It’s no secret that my Italian roots are deeply imbedded in me. My family has given me the most beautiful gift in passing down those Italian traditions that they brought with them when they immigrated to Quebec many years ago. My friends and family also know that I am a genuine foodie, and I get constantly asked where to go for great Italian baked goods. This has inspired me to provide you with a short list of my favourite Italian bakeries in the city. It’s obviously very focused on the East end but you cannot go wrong with these bakeries.
Pâtisserie Italia – It’s the bakery closest to my heart and also to where I live. It’s easy to spot Italia on Jean-Talon street East in Montreal’s Saint-Leonard burough with its iconic boot-shaped sign. Sure, it’s kitsch but it’s been part of the landscape for decades! More importantly, Patisserie Italia delivers the goods when it comes to Italian baked delicacies such as bread and pizza, and their great Italian pastries made by their Sisterly Sweets pastry shop. You absolutely have to try their cannoli, and my favourite Italian pastry being the sfogliatella. In March, they make killer zeppole di San Giuseppe, those famous Italian fritters filled with custard to celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day in March. Their zeppole went so far
Arte & Farina – The holiday season would not be the same without having a panettone – the sweet Italian cake normally filled with candied fruit – and I can safely say that this place has one of the best artisanal ones in the city. Chef and owner Sandro Carpene is a master at his art. Otherwise, they do have the classics here including the bomboloni, those beautiful Italian cream-filled donuts.
Les délices Lafrenaie – More industrial than artigianale, Lafrenaie has some pretty decadent Italian cookies, and does offer a large variety of cakes in addition to the aforementioned zeppole. I go there regularly for my special occasion cakes. Nutella Crêpe or Death by Chocolate cake anyone?
Pâtisserie Alati-Caserta – It’s continuously on many “Best of” lists for their pastries and rightfully so. The shop, still owned by the Caldarone family, has been around since 1968 and has become as iconic as the Our-Lady-of-Defence Italian church located right in front of it. Grab some of their excellent freshly-stuffed cannoli and go watch old Italian men play bocce at Dante park located right across the bakery. Of course, you can discover Alati-Caserta and many other treasures that Little Italy has to offer by booking a private tour with me. So Montreals, where do you go for your Italian pastries? Leave a reply in the comments section below!
We’re now in February and zeppole season has begun! I cannot wait to eat this beautiful fritter. Where do you go for your Italian pastries?
You can discover all that Montreal has to offer on your own or with yours truly on a food tour! You can always reach me at info@rontreal.com so that we can customize your very own private food tour to make the most of your stay here in the city.
