Reviews Mystic Muffin

This spot is by far the most economical spot to have lunch, in the Old Town/ St Lawrence area , if you factor in portion size and quality of the food. Also the most convivial( first time customers get a free cookie) and welcoming. The owners are so nice and friendly. They have been open for 27 years and I wish them 50 more. From falafel to tuna salad, while not forgetting the delicious baked goods, the food is much better than at any other place selling this type of lunch fare. Elias loves his family , his restaurant and his customers. And we love him back! And yes, the apple cake is to die for!

Let's be real here. If you're Middle Eastern, your grandmother/mother make the BEST falafel on the block. No contest. No one comes close. But then, you make that big kids decision to move away from your family for work, school, life, whatever your reason - you're far from the best food you've ever had. Now what? You hear your non-Arab friends talking about this place, "Mystic Muffin" and you think, well, special muffins aren't my thing, I'm sooooo hungry. The convincing game begins. "Look, trust me on this one, lunch is on me. You won't regret it, I promise". So you go, it's a free lunch. Living on a budget is tough. Free is nice, even if it's gross.

You make your way to this purple store, Mystic Muffin is written in red on a white board and you're thinking - oh man, this friend is crazy. Lol. You walk in and there he is. You're greeted by the owner, Elias. You're looking at the menu, you're reading the boards on the wall and you stumble upon his story. He left his city in South Lebanon to come to Canada at 21. Being Lebanese as well, I started asking questions. Likely enough (most Arabs can relate), he knows my uncle - they met when he first arrived in Canada all those years ago. I instantly felt that this was a good choice, I can trust this man to make my food and it would be quite close to Teta or Mom's food.

I ordered the falafel sandwich with the grilled eggplant. Please always order the grilled eggplant. It was fresh, the falafel was so perfectly crispy, the mash up of flavours from the eggplant and fresh vegetables (I suggest the pickled turnips, lettuce, tomatoes and parsley) was a combination of crunch and happiness. If you're considering putting something wonderful in your body, I suggest Mystic Muffin. You can always cheat a little here and try their apple cake - which is completely OUT of this world.

PS. Say Hi to Elias. He's the man!

Perfect neighbourhood spot. I decided to stop by here during my lunch. The owner and his wife were polite and welcoming. Meeting the owner and chatting with him was a hilarious experience in itself. It was a nice break from a busy work morning. Cheap food and warm service.

Great place. Great food and awesome owners. This little shop located on a busy corner of the downtown core delivers hearty meals at low cost. Always a pleasure to drop in and grab a coffee and a sandwich for takeout. They also have tons of freshly baked goodies for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Apple cake!. I lived condos up the block and loved getting a hot muffin in the morning or picking up a sheet of apple cake to take to my mom's house on the weekends. Great staff. Great baked goods. And the muffins are a normal human being serving size- not those ridiculous 700 calorie softball sized things - at a good price.

I live in New Orleans now and am jonesing for an apple cake fix.

Great experience!. While the homemade Middle Eastern food is terrific (I particularly like the falafals) and the apple cake, if it isn't the world's best, it is darn close, it is the owner who is the attraction to this bright little corner of a transitioning neighborhood. If all Canadians had his optimism and work ethic our GDP would be many points higher! There was a post complaining about the street folk. The owner offers day old baked goods 3 for $1 just so these people have something to eat first thing in the morning. I would go to support this guy regardless of his excellent food. He is part of his community and the reality of downtown Toronto. If this is uncomfortable for some, you can live and work in Mississagua.

An Institution. The charming owner is what makes this place so inviting. Food is good; I especially like the vegetarian combo plate.

Popped in for the very first time today after having walked and driven by this corner a million times! So happy I did as the chicken and potato wrap I got for lunch was absolutely delicious. Full of flavour and spice - let the guy behind the counter choose what to put on there for you and you won't be disappointed. The owner is a total character who gave me a slice of apple cake for free since it was my first time in - he then sarcastically told me not to tell anyone about the place HAHA.

Go there (but don't tell him I told you).