Toronto’s Top Delivery: nine first-rate provisioners of groceries, sweets and booze

MCEWAN 38 Karl Fraser Rd., 416-444-6262 Top Chef judge Mark McEwan’s gourmet grocery store delivers simpler versions of his restaurant favourites, like buttery lamb curry or a creamy snarl of bucatini noodles, topped with poached lobster and peppery chorizo. $25 for delivery.

SUGAR BAKING 647-669-9754 Pastry chef Catherine Chen delivers her scrumptious cupcakes by the dozen ($24–$30). She’s a whiz with classics like the red velvet topped with tangy cream cheese icing, as well as more novel treats like the piña colada, made with coconut cake and pineapple buttercream. $8 for delivery.

THE BEER GUY thebeerguy.ca The Beer Guy is basically the same as Always-Dial-a-Bottle, only there’s no surcharge. We asked for a six-pack of Gaymers English cider and the friendly driver went to three locations to find it. The booze showed up in an hour. $10 for delivery.

FOODDEL fooddel.com Launched a little over a year ago in partnership with the city (don’t tell Mayor Ford), Fooddel brings the wares of St. Lawrence Market vendors—stalwarts like Di Liso’s, Seafront Fish and Sausage King—to your door. $10 for delivery.

DESMOND AND BEATRICE 750A Queen St. E., 647-352-2257 The year-old Riverdale shop makes gooey, dense, addictive squares and tarts. Our favourites include the tooth-meltingly sweet butter tarts and the tricky bar—a sticky, crumbly mess of almonds, chocolate, Skor bar and house-made salted caramel. $14 for six bars, plus $12 for delivery.

HALPERN WINE ENTERPRISES 416-565-2829, halpernwine.com The family-run business sources from over 100 international wineries and delivers by the case. The selection is flush with French and Italian vintages, many of which are not available at the LCBO. Order 48 hours in advance. Free delivery.