10 of Montréal’s best upscale pastry shops
Gastronomy Coffee and sweets
Montréal is clearly blessed with some of the most extraordinary pastry chefs, making the city an absolute must for anyone who wants to indulge in the finest pastries around. These eight upscale pastry shops are worth the trip, not only for their savory creations, but also for the incredible savoir-faire of the artisans behind them.
Pâtisserie Mélilot
Pâtisserie Mélilot stands out for its refined yet creative approach. At the helm, Chef Aurélien has developed a distinctive style that blends the precision of French techniques with bold originality. One of the shop’s signatures is its use of herbal, plant and tea infusions, which bring subtle — and sometimes surprising — aromatic notes. You’ll also find a tempting selection of fresh viennoiseries (croissants, kouign-amann, cannelés), along with a selection of sandwiches to enjoy on site or to go.
1062 Laurier Avenue West
Les Madeleines d’Émilie
At her shop Les Madeleines d’Émilie, pastry chef Émilie gives new life to a timeless classic: the madeleine. Here, the delicate shell-shaped cake comes in traditional, daring and indulgent versions. She loves to play with flavours (matcha, orange blossom, dark chocolate, pistachio, peach-lavender, passion fruit, goat cheese and sundried tomato, blue cheese and pear, for example) and is known to glaze, fill or decorate her creations with edible flowers.
129 Mont-Royal Avenue West
Un Instant en Provence
Un Instant en Provence is like stepping into the South of France, from the warm welcome at the door to that first bite infused with Provençal flavours. Think Tarte Tropézienne, a soft orange-blossom brioche filled with silky vanilla cream; lavender éclairs; or a pan bagnat sandwich. With its bright, inviting atmosphere, the shop is a perfect spot to linger over tea or coffee paired with something sweet.
4835 Notre-Dame Street West
Chez Potier
Part pastry shop, part gourmet boutique, Chez Potier has quickly become a go-to for those seeking a truly high-end experience where quality and refinement come first. At the helm is pastry chef Olivier Potier, who insists on working exclusively with top-tier ingredients, from fine chocolates to farm butters and carefully selected fruits. This commitment shines through in his elegant, indulgent creations, where every detail has its purpose. The refined entremets and perfectly crafted viennoiseries reveal both technical mastery and a constant pursuit of pure flavour. Extend the experience at the fine foods counter, where Caroline Hébert curates rare products through private imports.
630 Wellington Street
Rhubarbe
A longstanding fixture on Laurier Avenue East, Pâtisserie Rhubarbe has made its mark on Montreal’s dessert scene with creations that are as refined as they are elegant. Today, the shop has taken a new direction: rather than running a storefront, chef Stéphanie Labelle and her partner, chef Julien Joré, now focus exclusively on online orders and catering. Signature desserts — lemon tart, fruit entremets, perfectly filled choux, or the millefeuille — are available by reservation only, with Saturday pick-up in Pointe-Saint-Charles.
1320 Charlevoix Street
Pâtisserie Zébulon
Quickly becoming a must on the Plateau-Mont-Royal, Pâtisserie Zébulon serves up an impressive selection of 100% vegan pastries, viennoiseries and desserts, along with fresh breads and gourmet sandwiches. Chef Zébulon’s creations blend bold innovation with decadent flavours, all expressed in a truly unique style. You can order directly online or drop by the shop to enjoy a sweet break while exploring the Plateau.
4522 St-Denis Street
Madeleine
The first thing you’re likely to notice when walking into this elegant pastry shop is the mouth-watering confections, perfectly aligned in the streamlined display case. On one side are the day’s puff pastry creations—croissants, chocolatines, danishes, brioches and more—and on the other you’ll find Paris-Brest, Tropéziennes, cream puffs, mille-feuilles and tarts featuring season-inspired flavours. Although you’ll want to indulge in a few on the spot, remember to take some home to enjoy later!
2105, Beaubien Street East
Café Bazin
This quaint bistro is a great spot to enjoy delicious traditional French dishes for lunch or savour the exquisite creations of veteran pastry chef Bertrand Bazin. Café Bazin has every pastry you could ever dream of as well as everything from tarts to mousses, cream puffs and desserts of all sorts. On the savoury side, here’s where you’ll find the best quiche in town. Café Bazin is, without a doubt, one of the city’s finest.
380, Victoria Avenue
Fous Desserts
Although it is clear to many that Fous Desserts is the place to go for the best croissants in the city, you’d be a fool not to try its magnificent desserts, cakes, pies, Paris-Brest and handmade chocolates, not to mention the vast array of pastries that Hiroko Fukuhara and Carolle De Boisvilliers work hard to prepare every day. As a bonus, the pair is also dedicated to using organic and local products whenever and wherever they can.
809, Laurier Avenue East
Mont Éclair Pâtisserie Chocolaterie
No surprise here—Mont Éclair Pâtisserie Chocolaterie is all about éclairs, with an impressive assortment to choose from, alongside house-made cakes, chocolates, and spreads. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savoury éclairs, with flavours ranging from classic to exotic, this spot is sure to delight any foodie.
33, avenue du Mont Royal Est
Other honorable mentions: Mlle Gâteaux, Patisserie Lawrence V, Le Paltoquet, Duc de Lorraine, Marché Artisans
Original article in French by Tommy Dion, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Tommy Dion
Tommy is a journalist, food critic, and the founder of the blog and gourmet guide Le Cuisinomane, whose mission is to showcase Québec’s local products and gastronomy. With an in-depth knowledge of Montréal’s food scene, his expertise and professionalism make him a trusted source for all the best food spots and experiences in Montréal. In addition to tasting and writing about food, Tommy also creates content for brands, always related to food and gastronomy.