La Bête à pain is both a licensed restaurant (liquor license), a bakery, a pastry shop and a caterer. There are cooked dishes, breads and a variety of artisan products.
La Bête à Pain is widely praised for its warm atmosphere, friendly attentive service, and top notch pastries and bread, with many loving the brunch options, the salmon on a scone, and well made coffees like cappuccino and latte; reservations are advised on weekends as it can get busy, and sitting at the bar near the kitchen is common when no table is available. The food is consistently described as delicious and well presented, though a few reviewers note high prices for the quality and occasional menu substitutions or limited vegetarian options. Service is praised for friendliness and efficiency by some, while others report slower kitchen pace, issues with allergen information, and rules about bread and substitutions that detract from the experience. A troubling incident regarding workplace treatment has been raised, prompting calls for stronger inclusion and staff support. Overall, La Bête à Pain remains a go to for bread lovers and brunch goers, with strong pastries and bakery items, but experiences can vary and it pays to book ahead and check dietary details.
Je prends mon pain que chez eux. Les viennoiseries sont délicieuses & sandwichs sont diversifiés. Juste un bémol avec le sandwich BLT tofu & celui aux falafels qui sont trop salés à mon goût.
La Bête à Pain in Laval is a charming bakery & café that has earned its spot as a local favorite, thanks to its inviting atmosphere & focus on quality food. During my recent visit, I had the opportunity to try a few different items: the soup of the day (creamy tomato), a dirty chai, a croissant, & a suisse. La Bête à Pain offers a well-rounded menu with fresh ingredients & expertly crafted pastries. The creamy tomato soup was comforting & came with a slice of fresh bread that complemented it well. The dirty chai was nicely balanced, & both the croissant & suisse showcased the bakery's strong pastry game. However, the service was slower than expected, which could be a downside if you're on a tight schedule. Video Review will be posted on Tik Tok anwd Instagram soon @Foxyappetite Here's a detailed breakdown of my experience: Atmosphere & Service: Upon entering La Bête à Pain, the space immediately feels cozy & welcoming. With a mix of rustic & modern touches, it's a pleasant environment where you can either relax & enjoy a meal or grab something to go. While the atmosphere is great, the service during my visit was notably slow. It wasn't that the staff was unfriendly-they were pleasant enough-but there was a bit of a wait for our food & drinks, which is something to keep in mind if you're in a rush. Soup of the Day (Creamy Tomato): The creamy tomato soup was a comforting & satisfying choice. Served with a slice of fresh white bread on the side, it added a nice textural contrast to the soup. The bread was soft & slightly chewy with a nice mild flavor, perfect for dipping. The soup itself was smooth & creamy, with a balanced tomato flavor that was neither too tangy nor too sweet. The subtle hints of garlic & herbs added depth, & the creaminess didn't overwhelm the natural tomato taste. It was filling & flavorful. Dirty Chai: The dirty chai was another highlight of the meal. The spiced chai was aromatic & well-brewed, complemented by the boldness of the espresso. The spices were balanced, adding warmth without being too overpowering, & the espresso was strong enough to give the drink a nice kick without overwhelming the chai. The milk was perfectly frothed, providing a smooth & creamy texture. While it wasn't overly sweet, it hit the right notes for a comforting, satisfying drink. For those with a sweeter tooth, however, it might feel a bit understated. Croissant: The croissant was a true standout. Flaky, buttery, & perfectly golden brown, it had the crisp, crunchy exterior you expect from a well-made croissant, & the inside was light & airy. The rich, buttery flavor was balanced-decadent, but not heavy. It paired perfectly with the soup & dirty chai, making it a solid, reliable choice. Suisse: The suisse, a pastry filled with almond paste, was also quite enjoyable. The almond flavor wasn't too sweet or artificial, & the pastry itself was just the right balance of flaky & soft. It had a nice nutty richness that complemented the buttery layers of the pastry, offering a satisfying bite. It wasn't overly sweet, which made it a pleasant treat without being overwhelming. Pros: • Freshly baked, high-quality pastries (croissant & suisse) • Flavorful soup of the day with a nice bread pairing • Well-balanced dirty chai • Cozy, welcoming atmosphere Cons: • Service was slower than expected, which could be a downside for those in a hurry • The soup could benefit from a bit more seasoning or texture to complement its creaminess In conclusion, La Bête à Pain in Laval is a great spot for a relaxing meal with excellent pastries & comforting food. While the slow service might be a factor for some, the quality of the food & the overall atmosphere make it a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal.
Jan 30, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Went there last week for brunch for the first time, & the food is so delicious, it's worth the price honestly. You can see them make the food it leaves u salivating. The place is clean & very aesthetic, so excellent for pictures. Right next to it there's a flower shop, so after eating u can walk around & smell the aroma. Overall good experience. The service may be a little slow, but that's only because they were understaffed that day, be mindful to your waiters :) Strongly recommend !!
A diner within a bakery that served gourmet & comforting cuisine. The place was always bustling, with constant activity & a somewhat chaotic atmosphere. The lunch menu was on the pricier side, the portions were modest. The brunch menu included select items from the lunch menu on the weekends. While the food was generally good, it lacked consistency. We loved the Tartine de Champignons, but upon returning the next week, we found the recipe had changed & it was not what we anticipated. The Americano coffee was served in various styles & sizes of mugs: sometimes oversized, or large with or without handles, & occasionally in tiny cups, which forced me to order two to meet my caffeine needs.
Dec 24, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Everything is good there but OMG the chocolate almond croissants are heavenly. My son loves the brioche with rock sugar on top & they always have great, personable service.
Pour toutes les fois que je suis allée, j'ai toujours été satisfaite de plats & du service. Le menu change régulièrement, & on y trouve toujours au moins un plat à notre goût. Belle ambiance & magasins à côté pour un petit magasinage ensuite!
I Had a meal with little brother who is 10 on a busy Saturday morning. Food - it was less than average. Lemonade was bottled sugary water costing 6.00$ (rediculous). Little one had a burger which was good. I had their shakshouka & I found 2 whole tomatoes in it which they carefully hide it with baguette on top. Service - if you are not white, dont expect any service from them. The waitress forgot the side ordered & it came after we were almost done. Taking our order & bringing our food took so long that we had a lot of time to watch how every white person was served. Atmosphere - nice decor real flowers are a nice touch. it was a bit hactic when we saw people standing & eating instead of being served at the table.
Dommage de constater le déclin d'un de nos restos favoris, la qualité diminue & l'endroit montre de plus en plus des signes d'usure. Par contre il n'est pas trop tard...
Ouff they need to review their hot chocolate... it tastes like water :/ But excellent service & nice ambiance. I do not recommend the hot chocolate but it is the only hot beverage I like so I won't go back.
