I read the reviews and expected a warm welcome but got a bum rush service with no friendly service. Totally disappointed. Too much hype. As for the vegetable platter, it was not as flavourful as I had expected. I ordered the egg salad sandwich, which was good but I have had better. I thought he could have put more egg salad in the pita instead of filling it with lettuce and onions. I got a free oatmeal cookie. It was dry. However, I did the apple cake and that was delicious. So it got a star. read more

I finally gave this place a try after several years of walking by it - thanks to the Yelpers to assuaging my skepticism. The name and look of the outside reminds me of some shop in Amsterdam. I got a combo for 7 bucks including tax - lentil soup, falafel, and apple cake (upgraded from a cookie for free since it was my first time). Apple cake - lives up to the hype. Sweet, soft, substantial but not heavy...mmm...5 stars Lentil soup - fresh, delicious, mmmm...4 stars Falafel - balls heated in microwave; toppings were dry...OK sandwich...2.5-3 stars Had a nice chat with Elias throughout my meal - adding a star for the niceness and the prices... I don't want to overstate my experience, but for a very cheap, good, no frills, friendly lunch...don't hesitate to go here read more

I f@%&in love this place. It's so kitsch but the food is great, the owners are amazing and the apple cake is to die for. I have lived so close by for years and it's a shame I only discovered it last year. The veggie falafel plate is so good. I love a meal with a ton of options. The lentil soup is amazing, the wraps are great. I love everything about this shop. read more

"My best friend and I got to Mystic Muffin right as the owner was closing for the evening. Thankfully, he still had some Apple Cake for sale. We had intended to purchase 2 slices...one for each of us, but the owner convinced us otherwise. We ended up buying a whole sheet of the cake. We were worried that it would spoil before we would be able to eat it all. He promised us that the cake would stay good for about a week as long as we wrapped it back up. WE FINISHED IT IN ONE DAY. Yes, it was THAT good." Stella Lai wrote. That's what my best friend wrote. Now time for mine. I don't remember the price, but I would pay about 20-30 dollars for this apple cake again. It is a hole in the all, but damn, worth every effort to walk here, wait (if there were a line) and pay 25 dollars for a cake. When you chomp on this, there is a crunchy consistency for the top layer, bits-o-apples in every bite, and it just melts in your mouth. Not sweet at all like an apple pie or a lattice pie. It is moist but doesn't fall apart. I will finish this by saying this: the next time I fly into Toledo, OH I would drive 4-5 hours to Toronto, Canada, just to get me some apple cake. read more

This place is absolutely a gem. Located just a few blocks north of the st Lawrence market. This is the best place to get an home made apple pie cake. The atmosphere is not pretentious and the people working there are really nice. It is cash only so don't forget to go to the ATM first. The first time I went there I didn't have any cash and the guy told me "just take it and pay me later" I was like what?! You might never see me again it was my first time, but the friend who was with me gave me some cash so I could pay without having to go out feeling like I just robbed the joint. They have chocolate chip cookies that are really good as well and also their coffee is not bad. You can try it and I assure you won't definitely be disappointed. Also you can get the cheapest bananas I have ever purchased. read more

VIBE This is a place that's in the middle of nowhere but really in the middle of everywhere because it services all of those working in nearby office buildings disguised as lofts. I've only been once but you only need to go once to know Elias's name. Oh, and he'll remember yours too. Dude has the memory of an elephant, so I'm told. He'll chat up a storm with you. I ATE I think I was cash strapped that day but I was in luck because I got the fameux Apple Cake. It was tasty. What a nice surprise! That said, there's lots on the menu but nothing really screaming out at me. Very reasonable prices. OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK There's definitely something mystic here. I just don't know if it's the muffin. read more

Loved this charming place. The owners run the simple resto. The food is good and inexpensive. I enjoyed the vege platter that everyone raves about. I suggest trying that with a piece of apple cake. Filled with personality in the décor and the owner. read more

See all

I checked out this place purely based on the reviews on the apple cake. The cake is amazing as everyone says and their food was pretty good too. I had a Eggplant wrap. The owner said, "oh we're kinda low on eggplant. Tell you what, well throw some potatoes in there, oh and some cabbage, you like cabbage? It'll be great, trust me." The owner was really friendly and I will definitely return for that cake. read more

Such a hidden gem! Great for a super affordable lunch that's fresh and delicious. The reviews are all true the apple cake is out of this world! Family run business for almost 30 years. Definitely need to support this small business during these hard times! read more

Been here twice in a week and this place is just great. Veggie platter was tasty! I am such a carnivore but I reallt enjoyed the platter. The apple cake is so famous I do not need to say more. I am yet to try a piece thats hot though. Also I admire the owners effort to help the homeless people in this area. They are just nice people and I would come here for lunch as often as I could, it is a 30 mins walk to and from my work but totally worth it. Plus, the food is cheap. read more

This is a small independent place, food and service are great. Lots to choose from, nice family style place to grab a quick bite. read more

This is definitely one of Toronto's hidden gems. The food is fresh, delicious, and very affordable - I started frequenting the place as a summer intern working in Toronto, and it was definitely within my budget. I will echo what others commenters have said and confirm that I too received a free slice of apple cake my first visit there! Now that's knowing how to draw in a customer! What's more is that you'll never see a more enthusiastic and friendly salesperson than the owner. He's even got a precious little protege in his young daughter who makes it her mission to sit with the customers whenever she can. Just remember - cash only! read more

On a trip to Toronto and it was a hidden gem we're glad we found . Food was real good, inexpensive and owner was interesting to chat with. We had the sandwich wraps in pita bread with egg salad and tuna salad, and lentil soup before heading back home on a 6 hour drive. Your place made me smile looking back at how well the trip turned out, and glad it was wrapped up spontaneously coming in for lunch at the Mystic Muffin :) I'm coming in here again next time I'm in town!!! read more

We hit up an estate sale at an old and very cool refurbished barn in Cabbagetown and this place caught our eye. Mesmerized by its mysticism and strange quotes adorning the facade we went in. Thrown off by the name -- this one man joint dishes out Lebanese food deli-style and prides itself on their notorious apple cake... Not magical, mystical muffins;) Ahhhh that's where the mystical part comes into focus. We each had the falafel pita--traditional, simple and tasty, it hit the spot. We didn't buy the apple cake, although the owner had some great persuasion tactics, he ended up giving us a taste-- it was good, it's just something I wouldn't generally buy. Good for a quick bite and pretty cheap too, I think the falafel pitas were $4 each... But if you're not interested in the apple cake you're going to have to be firm, the owners' sales skills are top notch;) read more

Their Apple cake is the stuff of dreams! My friend is addicted to it but I had not had the chance to try it until this Friday. 100% worth the hype, very affordable and extremely seasonal right now as well. Support this sweet family run business!!! read more

They do a very good lunch. The peice is very reasonable and the guy who worked there was very friendly and even offered me a discount. I would highly recommend this place for a coffee and a muffin or a sandwich for lunch read more

I am a big fan of Elias who owns this place.. He is such a nice, jolly guy that he drives your cares away! The first time I went there, Elias told me about how he'd serve my mother when she was pregnant with me! So untrue, but so funny! For its small size, Mystic Muffin does quite a few things at once: sell coffee, baked goods, salads, felafels and patties! Mystic Muffin will satiate your stomach with some decent cheap eats. I've have the lunch combo: a smattering of salads and felafels for just 6 bucks! The food is pretty ok, the apple cakes are over-par and Elias is just smashing! The place is clean, no frills but invites some sketchy characters given the hood it is in. If you're in the hood, don't not miss a chance to go. read more

SOOOO good! Small, family run, modest, and freaking delicious. Very affordable and the menu is packed full of good stuff. Being vegetarian, this place hit the spot! I'd definitely recommend getting a variety of stuff to try and I'd also recommend chatting up the owner if he's not too busy. He has a great personality! read more

My best friend and I got to Mystic Muffin right as the owner was closing. Thankfully, he still had some Apple Cake for sale. We had intended to purchase two slices...one for the each of us, but the owner convinced us otherwise. We ended up buying a whole sheet of the cake!!! We were worried that it would spoil before we would be able to eat it all, but the owner promised us that the cake would stay good for about a week as long as we wrapped it back up. WE FINISHED IT IN ONE DAY. Yes, it was THAT good, and yes, we are fatties. read more

SO GOOD! SO CHEAP! From the wraps to the baked goods. It really doesn't get any better than this. Go for the falafel wrap, with everything and extra sauce. Have it with soup and enjoy it while it's hot! I tried the apple cake and the chocolate banana bread. They're both to die for! read more

Stopped in to grab a banana loaf and some of their famous apple cake. At about 1:30 when I went there were only a few baked good left. Apparently this place is very popular! The cake was fresh out of the oven and was tasty - definitely the homemade-goodness I was hoping for. The owner was very welcoming and friendly and the prices were very fair. Only two tables inside but there is a park next door where you can enjoy your baked goods. read more

The service here is fantastic. I have never left this place without a smile on my face. I've only had the apple cake here but it is great. Nice crispy layer at the top and really moist and fluffy on the inside. Plus perfect ratio of apples and 'not too sweetness' that I really like. Highly recommended. read more

I've been coming here for 8 years so a review is long overdue. The place provides amazing home cooked food, one of my go-to places for lunch. Elias is basically a friend at this point - always totally amusing and welcoming. Always fresh and delicious food, and the veggie combo (or does he call it the Lover's combo? Feel good combo? I think it goes by many names) is the most unassuming feed you can get for lunch: tastes fantastic, fills me up perfectly for lunch (my hungry meal of the day) and it was only years later I realized it's vegan. This coming from a total carnivore - somehow it just works. Ironically I rarely eat the muffins even though they are great. The apple cake is fantastic. read more

Apple cake 1000% adore it! Family run business with friendly service and super reasonable prices and portions. Mostly a grab and go place but there were a number of regulars sitting inside. read more

Small little food shop. I had a chicken salad wrap, decent sized, pretty filling, and delicious. Nothing over the top at this place but very simple on the go tasty food. I'd def go back and try other things. read more

Wow what a little gem of a shop in downtown Toronto. Went here because of a tip from a local who said their apple cake is a must try. Walked into this old time bakery with the nice man who likes to talk! Told me there was some apple cake that he needed someone to take off his hands. I told him that was exactly what I was in there for and he served me a huge piece for only $2.50. The cake was so moist and had a great balance of cinnamon, bread, and apple flavoring. Amazing little snack that is a must try if you're in the area. Be prepared for a conversation with the man behind the counter! read more

Mystic Muffin - Apple cake in the park across the street! - Sandwiches Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Family run joint...I like these Mom and Pop places. I finally had to try after walking by so many times and reading all the funny signs on the outside walls. Good vegan options. I tried the vegan plate which came with small portion of three dishes, pretty good. Nothing stood out as amazing...have yet to return. Although, I think the desserts are what people come for. The owner did try and sell me a loaf of bread and some apple cake, but I don't eat sugar so it was a no sell. read more

This place is delicious and so reasonably priced! I had the veggie combo with a slice of Apple Cake. Everything was fresh, tasty and delicious. The apple cake was amazing! They have a nice variety of items on the menu and the owners are very friendly and helpful, not to mention their sweet daughter Stella who joined us for lunch! Love supporting local businesses that take pride in what they do and want to make sure you have a positive experience! read more

Mystic Muffin - Veggie Combo...Yum! - Sandwiches Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Don't let the dated/"run down" exterior scare you, this place is AMAZING! The prices are incredible and the quality cannot be beat. The apple cake is addictive! Best of all the owner is very caring and incredibly friendly. Despite a gritty exterior, the inside of the cafe is kept spotless. Truly, a lunchtime (or anytime) gem located only a few blocks from the core of the Financial Distict. read more

After reading all the reviews about the infamous apple cake, I had to try it out for myself and I'm glad I did! Atmosphere: It has an old school diner type of feel that's clean and inviting. Service: the owner, Elias, is genuinely a nice guy and just wants to take care of his customers. Take a seat and let him tell you a story or two. Food: The pumpernickel bagel was delicious; crispy on the outside, chewy and warm on the inside. The apple cake was amazing; fluffy texture with a crunchy and chewy top - definitely a must try! A guy came in while we were eating and bought a while tray for his sister cause she loves it so much. Tips: Elias talked us into buying a whole loaf of his blueberry banana bread saying that we will not regret it. He was right. I am currently sitting here writing this review while having a toasted slice of the banana bread with my tea (what Elias suggested). read more

Everything you've read about Elias is true. What a wonderful person. The generosity he showed and humor he shared with me and the other customers will not be forgotten. I stumbled in on a Saturday and was immediately baffled by the massive menu and overwhelmed by all the interesting items and positive, inspiring, and often silly phrases he has written all over the place. One thing to note is he has a limited menu on Saturday so half the stuff on the board wasn't offered. Still not enough narrowing for me, as it all sounded good. Sensing my predicament, Elias made a suggestion of a hummus sandwich and lentil soup that hit the spot. I did not try the famous apple cake, but he sent me home with a bonus banana bread that I just finished this evening. It was moist and flavorful 10 hours after it left the store. The food did not blow me away, but Elias sure did. It's clear that he loves his customers and his work more than his pocketbook. It's a good way to live, and I bought the t-shirt to remind me of that. read more

Upon walking in Elias immediately makes you feel welcome. Of course you have all read about his most amazing apple cake. Aside from that Elias makes the best falafel sandwich. As a middle eastern gal myself his is the most authentic in the city. So fresh and delicious! Stop in once and you feel like family forever! read more

I have lunch here everyday it's the best! Falafel wrap, chicken or Tuna wrap delicious! Beef patty or bagel with... Everything you can imagine and just $5! This place it's fantastic! read more

Amazing food! Great healthy options. Favorite lunch spot in the area. Love the falafels.

Over the past couple of years, I've come to Mystic Muffin so many times. It's such a go to place for me. On my birthday I treated myself the huge combo platter, warmed up with a bowl of lentil soup when I wasn't feeling well or brought my friend a slab of apple cake during hard times. Even the simple wraps and sandwiches are a great quick lunch when you're heading out of the city. Elias is such a character and is the reason why his place is so great. read more

I can count on one had the number of small businesses where the owners care more about their customer's than their business model. Mystic Muffin is one of those businesses. Without going into detail, this business owner treated their long time customer's and their first time customers like family. While visiting on Holiday, we decided to stop by Mystic Muffin because it was near the hotel and because of the Yelp reviews. We're very glad we did. Some amazing food ... and even better customer experience. I hope this place is around for a long time. read more

Really enjoyed this, very simple setting but atmosphere is great. As they advertise, you can feel the love and caring they have for everyone. Had a fantastic lentil soup, best I have ever had and very spicy, nice fresh bagel to go with it. My partner had a chicken salad wrap which he really enjoyed, and a slice of their famous apple cake which he was very happy with. While we were there, we listened to the nice man behind the counter and his interaction with everyone was pleasant and caring. Some good daily specials. While I was there some other guests told me about their apple cake, which actually seems to be their most famous and delicious meal. Others recommended the beef paltry and the chocolate cookies with their original coffee. Very simple place, great simple food, go in when you are a little down and you will come out happy! read more

Came at around 10 am- think Elias just opened because it was empty when we came in and he made us feel his freshly baked loaves haha. It's a quaint and comfortable place with nothing extra; perfect for the busy hustle that will happen later during the day. I read about this place on yelp before I went, so I knew I had to try the apple cake- nice crisp on top and bottom, with moist cake and nice apple chunks. It was good :) I appreciate the effort Elias puts into talking with the customers, and after sitting there for 10 minutes and more people coming in, you already know who his regular customers are. Glad he has such a love for the food he makes and for his customers! Will be back to try his $5 sandwiches read more

The mystic muffin is the best! The owner is so nice, his banana bread and apple cake is so delicious! One time I went in and wasn't sure what kind of wrap I wanted so I asked him to make me his favourite and it was so delicious!! Only $5 for a sandwhich! It's perfect if you need to grab something and run, this place is busiest during morning rush hour, lunch, and evening rush hour, for obvious reasons. I would 100% recommend going there! read more

Great place, our friend runs it, gives free cookies to lucky customers! It's amazing! Just trying to support a family(not my family) business read more