Montreal bakeries are pulling out all the stops this Valentine's Day, serving up a sugary selection that speaks louder than words. From understated pastel cakes that whisper sweet nothings, to giant heart-shaped cookies that shout love from the rooftops, these creations are guaranteed to sweeten the deal with your better half.
For those who like their romance served cold, rose-shaped ice cream scoops offer a chilly declaration of love, while rose-coloured lattés from one local café are like a warm hug in a cup. Going the extra mile to snag one of these unique treats instead of settling for the same old box of chocolates is basically a love language.
Here are some of this year's choice picks for Valentine's Day in Montreal:
Buono Bites
Where: Online only
Cost: $30
Reason to try: You can go cheesy on Valentine's Day… or you can go cheesecake. These boxes of twelve bites, decorated in reds pinks and hearts with icing and sprinkles, are a cute and tasty way to celebrate your love. They're best enjoyed within seven days of receiving your order. Or can be left in freezer for up to month.
Jaimée Sweets & Cie
Where: 1051, ave Bernard
Cost: $25
Reason to try: These "babycakes" offer a slice of love that's big enough to share among two to three people, wrapped in delectable packaging. Whether it's the decadent rose cake with layers of chocolate, strawberry compote, caramel, and vanilla buttercream, or the zesty white cake featuring pink velvet with lime curd and white chocolate buttercream, there's a perfect flavour for your Valentine.
Duc de Lorraine
Where: 5002, chem. de la Côte-des-Neige
Cost: $30
Reason to try: This gorgeous treat is a Red Velvet sponge layered with a generous helping of cream cheese frosting. The French patisserie also makes heart-shaped strawberry shortbread cookies ($16) and raspberry-filled pastries ($8), if you're looking for something else decadently Parisian
Sophie Sucrée
Where: 3770, boul. Saint-Laurent
Cost: Varies
Reason to try: You've got your pick of delectable Valentine's treats from this spot and they're all 100% vegan. Options include raspberry heart Linzer cookies ($10), heart-shaped cherry cheese Danishes ($8) and cherry chip cupcakes with pink frosting on top ($5.95). For larger portions, you can get the 5" Cherry Chip BFF Cake with layers of vanilla sponge ($38) or the red velvet "cheesecake" ($46). And don't miss the artisanal truffles, including pistachio rose ganache and espresso ganache, all hand-rolled and eco-friendly.
Je m'en fous
Where: Online only
Cost: $30
Reason to try: This micro bakery is making macro cookies so you can show your Valentine how much they fill your heart. One giant cookie is 10" long and handmade with semi-sweet Belgian chocolate. You can also get a box of 16 smaller chocolate chip cookies ($34) or a beautiful themed afternoon tea box filled with six sandwiches, battenburg cake, and your choice of jam and tea ($67).
État de Choc
​Where: 6466, boul. Saint-Laurent
Cost: $27.50+
Reason to try: The elevated heart chocolate box features salted caramel, pistachio, yuzu caramel, maple, hazelnut, almond, and Kaffir lime creations in bright colours. There's also a layered more tropical option made with mango fruit paste, white chocolate, meringue, and dark chocolate, topped with a red heart.
More at etatdechoc.com
Café Chez Teta
Where: 227, rue Rachel Est
Cost: $5+
Reason to try: This spot is known for its spicy cardamom latté, but they're also making a special pink Valentine's rose latté, so you can warm your Valentine's heart and tummy. It's made with traditional rose water imported from Lebanon, and topped with rose petals, kind of like an edible and caffeinated bouquet.
Pâtisserie Rustique
Where: 4615, rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Cost: Varies
Reason to try: This gorgeous dessert has a ladyfinger-style base and is layered with red currant jelly and a vanilla Bavarian mousse, decorated with whipped cream, white chocolate and red currant marshmallow ($35). It's an edible work of art that is sure to make your Valentine feel loved. Other options include raspberry Linzer cookies dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with pistachios ( $15), or melt-in-your-mouth pistachio and raspberry meringues.
More at rustiquepiekitchen.com
Gaufres et Glace
Where: Multiple locations; or order online with Uber Eats or Skip the Dishes
Cost: $12+
Reason to try: If your Valentine enjoys a cold treat, you can spoil them with a limited edition waffle and ice cream combo featuring a rainbow swirl, candy hearts, and candy floss topping. It's sweet and irresistible, just like them.
Atelier Biscoui
Where: Order online
Cost: $45
Reason to try: This box is packed with twelve gooey cookies in four flavours: the rich and fruity Berry White, the chocolate erupting Lava Fudge, the warm and comforting Cinnamon Swirl, and the decadent Red Velvet Lindt Heart. Pop these in the oven briefly and you'll get melty goodness that fills your home with that fresh-baked smell.
Crémerie Dalla Rose
Where: 4609, rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Cost: $18+
Reason to try: Predictable bouquets are out this year, you can woo your sweetheart with a single pink rose-shaped ice cream instead. The frozen bloom is flavoured with yuzu, chocolate, and raspberry. The ice cream shop also serves special Valentine's Day red velvet cake with ice cream filling ($25) and Quebec raspberry stracciatella chocolate ice cream ($15).
Blonde Biscuiterie
Where: Pre-order online
Cost: $30
Reason to try: You can grab a box of six heart-shaped cookies online from February 1 to 18 featuring cheeky messages like "xoxo" and "hot stuff," or swing by a location in person on February 14 for some last-minute love tokens. Each box comes with a single short, sweet fondant message because sometimes, one or two words are all you need.
Chef Joseph Awad standing inside Montreal's new Lebanese restaurant Hayat. Courtesy of Hayat Montreal
The exterior of Montreal's new Lebanese restaurant Hayat. Courtesy of Hayat Montreal
The interior of Montreal's new Lebaese restaurant Hayat.Courtesy of Hayat Montreal