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.
So here are our suggestions for the best places to enjoy excellent artisan panettone in Montréal. Happy tasting and happy holidays!
Be sure to also check out our picks for delicious Christmas yule logs and holiday takeout menus.
Bonus: We also have a soft spot for the panettones by Stefano Faita and his partner Michele Forgione, now available in most supermarkets as well as on Stefano’s online store. They may not be artisanal or locally made (they’re imported from Varese, Italy), but at around $30 for 750 g, they offer outstanding value for pleasure and quality! The same goes for the panettones from Bossa and Dispensa.
Special mention to the Italian pastry shop Dolce Sapore, which also prepares delicious panettones every year!
Arte & Farina
This small Italian pastry shop and bakery offers truly exceptional baked goods, all under the supervision of chef Sandro Carpené. Originally from Bassano del Grappa, Italy, Sandro crafts a wide range of sublime Italian sweets. Everything made in-house follows traditional methods and uses only the finest ingredients available. They offer delicious artisanal panettones, beautifully packaged for the holiday season. These are panettones prepared by Sandro himself and require more than 72 hours of work! You can choose from the classic version with candied orange peel, citron, and raisins, the Domori chocolate and candied apricot panettone, as well as one with maple, apples, blueberries, and almonds. We absolutely love this spot. We also head to Arte & Farina to enjoy what we consider the best bomba di Roma, fritella, and cornetta in Montréal.
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 list. 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 very best Italian addresses in the city. This charming café–pizza–wine concept restaurant is open seven days a week, to everyone’s delight. This year, the Elena team is offering a naturally leavened chocolate and cranberry panettone for the holiday season, as well as a classic panettone for more traditional tastes. You’ll also find beautiful fresh juices, delicious pizzas, and fresh pasta available to take home.
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
Montréal-based pastry shop Viva Panettone has quickly become a true holiday-season essential. You can choose from a dozen different varieties of panettone, including the highly sought-after Le Signature—a traditional panettone made with candied citrus fruits, sultana raisins, and exceptional vanilla. And a detail that speaks volumes: Viva Panettone represented North America at the Panettone World Cup in Milan in 2024! A must-try, without a doubt. You can purchase their panettones directly at the bakery (8248 du Creusot Street) or at their permanent shop (5333 Casgrain Avenue).
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
La Meunerie Urbaine
La Meunerie Urbaine is a bakery in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce known for its delicious breads, including one of the very best baguettes in the city. And as a bonus, the shop also offers outstanding panettones.
Montréal
Fous Desserts
Fous Desserts is a charming pastry shop that has been delighting customers since 1995. Located on the Plateau Mont-Royal, the bakery offers delicious European-style pastries with Japanese influences. Their panettones are not to be missed!
Montréal
