When you’re craving a fancier option for your morning snack, a sweet or savoury croissant might just do the trick. Whether you’re seeking a straight-up butter croissant or a heavenly-meets-sinful pain au chocolat, these shops and bakeries will put the belle époque in your casual breakfast.
Scoring a trendy Brooklyn-style vibe with their converted industrial warehouse, Art-is-in Bakery is famed among the locals but manages to keep the masses at bay. The shop’s croissants and close-relative Kronuts are well worth the trip (especially on Crazy Kronut Thursdays, with flavours that range from almond chocolate to ham and cheese. Extravagant and ever-changing artisanal creations by pastry chef and owner Kevin Mathieson honour the bakery’s name, with inventive options like peanut butter bacon banana, orange creamsicle and tequila sunrise.
Serving busy Centretown’s nine-to-five clientele, the staff at Bread and Sons Bakery are always cheerful, despite the shop’s in-and-out pace. The gourmet bakery usually runs out of their most popular items by late morning so make sure to stop by early for a delicious treat like the pistachio croissant. Don’t miss the makeshift map by the entrance that showcases local farms and businesses from which the bakery procures their decadent offerings.
Cozy spots like Bread by Us are what make the Hintonburg neighbourhood Ottawa’s foodie paradise. Savour the buttery bliss of the chocolate croissant with a cup of Vietnamese cold coffee or matcha latte at the espresso bar. The owners dually pride themselves in their approach to running the shop: first, in their support of environmental practices and second, in their perfect pairings of delicious baked goods and excellent coffee.
Glebe residents rely on this local gem for freshly baked goods and healthy treats. The multi-purpose bakery and restaurant even includes a farm that supplies veggies and herbs for the kitchen. The sustainable business model thrives alongside the laid-back, homey atmosphere of the shop, in which you can enjoy the true sustenance of a rosemary and goat cheese croissant or an irresistible cocoa hazelnut crepe.
The classic and carefully crafted treats at Swiss Pastries are complimented by the impressively bright and modern European setting, complete with stainless steel bar tables and high ceilings. Have a butter, almond or chocolate croissant at one of Ottawa’s four locations (including one by the ByWard Market and another in the Carlingwood Mall), and take the opportunity to browse shelves of alpine goodies rarely found anywhere else in town.
Founded and operated by a Japanese family for over 30 years, Boko Bakery is one of Centretown’s go-to spots for Ottaweans with a sweet tooth. Known for creating colourfully iced and detailed cookies with frequent cameos from both video game and cartoon characters, the bakery also offers tasty croissants that make the perfect snack on your way to work.
Providing decadent gluten-free pastries alongside European-inspired lunch fare, Olive and Chili also offers one of the city’s few artisanal gluten-free butter and chocolate croissants. Sit down and enjoy these gourmet goodies at the bistro in the heart of the Byward Market, wrap them up for take-away, or order them in advance for a special event.
Tradition is maintained generation after generation at this bakery, family-owned since the 1930s. The original owners started by baking their mother’s Ukrainian bread recipes – now, Rideau Bakery is run by its third generation of owners. A documentary has even been produced about the bakery by local filmmakers. The four types of croissants served are among the most affordable around town and include a cinnamon-infused croissant that brings with it a taste of deep-rooted family traditions.