Where you’ll find the best croissant in Montreal

A true neighbourhood haven in the east Plateau, with comfy colourful seating, a magical hidden bookcase bathroom and weekly events like tarot readings, Le St-Louis is a coffee shop that holds a secret: proper French inhouse pâtissiers. Yes, they make a perfect cappuccino, but the regulars also go for the veritable cornucopia of mouth-watering pastries that greets them every morning. The croissants are bar-none: real great crisp in the peak and points, fantastic lamination, a satisfying pull in the middle and a rich, buttery, caramelized flavour like none other.

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All conversations surrounding croissants in Montreal include the illustrious Hof Kelsten bakery. It is a textbook croissant in every sense of the word: The quality of the golden sheen of their crisp exteriors is rivalled only by how soft and fluffy the interior is, the whole package radiating the scent of quality butter. 

Finding quality food of any variety in Old Montreal can be a tough task without the right reservation, let alone finding croissants on demand. Many bakeries looking to take advantage of over-eager tourists are hawking baked-from-frozen croissants, some even being made—we’re not kidding—without butter. That makes it all the more remarkable that Olive et Gourmando continues to serve an amazing croissant amongst other fine food.

You’ll be welcomed with a yeasty aroma that screams “authentic!” and this French-forward Villeray bakery where the breads are hearty and the croissants are judiciously balanced. Their flavour is deep, clean and fresh, buttery without being excessively rich. The delicate, crispy, flaky exterior holds itself together nicely until you get home, but it’ll flake away perfectly at first bite—and let’s not even talk about the delectable crunch of the tapered ends.