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.
Hof Kelsten is widely regarded as a standout bakery in Montreal, consistently praised for its high-quality ingredients and technical skill. The chocolate babka is frequently cited as the best in the city, while the diverse selection of buttery croissants, savory pastries, sandwiches, and soups like the matzoh ball soup receive significant acclaim. While most visitors highlight the welcoming, friendly service and the pleasant atmosphere, some feedback points to limited seating, inconsistent staff experiences, and a desire for more variety in availability. Although opinions on price and specific recipe changes vary, the bakery remains a popular destination for those seeking fresh, artisanal goods and a unique coffee experience.
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.
If you want to have fresh pastries they don't have it here. They serve cold pastries okay I understand they made them early in the morning but at least warm them up, they don't even have microwave for costumers to warm them up, cold & dull. Try somewhere else. Disappointed ☹?
I had wanted to come here for a while so i was so excited to finally get the chance. Initial thought: great customer service, friendly aura. Music loud though lol. Interior is nice at a glance but kind of dingy? Maybe theyre going for that worn in look idk but the eating areas left a bit to be desired.
I came after 3 pm so the selection of pastries was small! Only like 6 options.
Chose the ricotta & sesame pastry. 4.80. Erm. Yeah plateau prices i guess wow. It was fine but the main thing was that there was no way to heat it up. what? Ngl that's never been an issue with a cafe for me so i was kind of surprised & ate it whatever nothing to cry about but it wouldve helped lol. Pastry was fine, didn't taste any ricotta so ill assume its kneaded into the dough..? Not bad! Wouldnt order it again though as they have many other options i'd want to try :)
Jun 8, 2026
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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.
I finally got to try this specialty bakery & it did not disappoint. Everything was fresh & delicious, from the pastries to the sandwiches & even the coffee was well prepared. Service was quick & welcoming. Will definitely be back!
Amazing bakery all around. Buttery croissants & pastries that are all top notch. Great Matzoh ball soup, breakfast & brisket sandwiches are both excellent. Loved the muffins & the savory pastries too. Seating is limited & other than a few tables it's mostly stools or standing room. Worth it for the food & good service.
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.
Espresso very acid, reminded me of the terrible taste of Parisian espresso in the years 2010(they fixed it now). Excellent croissant, very buttery. Original take on chausson au pomme. Pastries form is a bit messy & inconsistent.
I had the Tahini & Chocolate pastry; it was dense, moist, substantial; & with all good pastries, had some kind of special magic (it was the very best pastry I've had in a long time). Had to go back & get another! My partner has the ricotta raspberry & it was also a knock out. The staff is friendly, the space is relaxed, & there's a bathroom for customers to use.
Best oatmeal cookies in Montreal! This hidden little bakery on the Plateau makes exquisite pastries with a friendly smile, & I'm happy to see that it's become very popular recently for coffee or lunch, which is well deserved. Try their white "milk" bread!
