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.
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.
Dec 27, 2025
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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.
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!
We love this place! Every time we come in to Montreal we have to stop there. Really good bread & pastries & the only place you can find Challah bread on a Monday 😊
Jul 22, 2024
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I enjoyed the coffee so much! It's been a while since I had a latte with acidity. Milk foam on top & latte art was perfect. The cafe smelled of fresh bread! I tried the baguette, croissant, & a few pastries; they were good overall. I had hoped the croissant would be a bit more crunchy, but the overall experience was nice with friendly staff. Highly recommend
Authentic cookies, brioche, pastries & bread. The crispness of the pastry, taste of butter, delicious scent were all amazing ! Wish I could try everything so I will definitely go back
The quality of the breads are decent, but the pastries are mediocre. More frustrating are the wild prices of the pastries - an almond croissant is a whopping $5.20 (tx incl). If you want croissants of incredible quality & a third of the price(!), just walk down the street to Kouign Amann.
Mar 23, 2024
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