The best artisanal panettones in Montreal
Panettone is to Italians what the Yule log cake is to Quebecers: a holiday-season essential. Whether enjoyed for dessert or at breakfast, we love its brioche-like texture, just-sweet-enough flavor, and light, airy crumb. It’s a true staple of Italian festive gastronomy.
A decadent hybrid between bread and cake, panettone is one of those treats we look forward to throughout the Christmas season. While commercial versions are easy to find, artisanal panettones are the result of a long, demanding process—one that requires patience, passion, and real craftsmanship. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide to some of the best spots for artisanal panettone in Montreal.
Originally from Milan, this festive bake traces its roots back to the Middle Ages. A tradition specific to the region, panettone only began gaining popularity outside Northern Italy in the 20th century. From there, it was quickly industrialized and widely commercialized.
Today’s artisanal panettone reflects the exceptional work of talented pastry chefs and bakers. Traditionally made with flour, eggs, plenty of butter, sugar, candied fruit, and raisins, it also relies on a long fermentation process that takes serious know-how. But you can taste that hard work in every bite: the pillowy interior, delicate crust, and rich buttery aroma.
Here are our go-to addresses for outstanding artisanal panettone in Montreal. Happy tasting, and happy holidays!
And while you’re at it, don’t miss our suggestions for delicious Yule log cakes and holiday takeout menus.
Bonus: We’ll admit—we also have a soft spot for the panettones from Stefano Faita and his partner Michele Forgione, now available in most supermarkets and on Stefano’s online shop. They may not be artisanal or made here (they’re imported from Varese, Italy), but at around $30 for 750 g, they’re an excellent bang-for-your-buck treat.
Arte & Farina
This small Italian pastry shop and bakery offers truly exceptional sweets, overseen by chef Sandro Carpené. Originally from Bassano del Grappa, Italy, Sandro crafts a wide range of sublime Italian treats. Everything is made in keeping with tradition and using the finest ingredients possible. For the holidays, they also offer delicious artisanal panettones beautifully packaged for gifting—panettones prepared by Sandro that require more than 72 hours of work! You can choose from the classic with candied orange, citron, and raisins, a chocolate and candied apricot version, or one with maple, apples, and candied blueberries.
Montréal
Hof Kelsten
Hof Kelsten is a bakery we absolutely love. Jeffrey Finkelstein started baking bread in his mother’s basement—loaves that went on to supply some of Montréal’s top addresses, including Leméac, Nora Gray, Joe Beef, and Maison Publique. Today, in the sleek, distinctive setting of his Saint-Laurent Boulevard bakery, you’ll find not only some of the best bread in town, but also delicious viennoiseries and excellent artisanal panettones. Our advice: reserve your panettone quickly—they sell out fast! You can also find his great panettones at Hof Sucrée, Hof Kelsten’s little sister.
Montréal
Miette Boulangerie
Officially opened in late 2021, Miette is a wonderful Little Burgundy bakery that quickly rose to the top of Montréal’s best-bakery lists. Sourdough is the star here, but during the holiday season they also offer an incredible chocolate-hazelnut panettone—an absolute treat for serious sweet-tooths!
Montréal
Restaurant Elena
Elena is one of the best Italian addresses in the city. This charming café–pizza–wine spot is open seven days a week—much to everyone’s delight. This year, the Elena team is offering a naturally leavened dark chocolate and macerated apricot panettone for the holidays, along with a classic panettone for more traditional tastes.
Montréal
Café Dei Campi
Café Dei Campi offers handmade, Italian-inspired vegan pastries. Barista Nicola Vardaro and pastry chef Isabelle Deschamps are once again bringing back their pillowy, gently sweet artisanal panettone this year. While you’re there, be sure to check out their tempting holiday menu—available online as of December—for stocking up on yule logs, cannoli, tourtières, focaccias, and more.
Montréal
Boulangerie Le Toledo
With its dark chocolate–raspberry panettone—and, of course, the classic version—Toledo Bakery has everything it takes to become one of your go-to addresses as Christmas approaches. It’s already earned its place on our list of Montréal’s best bakeries.
Montréal
Café Olimpico - Mile End
This Montréal Italian institution offers its decadent pistachio panettones every year. What’s more, for the biggest indulgence seekers, it comes with a jar of pistachio cream—just the thing to make every slice even richer and moister. Don’t wait too long: quantities are limited!
Montréal
Viva panettone
Viva Panettone, a Montréal pastry shop, has quickly become a holiday-season must. You can choose from a dozen varieties, including the highly sought-after Signature (a traditional panettone with candied citrus, sultana raisins, and exceptional vanilla). And here’s a fun fact that says a lot: Viva Panettone represented North America at the Panettone World Cup in Milan in 2024! A must-try, no question. You can pick them up directly at the bakery (8248 rue du Creusot, Saint-Léonard), at two pop-up shops (at Iconoglace, 50 Av. Laurier Ouest, and 423 Place Jacques-Cartier, Old Montréal), or at one of many points of sale around the city—namely all Le Pain dans les Voiles locations, and Boucherie Édouard & Léo.
Montréal
Merci la Vie
Merci la vie, the café-bakery, is undeniably one of the best pastry spots in the province. For the holidays, as they do every year, the team offers delicious panettones—alongside their excellent viennoiseries and artisanal breads.
Piedmont
