Emma WhiteA few weeks ago, I made the rookie mistake of trying to toast a stale bagel I’d forgotten in the back of my fridge. Spoiler: it didn’t end well. As I sat there chewing on a “bagel concrete”, I thought, “Is this what my carb obsessions have come to?!”
Clearly, my bread game needed levelling up. That’s when I began a butter-fueled quest for the perfect croissant (honestly, life’s too short for bad carbs and dry snacks).
Fast forward, and now I’m basically Ottawa’s unofficial croissant scout (not a real title, but it should be!). And lucky you, I’ve listed down the best croissant joints in Ottawa that’ll make you forget all about sad bagels and mediocre bread. Read on!
Amandine Pâtisserie
– Media credit: amandinepatisseries
Address: 1175 Wellington St. W.
Contact details: +1 343 998 3708
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $$$
Amandine Pâtisserie takes French-inspired baking to a whole new level. Walking in, you’re greeted by rows of golden, flaky croissants that look almost too good to eat (spoiler: they’re definitely made to be devoured).
Every single pastry here has that signature buttery aroma that screams quality. If you’re looking for recommendations, their Amandine (almond croissant) is a standout—you get a lot of almond richness packed in every bite.
And for something classic, the butter croissant hits all the right notes. There’s also the crowd-favourite Chocolatine if you want something with a sweet filling.
| Pro tip: If you place an online order for Amandine’s pastries, be sure to double-check the minimum quantities—some of the smaller items require bulk purchase! |
Art-Is-In Bakery
– Media credit: artisinbakery
Address: 250 City Centre Ave #112
Contact details: +1 613 695 1226
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 8:30 AM to 3 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 2 PM
Cost: $$$
Art-Is-In Bakery serves daily viennoiseries made from expertly layered dough that’s as flaky and yeasty as it gets. Now, I’ll make it easy for you.
Lean into their almond croissant or chocolate almond croissant—they’ve got this mix of rum syrup sweetness, almond cream, and crispy layers that’s just unreal. Oh, and if you’re into something unique, check out their O-Towners (formerly known as “Kronut”).
It’s like croissants and doughnuts had a magical, crispy love child! Even better, Art-Is-In features vegan pastry options, so if you’re plant-based or just curious, ask about their current lineup when you visit.
| Pro tip: You won’t regret diving into some of their weekly special pastries! It’s where they switch things up every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so it’s always worth checking their social media to see what creative flavour is on deck. |
Mamie Clafoutis Ottawa
– Media credit: _mamieclafoutis
Address: 400 Richmond Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 729 9923
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $$
Mamie Clafoutis got a serious reputation for baking excellence, and if you’re serious about your pastries, this spot is the place. Their style blends Canadian and French baking traditions, which you can really taste in the quality.
If you’re wondering what to dive into, their chocolatines are definitely the go-to option—mini versions of these are available too! For something savoury, the ham and cheese croissant is a standout—it feels like an indulgence in all the best ways.
It’s also better to try their variety of ready-to-eat quiches, which are all satisfying and might make you take home some. You know, just don’t overthink your choices; anything you pick is going to be a win!
| Pro tip: Make sure to grab some of their frozen croissants to go. They bake up beautifully at home and are ideal when you need a fresh pastry fix without making the trip! |
Bread & Sons
– Media credit: datenightcapital
Address: 195 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613 230 5302
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 2 PM
- Friday – 8:30 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 1 PM
Cost: $$
Bread & Sons has kept things simple with a focus on high-quality ingredients, and everything on the menu speaks to that level of care. Their croissants are a standout—flaky, golden, and most importantly, made fresh every day.
They offer everything from classic butter croissants to indulgent options like almond croissants and even hazelnut croissants. It’s great because no matter what mood you’re in—be it something simple or more decadent—you’re guaranteed a croissant fix.
They also dabble in savoury perfection with their cheese croissant, which is perfect for those who don’t have the biggest sweet tooth. You’ll be missing out if I don’t say keep your eyes peeled for seasonal specials, because they sometimes offer some!
| Pro tip: While you’re here, grab a brioche cinnamon bun or babka—they’re not croissants, but they’re worth the detour if you love baked goods! |
Bread By Us
– Media credit: breadbyus
Address: 1065 Wellington St. W.
Contact details: +1 613 422 5300
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Cost: $
Bready By Us is simple, cosy, and all about the baking, with a focus on quality over flash. One of the coolest things about them is their “Pay-It-Forward” donation feature.
If you’re feeling generous, you can buy someone in the community a loaf, which is such a nice way to spread the love while grabbing yourself a treat. Now, when it comes down to the croissants, Bread By Us doesn’t mess around.
They’ve carved out a reputation for perfecting the classic butter croissant, and trust me, that’s all they need to steal your heart. But hey, if you’re up for trying something different, they also have meat or vegetarian focaccia—both are savoury and satisfying!
| Pro tip: If mornings aren’t your jam, you can pre-order through their website! They sell their buttery croissants by the half-dozen, and you can pick them up fresh without worrying about missing out on their popular items. |
Tartelette Bakery & Cafe
– Media credit: tartelette_bakerycafe
Address: 175 Main St Unit 7
Contact details: +1 613 233 0404
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8 AM to 7 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $$$
Tartelette Bakery & Cafe’s croissants and pastries are made entirely in-house from scratch using real butter and zero artificial ingredients. You know, it’s probably why they’ve been voted Best Bakery in Ottawa two years running.
For one, they’ve got your trusty almond croissant, but you definitely shouldn’t miss their pistachio rose croissant, either. It’s their best seller for a reason, filled with homemade pistachio cream and just the right hint of rosewater.
If you’re into quirky takes, keep an eye out for their “Crookie” (yes, a croissant fused with a chocolate chip cookie), which is crispy, gooey, and dangerously addictive. Other crowd favourites like the pain au chocolat or apple turnovers are there too!
| Pro tip: Tartelette Bakery & Cafe offers a delightful afternoon tea experience that pairs their fresh pastries with a curated selection of high-quality teas. It’s perfect for those midday cravings or a casual meet-up with friends. |
Choux Atelier
– Media credit: choux_atelier
Address: 222 Queen St.
Contact details: +1 343 988 3568
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 7 PM
Cost: $$
Choux Atelier keeps things simple yet exceptional, focusing primarily on using premium ingredients and perfecting their craft. Their croissants are baked daily for the ideal golden flake and buttery interior.
What sets Choux Atelier apart, though, is its subtle twist on the classics. Sure, their regular croissant is a steal, but if you’re looking to change things up, their creamy garlic croissant is a standout.
It’s savoury, soft, and has just the right touch of indulgence without going overboard. While these are a win, their croissant sandwiches also deserve a spotlight—they offer the perfect balance between breakfast and lunch!
| Pro tip: While Choux Atelier is famous for their croissants, don’t sleep on their customisable cakes! They craft them beautifully, perfect for any occasion–from birthdays to anniversaries! |
Wild Oat Bakery, Cafe & Farm
– Media credit: wildoat_bakerycafe
Address: 817 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613 232 6232
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $$
Wild Oat Bakery, Cafe & Farm is one of those places that feels like it fits perfectly into Ottawa’s cosy neighbourhood vibe. The bakery has an open kitchen, so while you’re there, you can watch the bakers do their thing!
They’re committed to using organic flour across all their bread offerings and keeping things dairy-free and egg-free unless specified. Their butter croissants have that ideal balance: flaky on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside.
But if you’re into bold flavours, their rosemary goat cheese croissant is a must-try—it has a unique spring that makes it unforgettable! Beyond pastries, don’t forget to check their rotating specials, as there’s always something exciting to discover here.
| Pro tip: If you’ve got dietary needs, Wild Oat has gluten-free options not just in bread but across their pastries and even pre-made meals, so be sure to ask what’s available when you visit. |
La Maison du Kouign-Amann
– Media credit: lamaisondukouignamann
Address: 101 A Schneider Rd, Kanata
Contact details: +1 613 270 0505
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $$
La Maison du Kouign-Amann in Kanata is your go-to destination for standout croissants and incredible baked goods. When it comes to their baked goods, their croissants have a reputation for being the best for a reason.
Be sure to try their best-selling crème brûlée croissant—it’s that perfect balance of sweet, vanilla-infused custard filling tucked up in golden pastry layers. For something simple (but equally mouthwatering), their pistachio croissant is worth grabbing.
Oh, their savoury ones aren’t to be missed either—the chicken bacon cheese croissant got us coming back! On top of that, their Kouign-Amann pastries (yes, named after the shop itself) are an absolute must-try if you’re into rich caramelised flavours.
| Pro tip: If you’re visiting during a holiday or special occasion, ask about their limited-time creations—it’s a subtle way to experience their craft at its most unique. |
Le Moulin de Provence – KD Metcalfe
– Media credit: lemoulindeprovencekd
Address: 30 Metcalfe St.
Contact details: +1 613 695 2253
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $$$
Nestled in a sleek yet welcoming shopfront, Le Moulin de Provence is the perfect place to grab some mouth-watering pastries while exploring downtown. But let’s talk about where they truly shine—their croissants.
Their almond croissant is an absolute gem, giving you that perfectly balanced almond filling wrapped in a golden, delicate crust. If you’re looking for a little extra indulgence, the choco almond croissant takes it a step further with rich chocolate goodness.
They’re made fresh daily with careful attention to detail for that satisfying crunch when you dig in, followed by a melt-in-your-mouth finish. Oh, and don’t forget to check their Danishes too—those are definitely worth keeping on your radar!
| Pro tip: While you’re grabbing your pastries, check out their other baked goods. Their brioche selections, especially the cinnamon brioche or raisin brioche are next-level! |
