What makes Montreal unique among other Canadian cities is its European vibe. The fact that French is used universally throughout the city makes you feel like you’ve landed in Europe, yet the fact that English is still used makes it comforting. It’s a completely different city than any other, with a mixture of European and North American cultures.
So, how else are you supposed to experience this clash of cultures other than their food? Here are 5 must-try bakeries and pastry shops in Montreal.
Guillaume
Photo courtesy of Boulangerie Guillaume on Facebook
If you love baguettes, put this place at the top of your list. This boulangerie is a bit far from the Orange line Metro, but its traditional French bread is to die for. Not only do they have a wide variety of bread, from baguettes and croissants to brioches, but they’re all relatively inexpensive as well. Make sure to get there early in the day for the freshest goods and the shortest lines.
Au Kouign Amann
Photo courtesy of merlejajoonas on flickr.com
Flaky pastries are the way to go at this pastry shop. One of the first sights when stepping into Au Kouign Amann is the kitchen in the back where the chefs are preparing all the pastries by hand. It’s completely mesmerizing to see them create everything seen in the front of the shop. As for their food, this local treasure has many of the traditional French pastries. It also has impressive coffee and tasty raspberry juice. However if you’re looking for their best pastry, their namesake, the kouign amann (a buttery French donut-hybrid) is the one to get.
Mamie Clafoutis
Photo by Irina Chalaguina
A highlight in the Plateau Mont-Royal area, Mamie Clafoutis is like a bread lover’s dream. You can’t go wrong getting one of their almond croissants, pistachio croissants, or one of their fantastic loaves of bread. Make sure to head in early, because it’s likely that there will be a long line for their delicious pastries and other offerings. Unlike some of the other bakeries on the list, Mamie Clafoutis has a large seating area upstairs, so definitely grab one of their coffees and make yourself at home.
bar à beurre
Photo by Victoria Guo
Located on the north side of Old Montreal, this European-style cafe and pastry shop is a must-visit for those who love flaky pastries and good coffee. They have an assortment of delectable mini cakes, macarons, and danishes. However, what really makes this place unique is their high tea. You’ll feel like royalty with gorgeous china, and tasty tea cakes, biscuits, and sandwiches. But no matter what you choose, you’ll get something that’s addictively delicious.
Maison Christian Faure
Photo courtesy of @maisonchristianfaure on Instagram
Located on a small hidden street in the middle of Old Montreal, this pastry shop is the most upscale one on the list. What makes this place special is that all of its chefs have received the title of Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, meaning that the pastry chefs there are the best of the best, and that is no exaggeration. All of their pastries are absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and equally melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Most of their pastries are a bit expensive, but it’s worth the splurge.