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.
Hof Kelsten is described as a standout bakery with buttery, flaky croissants and a broad range of viennoiserie and savory pastries, with the chocolate babka and zaatar torsade frequently highlighted and rugelach noted when available as exceptional. Matzoh ball soup and the egg salad sandwich are repeatedly praised, and the bread and pastries are often regarded as reliable or excellent across visits, with some reviewers noting the cafe quality like full bodied coffee. The space can feel limited for eating in, with seating mostly stools or standing room, though the atmosphere and service are generally friendly; a few comments mention language barriers or uneven attentiveness. While a few reviewers compare value and price to other bakeries, the consensus remains that Hof Kelsten earns a place on many Montreal lists and is worth multiple visits for those seeking variety and technical pastry perfection.
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
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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!
Jan 9, 2025
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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.
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.
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
Oct 16, 2023
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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
