Where to find the best doughnuts in Montréal
Where can you find Montréal’s best doughnuts?
It’s a question worth asking—especially given the remarkable resurgence in popularity of this beloved treat.
More and more cafés, artisanal bakeries, and even restaurants are adding doughnuts to their menus, whether plain, glazed, filled, or turned into completely over-the-top creations. Chocolate, maple, citrus, cereals, house-made creams—the doughnut has never been so inventive.
Doughnuts, beignes, donut holes… whatever you call them, this ring-shaped pastry has spanned the ages, dating back to Antiquity. In medieval times, doughnuts were even considered religious offerings, before becoming a popular sweet sold at carnivals and fairs. Over time, they established themselves as a symbol of comfort and simple pleasure. Today, passionate artisans are reimagining them with quality ingredients, careful technique, and a healthy dose of creativity.
In Montréal, the doughnut has clearly found its place. At the height of its popularity, it now stands proudly alongside the city’s other iconic specialties—bagels, croissants, and fine pastries. It’s enjoyed just as much for a decadent breakfast (yes, really!) as for an afternoon sweet break, or of course as dessert (and even for those late-night munchies!). It’s the kind of treat that brings people together, that’s meant to be shared… or jealously kept all to yourself.
Whether you’re spending time with family, catching up with friends, or simply treating yourself for no particular reason, there’s always a good excuse to stop and bite into a great doughnut. So we’ve put together a list of must-visit spots where you can enjoy the best doughnuts in the city—from the most classic to the most decadent—to satisfy every craving, at any time of day.
And for fans of soft, sweet indulgences, be sure to check out our list of the best brioche buns in Montréal!
La Beignerie
La Beignerie on Saint-Denis offers delicious vegan, artisanal doughnuts with original flavors like lemon-lavender, tiramisu, and matcha. The Crème Brûlée doughnut is an absolute must-try!
Montréal
Beigne Habitude
After several wildly popular pop-ups, Rachel Berriman and Michael Lottner have finally settled into a space in Little Italy, where they make high-end doughnuts with distinctive, original flavors. Each one is unique, and you can truly taste the freshness of the ingredients. A great idea for bringing dessert to friends—or treating yourself solo.
Montréal
Bernie Beigne
Unsurprisingly, Bernie makes this list—its doughnuts are among the most iconic in the city. Located in Mile-End, the shop offers more than twenty completely irresistible options. The original yeast-raised doughnuts are de-li-cious: decadent, fresh, fluffy, and perfectly glazed right before your eyes, striking the ideal balance between icing and dough. One of the best-sellers is the Simpson doughnut, pink and topped with rainbow candies—guaranteed to charm kids (and adults).
Montréal
Léché Desserts
Léché Desserts serves salads, sandwiches, and coffee, but people from all over the city come mainly for the doughnuts. It was among the first cafés to offer truly excellent artisanal doughnuts. Everything is made in-house, the result of teamwork and plenty of brainstorming. We love that the doughnuts aren’t overly sweet and are perfectly soft.
Montréal
Deux Becs
Located on Montréal’s South Shore in Brossard, Deux Becs is much more than a doughnut shop—it’s a sanctuary for lovers of artisanal sweets, and a true team favorite. Former McKiernan pastry chef Art Romero creates decadent doughnuts with flavors that are both delicious and nostalgic. A must-try!
Brossard
Arte & Farina
Arte & Farina offers Italian-style doughnuts that are absolutely outstanding. Pastry chef Sandro Carpene, originally from Bassano del Grappa, Italy, is behind the sweet creations. He prepares cannoli, classic panettone, chocolate panettone, ricotta tarts, biscotti, and more. Still, people come especially for some of Montréal’s very best bomba di Roma, fritella, and cornetta.
Montréal
La Cornetteria
This small Italian pastry shop on Saint-Laurent Boulevard is just the kind of gourmet address we love. La Cornetteria offers several variations of doughnuts and zeppole filled with ricotta cheese or other seasonal fillings. You can also try the famous Cronetto (their take on the cronut), made fresh every day.
Montréal
Dispensa Épicerie Italienne
In a warm, cozy setting, this small Italian counter serves delicious bomboloni and cannoli. Well known for its gourmet sandwiches, Dispensa also offers pizzas and salads at lunchtime. Their doughnuts are the perfect way to finish your meal and satisfy a sweet craving.
Montreal
BOSSA Prêt à manger
Like the BOSSA on Wellington Street, the Masson location is a counter-style grocery shop. You’ll find a wide selection of Italian sandwiches, preserves, pastries, and more. We especially love their bomboloni—soft, fresh, and full of flavor.
Montréal
Café San Gennaro
San Gennaro is a small café (one of the best in the city) and pizzeria (also among the best), located on Saint-Zotique Street. It’s a truly authentic spot that recalls small neighborhood shops in Italy. Their bomboloni—those little Italian filled doughnuts—are hands down the best in town. A standout favorite: pistachio!
Montréal
McKiernan Rôtisserie
In addition to offering fresh, flavorful brunch and dinner menus, McKiernan serves decadent doughnuts that have become a true house classic over the years. The kind of dessert you’re dreaming about before the meal even begins.
Montréal
