and sipping a tea. Boy, was I surprised at how GOOD this sandwich was. I did not expect the explosion of flavors or the smoothness of how everything melted together. The spiciness of the potatoes was just perfect! I wanted to tear it apart to see exactly what he threw in there but was afraid of not being able to wrap it back together. Everything was soooo FRESH as well ... as for the apple cake and soup - they were great too. But after eating the sandwich, I just couldn't take my mind off how perfect it was. I must return. And soon. No pics. Sorry. It is really the inside of the wrap that counts anyhow. And you can't see the inside. You will just have to come to Mystic Muffin yourself to experience it first hand. read more

How do you like them apples? I can tell you that I certainly like them in Elias' famous Apple Cake! Moist, apple-icious cake baked with a perfect crumble topping is a temptation that is hard for anyone to resist. And yes the rumours are true - first timer's are handed a very generous complimentary piece. Mystic Muffin is a breakfast-lunch joint with personality... Elias and Wonita's personality. The duo will make sure that any stranger who walks through their doors is no longer a stranger when they walk out. As for the other menu items - because I have been spoiled with the availiability of fantastic Middle Eastern cuisine in Ottawa, I can't honestly say that the rest of the menu would keep me coming back. ...but for some delicious apple cake that is so good that it must be forbidden? Definitely. read more

Decided to try this place today due to all the great yelp reviews... My first impression when I walked in was that the place was tiny, but I didn't let that change my option on the food. The staff were friendly and we're very inviting. But after looking at the menu board, I quickly came to the realization that nothing on the menu really appealed to me. I ended up making a custom sandwich with potatoes, rice, tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, some sauce and spices and got a spicy beef patty as well. Unfortunately there was no sliced meat (chicken, beef, etc.) to put into my sandwich, so I essentially ate a vegetable wrap. It was not bad, but not for me. If your vegetation or like vegetation food, I would recommend checking out this place as the prices are cheap and the quantity is good. But if you are like me and want some meat in your sandwiches, I suggest looking elsewhere. read more

Super frindly staff! Their lunch combo really hit the spot. I never thought vegetarian food could be so satisfying! Oh, and not to forget their apple cake - too good! read more

Went for an early breakfast on a weekday. Saw some positive reviews here and it was also a seven minute walk from our hotel. The place does look a little dive-ish, but it looked clean. We ordered take out and ate in the park near the store. I ordered the toasted bagel with cheese and tomato and my friend ordered the apple cake. I only took one bite of the apple cake, and it was pretty good. The top was nice and crunchy and the inside was soft. The bagel tasted fresh and the toppings were good. read more

Absolutely love the apple cake! It tastes homemade. Reading all the reviews below, I have to try the food as well! Can't wait for my next trip. The owner, Elias is an amazing person to meet. Very friendly, even to a total stranger. I don't think I've ever met someone quite so trusting. read more