The Best Bakeries in Edmonton
Macarons, croissants, cruffins, pies, Pain Au Chocolat, Madeleines, Mille Feuille, scones and various cakes have captivated the minds of pastry chefs and desserts enthusiasts for generations. Each cuisine has its desserts, however, there is a reason why European-inspired bakeries are the most popular ones in Edmonton.
The expansion of artisanal bakeries in Edmonton began at the beginning and continued in middle of the twentieth century. According to the Baker’s Journal “during the late 1940s and early ’50s, immigrants from war-ravaged Europe, skilled bakers included, flooded into Canada. Working in the trade wherever possible, they started to change the baking scene, and once they opened their businesses, Alberta experienced a wealth of European bread and pastries.” Yet, those bakeries experienced cultural impact in the changing taste, shape and size of the Canadian-sized products. For example, example a rye bread with use of stronger Canadian flour, produced a lighter, high-volume loaf unobtainable with the weaker European flours.
Since then, dessert and baking culture only grew and gained popularity among locals. Now the number of bakeries in Edmonton is more than fifty and new places keep opening. “There is no better way to bring people together than with desserts,” said Gail Simmons, Canadian-American food writer and cookbook author. We agree that one of the most pleasurable ways to spend time with a friend or a loved one is sitting in the cozy atmosphere of a bakery, enjoying a croissant or an éclair and a cup of coffee.
From the lengthy list of local bakeries, we selected the best ones where you can get freshly baked bread, and cookies, order custom cakes and indulge with macarons, eclairs, Black Forest cake, and other fine treats.
(Also, after you have eaten your pastry and drank your coffee, check out our list of Top 30+ Attractions in Edmonton.)
Why Trust Us
If the obsession with fine pastries is not a reason valid enough to trust our choice of the best bakeries in Edmonton, here are a few more.
First, we did not include any bakery with a rating lower than 4.5 stars on Google Reviews. We also made sure to check trip advising guides (TripAdvisor, Explore Edmonton), and even local publications that mentioned those bakeries in their articles.
Second, our choices can satisfy many, even the pickiest, tastes out there. While we mainly focused on European-inspired bakeries, those places offer a diverse combination of desserts and bread, (for instance, pies, brownies, cupcakes and more). Thinking of the clientele, we made sure to include easily accessible bake shops, no matter in which part of the city you live.
Third, we meticulously analyzed customers’ reviews and included both pros and cons of each place, so you know what to expect. Additionally, based on reviews, we are convinced that those bakeries will become your favourites as much as they are ours.
Bon Ton Bakery
Bon Ton Bakery is one of those places with a long history of traditional baking. Its story began in 1956 with the purpose of creating fine bread and pastries based on European standards.
Bon Ton’s first location was at Tower Shopping Centre at 113 Avenue and 116 Street, where rye bread, Danish pastries, croissants, and bagels were selling in high demand. A few years later, in the need for a larger space, Bon Ton moved to their current location. Yet, despite the change of location and following adaptations to trends and growing Edmonton food culture, Bon Ton’s quality remained uncompromised. As the owners say, “Looking back, things have certainly changed since that first day in 1956 but our values and dedication to quality have always stayed the same.”
They offer bread, buns and bagels, cookies, cakes, pastries and pies, and even traditional Austrian desserts such as Sachertorte.
As a satisfied customer noted, she ordered a chocolate cake for her son’s birthday and could not have been happier and more satisfied. Not only was it a piece of art, but the cake was super tasty with moist filling between layers of decadent chocolate. It was finger-licking stuff.
Based on another review, Bon Ton is amazing. It was recommended to a customer by a good friend who tries out lots of different places. The friend is a trained chef who knows what she is looking for. So, when she went and tried out a couple of their sweets, she was completely blown away. Go there, you will not be disappointed, she added.
Approximate prices:
Pastries: from $5.50 to $8.50
Bread: $6.95
Bagels: $1.05
Operating hours:
Sunday/Monday: closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 9 a.m—5 p.m
Address: 8720 149 St, Edmonton, AB T5R 1B6
Contact: (780)-489-7717
Pros
- Long-established bakery.
- Various choices.
- Custom cakes for any occasion.
Cons
- Based on some reviews from three months ago, the bakery still maintained limited capacity inside the shop. Some customers found it irritating because the place is constantly busy and the wait list is long.
Sugared and Spiced
Sugared and Spiced is a hidden spot, which becomes a favourite one when found. Since Amy and Jeff Nachtigall opened the bakery in September 2017, freshly baked cakes, tarts and especially cookies have become a must-eat treats among regulars and newcomers on Whyte Ave.
As a satisfied newcomer noted, the place is a bit hidden as it is in a back alley. He only found them because they had a sign on the street. He tried the passion fruit lemon tart which was beautifully decorated, and tasted good too. It was a nice balance between the lemon and the passion fruit and it was not too sour. The meringue on top was great too. Their cakes look so beautiful, he continued. The server was really friendly and explained well to him the different items that they had.
Besides walking in and walking out with a box of sweet treats, you can also sign up for the Office Cake Club. Every month you would get an 8″ (12-16 people) Classic cake in the flavour you choose from their monthly or seasonal menu. You can select delivery and customize each cake (for example, birthday writing, add macarons, etc.)
Average prices:
Cookies: $2.85
Brownies: $4.20
Cakes: $42
Individual cheesecakes: $6
Operating hours:
Monday/Tuesday/Wednsday: closed
Thursday/Friday: 12 p.m.—5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m—3 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m—3 p.m.
Address: Rear, 10334 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1Z8
Contact: (780)-244-2253
Pros
- “Made from scratch” type of baking
- To-go and pre-order cakes options
Cons
- Hidden in the back alley
Duchess Bake Shop
I remember when the first time I came to Edmonton, my husband, a boyfriend back then, took me to Duchess Bake Shop on a Saturday afternoon. We stood in the line that stretched outside, and by the time it was our turn, macarons were gone along with croissants and other popular items. While that unfortunate event occurred six years ago, (only three years after the Duchess opened), the bakery still is one of the most popular places in Edmonton.
As a satisfied customer noted it is her absolute favourite pastry shop in Edmonton! The French macarons are too perfect. She is a macaron lover and Duchess nailed it with every flavour. The croissants are amazing too, she added.
Duchess is located on busy 124th Street, however, if you decide to take your coffee and pastries to go, the residential area nearby is a pleasurable one to explore.
You can expect to find classic French pastries, macarons, croissants, tarts, brownies and butter tarts. You can even purchase baking supplies to recreate the same pastries at home. Surely, we have read some reviews of complaints about higher prices, yet Duchess is one of those bakeries that bake everything from scratch. Also, their ingredients are of the finest quality: a fact that the bakery takes pride in.
Satisfied customers, who came to the city, found this place randomly and were captivated by décor and quality of baked goods. They noted that their favourite macaron flavours were Shirley Temple, pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla bean. “Hoping to go back next time we’re in Edmonton!” they say.
Another customer tried the sour cherry pie and was amazed by perfect tartness, flaky crust and flavourful filling. Keep Duchess in mind when you plan your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Average prices:
Individual tarts: $9.50
Each macaron: $2.35
Cookies: $2.85
Scones: $4
Cakes: from $40 to $70
Operating hours:
Monday: closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.—5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Address: 10718 124 St, Edmonton, AB T5M 0H1
(They also have a smaller location in Ritchie Market on 9570 76 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 0K2)
Contact: (780)-488-4999
Pros
- Sophisticated interior
- “Made from scratch” bakery
- Easily accessible location (you can either park on the street or residential area)
Cons
- As per some customers they found the place overpriced
Chocorrant Patisserie and Café
If you are looking for anything but a traditional butter croissant (which is in my opinion the best one), Chocorrant is the place to go. What they are known for is rethought croissants, filled with strange, yet tasty, melting fillings.
For instance, salted egg yolk croissant. Are you skeptical? Give it a chance and it will become one of your cravings. As one satisfied customer noted, the salted egg croissant, once warmed for five mins in the oven, was amazing. The center was molten and all melted. The crispy bits on top were also a nice contrast.
Other than uniquely balanced croissants fillings, they offer fine cakes, which you can get in individual portions or choose a chef’s selection of a few pieces to share. What makes Chocorrant different is the unique twist on each piece of cake or croissant. They opened in April 2017 and became a favourite among neighbourhood residents. As someone mentioned, they tried four different croissants like almond butter, strawberry, lemon and salted egg. And based on the taste of each of them, they highly recommend Chocorrant.
Based on another review, prepare to be overwhelmed with great selection of croissants from your basic butter to the Asian-inspired salted egg yolk. A customer stopped by for a quick bite and tried the croissant sandwich (turkey cranberry) which is lean for the portion, but leaves lots of room for a slice of their cakes. The one negative factor she mentioned was that the coffee ground itself lacked any essence and water in the espresso base and the foam lasted for five seconds before it deflated. She added, that she will be back to try the cake and other croissant flavours, but will not be ordering a coffee anytime soon.
Average prices:
Croissants: $4.50
Cakes: $8.50
Custom cakes: from $28 to $160
Sandwiches: $9.50
Operating hours:
Monday: closed
Tues – Sunday: 9a.m. — 4 p.m.
Address: 10328 124 St Edmonton, AB T5N 1R2
Contact: (780)-908-2253
Pros
- Unique taste combinations
- Convenient location
Cons
- Not the best coffee, based on some reviews
The Art of Cake
What unites most bakeries on our list is their modern approach not only to the baking process but also their interiors (including Duchess which combines European-inspired appearance, yet keeps it simple, without being overwhelmed with extravagant details). That is not the case with The Art of Cake. As soon as you walk into the shop it takes you to a different era. All Victorian movie scenes become alive and, beware, your eyes won’t know what to look at first. The place combines masterly mismatched antique furniture, artworks, pastries, and even a grand piano.
What we suggest, take a moment to look around. Admire artworks and pick one of those soft, velvet seats. Only then head to the counter for coffee, tea, maybe some lunch and of course, English cuisine-inspired pastries.
As one customer noted, the vibe here is incredible. They also have great lunch items. They also make great pieces like cakes for special occasions, he continued.
“The care and detail this business take to ensure that customers feel welcome is noticeable from the moment you walk in,” said a regular visitor. You can tell they are trying to create a warm space. The staff allows you to browse but asks if you’re ready to order or have any questions. The food itself is divine, she continued. For desserts, the cheesecake is next level, but even the cupcakes are simply perfect.
The place belongs to Gloria, her husband Guenter and her son Jeremy. The family turned their dream and passion for baking into a well-known and loved place for so many locals and city visitors. Besides offering pastries, lunch, high-tea service, cake, and drinks, the Art of Cake offers custom cake services (upon inquiry).
Besides that, if you have always wanted to experience English High Tea, yet a trip to London is not in your plans, you can trust the Art of Cake to make it as traditional as possible with cucumber sandwiches, scones and mini pastries. Make sure to check the spots availability on the website.
Average prices:
Cakes: $60
Cupcakes: $4.30
Pastry: from $4 to $9
Operating hours:
Monday: closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Address: 11811 105 Ave Edmonton, Alberta T5H0L9
Contact: (780)-441-1339
Pros
- Extravagant interior
- High-tea service
- Convenient location
Cons
- If you are not into vintage decor you might find the interior overwhelming
Eleanor and Laurent
Here is my personal favourite, which is the best French bakery in the city, in my humble opinion. What makes Eleanor and Laurent special is the location, first of all. Imagine a warm fall day, when you grab a cup of coffee, and a pastry in a small brown bag and head to the North Campus of UofA. The leaves are yellow, the sun is shining, and the pastry tastes heavenly.
The second reason is attention to the history of the Garneau neighbourhood. When the owner of Sugarbowl, Abel Shiferaw, brought his European dream come true in 2008 in the form of a bakery, it immediately became a favourite destination for sourdough bread, baguettes and fine treats.
As a satisfied customer said she randomly stumbled across this cafe and was not disappointed. She would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a nice, cozy spot in the city to decompress and relax. The staff, and most importantly, food and drinks were exceptional. It is very European, and overall, highly recommend, she added.
Another customer noted, and we agree, Eleanor and Laurent is enchanting little patisserie with a fairly wide selection of superbly-crafted baked goodies. Based on her review, you do not often stumble upon chic and endlessly “Instagram-able” little spots like this in Edmonton, so it’s worth a visit.
Eleanore and Laurent do not only have eclairs, cruffins, macarons and bread, but it serves caffeinated drinks from a locally based roaster Kaffa. So, you can be sure, the quality of their baked goods and drinks is exceptional alike.
Average prices:
Breads: $4.50-$8.50
Croissants: $4.50
Tarts and eclairs: $8
Cakes: $52
Wine bottles: $40-$60
Operating hours:
Monday/Tuesday: closed
Wednesday – Sunday: 8 a.m—8 p.m.
Address: 10926 88 Ave, Edmonton
Contact: (780)-988-0897
Pros
- Sophisticated interior
- “Made from scratch” type of bakery
- Variety of merchandise (cheese, vines, meats)
Cons
- Inconvenient parking
Bread+Butter Bakery
It is a tiny place, with lineups in the morning, yet such a lineup testifies to the quality of the bread and other goods. Bread + Butter Bakery is a Riverdale-based bakery that offers small-batch, made-in-house, specialty goods. Those artisanal breads can be purchased together with house-made butter, and as an addition, get a few sweets and savoury pastries.
As a regular customer noted, make sure you try their signature sourdough which is made using a wild yeast starter and a poolish—you can taste the time and care that goes into each loaf.
“Fresh and hot, right from the oven, this bakery has some delicious baked goods,” said another regular customer. The brioche is eggy, fluffy, and as delicious as you’d hope without being overly sweet. The bread was still hot and crackly right out of the oven, he added.
Another customer added that Bread + Butter is a great addition to Riverdale. There is ample parking in the neighbourhood.
Garlic butter is so yummy, customers testify. It looks like they are getting swamped by new guests, so you might need to wait a bit, they suggest. But the cheese bun and bread are always worth the wait.
Approximate prices:
Bread: $6 to $9
Assorted pastries: $4.50
Operating hours:
Monday/Tuesday: closed
Wednesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Address: 10158 90 St, Edmonton, AB T5H 1R7
Contact: (780)-761-9300
Pros
- Accessible parking
- High quality sourdough bread
Cons
- Limited choice of sweet treats
Breadland Organic Bakery
Another bread-focused bakery and this one is known for its rustic, organic sour-dough bread such as 100% Whole Grain Spelt, Kamut, Rye, European White, and more. Other than bread, Breadland offers a selection of sweet and savoury treats to go with coffee. (Coffee enthusiasts mark this place: they serve Monogram coffee, which is a Calgary-based roaster).
A satisfied customer noted how he appreciated a nice and quiet atmosphere. The decor is minimal and warm. It’s a good place to go for breakfast and some coffee or tea. The pastries are always amazing, especially spinach-feta croissant.
Another regular said that this place has such a positive atmosphere as soon as you come in. This family-owned business has delicious pastries, a fantastic assortment of bread, and a great selection of coffee! His wife and he visit Breadland multiple times a month, and we are always greeted with smiles and great customer service.
Based on another review the texture and flavour of the bread are amazing: you can even taste the craftsmanship of the baker. At between $6-$8 a loaf, she believes it is decently priced. They have a few little treats they also serve, like a ricotta tart and personal pastry pizzas that she would also recommend.
What many reviews note that bread and pastries are as organic as they can be, and even their butter is brought in from New Zealand to make sure it is from grass-fed cows. Those customers say from finding the place randomly they become devoted regulars.
Average prices:
Bread: $7.50
Pastries: $4.50
Operating hours:
Monday – Saturday: 8 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Sunday: closed
Address: 8440 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1E2
Contact: (780)-454-5556
Pros
- Selection of artisanal breads
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
Cons
- No website just a Facebook page
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