And if you love these flaky, buttery morsels of happiness as much as I do, then sit down, because you're pretty much in for the best news of your life.
La Fete Du Croissant, an annual province-wide one-day initiative to promote the true artistry that is the croissant, is set to be taking place again in May 2017.
Last year, a whole bunch of Montreal bakeries participated in La Fete Du Croissant, like Duc De Lorraine, Bar A Beurre, and Fous Desserts, just to name a few.
And, the best part? On this day, a croissant from participating bakeries will cost a grand total of $1. That's right, friends. A dollar for the world's greatest breakfast pastry. Excuse me while I weep real tears of happiness.
Although there aren't too many details available for 2017's edition of La Fete Du Croissant, we can tell you that it'll take place in May.
But make sure to keep your eyes peeled on their website for updates.
There are some amazing cuisines in Montreal, we all know this. Around almost every corner in this city you're bound to run into an amazing dinner restaurant, a cute cafe terrasse, or a classic French bakery. That's just one of the great things about this city, it has so much to offer us!
The best thing is that if you walk into any of those French bakeries you're bound to have some of the best croissants you've ever had in your lifetime. But if you want to do your research, then I'm here to help. Below is a list of some of the most amazing croissants this city has to offer, and I'm sure you'll understand why!
This amazing pastry and dessert shop is located right here in Montreal and should definitely be your next stop for croissants. They feature their amazing almond croissants, chocolate croissants, and plain croissant which are all melt in your mouth delicious! This award winning spot is also home to some amazing chocolate desserts like their chocolate eclairs!
This amazing pastry shop has features the best view of the St Joseph's Oratory, and has some seriously awesome croissants. They are known for their unreal almond croissant with the perfect amount of chewy and sweet filling, your mouth just won't be able to get enough!
This spot is most definitely my favourite on the list. The croissants here are out of this world amazing! My favourite ones here are their chocolate almond croissants, yes that's right, chocolate and almond together in one croissant. It's so good you'll definitely be coming back for more. This shop also has some amazing brunch meals, macarons, and other amazing desserts to choose from!
This is definitely a Montrealer's favourite choice for croissants and classic French lunch items. This little bakery is constantly busy because it's just so popular. They have some amazing croque monsieurs and quiche for you to enjoy a nice lunch. Their croissants are flaky and butter and baked to golden-brown perfection!
This adorable little French bakery has 5 locations around Montreal, clearly proving it's one of the best. They have some amazing flavours of croissants like their pistachio croissant or their ham and cheese croissant! Whichever one you choose prepare to be amazed. You'll be rushing back to one of these shops very soon, I guarantee.
This Montreal bakery is highly adored by the customers who regular it, and for good reason. They have some very unique items on the menu, such as their white chocolate and vanilla champignon bread or their cheese and fig bread. Some other popular items include their croissants of course! They sell mini chocolate croissants and almond croissants, baked with not only the almond paste inside but also full slices of almonds as well! Choose a selection of your favourites from their fully stocked shelves in the mornings and you're set for the day!
Definitely a winner on this list, this little Montreal bakery has it going on. Their croissants are seriously awesome! You have to try their maple croissant, plain croissant with apple and cheddar or their almond croissants. They have so many other amazing pastries to test out, you should definitely make a few trips to this spot!
Hof Kelsten is a traditional Jewish bakery taking a twist on classic family recipes. Some of their amazing recipes include the classic Mazto Ball soup and their awesome challah bread! Definitely two of my favourites. They also do their own take on French baked goods and do a pretty darn good job as well. Their croissants are out of this world amazing, so flaky and delicious!
La Grange du Boulanger definitely has one of the most unique croissants featured on this list. They feature a croissant infused and coated with raspberry! The raspberry adds a tangy, sweet flavour to your already savoury, buttery croissant that you can't help but love. This spot also has some awesome almond croissants if raspberry just isn't your thing.
This adorable little bakery is home to some amazing sweets and desserts. If you're looking for an amazing spot to bring your best friends for a high tea date, this is the spot. You can get some delicious teas, finger sandwiches, classic macarons and of course croissants! Their almond croissant is the best and I guarantee you'll enjoy your high tea experience as well as the croissants.
When you're rushing through your morning routine, sometimes making a filling, healthy breakfast can fall by the wayside. And it's totally understandable, because sometimes, you just don't have extra minutes to spare.
But everyone knows that if you miss breakfast, you're missing an important meal that sets the tone for your energy levels and food choices for the rest of the day. Personally, I find myself pretty irritable if I miss my morning meal.
With all the extravagant brunch restaurants in Montreal, it seems like a quick, affordable breakfast is becoming harder and harder to find. But of course, that's not true - you just have to know where to look. Whether you're in a hurry, have a little free time, or want to treat yourself to a sit-down meal, here are some excellent choices for a cheap, hearty weekday (or weekend) breakfast.
This charming little cafe in Old Port serves up some stellar coffee and hot drinks, but their affordable breakfast options deserve just as much appreciation. With classic bagels, and egg dishes, a quick bite here, including coffee, shouldn't run you more than $10.
The cafe is situated within an office building, so it's a popular spot for people to stop by on their way into work. So, if you live or work in Old Port and haven't been here yet, keep it in mind on your next busy morning.
Walk into this bakery on a stressful Monday morning, and the scent of the freshly baked bread and croissants will instantly lull you into a sense of calm and happiness.
This veteran spot in the Plateau is a beloved by many Montrealers, and when you try one of their homemade delights, you'll see why. Best of all, you can definitely get a delicious, affordable breakfast here; whether it's a simple croissant, or their grilled cheese and egg sandwich, trust that it'll leave you satisfied and ready to take on the day.
With all the complex, artisanal dishes being whipped up at trendy brunch spots, sometimes you just want a simple, tasty, breakfast that won't hurt your wallet. Luckily, that's exactly what this long-time breakfast spot in the Plateau can do.
Le Vieux St-Laurent is unpretentious, welcoming, and has fast, efficient service. You can order a classic egg, bacon, and toast meal for under $10, including coffee. On a bustling weekday morning, what else could you ask for?
Need a few things on your way to work, but also hungry for a good breakfast? A neighbourhood favourite, Dep Le Pick-Up, is here for you. Part dep, part restaurant, this quaint spot serves up a great, inexpensive breakfast, with the breakfast sandwich as a notable favourite.
Another bonus: this place has great options for vegetarians (you can get veggie 'ham' on your breakfast sandwich), making it all the more attractive as a go-to breakfast spot.
If you know of Patati Patata, then you know that they serve up amazing burgers, fries, and poutine for super cheap. Well, fortunately for us, the quality and prices are the same for their breakfast dishes, ranging from crepes to egg sandwiches.
Depending on how much time you have, you can either get your breakfast to go, or sit down and enjoy it on one of the cozy bar stools. Either way, don't discount Patati Patata as solely a lunch or dinner place - they shine in the breakfast arena too.
Oh, Fairmount Bagel, you are everything we need in our lives. Honestly, this bagel place deserves so much love - so please, go there and get yourself a fresh bagel for breakfast, and relish in the sheer joy it provides.
Perfect for a breakfast on the go, or a Sunday morning treat, you can order just a plain bagel, one with cream cheese, or a bagel sandwich depending on how hungry you are. Whatever you choose, it won't be more than $10, but it will leave you happier than ever for the rest of the day. Can you really put a price on that?
A Montreal institution, Cosmo's is famous for many reasons: its friendly vibe, huge portions, classic feel, and, fortunately for us, its reasonable prices.
You can easily grab a breakfast here for under $10, and if you live in the area, it's basically a requirement that you come here at least twice for some good eats. The service is also pretty quick, so this spot is versatile depending on your time frame.
Another classic cafe with solid breakfast/brunch options, Toi, Moi, & Cafe serves up the classics at an affordable price. They have their own unique coffee roasts, so get ready to be topped up a few times, because you'll definitely enjoy having your morning cup here.
If you're looking for a simple, no-frills breakfast in a warm, comfortable environment, look no further. This cafe covers all the basics and more.
Two things to clear up: first, this spot is not directly at McGill, or exclusive to McGill students, and second, it's not just a pizza joint. It is, however, a great, relaxed breakfast place, teeming with hungover students. If that's not an indicator for a cheap, tasty, greasy breakfast, I don't know what is.
McGill Pizza offers the breakfast classics, and no need to stress about getting everything you want and staying under $10 - the portions are fairly large, and between the home fries and toast, you'll be good to go.
The best thing about this cozy breakfast spot? You can get a great eggs benny for $10 - or a little bit more, depending on which one you choose.
This is great news, because while bennies are a staple favourite for breakfast or brunch, they're often on the pricier side of the menu. Well, Le Vieux Velo proves that a good eggs benny doesn't have to be expensive to be delicious. The same goes for their other breakfast options, ensuring affordable, great breakfasts all around.
Loved for their fresh baked goods and healthy, wholesome lunches, Olive & Gourmando also has a great breakfast selection. Two of their morning dishes are $10 or under, the notable one being the "chia" bowl, with chia pudding, muesli, banana and coconut.
If you're looking for a healthy, protein-packed breakfast on the go, give this delicious chia bowl a try. Otherwise, Olive & Gourmando has some incredible homemade muffins, croissants and other breakfast delights for fair prices as well.
Along the same lines as McGill Pizza, Place Milton is a student favourite with basic, cheap breakfasts guaranteed to cure any hangover. With delicious home fries, bottomless coffee, and tasty classics, you really can't go wrong with Place Milton.
Head here on a weekend and you'll likely find the place bustling with people (all trying to recover from the night before), but I suspect that on a weekday morning, you'd have the place to yourself. This might just be the perfect quiet spot on a Monday to enjoy your breakfast in peace.
Alright, a delicious, classic, filling breakfast for $3-4? Honestly, you just can't go wrong with Blanche Neige. They prove, without a doubt, that it doesn't take expensive decor or pricey menus to serve up an awesome breakfast.
Head here to enjoy a laid-back, friendly atmosphere - the perfect place to sit back with the morning paper and be lulled by the busy hum around you. If you're a super early riser - I'm talking 6:00-7:00 a.m. - Blanche Neige is truly the ideal spot for you. I mean, a $4 breakfast? It's just what you need and more.
Friends, have you ever experienced pure magic? If you've ever had brunch, then you can confidently answer yes. Yes, you have. Because there is nothing on this earth more magical than the combination of two meals into one bigger, better, tastier super-meal. Thankfully for us, Montreal is full of magical places to eat the most magical meal of the day. And if you're in the Plateau? You've pretty much doubled the luck factor right there. Read on for Best Brunch Restaurants In Montreal's Plateau 2015.
A classic in Montreal, few places come close to the awesomeness that is Beauty's. All of their food is fresh, delicious, and super legit - but their Beauty's Special bagel? Possibly the best smoked salmon bagel I've ever tried. And that's saying a lot. #SmokedSalmonAddict. I don't know what else to say to you if you have yet to try Beauty's, my friends, except this: you need to go there, and you need to prepare to have your brunch game changed.
If you’ve been for breakfast on the Plateau, chances are you know about L’Anecdote. True, there might be a line up, but trust me when I tell you to brave it. The food inside is more than worth it. S/O to their beer braised ham, which is probably the most delicious thing I’ve put in my mouth all week. Also, fruit skewers. So much yes.
If waffle heaven exists, this is it. The waffles at Engaufrez-Vous are fresh, fluffy, and so, so delicious. But guess what? The experience doesn't just end at amazing waffles, my friends. With a friendly and welcome atmosphere, super fair prices, and - I think I mentioned this before - food that's literally like little morsels of happiness, Engaufrez-Vous is a top notch choice for all your Plateau brunch needs.
Alright, I know Hof Kelsten is technically a bakery - but anyone who's been there knows that it also serves up one of the most awesome brunches this side of The Main. This might have something to do with the fact that they use their own fresh, homemade bread in a lot of the dishes (making for some particularly awesome french toast) - but, real talk, it's probably because this place exudes awesomeness from every nook and cranny. Also, those latkes? Oh my God.
Know that sweet looking restaurant you pass on the way to Banquise? Yeah, that's L'Anecdote. And it's freaking amazing. Although L'Anecdote is somewhat more known for their hamburgers, their brunch? To quote my favourite Disney movie: "two thumbs way, way up." Their menu is varied, fresh, and delicious - and although everything is amazing, their omelettes? Five stars. Definitely. Go there now, thank me later.
Do you love crepes? Then you'll love Chez Jose. Because their crepes are some of the best in the city, hands down. Although the brunch menu at Chez Jose isn't humungous - it specializes more in Portuguese dishes - the food is so quality that it doesn't even matter. And, hey, once you're done one of their amazing brunch items (S/O to their fresh, fluffy omelettes), maybe stick around for an amazing lunch, too.
If Lawrence is synonymous with St. Laurent Boulevard, it's not actually because they share the same name. It's because the food here is amazing. And the brunch? Out of this world. Featuring a menu of mainly English cuisine, Lawrence's weekend brunch promises a delicious, unique experience for anyone who's craving food that's a little uncommon - yet still super traditional. Intrigued? Get yourself there, friends. You won't be disappointed.
Three words: chicken and waffles. And, a fourth word: yum. Fabrege boasts a wide variety of unique and yummy brunch fare (crepes stuffed with apples, caramel, and cheese? I’m so there for that), all wrapped up in a friendly and gorgeous atmosphere. A special shoutout, though, goes to their chicken and waffle dish. So crispy. So moist. So salty-sweet. So good.
Like Eggs Benedict? Of course you do. It’s one of the best brunch foods in the whole world (yes, this is my own opinion - but that doesn’t make it any less correct), and Pause et Vous does them up so, so right. But don’t let their amazing Eggs Benedict stop you from trying any one of their other awesome brunch options - which includes a poutine featuring prosciutto. Prosciutto poutine, people. I don’t think it gets any better than that.
Is it even a weekend in the Plateau if you don’t pass by L’Gros Luxe? The answer to that, my friends, is nope. And for one very good reason: their amazing brunch. L’Gros Luxe offers a wide variety of unique, delicious food to fill any brunch cravings you might have. Brunch on, my friends. Brunch on.
You may show your Habs pride by wearing a Jersey or rioting in the streets, but Hof Kelsten bakery takes it to the oven to show their love for the Canadiens. Recreating the French baguette, they have made the Montreal Canadiens baguette.
Hof Kelsten, on St. Lo just north of Mont-Royal (map) are bread bosses for making this ode to all things Habs and sharing it on their Instagram feed. Stuff it with smoked meat and a few poutines and you have the ultimate Montreal sandwich. Just don't get your Habs jersey dirty while eating it.
Cheers to Hof Kelsten because now we can have our Habs, and eat it too. Go grab a Habs baguette today in preparation of Game 6. Go Habs go!
Will you be eating a Habs baguette?
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I love bread and I don’t know many people who don’t. Whether or not you subscribe to a new fashionable restrictive diet, or legitimately suffer from gluten sensitivity, chances are you got down and dirty with a steamy hot loaf at one point in your life. I once pounded down half a round of raisin challah from Hof Keslsten on the drive home without thinking twice about it. If you’re looking for challah to start Shabbat or a sweet loaf to spread your legs, here is a list of places that make fresh egg bread that you need to check out.
Trained chef that worked at some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, Jeffrey Finkelstein brings his love of yeast-leven goodness back to Montreal. Pumping out challah so fast that they can’t slice it for you – the loaf is bigger than the slicer! – This spot on the main has achieved cult-like status amongst locals. Rumored top secret ingredient: celiac tears.
Boulangerie Cheskie
359 BERNARD
The only thing French about the place is the name. A straight up Jewish bakery known for their desserts and indiscriminate black and white cookies that exemplifies race relations Sienfeld would be proud of. Oh, and the challah of course.
Cavallaro
4865 rue Sherbrooke
Amongst the trendy boutiques and coffee shops, the orange mommies of Westmount cop their Shabbat challah at Cavallaro’s. Owner and resident Instagram wizard Tony tantalizes your nose holes with the scent of egg bread baked daily.
Cité Cachere
4747 Van Horne
A pillar of the local Jewish community for all things kosher, this spot is usually the reason behind the row of double parked cars on Van Horne, corner Victoria. A family run business for over 20 years, the folks here know what the people want, and they want challah.
Snowdon Bakery
7385 Harley
Snowdon Bakery products are found in most grocery stores, but why get prepackaged when you can go directly to the source. Located on a on the other side of the tracks in NDG, the spot has a rad baking motif mural on the side of the building. If all else fails, follow your nose.
Homemade Kosher Bakery
6915, av Querbes
Serving the Kosher community for over 30 years, the fine people at Homemade Kosher Bakery make six different kinds of challah for all your challah-ing needs. From pan challah, “special twist” to “Big sweet challah” (which coincidentally is my middle name) they’ve got it.
Kosher Quality Bakery
5855 Victoria
When the P. Minny drops by your spot for the community outreach portion of his campaign, your challah game better be on point.
