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Of all cities in Canada, Montreal has to be one with the most bakeries and the most consistently good bakeries, thus more than worthy of the honour of Top Bakery-Friendly City [in Canada]. You don't have to walk far until you hit yet another source of fresh baked goods and lovely desserts; at times, you're forced into the dilemma of choosing one over another, because there are simply too many in one given area! With different styles, varying price points, and whether you're looking for a fancy sit-down place or a quick bite, there really is something for everyone. Naturally, this may not universally be the case from one end of the city to the other, but if you're planning on doing a bakery tour, Montreal is the place to start.
Things to try: Owing to its French heritage, a typical Montreal bakery will feel a little like stepping into a Parisian patisserie; without a doubt, the most prevalent and omnipresent baked goods are: croissants, chocolatines (also known as pains au chocolat), and chaussons aux pommes (apple turnovers).
In addition, Montreal has a great selection of ethnic bakeries that include Portuguese, Polish, Chinese, and quite a few South American, many of which make really good, traditional treats; in some cases, they are some of the best I've encountered... and you know I'm looking at you, Wawel!
PATISSERIE WAWELJean-Talon Market (+ 3 other locations)
Who would have thought the best Polish doughnuts (pączki) ever came from a small chain of Polish bakeries in Montreal? From one end of the country to the other, searching Poland for something comparable -- no one can beat Wawel. A trip to Jean Talon gets you a choice of filling; apricot and pastry cream are phenomenal.
4379 Boul. Saint-Laurent
This well-established Greek bakery has great prices and a hodgepodge of European baked goods, most of which are laid out enticingly in the window. The cinnamon bun, with its moist dough and flaky exterior, was like the bakery itself: a fusion of some of my favourite cinnamon bun styles, all "rolled" into one. Amazing!
Jean Talon Market (+ other market locations)
While this maple syrup business is based in Denham, chances are you'll come across one in Montreal first. Traditional maple-based tarts, pies, and squares. The maple square was dripping in syrup and had a delicious nutty top; I could not believe how good this simple treat was!
322 Avenue du Mont-Royal E
Tied with Wawel for the best bakery in Montreal, the eponymous treat from this bakery, a pizza-like pastry of folded buttery dough with a top of caramelized sugar is pure heaven. I simply cannot believe how good this thing is. Always the same,
always fresh. Baked throughout the day, these sell out fast
and I know why!
Central Station (+ countless others)
I'm personally not a fan of big bakery chains, so having Première Moisson on the list is unusual and contradictory. The thing is, despite around 40 locations throughout the Montreal area, Première Moisson is actually really, really good: local, additive-free flour, 100% butter and delicious baked goods no matter where you are.
Tour 1: Plateau Mont-Royal
200 Jarry E
This long-standing neighbourhood bakery, patisserie, and chocolate shop in Villeray has people there every morning for their croissants. The real excitement comes in the form of delicious buttery danishes and moist, flaky tarts such as the almond tart. Slightly further afield compared to other stops, but worth the trip.
359 Rue Bernard O
All in all, pricey and almost wouldn't be worth it... if it weren't so insanely good! Hands down the best poppy seed baked good in the city -- and their chocolate babka is close to perfection as well. Unbelievable that it took me this long to find this place!
156 Rue Saint-Zotique
Amazing doughnuts with an insanely soft, slightly chewy texture, a slight crackle on the top of the
glaze and so good. My only problem? I want a bigger one! When you come here, taking standard size is mandatory (unless going in for multiples...)
Tour 1: Plateau Mont-Royal
Is this the most bakery-packed neighbourhood in the country? Probably! Starting out from Mont-Royal Metro, you can go either direction of store-heavy Avenue du Mont-Royal or Rue Saint-Denis. For the more ambitious, keep going west to bakery-laden Boulevard St.-Laurent.
Reviewed Bakeries
1. Au Kouign-Amann; 322 Avenue du Mont-Royal E ✮✮✮✮
2. Marius et Fanny; 4439 Rue Saint-Denis ✮✮✮1/2
3. Boulangerie Vasconia; 4800 Rue Saint-Denis ✮✮1/2
4. Boulangerie Samos; 4379 Boul. St-Laurent ✮✮✮✮
5. Les Anges Gourmets; 4247 Boul. St-Laurent ✮✮1/2
6. Patisserie Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire; 227 Rue Rachel E ✮✮1/2
7. Patisserie Notre Maison; 4101 Boul. St-Laurent ✮✮✮
8. Cafe Mimi; 3970 Rue Saint-Denis ✮
9. Mamie Clafoutis; 3660 Rue Saint-Denis ✮✮✮
10. Boulangerie Guillaume; 5134 Boul. St-Laurent ✮✮✮
A Little Further Down the Map
11. Patisserie de Gascogne; 237 Laurier E ✮✮✮1/2
12. Ta Pies; 4520 Av du Parc ✮✮✮
13. Ana Meilleure Cuisine; 3839 Boul St-Laurent ✮✮✮
14. Patisserie Solignac aka Wawel; 3628 Boul St-Laurent ✮✮✮✮
15. Patisserie Louis de France; 3575 Rue Berri ✮✮✮
16. Premiere Moisson; 860 Av du Mont-Royal E ✮✮✮✮
17. Les Moulins la Fayette; 1481 Av du Mont-Royal E ✮✮✮
18. Les Co'Pains d'Abord; 1965 Av du Mont-Royal E ✮✮✮1/2
19. Le Petit Atelier; 93 Rue Rachel O ✮✮
--. Hof Kelsten; 4524 Boul St-Laurent (at Mont-Royal) ✮✮✮
Not (Yet) Reviewed
20.Boulangerie Seraphin; 5008 Boul St-Laurent 25. Sophie Sucree Vegan; 167 Avenue des Pins E
21. La Baguette Doree; 191 Av du Mont-Royal E 26. Patisserie La Ruche; 4500 Av du Parc
22. Trip de bouffe; 277 Av du Mont-Royal E 27. Cocoa Locale; 4807 Av du Parc
23. Baked2Go Gluten Free; 4255 Boul St-Laurent
24. Passions et Gourmandaises; 77 Avenue des Pins E
Tour 2: Jean Talon Market
A bit more compact and less overwhelming than Tour 1, Tour 2 takes you to my favourite market in Montreal: Jean Talon, which is also home to some amazing bakeries, namely Wawel's best location!
Reviewed Bakeries
1. Patisserie Wawel; Jean Talon Market ✮✮✮✮
2. La Fournee des Sucreries de l'Erable; Jean Talon Market ✮✮✮✮
3. Premiere Moisson; 7075 Avenue Casgrain ✮✮✮✮
4. Au Pain Dore; 228 Place du Marche N ✮✮✮1/2
5. Patisserie de Gascogne; 268 Rue Jean Talon E ✮✮✮1/2
10. Joe la Croute; 7024 Avenue Casgrain ✮✮✮
11. Pasticceria Alati-Caserta; 277 rue Dante ✮✮✮
A Little Further Down the Map
6. Le Pain dans les Voiles; 357 Rue de Castelnau E ✮✮✮
7. Sabor Latino; 436 Rue Belanger ✮✮✮1/2
8. La Miche Doree; 937 Rue Belanger ✮✮✮1/2
Not (Yet) Reviewed
9. Patisserie le Ryad; Jean Talon Market
Notable Finds Throughout the City
A few fantastic bakeries, recommended by me (3 stars and up), that don't quite fit in to any of the sections above:
Patisserie Chopin; 4200 Boulevard Decarie ✮✮✮1/2
Tasty homemade cakes at this Polish deli
Maison Christian Faure; 355 Place Royale ✮✮✮
Go out for something a little more fancy at this chic patisserie in Old Town
Cachitos; 3 Rue Ste-Catherine O ✮✮✮
Venezuelan bakery with small selection of South American sweets
Boulangerie Pinchot; 4354 Rue Brebeuf ✮✮✮
Charming neighbourhood bakery serving homestyle goodies.
Patisserie Rhubarbe; 1479 Av Laurier E ✮✮✮
I may not be running to get a Patisserie Rhubarbe t-shirt, I'm still a fan of their buttery baked goods.
Fous Desserts; 809 Av Laurier E ✮✮✮1/2
This place easily has the best croissant aux amandes in the city.
La Cornetteria; 6528 Boul. Saint-Laurent ✮✮✮
Tried them elsewhere, but no one can seem to beat La Cornetteria's cornetti.
L'amour du Pain; 323 rue de la Montagne ✮✮✮1/2
There's no denying it; their slogan is appropriately enough "masters of flour and happiness".
Yoko Cheesecake; 1455 Rue Peel
The destination for Japanese cheesecake (a few other goodies) in Montreal.
1. Au Kouign-Amann; 322 Avenue du Mont-Royal E ✮✮✮✮
2. Marius et Fanny; 4439 Rue Saint-Denis ✮✮✮1/2
3. Boulangerie Vasconia; 4800 Rue Saint-Denis ✮✮1/2
4. Boulangerie Samos; 4379 Boul. St-Laurent ✮✮✮✮
5. Les Anges Gourmets; 4247 Boul. St-Laurent ✮✮1/2
6. Patisserie Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire; 227 Rue Rachel E ✮✮1/2
7. Patisserie Notre Maison; 4101 Boul. St-Laurent ✮✮✮
8. Cafe Mimi; 3970 Rue Saint-Denis ✮
9. Mamie Clafoutis; 3660 Rue Saint-Denis ✮✮✮
10. Boulangerie Guillaume; 5134 Boul. St-Laurent ✮✮✮
A Little Further Down the Map
11. Patisserie de Gascogne; 237 Laurier E ✮✮✮1/2
12. Ta Pies; 4520 Av du Parc ✮✮✮
13. Ana Meilleure Cuisine; 3839 Boul St-Laurent ✮✮✮
14. Patisserie Solignac aka Wawel; 3628 Boul St-Laurent ✮✮✮✮
15. Patisserie Louis de France; 3575 Rue Berri ✮✮✮
16. Premiere Moisson; 860 Av du Mont-Royal E ✮✮✮✮
17. Les Moulins la Fayette; 1481 Av du Mont-Royal E ✮✮✮
18. Les Co'Pains d'Abord; 1965 Av du Mont-Royal E ✮✮✮1/2
19. Le Petit Atelier; 93 Rue Rachel O ✮✮
--. Hof Kelsten; 4524 Boul St-Laurent (at Mont-Royal) ✮✮✮
Not (Yet) Reviewed
20.
21. La Baguette Doree; 191 Av du Mont-Royal E 26. Patisserie La Ruche; 4500 Av du Parc
22. Trip de bouffe; 277 Av du Mont-Royal E 27. Cocoa Locale; 4807 Av du Parc
23. Baked2Go Gluten Free; 4255 Boul St-Laurent
24. Passions et Gourmandaises; 77 Avenue des Pins E
Tour 2: Jean Talon Market
A bit more compact and less overwhelming than Tour 1, Tour 2 takes you to my favourite market in Montreal: Jean Talon, which is also home to some amazing bakeries, namely Wawel's best location!
1. Patisserie Wawel; Jean Talon Market ✮✮✮✮
2. La Fournee des Sucreries de l'Erable; Jean Talon Market ✮✮✮✮
3. Premiere Moisson; 7075 Avenue Casgrain ✮✮✮✮
4. Au Pain Dore; 228 Place du Marche N ✮✮✮1/2
5. Patisserie de Gascogne; 268 Rue Jean Talon E ✮✮✮1/2
10. Joe la Croute; 7024 Avenue Casgrain ✮✮✮
11. Pasticceria Alati-Caserta; 277 rue Dante ✮✮✮
A Little Further Down the Map
6. Le Pain dans les Voiles; 357 Rue de Castelnau E ✮✮✮
7. Sabor Latino; 436 Rue Belanger ✮✮✮1/2
8. La Miche Doree; 937 Rue Belanger ✮✮✮1/2
Not (Yet) Reviewed
9. Patisserie le Ryad; Jean Talon Market
Notable Finds Throughout the City
A few fantastic bakeries, recommended by me (3 stars and up), that don't quite fit in to any of the sections above:
Tasty homemade cakes at this Polish deli
Maison Christian Faure; 355 Place Royale ✮✮✮
Go out for something a little more fancy at this chic patisserie in Old Town
Cachitos; 3 Rue Ste-Catherine O ✮✮✮
Venezuelan bakery with small selection of South American sweets
Boulangerie Pinchot; 4354 Rue Brebeuf ✮✮✮
Charming neighbourhood bakery serving homestyle goodies.
Patisserie Rhubarbe; 1479 Av Laurier E ✮✮✮
I may not be running to get a Patisserie Rhubarbe t-shirt, I'm still a fan of their buttery baked goods.
Fous Desserts; 809 Av Laurier E ✮✮✮1/2
This place easily has the best croissant aux amandes in the city.
La Cornetteria; 6528 Boul. Saint-Laurent ✮✮✮
Tried them elsewhere, but no one can seem to beat La Cornetteria's cornetti.
L'amour du Pain; 323 rue de la Montagne ✮✮✮1/2
There's no denying it; their slogan is appropriately enough "masters of flour and happiness".
Yoko Cheesecake; 1455 Rue Peel
The destination for Japanese cheesecake (a few other goodies) in Montreal.
+ many more to come?
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