Top Five: Bakeries & Patisseries
Wendy Underwood
Who can resist a beautiful display of baked goods or the perfect patisserie? Not us! In the cooler months (before we swap cookies for ice cream cones), we’re finding comfort with a sweet treat to pair with our latte. In the summer, we’re looking to pick up the perfect provisions for a picnic. Luckily, Vancouver has some amazing bakeries and patisseries sprinkled throughout the city, ready to offer up high-quality carbohydrates wherever you might find yourself. Here are five of our top picks, based on both amazing carbohydrates and distance from the hotel. Here, we’ve focused on those establishments that are known for pastries and sweet items, but rest assured, our city is home to plenty of more “bready” bakeries, such as LIVIA – right in the heart of Commercial Drive, and Flourist – just off Commercial Drive and a little further south. But those are for another day. For now, here are five of our favourite Vancouver bakeries and patisseries.
Thierry
1059 Alberni Street, Downtown
After you’ve given your credit card a workout on Robson Street or at the surrounding designer boutiques, there’s no better balm than retreating to Thierry for an espresso and a macaron or two. You’d swear you were in Paris. And while you’re there, pick up a box of handmade chocolates as an elegant souvenir. If you find yourself in Mount Pleasant, pop into their location over there.
Beaucoup Bakery
2150 Fir Street, Kitsilano
Hidden away a block or so from Kitsilano’s Fourth Avenue main drag, Beaucoup Bakery is a tiny, light-filled gem in the middle of a semi-industrial area. The peanut butter sandwich cookie is the stuff of legend, but the real highlight here is the Viennoiserie—the croissants here impress even the French. The Hung siblings own Beaucoup, and we love how much fun they have with the incredibly creative offerings that are constantly changing. Also look out for a new downtown location coming later in 2023.
Purebread
159 West Hastings Street, Gastown
We think the term “jaw-dropping” is overused, but there really is no other superlative appropriate when it comes to Purebread. The overwhelming cornucopia of baked goods laid out in front of you will leave you speechless. From savoury buns and quiches, through to loaf cakes, brownies, towering meringues and pastries, choice really is going to be your biggest issue. You’ll also find locations in Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Squamish and Whistler (x2!).
Cadeaux Bakery
172 Powell Street, Gastown
A soothing oasis of calm on the eastern edge of Gastown, Cadeaux Bakery is one of our favourite spots for a sweet pick-me-up. They’re justifiably well-known for their towering layer cakes (nine layers is the standard), some of which they offer by the slice at the bakery. Our favourite is the London Fog; if you’re looking for something more petite, try the caramel cream cheese brownie.
L’Atelier Patisserie
599 East Broadway, Mt Pleasant
After spending years hidden in a semi-industrial area just off Main Street, French Pastry Chef Franck Buiron moved L’Atelier Patisserie into a lovely new space right on East Broadway in Mount Pleasant in late 2022. Expect perfectly executed French classics, along with weekly features where he flexes his creativity, such as with the lemon meringue croissant pictured.
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Photo Credits:
Feature Photo: Thierry’s Pistachio Blackberry Paris Brest: Thierry’s Facebook page
Macarons at Thierry: Thierry website
Beaucoup Bakery’s Croissant: Beaucoup website
Chocolate Loaf at Purebread: Purebread website
