Liam TrudeauDough you know? These are the spots to go for the best croissants in Montreal
If you’ve ever bitten into a croissant so good it made you rethink every mediocre one before it, you know the feeling – pure, flaky bliss.
Montreal is no stranger to the art of pastry-making, and if there’s one thing this city takes seriously, it’s a good croissant. And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy one.
From cosy bakeries tucked into charming neighbourhoods to bustling cafés serving up some of the best cheap eats in Montreal, there’s no shortage of spots to indulge in a perfectly crafted croissant.
In the name of buttery research, we went on a mission to track down the best ones. The kind that shatters into a million crisp layers, leaves your fingers delightfully greasy, and makes you wonder if you should just move to France (or, simply stay here in Montreal).
Kouign Amann Bakery
Media credit: astravel_eats
Location: 316 Mont-Royal Ave E
Contact: +1 514-845-8813
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Saturday – 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Pricing: $
For over 35 years, this bakery has been a must-visit for pastry lovers in Montreal. While named after the famous Breton pastry, its croissants are just as impressive—perfectly flaky, rich with buttery layers, and boasting a golden shell that shatters with every bite.
Many locals claim it’s one of the best in the city, and we’re inclined to agree. You can try their cheese croissant for $3.50 or indulge in the almond croissant for $4.25. Either way, you’re in for a treat that’s as authentic as it gets.
| Pro Tip: Get there early—their croissants are in high demand, and nothing beats one fresh from the oven. |
Croissant Croissant
Media credit: croissant_croissant
Location: 2270 Mont-Royal Ave E
Contact: +1 514-543-0103
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $
This place is all about quality. They serve the classic butter croissants that are absolute perfection, pain au chocolat that’ll make you dream of moving to France, and even kouign-amann for those wanting to be transported to Brittany.
Every pastry is a work of art. With each bite, you’re met with the glorious combination of a flaky outside and a soft, buttery inside that melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re looking to relax with your pastry and coffee or grab your baked goods on the go, this spot has you covered. The service is quick and efficient, making it perfect for any pace.
| Pro Tip: Looking to try something a little different? Regulars swear by the cheese croissant and the two-tone caramel croissant. Both are absolutely worth it if you’re craving a distinctive pastry experience. |
Hof Kelsten
Media credit: hofkelsten
Location: 4524 St Laurent Blvd
Contact: +1 514-649-7991
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $
Hof Kelsten is a bakery that’s been a major player in the artisanal baked goods scene since 2013. The brains behind this operation is chef-owner Jeffrey Finkelstein.
Finkelstein’s resume is nothing short of jaw-dropping. He’s worked at culinary heavyweights like Per Se, The French Laundry, and Noma. At Hof Kelsten, he masterfully blends traditional Jewish baking with modern techniques, resulting in pure magic.
Their croissants are legendary, often hailed as some of the best in Montreal. And they should be, with all those flaky and buttery layers.
If you’re visiting on the weekend, their brunch is a must-try. Think shakshuka with merguez or challah French toast topped with veal pancetta – absolute perfection.
| Pro Tip: If you’re looking for something special, go for their chocolate babka. It’s a beautifully braided pastry that’s soft, decadent, and filled with rich chocolate. |
Boulangerie Chez Fred
Media credit: foodiefork
Location: 5338 Sherbrooke St W
Contact: +1 514-395-2716
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday – 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Pricing: $
This place is all about authenticity. Everything is made in-house every single day. They stay true to traditional methods and use top-notch ingredients – you can taste the difference.
Their croissants are frequently praised as some of the best in Montreal. Expect perfectly flaky, buttery layers that practically melt in your mouth.
But croissants are just the beginning. Boulangerie Chez Fred has a tempting assortment of pastries like pain au chocolat, almond croissants, and an array of beautiful tarts.
And their bread? Equally impressive. From classic baguettes to sourdough loaves and speciality breads, each one pays homage to the rich tradition of French baking.
| Pro Tip: Make sure to try their ham and cheese croissant – crispy, buttery, and packed with smoky, cheesy goodness. A must-have for regulars! |
Guillaume
Media credit: guillaumebakery
Location: 5170 St Laurent Blvd
Contact: +1 514-507-3199
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: $
Founded in 2010 by Guillaume Vaillant and Valériane Lamirande-Gauvin, Boulangerie Guillaume takes its name from the French tradition of bakers naming their shops after themselves.
What began as a humble neighbourhood spot quickly gained a loyal following, thanks to their dedication to quality baked goods. Their popularity skyrocketed, leading to a move into a sprawling 4,000-square-foot space to keep up with the growing demand.
Today, Boulangerie Guillaume is a true powerhouse, producing nearly 80 different homemade products daily. You’ll find traditional French breads, speciality loaves, and mouthwatering sourdoughs.
Their croissants deserve special recognition – consistently ranked among the best in Montreal for their irresistible flaky, buttery layers.
| Pro Tip: Boulangerie Guillaume has a cash-only policy for purchases under $5. To avoid any inconvenience, make sure to have some cash on hand. |
Mamie Clafoutis
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Location: Various locations in Montreal (Saint-Denis, Van Horne and more)
Contact: You may contact them here
Pricing: $$
Mamie Clafoutis is a place that’s a love letter to traditional French baking. They take quality seriously, using top-notch ingredients – often organic. They even use Canadian flour from La Milanaise Mill.
Their dedication to authenticity shines through in every bite. This bakery also offers a fantastic array of freshly baked goodies. You’ll find bread and those beautiful, flaky croissants everyone craves.
But the treats don’t stop there. There are also pastries, cookies, quiches, and other options to tempt you.
| Pro Tip: Make to visit their charming tea room upstairs. It’s a tranquil little haven tucked away from the street-level hustle, which is an ideal spot to enjoy your treats and a beverage. |
Duc de Lorraine
Media credit: ducdelorraine
Location: 5002 Chem. de la Côte-des-Neiges
Contact: +1 514-731-4128
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Duc de Lorraine is more than just a bakery – it’s a full culinary destination. They offer an extensive menu of pastries, viennoiseries, and French bistro specialities.
Their croissants are renowned for their buttery flakiness and have earned critical acclaim. However, the deliciousness doesn’t end there. Duc de Lorraine also offers traditional delights like mille-feuille and Saint-Honoré, all made from time-honoured recipes.
You can enjoy a complete French culinary journey, as they serve brunch, lunch, and dinner. The menu features everything from quiches and sandwiches to more elaborate dishes.
Adding to the charm is their location directly across from Saint Joseph’s Oratory. It provides a picturesque view that enhances your dining experience.
| Pro Tip: Stay in the know – sign up for their newsletter to stay informed! |
Ô Petit Paris
Media credit: boulangerie_opetitparis
Location: 1592 Mont-Royal Ave E
Contact: +1 514-528-6488
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Ô Petit Paris is a relative newcomer to Montreal’s bakery scene, having opened its doors in 2020. Founded by brothers Maxime and Bastien Mottier, this bakery focuses on bringing an authentic Parisian experience to the city.
They offer a tempting selection of artisanal breads, pastries, and viennoiseries. Their croissants have quickly become a favourite in Montreal. They are often praised for their perfectly tender, airy interior that melts in your mouth.
But the goodness doesn’t stop at croissants. Ô Petit Paris also boasts an irresistible array of pastries. These include pain au chocolat, almond croissants, and tarts.
| Pro Tip: While their croissants shine, don’t miss their award-winning baguettes! Ô Petit Paris earned second place in a city-wide competition and won the public’s choice award. |
