Montreal has earned its reputation as a foodie capital with endless choices of spectacular eats and treats. On my first trip to Montreal I focused on finding the best coffee shops and desserts the city had to offer. I had no idea what I signed up for when my list quickly grew to around 50 high quality spots to discover! Narrowing my list down was no easy task and finding my favorites was even harder.
While I continue deciding upon my favorite overall sweet treats, I want to give you the best desserts in Montreal that originate from around the world! This is such an international city with diversity in its people and food that a post dedicated to a worldly sampling seemed fitting. You can get a taste of Portugal, Italy, France, and more in this bustling melting pot of cultures.
Continue reading the best desserts in Montreal - an international sampling or save it for later!
Best desserts in Montreal - a sampling from around the world
1. France – Macarons and Fancy Pastries
Three patisseries made the list to find delicate French sweets. Maison Christian Faure, Patisserie Rhubarbe, and Fous Desserts. These were my absolute favorite and arguably the best patisseries in Montreal.
Maison Christian Faure – Old Town
Chef Christian Faure is known for bringing authentic French pastries to Montreal. He was born and trained in France and has won countless awards. There is a very cute location in the heart of Old Town Montreal. Be sure to arrive before the afternoon if you are looking to try the almond croissant as they tend to sell out by noon. The macarons are also delicious. Some say Maison Christian Faure is the best French patisserie Montreal has to offer...I would say it's definitely up there on my list.
patisserie rhubarbe – Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Patisserie Rhubarbe has a smaller menu of beautiful French pastries. The shop is small and cozy with seating at the bar by the pastry counter along with several tables and benches. The éclairs are particularly popular.
fous desserts - LE PLATEAU-MONT-ROYAL
Fous Desserts is an 8-minute walk down the street from Patisserie Rhubarbe. It has a larger assortment of treats to go with their pastries including artisan chocolates, ice cream, several types of croissants (the almond is very popular), and some intriguing rotating pastry flavors like a sesame, raspberry, and white chocolate combination that was quite delicious! The interior is warm with natural wood tones throughout and several small tables and chairs.
SEE ALSO:
BEST TIME TO VISIT MONTREAL CANADA
MONTREAL VS QUEBEC CITY – WHICH SHOULD YOU VISIT?
BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN MONTREAL
2. United States - Pie
Rustique - Saint Henri
This pie shop may seem a bit out of the way when looking at a map, but I highly recommend making a trip to the Saint Henri neighborhood if you have time. I rode a BIXI bike (Montreal's bike program) from downtown Montreal and enjoyed riding along the river on the bike path and getting some wonderful views of downtown Montreal on my way back. Saint Henri is laid back, quiet, and residential and is a nice contrast to the other neighborhoods of Montreal.
Rustique reminded me of my grandma's homemade pies (and that's saying something) and easily makes this list of best desserts in Montreal. I highly recommend trying the apple or one of their mini pie tarts to get a variety. There is limited seating and an endless supply of locals grabbing treats to take home. If there is no seating available, grab a slice and walk across the street to the park.
3. Eastern Europe - Babka
A tiny Jewish bakery featuring the famous chocolate Babka. A sticky, gooey, chocolatey piece of heaven. Locals and tourists alike rave about Cheskie's Babka. The shop is plain with no seating and meant for grab and go orders only.
4. Italy - The Cronut and Cornetto
LA CORNETTERIA - LIttle Italy
The cronut is a mix between a croissant and a donut and absolutely delicious! A Cornetto is the Italian version of the French croissant. It's softer, sweeter, and contains less butter. La Cornetteria has several different flavors of Cornetti including chocolate and hazelnut, ricotta, vanilla cream, and almond. The baker, Stefano, is from Florence and ensures the baked treats are authentic and top quality.
5. Portugal - Pastel de Nata
Café Vasco da Gama - Downtown
Portugal's cherished egg tart pastry can be found in downtown Montreal at Café Vasco da Gama. There is plenty of seating and is the perfect stop for a quick treat and coffee between sightseeing.
Montreal Hotel Recommendations:
Luxury
Midrange
- Hotel Le Germain Montreal
- Hôtel Bonaparte
- Humaniti Hotel Montreal Autograph Collection
- Le Petite Hotel
- Hotel Place d'Armes Old Montreal
- Hotel Gault
Budget-Friendly
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