Oh pastries, how we love thee.
You’re a delicate, elevated offering in the world of baked goods combining technique and the natural human propensity for things that are sweet and cute.
We’re lucky to live in a city that’s replete with these dainty-delicious concoctions, but with so many to enjoy, it’s hard to know where to begin. We partnered with The Great Canadian Baking Show to help highlight Vancouver’s best pastries.
Here’s where to get them.
Beaucoup Bakery – 2150 Fir St
Beaucoup offers traditional baked goods and pastries inspired by local ingredients and seasonal comforts. This autumn’s current offering include Almond Praliné and Tonka Chocolate Croissant and a Maple Pumpkin Pecan Bostock, which are the perfect addition to the bakery’s year-round offerings such as Yuzu Lemon Tarts and Chocolate Almond Croissants.
Ladurée – 1141 Robson St and 737 Dunsmuir St (in Holt Renfrew)
Vancouver was lucky enough to be the first Canadian home of Ladurée back in 2016. While the French sweet shop was best known for their macarons, they have since introduced a line of perfectly Parisian cakes and pastries that are so dainty and so cute that you’ll almost question devouring them (almost).
Le Marché St. George – 4393 St George St
A slice of rustic Parisian heaven right in the heart of Mount Pleasant! Le Marché St. George is more known as a neighbourhood coffee shop and grocer, but their pastries should not be missed. With traditional offerings like Butter Tarts and Sour Cherry Tarts in tow, this is the perfect place to curl up with a notebook and indulge in something sweet.
L'Eclair de Génie – 1210 Robson St
A project by celebrated (and celebrity) chef Christophe Adam’s is not something that should be taken lightly. L'Eclair de Génie serves classic French éclairs featuring a variety of toppings and fillings, including an ornate Chantilly Fraise and a Passion fruit éclair that reads “I Love Vancouver.”
Faubourg – 769 Hornby St, 2156 W 41st Ave and 792 Main Street (Park Royal)
Faubourg specializes in delicate French cakes and pastries. From triple chocolate decadence to passion fruit mousse, this bakery/cafe is a must-try for those wishing to be whisked away to Paris, right here in Vancouver.
Thomas Haas Patisserie – 2539 W Broadway and 998 Harbourside Dr
Thomas Haas’ world famous chocolates may take centre stage, but his pastry offerings are a close second. With a gorgeous range of French-inspired treats, each with Haas’ signature modern twist, this is a great spot to indulge in something classic while still discovering something new.
Purebread – Various Locations
Purebread is a must for great baking in Vancouver and they just opened yet another location! Fresh off the heels of their new Mount Pleasant location, Purebread is a welcome addition in Kitsilano at 2887 West Broadway, serving up pastries, breads, squares, bars, cookies and more.
Soirette Pastry Boutique – 1433 W Pender St
Lovingly made from fine ingredients that are as wonderful to taste as they are to look at. Soirette’s pastries may be some of the cutest sweet offerings in town.
Thierry – 1059 Alberni St
Maitre artisan Chocolatier and Patissier Chef Thierry Busset honed his craft at the hands of the masters, including notable chocolatier Bernard Sicard in Auvergn. Needless to say, Thierry is where to go for classic pastries with a contemporary twist.
Ganache Patisserie – 1262 Homer St
Uniquely designed and handcrafted by a team of pastry chefs, the menu at Ganache is inspired by the seasons and changes regularly. The one consistent theme at Ganache is French technique with subtle Asian influences running throughout each of their incredible delicious pastries.
Liberty Bakery and Café – 3699 Main St
A café that’s run by a young, creative and innovative pastry team that pumps out inventive flavour combinations rooted in high-level technique and a bit of fun. With Totoro themed desserts and absolutely gorgeous pastries underscored by Nordic ingredients, Liberty offers a whimsical anything-goes menu with something for everyone.
Craving more? The Great Canadian Baking Show has returned to CBC for its second season!
Hosted by Dan Levy and Julia Chan, The Great Canadian Baking Show brings together 10 amateur bakers from across the country to compete in a series of themed culinary challenges that celebrate their diverse backgrounds, families and communities.
Each week bakers will compete in three challenges, The Signature Bake, the Technical Bake and the Show Stopper. After the judges taste and critique the bakes, they crown one Star Baker and ask one baker to leave the tent. The final three bakers compete for The Great Canadian Baking Show title.
To learn more visit, cbc.ca, or watch now via the CBC TV APP.
