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Bakery/Pastry Shop

Hof Kelsten

Traditional Jewish & French pastries & breads, plus brunch & espresso, in a modern, trendy space.
Mile-End
4.5$

This business may be temporarily closed.

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Photo of Hof Kelsten, Mile-End - Montreal
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About

Hof Kelsten functions as a destination for artisanal baking characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and traditional techniques. The establishment focuses on high-quality loaves, including crusty sourdough and dense rye, alongside a selection of pastries that emphasize butter-forward textures and flaky compositions. Signature offerings include Jewish-style bagels and rugelach that prioritize deep, authentic flavor profiles over modern modifications. The interior environment reflects a functional approach to food production, allowing patrons to observe the baking process while selecting from the daily output. This professional focus on dough development and fermentation ensures a consistent standard for every item prepared on-site. The establishment maintains a reputation for reliable baked goods that cater to those seeking substantial, scratch-made products rooted in classical baking traditions and consistent culinary execution.

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4.5244 ratings
5★
75%
4★
11%
3★
5%
2★
6%
1★
2%

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Reviews for Hof Kelsten

Food
Service
on Google4.5 (900+)
*as of 2026-07-15
4.5244 ratings
5★
75%
4★
11%
3★
5%
2★
6%
1★
2%
Write your review

Reviews often mention

Display Allcroissant(47) bread(27) babka(25) pastries(21) bakery(21) coffee(16) chocolate(15) pastry(15) cafe(13) boulangerie(11) sandwich(10) pain(10)

Review Summary

Hof Kelsten is widely regarded as a premier destination in Montreal for high-quality baked goods, with frequent praise directed at its exceptional chocolate babka, buttery croissants, and diverse selection of savory pastries. Many patrons highlight the bakery's technical proficiency and fresh, flavorful offerings, including standout sandwiches, matzoh ball soup, and well-crafted coffee beverages. While the general atmosphere and service are frequently described as friendly and welcoming, some feedback points to inconsistencies in product quality over time, limited seating, and occasional lapses in service or staffing hospitality. Despite mixed opinions regarding pricing and specific recipe changes, the restaurant remains a popular go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, particularly for those seeking unique, freshly made items early in the day.
Page 1 of 3 - 22 Reviews
Mandi
5.0

I will never again visit Montreal without stopping at this bakery. Absolutely fantastic. I learned about it because the restaurant we visited carried their pastries & had to check it out. The best selection of savoury pastries I think I have ever seen! & the chocolate babka is insanely good. I've only ever had good babka in New York City but now also here. & the zaatar twist pastry & everywhere pastry were both awesome. An absolute must! We ate a couple of pastries in & then some to go for the road home. Can't recommend enough.

Jul 14, 2026
on Google
Amy
5.0

Came here on a food tour & the chocolate babka is my favorite thing I ate during my vacation to Montreal, & I ate A LOT!

Jun 12, 2026
on Google
Lisa
5.0

Best chocolate babka of my life. The quality of the ingredients is really really high. Superb!!!!

Jun 1, 2026
on Google
Benjamin
5.0

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.

Apr 6, 2026
on Google
Maddie
5.0

Best babka of my life

Jan 15, 2026
on Google
Caspar
5.0

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!

Jan 1, 2026
on Google
David
5.0

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.

Dec 9, 2025
on Google
Hugues
5.0

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.

Oct 7, 2025
on Google
Zeynep
2.0

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.

Jun 12, 2025
on Google
Yael
5.0

The best Babka in town! Very kind & helpful service

Jun 8, 2025
on Google
View 244 ratings
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