Ooh la la: Parisian pastries in Vancouver
Vancouver is generally known for its coffee shops, but now special subset, French cafes, are on the rise with locals discovering a new appreciation for fresh buttery croissants, macarons, lemon tarts, canelés and other treats that take the care and attention only pastry chefs trained in the French tradition can provide. Here’s where to grab a taste of Paris in the neighbourhoods of Vancouver.
French Made Baking
81 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3J1Just about everything on the menu at Mount Pleasant's French Made Baking is mouth-watering. You may not be able to try it all when you stop in for the afternoon tea, but you'll definitely get a good sampling, including the bakery's much-lauded macarons – a light meringue and almond flour treat available in many flavours. The owners believe in only the best ingredients, including organic flour and sugar, and they shop local whenever possible.
Faubourg Bakery
2156 W 41st, Vancouver, BC V6M 1Z6Faubourg is an elegant Parisian bistro and shop in the heart of Kerrisdale, with numerous pastry options to whet your appetite. Try the smooth and silky lemon tarts, the ever-popular macarons or stop in for tea. No matter what you choose, you won't be disappointed. The focus at Faubourg is on selecting the highest quality ingredients and providing sophisticated service. The café even has kids' pastries available, such as the Lego pastry with three colourful blocks of mousse.
Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe
2150 Fir St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3B5Beaucoup Bakery & Café is always bustling and you may not find a seat right away. Once you try their flaky, buttery almond croissants, you'll understand why. The croissants on the menu have been voted Vancouver’s best and most popular on numerous occasions. That's not surprising given that owner Jackie Ellis spent six months perfecting the recipe and sourcing the ingredients to taste just like the croissants she ate in Paris during her pastry training. On your repeat visit you'll want to try the cookies, pain au chocolat and cakes.
Aquilini Thierry Ltd
1059 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A1Handcrafted French pastries created by one of the finest pastry chefs in North America, right in Vancouver's fashionable West End? You couldn't ask for more, unless it's an open atelier where you can view the master Thierry Busset and his team at work creating the authentic French pastries that you are about to enjoy either in the store or café. If you're stumped by the multitude of enticing choices, here’s a tip: try the salted caramel macaron.
Soirette
1433 Pender St W, Vancouver, BC V6G 2S3Given the name of her Coal Harbour shop, you won't be surprised to hear that Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef Shobna Kannusamy specializes in the macaron. Not only will the dessert case inspire you with its colours and flavours, the jewellery box décor will convince you that you've landed in pure dessert heaven. This is a great spot to take mom or another special woman in your life for dessert or high tea.
Cadeaux Bakery Inc
172 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1G1Located in Gastown, Cadeaux Bakery is a shop and café with a casual, unpretentious vibe. You can see the pastry chefs at work and sample delights like tarts, truffles and, of course, croissants. However, the most popular item on the menu may not be French at all. You'll hear regulars rave about the London Fog cake, which is available whole or by the slice. The seating is limited, but if you can find a spot, it's a relaxing place for a tea and pastry break.
Thomas Haas Patisserie
2539 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9Since returning from New York, Thomas Haas' café has become a Kitsilano institution. You'll often see long lines and customers jostling for seats, while freshly baked buttery croissants constantly appear fresh from the oven. The almond croissant is legendary; you'll have a wide range of pastries to choose from and you'll want to go home with a box of chocolates as well. Everything is made by skilled pastry chefs and chocolatiers with carefully selected ingredients, often purchased straight from the farmer.
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