BETTER Tarts
A Standout Star on the Butter Tart Festival Circuit
The story of Better Tarts
Behind every memorable butter tart is a baker with a story—and Better Tarts is no exception. Meet Lisa Warr Filion, the woman behind the whisk, rolling pin, and all the gooey goodness this small-town bakery is renowned for. Based in Orono, Ontario, Lisa has called the community home for over twenty years; however, her roots in food stretch back much further. Raised in Markham, she grew up around the family butcher’s shop, Leadbetter Family Meats—a local fixture since 1926. That deep love of tradition and connection is woven into everything she does.
During the COVID shutdown, Lisa shifted from her wellness career to helping with deliveries for the family business. While doing so, she started sharing her homemade banana bread with friends and customers, and in that moment, a new chapter in her life began. Her rich, buttery tarts soon followed, quickly attracting fans far beyond her kitchen. When the shop eventually closed, Lisa continued baking, and Better Tarts was officially established—a clever nod to her family name and a tasty new legacy in progress.
Stay tuned, because what Lisa’s creating goes far beyond the classics — and her story is just beginning. When she’s not busy making sweets, Lisa is also a proud mother to three boys — proof that she can handle tart trays and life with equal finesse.
BETTER Tarts – a Festival Favourite
If you’ve recently attended a butter tart festival and competition in Ontario, chances are Lisa from Better Tarts has already left an impression—either through her growing collection of awards or the crowd that gathers at her booth every time.
Her reputation is well-deserved, but it’s that first bite that truly reveals the story: rich, buttery pastry encasing a gooey, flavour-packed filling that hits all the right notes. Whether you favour the classic style or are eager to try one of her inventive creations, Lisa’s tarts satisfy every time.
Word to the wise—if she’s on the line-up at a butter tart festival, plan ahead. Her treats fly off the table quickly, and once they’re gone, you’ll be counting down the days until your next chance.
Recently, she won top prize for Best Butter Tart at the For the Love of Butter Tarts Festival in Elmira, ON.
The Quest for BETTER Tarts
It all began with a scroll—and a spark. I’d been following Lisa’s journey with Better Tarts on social media for a while, always captivated by the stunning butter tarts and sweet treats she shared. Her posts had a way of making you crave dessert even if you’d just finished lunch. Although we’d exchanged a few friendly comments online, it wasn’t until the Barrie Butter Tart Festival this summer (2025) that I finally met her in person—and let me tell you, her tarts were even more impressive than the pictures.
Sometimes, the universe aligns in the most delightful ways—like crossing paths with a butter tart genius while judging non-traditional entries at the Barrie Butter Tart Festival. That’s how I met the creator behind Better Tarts, whose range of handcrafted pastries had me swooning at first bite. Her stand was directly in front of the stage, and I could see her the whole time from my perch on the judge’s table.
About the Better Tarts
Her range includes classics like Plain, Raisin, Pecan, as well as some non-traditional flavours like Campfire, Cinnamon Swirl, Skor Cheesecake, Turtle, and many others. She also puts her creative spin on the soon-to-be-iconic Biscoff Cookie Crunch. (more on that below—trust me, it deserves its own moment).
Appearance & Pastry Craft
These tarts are baked to a golden perfection. Each one features a lightly bronzed top with the characteristic domed rise that gently collapses, leaving behind an irresistible candied ridge along the pastry edge. It’s a visual hint of what’s to come: excellence.
The crust? Sublime. Delicate, buttery layers that are both crisp and tender. It’s the kind of laminated dough structure that bakers aspire to. A marvel of texture that supports the filling without crumbling or leaking.
Filling & Structure
Inside, you’ll find a thick, velvety filling with the perfect consistency. It is rich and gooey but doesn’t spill from your hands with the first bite. The caramel colour hints at deep brown sugar notes, with a buttery, decadent sweetness that lingers beautifully. The crystallised sugary nugget at the bottom adds that extra touch of blissful decadence to the tart.
The crust-to-filling ratio is a chef’s kiss—just shy of overflowing, creating a perfectly balanced bite each time. This isn’t merely indulgence; it’s precision.
Walkability & Transport Triumph
Butter tart enthusiasts understand the challenge: one slip-up and you’re caught with your dessert smudged. Yet, these tarts are designed for everyday life—they pass the walkability test effortlessly. Even in over 30-degree heat at the festival, then a couple of days on our counter at home, they remained remarkably intact. While a cooler is never a bad idea for transport, Better Tarts proved they are ready for the real-life test.
Bonus Round: Biscoff Cookie Crunch
Now, let’s discuss the Biscoff Cookie Crunch. This little masterpiece was my choice during the unconventional judging, and as a dedicated Biscoff enthusiast, I had high expectations. Just one bite and I was carried away by a wave of butter tart euphoria. Smooth, spiced cookie flavour meets sticky caramel bliss, enveloped in a buttery shell. It was love. It was dessert perfection. This tart is worth seeking out and will quickly become a must-have for every butter tart lover.
In brief, Better Tarts lives up to its name. Whether you’re a butter tart purist or after inventive flavour combinations, this baker knows how to deliver. Be sure to add this stop to your butter tart trail—you won’t regret it.
Beyond Butter Tarts:
Beyond her award-winning butter tarts, Lisa’s baking skills run deep. Better Tarts also offers a tempting mix of sweet and savoury treats. Items include moist banana loaves, freshly baked cookies, rich cheesecakes, and hearty comfort foods such as sausage rolls, homemade soups, and lasagna. It’s not just desserts… It’s a full-flavour experience that keeps customers returning for more.
Butter Tart Tourism
If you’re eager to try Lisa’s famous butter tarts from Better Tarts, here’s how. She is a fixture at the Orono Farmers’ Market every Friday from 1–6 p.m. You can also find her at the Clarington Farmers’ Market in Newcastle on Sundays from 10–2.
If you’re chasing Ontario’s butter tart royalty, look no further than Lisa Warr Filion’s BETTER Tarts—a sweet sensation that’s sweeping festivals from Pickering to Barrie. Born in the quaint village of Orono, these flaky, golden beauties ooze with nostalgic, gooey goodness and have racked up awards like sprinkles on a sundae. There’s no storefront (yet!), but fans flock to her booth at local events and her Sunday morning spot at the Clarington Farmer’s Market in Newcastle. Just follow the buttery aroma—and prepare to fall in tart-love.
If you’re touring around Southern Ontario this season, keep an eye out—Better Tarts appears at festivals and events all over. Follow her social media, bring a cooler, and arrive early… these beauties sell out quickly and for good reason.
