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Bakery/Pastry Shop Top Pick

Hof Kelsten

Traditional Jewish & French pastries & breads, plus brunch & espresso, in a modern, trendy space.
Mile-End
4.5$
CLOSEDOpens Today at 8 am
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Hof Kelsten Mile-End, Montreal: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
BagelsBakeryCaféPastriesSandwichesDesserts & Sweets
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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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5★
75%
4★
12%
3★
5%
2★
6%
1★
2%

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Reviews for Hof Kelsten

Food
Service
on Google4.5 (900+)
*as of 2026-07-01
5★
75%
4★
12%
3★
5%
2★
6%
1★
2%

Review Summary

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.
Page 1 of 2 - 12 Reviews

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 7, 2026
on Google

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
on Google

Love this place. The staff is sooooo lovely, so polite & so nice.
The food is delicious! I Love their zaatar flaky pastry & their gravlax sandwich!

Feb 28, 2026
on Google

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.

Jun 26, 2025
on Google

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

I believe I got the ricotta & zaatar pastry which was DIVINE. I've gotten bread here too & it's always been great. The coffee, however, isn't the greatest but definitely come here for the food!

Mar 29, 2025
on Google

I can see why this is one of the best bakeries in Montreal. The service as I was greeted was exceptional, probably one of the friendliest. I tried their samples, as well as one sweet (cinnamon danish) & one savoury pastry (cheese & spinach danish) . Fresh & delicious. What surprised me was the coffee - it was one of the best lattes I've had. Will definitely be coming back.

Feb 5, 2025
on Google

I genuinely cannot say this about any other place I've ever or currently frequent: everything is good. Pick anything off the menu, try any pastry or bread, it's all good.

Nov 29, 2024
on Google

Great fresh pastry!!! I need to wake up earlier for their proteins. Definitely drop by, my Québécois gf said this reminds her of childhood:))

Oct 17, 2024
on Google

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

Jun 5, 2024
on Google