The Best jambon-beurre in Montréal
We’re sharing our list of the best jambon-beurre in Montréal!
Born in the cafés and brasseries of 19th-century Paris, the jambon-beurre embodies one of French cuisine’s greatest paradoxes: almost outrageous simplicity for a universally beloved pleasure. Three ingredients, one gesture — and yet, a deeply rooted heritage. Back then, it was the go-to meal for Parisian workers: quick, filling, affordable, devoured on the go between shifts.
In its purest form, everything rests on a sacred trio: tender, delicately salted Paris ham, a fresh, crusty baguette, and a generous smear of butter — ideally salted — that brings richness and character. Nothing to add, nothing to take away. That purity is precisely what makes the jambon-beurre so beautiful.
Of course, some artisans like to play a little: a touch of mustard, a few pickles, a different bread… And purists will tell you that the moment you stray from the original trio, it’s no longer truly a jambon-beurre. But at Tastet, we celebrate diversity — and we gladly admit that subtle reinterpretations can lead to wonderful results, as long as the spirit of the classic remains intact.
In this list, we’re sharing the jambon-beurre — classic or gently revisited — that truly won us over with their precision and respect for the product.
Special mention to Les Minettes: if you head just outside the city to charming Old Sainte-Rose in Laval, their fulllll buttered jambon-beurre, made with white ham from Pascal le Boucher, a baguette from Automne Boulangerie, and butter from COWS, is absolutely worth the detour (!!)
And if this list gets your appetite going, don’t forget to check out our guides to the best bakeries and the best sandwiches in the city.
Now, onto our favourite jambon-beurre!
Maison Baultberri
Located in the former iconic Archambault bookstore space at the corner of Sainte-Catherine and Berri, Maison Baultberri is a stunning café by Laurent Dagenais and the Empire store team. The famous jambon-beurre, made with Boulangerie Guillaume’s ficelle baguette, is the house signature — and for good reason. A full baguette, ham, butter, cheese, Dijon mustard, and pickles: this is a true jambon-beurre deluxe, and very likely one of the best in the city.
Montréal
La Bête à Pain (Griffintown)
La Bête à Pain Griffintown is a bakery-café known for serving some of the best croissants in Montréal. Owned by chef Marc-André Royal, the spot offers a varied menu, an elegant and distinctive design, and warm, welcoming service — making it a true neighbourhood essential. Their jambon-beurre is served on a baguette with ham, butter, Dijon mustard, pickles, and Gruyère, and it’s one of our absolute favourites.
Montréal
La Cave à Manger
This fabulous hidden wine cellar in Old Montréal transports us with its exclusive selection of natural wines, as well as its breads and viennoiseries crafted with masterful skill by a team driven by the highest standards of quality. Their famous jambon-beurre — made with white ham, 6-month aged Île-aux-Grues cheddar, New Zealand butter, and French gherkin pickles, served on a sourdough demi-baguette — is an absolute must on the menu.
Montréal
Boulangerie Le Pain dans les Voiles
Le Pain dans les Voiles, a beloved Montréal bakery co-run by former NFL player Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, is known for its irresistible viennoiseries, breads fermented for 24 to 48 hours, and its constant spirit of innovation. Their jambon-beurre, served on Parisian-style bread with white ham, Swiss cheese, butter, mustard, and pepper, is among the most beloved in the city.
Montréal
Café Le 9e
Located inside the Eaton Centre, Café le 9e carries over the DNA of Melk while adding the refined, sophisticated touch of the 9e. The menu features simple yet elegant dishes, including a jambon-beurre served on a custom bread created by Hof Kelsten, as well as a croissant-baguette version of the classic. It’s far lighter than you might expect — and we love the idea.
Montréal
3 Patapoufs
A lively little neighbourhood bakery in Hochelaga, Les 3 Patapoufs on Ontario Street serves excellent pastries and viennoiseries, including delicious croissants fresh out of the oven every morning at 6:30 a.m. The selection is generous and the quality always delivers. For a classic take on the jambon-beurre — served on a white demi-baguette with sweet butter and white ham — Les 3 Patapoufs is a must.
Montréal
Boulangerie Le Toledo
Toledo, a charming bakery in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal, offers high-quality bread to enjoy on site or to take away. Their jambon-beurre is served in its purest form: demi-baguette, ham, butter, and a touch of fleur de sel. Here, the focus is on product quality — and it’s a winning bet.
Montréal
Louise Boulangerie
Boulangerie Louise, located in the heart of Little Italy, offers a beautiful variety of fresh breads and pastries in a spacious, light-filled setting. With its quality products at accessible prices, it ranks among Montréal’s best bakeries. Their jambon-beurre, served on a demi-baguette with white ham, butter, and Emmental, is one of our readers’ favourites — so strongly recommended that we simply had to add it to the list, and we couldn’t agree more.
Montréal
Super Condiments
Super Condiments is a warm and welcoming specialty grocery, café, and sandwich shop in Outremont, offering a meticulously curated selection of delicious products — from pantry staples to natural wines — along with simple, flavourful dishes inspired by both France and Iran. Their jambon-beurre is a standout on the small menu, made with a ficelle baguette, pickles, butter, and the delicious ham from our friends at Aliments Viens.
Montréal
