The best lemon pies in Montreal: Our suggested addresses
Ah, lemon tart! A simple, exquisite and refreshing treat we love to enjoy all year long. Perfect for ending a meal on a light note, lemon tart is one of those desserts that has become a classic over time.
In its most classic form, lemon tart is simplicity itself: a pastry crust filled with a delicious lemon curd made from lemon juice and zest, eggs and sugar. Often topped with meringue, the original recipe now comes in many variations, in both flavour and presentation. One thing is certain: it remains a favourite dessert for every citrus lover.
Sweet tooths, take note: Tastet has put together several other lists to help you satisfy your next sugar craving! Among them, you’ll find our suggestions for the best croissants in Montreal, as well as the best brownies in town. We’ve also rounded up the best places to enjoy excellent cannoli in Montreal, and where to find the best cookies in town!
Special mention: Rhubarbe
Founded by Stéphanie Labelle, Pâtisserie Rhubarbe earned its place among Montreal’s best pastry shops, thanks in large part to its excellent lemon tart. After more than 15 years in Petit Laurier, the team left its shop to focus on catering and custom orders from a workshop near Atwater Market. Its lemon tart remains one of our favourites.
Here is our list of the best lemon tarts in Montreal. Among these spots, you’ll find all kinds of delicious versions of this much-loved dessert.
We hope you make some wonderful, delicious discoveries. Bon appétit!
La Bête A Pain
Located on Fleury Street West in Ahuntsic, La Bête à Pain is the original location of the beloved bakeries of the same name (Bête à Pain Griffintown and Bête à Pain Laval), and one of the best bakeries in Montreal. Also a café and restaurant, it serves absolutely delicious treats, including a superb lemon tart. A favourite spot of ours in the north end of the city.
Montréal
Café du Petit Musée
On Beaubien Street East in Rosemont, Café du Petit Musée combines a neighbourhood café and an antique shop, in a setting that changes with each new find. We’ve already told you about its delicious carrot cake, but its lemon meringue tart is every bit as good! Made in-house, it has also earned its place among our favourite treats here.
Montréal
Chez Potier - Épicerie gourmande
Pastry chef Olivier Potier’s shop, where he creates sweet masterpieces, is now located on Wellington Street in Old Montreal. His exquisite desserts offer textures and flavours in remarkable balance, and the top-quality ingredients the house selects are part of its signature. The lemon tart here is a must-try!
Montréal
Mlles Gâteaux
Open since 2013 on Villeray Street, Mlles Gâteaux is a small artisanal pastry shop serving delicious pastries to the neighbourhood. The charming duo of chef-owners makes a variety of treats suited to any occasion. Over the years, the lemon tart has become one of their must-haves, always fresh and full of flavour.
Montréal
Café Bazin
Located on Victoria Avenue in Westmount, Café Bazin was born from a collaboration between Antonio Park and pastry chef Bertrand Bazin in July 2017. In a chic, bright setting, you can enjoy French pastry classics and several savoury specialties. Among the desserts we especially love, the lime-basil tart offers a fresh, fragrant take on citrus. We’re bending the lemon rule a little to give it a spot on this list!
Westmount
Fous Desserts
On Laurier Avenue East in the Plateau, Fous Desserts is a pastry and chocolate shop where French and Japanese influences meet. Through the seasons, the house gives Quebec products a prominent place in its creations, which rank among our favourite desserts in town. Its lemon meringue tart pairs a shortbread crust with an organic lemon cream and a lemon compote brightened with passion fruit and coconut, all topped with meringue. It’s a take on the classic we really enjoy, and it’s also available to order.
Montréal
Arhoma
At Arhoma, the beloved Hochelaga-Maisonneuve bakery and pastry shop, you’ll find excellent breads, viennoiseries and pastries of all kinds. The lemon tart pairs a sweet crust with an olive oil madeleine, a lemon confit and a lemon cream. A white chocolate namelaka adds a smooth sweetness that balances the lemon’s acidity, while a touch of fresh mint brightens every bite.
Montréal
Fanfare Brunch Boulangerie
On Jarry Street East in Villeray, Fanfare offers excellent breads made with local, organic flours, along with exquisite viennoiseries. At the pastry counter, we’re especially fond of the lemon, white chocolate and sweet clover tartlet. The tartness of the lemon meets the sweetness of white chocolate and the fragrant notes of sweet clover, a trio that’ll make you want to finish every last crumb!
Montréal
Farine & Cacao
On Ontario Street East, Farine & Cacao showcases the creations of pastry chef and chocolatier Christian Campos. His lemon and yuzu tartlet is one of our favourites: a shortbread base layered with lemon cream, a candied lemon gel and a yuzu whipped ganache, all dusted with lemon powder. Between the crunchy shortbread, the airy ganache and the bright citrus, every bite makes you want another.
Montréal
Duc de Lorraine
At the foot of Saint Joseph’s Oratory in Côte-des-Neiges, Duc de Lorraine has been treating Montrealers to French pastries since 1952. Its lemon meringue tart brings together everything we love about the classic: a crisp crust, a tangy lemon cream and a generous cloud of meringue. It comes as a tartlet or in a large size, depending on whether you want to share it… or keep it all to yourself!
Montréal
McKiernan Rôtisserie
Located on Saint-Patrick Street in the Sud-Ouest, McKiernan is a spot we love as much for its generous dishes as for its desserts. Its lemon meringue tart does justice to the classic, with a tangy filling, a graham cracker crust and a generous layer of meringue. Even after a hearty meal, we always find a little room for a slice!
Montréal
Pâtisserie Mélilot
On Laurier Avenue West in Outremont, Pâtisserie Mélilot showcases the creations of pastry chef Aurélien Kerzerho. His unconventional take on the lemon tart pairs a corn shortbread with a lemon cream, a cardamom mousse and a ginger gel. Lemon stays the star, with spices that give every bite real character. It comes in an individual size, or in sizes that serve 4 or 6.
Montréal
