Montreal Based bread Company servicing Montreal's top restaurants since 2010, and in 2013 open to the public on BLVD Saint Laurent, north of mount-royal.
Reviews describe Hof Kelsten as a top bakery with a wide range of pastries and savory items, from buttery croissants and flaky pastries to chocolate babka and zaatar torsade, plus strong coffee and well made cortados; the sandwiches, including gravlax and egg salad, and the matzoh ball soup are frequently praised, along with rugelach and other pastries; service is generally quick and friendly, though seating is limited to a few tables and stools; some notes mention price and occasional inconsistencies in bread or availability, and a few comments touch on language or service nuance; overall the place is celebrated for quality and variety, with many calling it among the best croissants in Montreal and a reliable destination for pastry lovers.
Secretly one of the best bakeries in Montreal. Their mocha is actually really good, using their signature chocolate sauce rather than mixing in hot chocolate powder. All the pastries are incredible, especially the babka.
Didn't make it in time for their babka, but got to try their butter croissant which was excellent. So buttery & flakey with a great savouriness to each bite. Will have to come back earlier next time!
I have been getting pastries here many Saturday mornings for 4 years or so & they are always excellent. I think for pure technical perfection Au Kouing-Amann may be slightly better, but Hof Kelsten makes a much wider range of different things (indeed, most of my favorites at Hof Kelsten are items that only they make). I particularly appreciate the selection of savory pastries, an area where they far surpass most other bakeries in the neighborhood - I especially recommend the zaatar torsade which my wife insists (for good reason) that I bring back every time I go.
In addition to the viennoiserie, the chocolate babka is also absolutely fantastic. & (though my experience on this front is more limited), the sandwiches are great, too.
My only complaints: 1. I love the tomato feuilleté but feel like it was only very briefly present this summer (I think I only managed to get it once). 2. Rugelach (the best rugelach I've ever had, in fact) used to be consistently available, but I can't remember the last time I saw it.
Very good selection of baked goods. The Babka is very well made but you need to get there early to get one as they fly off the shelves. Good coffee, the staff does a very good job & is always courteous & friendly. One of my go-to stops whenever I am in Montreal.
Over the past five years, I gave this place so many chances, & the only thing that I found redeemable is the Babka. The bread is OK, but there is better bread around. OK the challah is fine. The only time I tried the pannetonne, it was overproofed. Staff is too cool to actually want to even look at you. Please do not put sugary streusel on your spinach pastry or tomato tart. It is gross in every culinary culture I can think of.
Fabulous bakery blending Jewish(ish) flavors with French technique. The babka croissant was phenomenal, as was the ginger cake. Try whatever they have on sample on the counter, you won't be disappointed!
I passed by once & ordered a babka to go, it was so delicious I decided to go back for dine in during breakfast/brunch later & loved it too. Staff is friendly & food was delicious.
Sep 18, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Very innovative, absolutely not what my grandma would make traditionally, but they're creative & very good. Love their knish, cheese breads, cheese danishes with jalapeno jam. Absolutely love their babka (the only complaint about their babka is that it's hard to remove the parment paper lining). They do tend to run out of things fast, so make sure to check with them if you plan to come in the afternoon. No toilets available for customers. Some staffs are cold, but I come there for the baked goods.
Feb 28, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Best babka in town!!! My friends go crazy for the Hofs babka & Ruggalach. Freshest bread, tastiest croissants & hands down the best babka. If you are looking for more expansive food options, be sure to sign up for their emails to plan for any delicious dinners you may have coming up that week. An amazing bakery & restaurant to enjoy on your own or with friends & family. 10/10
Another amazing Montreal bakery - make sure to try the pickle & cheese croissants & the apple babka.
Super down to earth, trendy venue. Worth a visit. 2022s best bakery in Quebec
