Business Details
20 Years
experience
Artisan Bakery in St. Catharines | Con Gusto Bakery
Con Gusto Bakery was founded in 2006 with a vision to elevate artisanal baking through time-honored techniques and premium ingredients. Our commitment to quality is rooted in decades of culinary expertise, including Giovanni Stanziano's Red Seal chef certification and hands-on training at Niagara's premier culinary institutions. We specialize in handcrafted breads, pastries, and traditional Italian baked goods, using methods that prioritize flavor development and texture over mass production. Our sourdough starter, nurtured for over 15 years, exemplifies our dedication to tradition.Every product is made without preservatives or artificial ingredients, ensuring our customers receive baked goods that reflect both craftsmanship and care. We serve Niagara residents through our physical bakery and market locations, maintaining a reputation for excellence since our inception. Our focus remains on creating products that transport customers to the heart of European baking traditions while meeting modern expectations for quality and authenticity.
Services
Artisan Breads
Croissants
Sourdough Breads
Custom Pastries
Italian Baking
Market Sales
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We use time-honored baking methods perfected over 15 years
- Our Red Seal certified chef leads with professional culinary expertise
- No preservatives or artificial ingredients in any baked goods
- Sourdough starter cultivated for over a decade ensures authentic flavor
- Handcrafted products made entirely from scratch daily
Services
Artisan Breads
Our artisan breads combine centuries-old techniques with premium ingredients for exceptional flavor and texture. Each loaf undergoes slow fermentation to develop complex flavors, with crusts achieving perfect caramelization through precise baking methods. Ideal for customers seeking authentic, preservative-free breads that reflect traditional craftsmanship.
Croissants
Hand-laminated croissants feature 15+ layers of buttery dough created through meticulous folding techniques. Made with European-style butter and fermented overnight for enhanced flavor, these pastries deliver a perfect balance of crispness and tenderness in every bite.
Sourdough Breads
Crafted using a 15-year-old sourdough starter, our naturally leavened breads develop complex flavors through extended fermentation. The process enhances digestibility while creating distinctive tangy notes and chewy textures that distinguish our sourdough loaves from commercial varieties.
Custom Pastries
We create bespoke pastries for special occasions using seasonal ingredients and classic techniques. From fruit tarts to filled danishes, each item combines visual appeal with balanced flavors, made fresh to order by experienced pastry chefs.
Market Sales
During renovations, we maintain community access through weekly market locations. Customers can purchase fresh baked goods directly at St. Catharines Market (Thursdays/Saturdays) and Welland Market (Saturdays) with expanded offerings upon bakery reopening.
People
Giovanni Stanziano
Founder & Head Baker
Giovanni Stanziano, a Red Seal certified chef with Niagara College training, brings decades of culinary expertise to Con Gusto Bakery. His passion for traditional baking methods developed through experience at Niagara's top culinary institutions, culminating in the 2006 launch of Con Gusto. He personally oversees recipe development and quality control.
Questions
What makes Con Gusto's breads different from store-bought options?
Our breads use traditional fermentation methods and premium ingredients without preservatives, resulting in superior flavor and texture compared to mass-produced alternatives.
Do you offer gluten-free products?
While we specialize in traditional baking, we currently don't offer gluten-free options due to cross-contamination risks in our kitchen.
Can I place custom orders for special events?
Yes, we accept custom orders for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations with advance notice.
Where can I find your market locations?
We operate at St. Catharines Market on Thursdays and Saturdays, and Welland Market on Saturdays during our renovation period.
How should I store your baked goods for maximum freshness?
Store breads in paper bags at room temperature for 2-3 days. Freeze pastries for up to 3 months using airtight containers.
Reviews (4)
Anna Fyfe
Oct 11, 2021
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Best tasting cake we have ever had!! We ordered on short notice and were accommodated even with customizations. The cake was so fresh and so beautiful! I would highly recommend Con Gusto Bakery! You won't be disappointed! 😊😊
Carrie Demers
Jun 12, 2021
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I can’t get enough of the Creme brûlée! Omg it’s so good! Don’t judge! Had their panini buns delivered to our Italiancafe for our Italiano panini and they were a hit! Thanks Con Gusto Artisan Bakery!
Angie Gordon
Jun 03, 2021
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This is my second time ordering from Con Gusto. Today a very lovely lady delivering my order-Thank you! You guys do amazing, bread is always just right and flavourful, today trying wood fire bagels which I… will highly recommend! The flakie just the right filling, fresh whipped cream and buttery melt in your mouth pastry!
Cheesecake and Creme Brulee always a hit in our family and you do not disappoint! Thanks guys for doing what you do and doing it well 😊😊
Cheesecake and Creme Brulee always a hit in our family and you do not disappoint! Thanks guys for doing what you do and doing it well 😊😊
Ellie Rey
Apr 05, 2021
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When a customer makes a recommendation, your come-back shouldn’t be: our customers like it that way! No customer likes under baked Calabrese with a soft crust and a wet dough inside. Uncooked flour is unhealthy.
