Sheliss Bakeshop is a modern Mexican import with an all-day menu that's as capable of satisfying hunger pangs as it is of calming frenzied cravings for sweets. 

Open in Toronto since early November 2024, Sheliss has a long history in Mexico City, where it was founded by José Antonio Morales in 1991. 

"It's a family-owned business," says co-owner Lizbeth Morales. "Back in Mexico, we have the same business, bakeshops. We decided to bring it here."

"The name," she adds, "is a blend between my name and my little sister's." All four of the Morales siblings now have a hand in running the business alongside their father.

A 15th location of the burgeoning chain, the Corso Italia spot is welcoming and vibrant yet devoid of any overtly Mexican décor. 

"I have seen some places, Mexican places, you can see it's SUPER Mexican. I didn’t want that," explains Morales. "Sheliss is inspired by Mexico. We have some things from Mexico, and we, of course, are a Mexican chain but we wanted to blend in more."

So, in place of cacti and sombreros, tri-colour Mexican flags and papel picado, Sheliss is trimmed in muted tones, with greenery, maroon accents and reams of sunlight bringing every inch of the cheery cafe to life. 

Eye the display case, though, and Mexico's influence immediately jumps out.

Here, dulce de leche buttercream swathes petit butter cakes and a cocktail of milks moisten Tres Leches slices ($7.99); puffy, orange-scented Conchas ($3.75) challenge the limits of their crumbly shells and silky cinnamon-flecked Arroz Con Leche ($3.75) flirts modestly amidst an army of more ornate temptations.

Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sheliss' menu caters to early risers, a midday crowd and those looking for snacks later in the day. Beyond traditional Mexican items, the bakery also offers plenty of sweet and savoury options inspired by France and North America.

"We choose the menu depending on the flavours I like, my dad likes. We're also inspired by many places we’ve been," says Morales. "We scout around the area to see what are the flavours that people like."

With a menu that is in constant flux, the team is also always open to new ideas. "We listen a lot to our customers. We take these suggestions so that we can improve and, of course, offer what they are looking for."

For now, first bites take the shape of golden croissants, plain or loaded, hearty breakfast sandwiches, parfaits and veggie-packed omelettes. 

Alongside, there's a selection of essential espresso-based drinks, "not-coffees," including Hot Chocolate ($4.75) made with Mexico's ubiquitous Abuelita brand chocolate, and brisk juices. 

One sip of Hawaii ($6.50), a sunny combo of strawberry, pineapple and eucalyptus, and you're back at the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet of your favourite all-inclusive. 

At lunchtime, the team builds hefty sandwiches on fresh-baked focaccia and sourdough breads. 

Greens and tomatoes make a solid foundation for grilled chicken, the tang of feta and the tart pop of cranberries and grapes in the Special Salad ($10.50). Light honey mustard dressing keeps things bright enough to ensure diners don’t feel too weighed down to tackle dessert. 

And at Sheliss, dessert is a must. Whether you opt for one of the Morales' plump, add-in laden cookies, a brownie, or a tender slice of cake, there are options for the refined sweet tooth, the aggressive one and every other type in between. 

More spartan than visually striking, Cubilete de Queso ($4.75) is a classic combination of melt-in-your-mouth pastry crust and subtly sweet cheese filling. A treat that delivers an elegant dose of sweetness, as opposed to an intense sugar rush, it's creamy, crumbly and light, and may just be one of the cafe's overlooked stars. 

A cute cake made for solo diners, Lemon & Poppy Seed Bundt ($4.75) is zingy and moist, with a hint of naughtiness care of its lavish crown of whipped cream. 

More than 30 years after the company's first location opened in Mexico, Shelíss Bakeshop Cafe is now nicely ensconced in Toronto.

"It's been a lot of hard work," admits Morales, of opening the 15th location in a new city and country. Still, that's no reason to rule out expansion. "Probably after the first year, we will start thinking about a second location," she laughs.

Sheliss Bakeshop Cafe is located at 1154 C St. Clair Avenue West.