Montreal’s Best Desserts, Cafés and Sweet Food Stops

Vancouver is home—and Toronto, is our second home—but Montreal just might be our favourite destination for treats, sweets and take-home delights. Rich in local tradition and flavours, there's no denying that the Québécois know a thing or two (or three) about the delicious things in life.

From organic maple syrup farms to bean-to-bar chocolate havens, and bakeries serving up the most flaky of croissants, we're rounding up our favourite cafes, bakeries and best Montreal dessert places that know how to satisfy discerning taste buds.

With spots spanning the city centre to short rides out of town, there's something for everyone who wants to get a sweet or savoury taste of Quebec. The best part? If you can't make it to Montreal, you'll find many of the following merchants in our Montreal gift baskets.

Explore the delights of the Good Guide to Montreal and bon appétit my friends!

The best cafes, food shops and desserts in Montreal

1. Les Minettes

Founded by sisters Marie-Claud and Pascale Rémond, who were deeply ingrained in the world of gourmet due to their celebrated chef father, the Les Minettes boutique is a haven for discerning foodies. Nestled in the historic heart of Old Sainte-Rose, follow your nose to find exquisite granolas and spreads, and a curated collection from over 200 Quebec artisans. Above all else, the boutique prioritizes authenticity.

Visitors from as far as Quebec City make the journey, enticed by rare finds and the sisters' dedication to local treasures. Their recent expansion in 2023 introduces a cozy café corner, further cementing Les Minettes as a must-visit for all artisanal aficionados.

Taste test some of Les Minettes's finest creations (alongside Quebec's finest) in our Casse-Croute gift basket. Their crunchy hazelnut chocolate is a favourite in the Saul Good offices.

Location: 148 Bd Sainte-Rose, Laval, QC H7L 1L3, Canada

2. Avanna

Born after an inspiring trip to Oaxaca City, Avanaa is Montreal's bean-to-bar chocolate sensation. Founder Catherine Goulet embarked on a worldwide journey, exploring rich cacao plantations from Indonesia to Peru and returning to Montreal with handpicked Peruvian cacao with which she started crafting unique chocolate with just two ingredients: organic cacao beans and organic cane sugar.

Named "Avanaa," which means 'coming from the North' in Inuktitut, the brand pays homage to Catherine's northern roots. Unlike many chocolatiers who use pre-made bases, Catherine produces her own authentic chocolate, ensuring quality and pure flavour.

Luckily, getting a taste of Avanna's glorious bean-to-bar chocolates is only a few clicks away. 

You'll find Catherine's creations in our all-Québécois basket, Casse-Croute.

Location: 309 Rue Gounod, Montreal, QC H2R 1B2, Canada

3. Fays, Oka, QC

Right in the heart of Oka, FAYS Chocolaterie is whipping up wickedly delicious gourmet delights. These unique confections are a fusion of local terroir flavours and the finest quality chocolates.

Mathilde and her team have been crafting countryside since 2011, believing that Mother Nature is the OG of gourmet treats. They invite you to indulge in an unparalleled chocolate experience that celebrates the essence of the region. With FAYS, you'll savour chocolates that delicately capture the richness of the land and the whimsy of some imagined places.

Location: 47 Rue Notre Dame, Oka, QC J0N 1E0

4. Logan Petit Lot

Inspired by Chicago's Logan Square, Vanessa and Remi founded Logan Petit Lot during their two-year residency in the city. While there, they discovered the diverse uses and nutritional benefits of nuts, leading them to transition to a vegetarian diet. Today, Logan Petit Lot stands for masterfully roasted, responsibly sourced nutty goodness, combined with a relentless pursuit of improvement and, quite literally, aiming to jar-drop their customers with each delicious spread.

5. Allo Simonne

In 2017, Vincent, a former roofer, and Quentin, a trained chocolatier, united their passions to form Allo Simonne. Their dedication to quality and local artistry swiftly earned them recognition, garnering medals at the International Chocolate Awards. Together they craft delectable spreads without any added oils or preservatives, owing to their use of high-quality ingredients. Notably, their acclaimed Jaguar spread clinched gold in Canada and secured second place globally in 2019. Offering a diverse range of nine spreads, every spoonful promises a journey back to cherished family moments and evokes memories of childhood treats.

Location: 5550 Rue Fullum #528, Montreal, QC H2G 2H4

6. Cosman & Webb

Established in 1977 in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, the Cosman & Webb Farm, has been a beacon of organic maple syrup production for almost five decades. Evolving from its humble beginnings with four cows and 400 tapped maple trees to an expansive sanctuary of 6,000 maple taps, the Cosman family's commitment to organic production goes beyond just certification; it's deeply ingrained in their ethos. Today, under the leadership of Daniel Cosman and Sarah (Webb) Cosman, the legacy continues with the introduction of the Cosman & Webb Townships Organic brand. Every bottle embodies their dedication to the environment, organic practices, and the finest maple syrup taste.

Pure, organic, and so darn good you'd think trees were showing off! Don't let your pancakes go without this golden syrup. Grab the full breakfast package, including a full-size bottle of Cosman and Webb's, in our Bon Matin gift basket –pancakes included!

Location: 97 Chem. Kirkpatrick, Bury, Quebec J0B 1J0

7. Léché Desserts

Léché Desserts in Montreal, located in St-Henri, has been a beacon for artisanal doughnuts since it opened its doors on de Courcelles Street in October 2012. Founded by Josie Weitzenbauer, a pastry chef with over 16 years of experience, including 3 years in Europe, the café differentiates itself with its unique, fresh, and not overly sweet doughnut flavours. Apart from its popular doughnuts like cheesecake, Boston cream, and maple glaze with raspberry filling, Léché also serves salads, sandwiches, and coffee in a cozy setting that reflects the brand's playful personality. Striving to deliver Montrealers with innovative dessert creations and using high-quality local products, Léché is a unique stop in the Saint-Henri neighbourhood.

Location: 640 Courcelle St, Montreal, Quebec H4C 3C5

8. La Bête à Pain

With spots in Ahuntsic, Laval, and now Griffintown, La Bête à Pain locations are sprouting faster than yeast in warm water. More than just a bakery, it offers a complete culinary experience, combining a licensed restaurant, patisserie, and catering services. La Bête à Pain is especially recognized for its delectable croissants, which have been ranked among Montreal's best. 

Owned by the passionate Marc-André Royal, the Griffintown branch is a testament to his vision, featuring a stellar kitchen dominated by the magnificent Fringand oven. This location offers an exquisite menu from breakfast through dinner, with seating for 28 guests. Closed on Mondays, the bakery thrives as an essential gastronomic spot in Griffintown. Swing by and taste what the fuss is all about!

Locations:

Ahuntsic-Fleury: 114, Fleury Ouest, H3L 1T4, Montréal, Québec

Grigffintown: 195 rue Young, H3C 2E9, Montréal, Québec

Laval: 1969 Autoroute des Laurentides, H7S 2M5, Laval, Québec

9. La Pâtisserie Rhubarbe

Pâtisserie Rhubarbe, masterminded by the talented pastry chef Stéphanie Labelle, stands as a hallmark of exquisite patisserie in Montreal. Drawing inspiration from rhubarb's unique colour and acidity, Stéphanie, after stints at Les Chocolats de Chloé and Paris’s Pierre Hermé, founded Pâtisserie Rhubarbe on Lanaudière St. With its rising success, the patisserie moved to a larger location on Laurier Ave, retaining its core essence while introducing fresh designs. 

The establishment remains dedicated to its pastry roots while expanding to serve tea and lunch. Their lemon meringue pie, mille-feuille, and a myriad of other intricate pastries speak to their impeccable craftsmanship. And let's not even get started on their jams and caramels! Stop by and we dare you to exit with just one box of desserts. Rhubarbe’s the kind of place where taste buds dance and calories don’t count.

Location: 1479 Laurier Ave E, Montreal, Quebec H2J 1H8

10. Sachère Desserts

Nestled on de Maisonneuve Boulevard East, Sachère Desserts in Montreal is a slice of sweet heaven. Starting her pastry gig in 2014 from her condo, the buzz got so big she needed more space. A pivotal moment came when Sonya appeared on Chopped Canada, which amplified the demand for her creations.  Fast-forward to 2018, and her counter's serving up everything from cheesecakes to vegan and gluten-free delights.  The signature ganache cakes echo Sonya's cherished childhood memories.

Location: 1274 Boul. de Maisonneuve E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 2A3

11. Café Bazin

Café Bazin in Montreal is a fusion of genius from chefs Antonio Park and Bertrand Bazin. This gem, distinct from Antonio's other establishments, positions itself as a welcoming bistro and café, promising a heartwarming breakfast and lunch. While not quite a bakery, its essence lies in French classics; from the morning offerings of croissants and chocolatines to classic lunch delights like boeuf bourguignon. Beyond food, the café's decor exudes sophistication. The key to its charm is the open kitchen, indicative of Bazin's vision of transparency and connection with patrons. This haven celebrates quality, spontaneity and seasonality—just the way we like it!

Location: 380 Victoria Ave, Westmount, Quebec H3Z 2N4

12. Olive & Gourmando

Located in the heart of Old Montreal, Olive & Gourmando is a classic spot that radiates warmth and authenticity. Thanks to the dynamic duo, Dyan Solomon and Eric Girard, this gem has blossomed into a must-visit spot. The bakery offers divine pastries (the croissants are legendary!), while their culinary repertoire extends to crave-worthy breakfasts and brunches, like the cheekily-named "Poached Egg On Your Face" panini. With an ambiance reminiscent of a welcoming family home and its barista-level coffees, Olive & Gourmando is more than a café—it's a Montreal institution.

Location: 351 Saint-Paul St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2A7, Canada

Montreal isn't just a city; it's a culinary destination rich in passion, tradition, and innovation.

Its diverse food scene, from rustic bakeries to savoury spots, echoes its rich cultural heritage. Each establishment mentioned in our Good Guide to the best cafes, food shops and desserts in Montreal tells a unique story, showcasing the heart and soul of Quebec's gastronomic excellence.

Whether you're planning a trip to Montreal or just dreaming of its delicious offerings, remember that a world of flavours awaits you – in person or with our curated Montreal gift baskets. Embrace the essence of Quebec and indulge in its delightful symphony of tastes. After all, life's too short for ordinary treats.

For more Canadian culinary tours explore our Good Guide to Toronto, and Good Guide to Vancouver too!