Voted best croissants in Ottawa by the New York Times, this authentic French bakery, or "boulangerie de quartier," was founded and is staffed by French expats. Offering more than bread, this bakery handcrafts classic French cakes. Try a slice of its opera or palais royal cakes. Mark this location for an afternoon’s staycation that will transport your tastebuds to Avenue des Champs-Élysées with one bite. Also visit Benny’s Bistro in the back of the bakery.
When The New York Times anoints a croissant as the city’s best, that’s pretty high praise. But this ByWard Market bakery’s fan base extends far beyond the NYT; pastry aficionados flock here from across the city to pick up buttery crescents and crispy baguettes. The store’s name is quite literal; many of the employees come from or were trained in France. The tiny 30-seat café at the back serves light French fusion fare, such as mushroom and leek confit tacos. There’s a second bakery location in the Glebe.