Montreal celebrates the holiday season with a true passion for pandoro and panettone, two iconic symbols of Italian pastry.
These specialties, originating respectively from Verona and Milan, embody centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. The panettone, recognizable by its tall, rounded shape, is a soft brioche enriched with raisins, candied fruits, and sometimes almonds. The pandoro, on the other hand, delights in its light texture and subtle vanilla aroma, often dusted with powdered sugar reminiscent of winter snow.
These two Christmas cakes, deeply rooted in Italian culture, symbolize generosity and family reunions.
In Montreal, numerous artisans and bakeries reimagine these classics, adding their own personal touch. From traditional recipes to innovative variations, they reflect both the richness of their origins and the boldness of modern creations.
Exploring the city's neighbourhoods reveals a diverse array of offerings, from faithfully traditional Italian recipes to more contemporary interpretations. Each spot highlights a unique expertise, carefully selected ingredients, and meticulous attention to detail.
This journey into the heart of Italian flavours begins here, with a curated selection of the finest panettones and pandoros Montreal has to offer.
La Cornetteria
6528 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montreal, H2S 3C6
La Cornetteria, located in the vibrant Little Italy, is a beloved spot for authentic Italian treats. Stefano and Cinzia, the passionate duo behind this establishment, infuse every creation with a deep love for traditional pastries. The Mini Panettone, carefully crafted with high-quality ingredients, delights with its soft texture and sweet flavours of candied fruits and raisins. The classic Panettone evokes the festive spirit with its unparalleled fluffiness and generous filling. Lastly, the Pandoro, with its subtle vanilla notes and airy texture, pairs beautifully with coffee or a glass of dessert wine. A must-visit destination to savor a taste of Italy in a simple yet authentic setting.
Read also:
The Best Festive Drinks in Montreal: Hot Chocolates, Lattes, and Holiday Sips to Try This Season
Viva panettone
Multiple locations
Viva Panettone, with its shops in Mile-End and Old Montreal, has become a must-visit destination for panettone enthusiasts. Their Tasting Box features four distinctive creations: Treat yourself to a selection: the Framboisissimo, a bold combination of dark chocolate and raspberry; the Signature, where candied citrus and vanilla blend harmoniously; the Bec Sucré, elevated by maple; and the Trio Choco, a delicious trio of chocolates. Each panettone is crafted using a century-old sourdough starter, lovingly maintained, and house-made candied fruits, ensuring a tender texture and authentic flavours. Their seasonal pop-up shops, open until March, also showcase garnished panettone slices, both sweet and savoury, a delightful innovation for curious palates.
Patisserie St Martin
Multiple locations
Pâtisserie St-Martin, with locations in Laval and at Jean-Talon Market, delights with its artisanal panettone, blending tradition and finesse. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with their creamy-pistachio spread, it offers a moment of pure indulgence. But the experience doesn't end there: the shop is a treasure trove of fresh delights, from homemade breads to daily pizzas, as well as carefully curated charcuteries and cheeses. Every corner is filled with sweet and savoury temptations, perfect for elevating festive meals. At St-Martin, every creation reflects a deep commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
Arte & Farina
1550 Rue Ste.-Catherine E, Montreal, H2L 0J1
Arte & Farina, an iconic bakery in the Village, elevates the festive season with its artisanal panettones crafted by Chef Sandro Carpenè. These masterpieces, prepared over 72 hours following traditional methods, come in delectable variations: the Classic with Calabrian candied fruits, the bold Chocolate and Apricots or the Maple and Annurca Apple, with an irresistible crunch Sicilian orange or the recherché Le cédrat, aka a version featuring aromatic citron. (Like a lemon but bigger and with a coarser rind.) Each panettone boasts a delicate texture and authentic aromas, thanks to meticulously selected ingredients. Beyond these treats, the shop offers fresh bread, desserts, and savoury dishes, all showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
Café Olimpico
Multiple locations
Since 1970, Café Olimpico, rooted in Mile-End, has become a true Montreal institution. Known for its authentic Italian espressos, it also delights with its Pistachio Panettone, a festive treat imported from Italy. This tender cake, paired with a velvety pistachio cream, offers a perfect balance of textures and refined flavours. With locations in Old Port, downtown, and Westmount, Olimpico has retained its timeless charm. This space brings together generations to celebrate Italian craftsmanship, blending tradition and modernity in a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
Marinelli Brothers
Multiple locations
The Marinelli Brothers, with locations in Little Italy and Old Montreal, brings a touch of Italian tradition to the holiday season. Their panettones, available in pistachio, limoncello, chocolate, and strega flavours, are a treat for those with a sweet tooth. Managed by Daniel Marinelli, the establishment combines family charm with a passion for authentic flavours. Whether you choose the cozy indoor seating or the sunny terrace, it's the perfect spot to enjoy an espresso or a hearty sandwich. Don't wait too long to secure your panettone-they sell out quickly!
Elena
5090 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, H4C 1T1
In Saint-Henri, Elena brings holiday cheer with its artisanal panettones, carefully crafted from high-quality organic ingredients. The Classico blends golden raisins soaked in marsala, candied citrus zest, and local honey for a perfectly balanced flavours. Meanwhile, the Panettone alla Elena stands out with its rich dark chocolate chunks and macerated Italian apricots. Naturally leavened, these creations feature a tender texture and delicate aromas. With its warm ambiance and dedication to Italian traditions, Elena has become a must-visit destination for the holiday season. Act quickly-stocks are limited!
Hof Kelsten
4524 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montreal, H2T 1R4
Hof Kelsten, located on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, upholds tradition with its meticulously crafted artisanal panettones. The Classic Panettone combines raisins, almonds, and candied citrus, while the Chocolate Panettone highlights 64% Valrhona chocolate paired with orange zest. These unique creations, the result of a precise 72-hour process, are naturally leavened with a starter dating back to the 1970s. Founded by Jeffrey Finkelstein, this bakery blends Jewish and European influences in a modern setting. Also available at Hof Sucrée, these festive treasures are a must-reserve for your holiday celebrations.
La Petite Boulangerie
1412 Rue Fleury E, Montreal, H2C 1R8
Anchored in Ahuntsic since 1996, La Petite Boulangerie was the first artisanal bakery in the neighbourhood, establishing a legacy of quality that has endured for nearly three decades. This year, its unique panettones stand out yet again with unexpected flavours. Try the Mole Milano, an homage to the Mexican dish mole poblano: it pairs chocolate with chili. Renowned for its award-winning baguettes and sourdough bread, the bakery emphasizes simple, fresh, and regional ingredients. Each morning, the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the neighbourhood, solidifying its role as a go-to destination for those who appreciate authentic traditions and artisanal innovation.
Miette Boulangerie
315 Rue de Lévis, Montreal, H3J 2V7
Miette Boulangerie doesn't hold back for the holidays. Its sourdough panettone is a true gem: soft, delicate, and swirled with homemade chocolate hazelnut praline. A hint of Angostura bitters completes this creation with subtly spiced notes reminiscent of holiday warmth. Made in small batches, this panettone is as rare as an unexpected gift. Available exclusively by pre-order, it brings a refined touch to your celebrations. Act quickly-each slice becomes a cherished memory, disappearing as fast as it arrives.
Boulangerie Le Toledo
Multiple locations
Le Toledo, with its bakeries on Plateau Mont-Royal and in Verdun, brightens the holiday season with its homemade panettones. The Traditional, a delicate blend of candied citrus, sultana raisins, and vanilla from Papua New Guinea, pays tribute to timeless flavours. For a modern twist, the Choco Raspberry combines Valrhona dark chocolate with the vibrant freshness of raspberries. And then there's the Pralimel, pairing milk chocolate with caramel and hazelnut praline. Crafted with a house-made sourdough starter and premium ingredients, these generous one-kilo brioches stand out for their tender texture and refined aromas. Whether for a sweet indulgence or a festive table, Le Toledo is an essential destination for your holiday celebrations.
Café dei Campi
6201 Rue Chabot, Montreal, H2G 2T3
Locals flock to this Rosemont bakery during the few weeks over the holidays that their signature panettone is available: sprinkled with crunchy pearled sugar on the outside, its fluffy crumb is studded with soft pieces of pear, crunchy toasted hazelnuts and chunks of dark chocolate. While you're here pick up some other holiday goodies like a tourtière, a cranberry and onion focaccia, plus a couple of Venetian brioches. The enriched dough is flavoured with orange blossom and filled to burst with custard and homemade bitter marmalade.
Boulangerie Jarry
380 Rue Jarry E, Montreal, H2P 1T9
The quality of the flour brings fans back over and over again to this Villeray bakery where French tradition meets this Italian classic over the holiday season only. Their sourdough panettone is flavoursome and rich like their brioches, with pieces of citrus peel and plump raisins enlivening every bite. It's simply awesome toasted and buttered. Their yule logs are also something to write home about too (plus they have a vegan option this year).
Fous Desserts
809 Avenue Laurier E, Montreal, H2J 1G2
Pastry chef Carolle De Boisvilliers develops her sourdough panettone dough over several days with constant check-ins to achieve the perfect texture and flavour for this classic recipe, featuring lemon, orange and raisins. It's available in three handy sizes, so you can choose how much of a glutton you're going to be. We recommend you go large! They also make advent chocolates during the holidays, so you can count down the days until your New Year's diet.
Panettone and pandoro, iconic symbols of Italian holidays, have found a vibrant stage in Montreal where tradition meets creativity.
Each bakery offers a unique take on these festive desserts, promising an unforgettable gourmet experience.
Whether you prefer classic recipes or are eager to explore innovative flavours, Montreal is full of treasures waiting to be discovered. All that's left is to pick your next stop and enjoy the holiday spirit, one slice at a time.
