When Vanessa Chiara opened the doors to Holy Cannoli in Toronto’s Long Branch neighborhood, she wasn’t just starting a bakery—she was reviving a tradition.
Cannoli, the crispy, cream-filled Sicilian pastry once reserved for weddings and Sunday tables, is now the star of one of Toronto’s most buzzed-about dessert spots. And Chiara? She’s not just making cannoli—she’s making magic.
“Our cannolis are made with love and passion,” Chiara says. “People taste the difference.”
And they certainly do. Since opening, Holy Cannoli has drawn lineups down Lake Shore Boulevard, with locals flocking for flavors like pistachio, chocolate hazelnut, lemon ricotta, and seasonal limited-editions that often sell out within hours. Whether you order a dozen or devour them solo in your car (we won’t judge), it’s easy to see why people call them the best in the city.
What sets Holy Cannoli apart isn’t just the crispy shells or velvety filling—it’s the story. Chiara comes from a line of bakers, her parents having run Bon Via bakery in Scarborough for three decades. What began as a family ritual has transformed into a community staple. During the holidays, orders triple. For birthdays, weddings, or just a Tuesday treat, cannoli has become a must.
But it’s not just about tradition. Holy Cannoli has made the pastry cool again. With merch drops, delivery options, and viral social media moments, the brand is bringing cannoli into the modern foodie world—one shell at a time.
And yes, there’s merch. “Because why wouldn’t you wear a shirt that says ‘Cannoli Be One’?”
In a city filled with trends that come and go, Holy Cannoli is proving that the classics never go out of style—especially when they’re filled with cream and made from the heart.
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