Industry Insider: Wow Factor Pâtisseries

Dig in with these sweet seasonal recommendations from Vancouver’s top chefs and restaurateurs

If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth with something decadent and delicious, look no further than these recommendations from some of the city’s best chefs and restaurateurs. Whether it’s somewhere ultra-fancy for amazing cakes or that on-point local bakery for buttery slices of heaven, we’ve got you covered. My personal favourite right now? Remi Pâtisserie for the salted egg yolk financier; it’s everything.

Check out some of our spring favourites below…

1. Meeru Dhalwala, Chef and co-owner, Vij’s

Facebook/Thierry | Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe“Since turning 30, I enjoy a 4 p.m. coffee with pastry (or a cookie or cake) about four or five times a week; I’m pretty sure I have become an avid runner just so I can eat cake! I love Thomas Haas for chocolate cakes, Thierry for their Choux de la Crème, Terra Breads for their almond croissant, and Blue Hat for their delicious (and humongous) slices of traditional chocolate cake. I love supporting the pastry students at PICA and we are sure to go there at least once a week to try out their new fancy cakes and pastries. And, if you’re dining out, Blue Water has the best warm chocolate cake for dessert.”

2. Daniel McGee, Chef, Au Comptoir

L’Atelier Patisserie“L’Atelier Pâtisserie has become my go-to for anything pastry since Franck opened a few years ago. He was our opening pastry chef at Au Comptoir and has continued to elevate classic French pastries. He has a great eye for detail and balance in sweetness. I am a huge fan of his Paris-brest. It’s the perfect spot to pop by for a variety of pastries, croissants or a delicious wedding cake… which I did!”

3. J-C Poirier, Chef-owner, St. Lawrence

Chez Christophe“When I’m craving a great pastry (especially croissants) or in need for a spectacular cake, I’m definitely heading to Chez Christophe in Burnaby. Everything is made with a special attention to detail! I love to buy the signature puff pastry flutes for a snack or to pair with a cheese plate. His cakes are routed in the French classics like Mont Blanc, eclair, chocolate or lemon tart. He is also a chocolatier, so the chocolate boxes are the perfect gift when you are in trouble with your partner!”

4. Nikki Tam, Head Pastry Chef, Minami

Facebook/Beaucoup Bakery & Café“Beaucoup Bakery is easily a top choice for me when it comes to beautiful and delicious pastries. They have an amazing selection of buttery and flakey viennoiseries, with the cardamom kouign amann being my favourite. [They offer] so many delectable sweet treats… cue the peanut butter sandwich cookies! They also have seasonal features of creative fusion pastries that ensure you’ll always be able to find something new to try, or—in my case—always able to find inspiration.”

5. Shaun Layton, Co-owner, Como Taperia

Nemesis Coffee“I love the Dope Bakehouse in North Vancouver! It’s part of Nemesis Coffee at the Polygon Gallery, and always has great coffee and snacks. My go-to order is their classic or ham and cheese croissant, or—if I’m feeling like something sweet—the pistachio swirl is insane; that and a Café Cortado and I’m good to go.”