Must try Montréal doughnuts
The humble doughnut is no longer considered a lowly breakfast confectionary and a food sponge to dip into your coffee. As more and more coffee shops and bakeries add this to their menus, this delicious ring has reached a popularity of gastronomic proportions. Here are some of the city’s best doughtnuts to try.
CRémy Pâtisserie
CRémy Pâtisserie
You may recognize the CRémy Mobile at various food truck gatherings or city festivals around the island of Montréal. Luring doughnut fanatics of all ages with their gargantuan doughnut creations, chose from some of CRémy’s signature creations like the rum and bacon or the maple crème brûlée doughnut. Although their brick and mortar kitchen isn’t open to the public, grab your doughnuts at any one of their partner cafés. Follow them on Instagram for more details.
La Cornetteria
La Cornetteria
Little known fact; Montréal is home to the “Cronut’s” more delicious, and handsome Italian cousin, the “Cronetto” – the sinister crossbreed of a croissant and doughnut. La Cornetteria’s take on cronut incorporates their signature cornetto technique of perfuming the dough ever so slightly with essence of citrus, before it’s fried and filled.
6528 Saint-Laurent Blvd.
Doughnats
This spot is super popular for their bite-sized doughtnuts so expect to devour at least two to three of them. With whimsical names like “cereal killer” (a doughnut topped with all your favorite childhood cereals) to “gimme s’more” (one that’s topped with a graham cracker, torched marshmallow and a milk chocolate square), will leave you wanting to try them all. Order in advance for pickup or have them delivered for a fee.
5325 Decarie Blvd.
Léché Desserts
The shop is located in Saint-Henri, but it’s not uncommon to see people toting with Léché’s signature bright pink boxes around town. With choices like pistachio cream, sesame miso and sesame, double chocolate brownie and my personal favourite, peanut butter and jelly; her doughnut roster reads like a sugar fiend’s blacklist. One cannot visit Montréal without having a Léché Doughnut.
640 de Courcelle Street
Pâtisserie Wawel
Famous for the Polish Pączki or known as a Ponki, Wawel has been at the centre of the great “best doughnut” debate for years. These golden confectionaries are filled with a choice of homemade prune or apricot jam or cream. Multiple locations to get your ponki fix.
Multiple locations
Café San Gennaro
A bombolone is a Roman-style Italian filled doughnut that is often eaten as a snack or dessert. These perfect little pillows at Café San Gennaro located in the heart of Little Italy are dusted with confectioner’s sugar and filled with your choice of Nutella, pistachio or vanilla cream. Mangia bene!
69 Saint-Zotique Street E.
Beigne Habitude
Beigne Habitude
This popular donut shop puts an upscale twist on this favourite treat. Chefs Rachel and Michael use classic pastry techniques to create 12 unique donuts daily! Their menu features seasonal flavours like honey-sunflower seed, coconut, mango and crushed chili as well as lime and tamarind. They offer a playful doughtnut experience for anyone looking for something different.
7035 Saint-Laurent Blvd.
Bernie Beigne
Bernie Beigne
Located in the Mile-End, Bernie Beigne offers old-school classics as well as modern and seasonal doughnuts. Treat yourself to a peanut butter and jelly doughnut or Boston cream or honey cruellers or even better, their famous giant apple fritter (that comes in a pizza box!). Follow your nose and press it up to the window where you can watch them glaze their classic doughnuts on the hour.
23 Bernard Street W.
Homers
With a name like “Homers”, you can already imagine what kind of delicious confectionaries they serve here – d’oh-nuts! From the traditional offerings like cinnamon sugar and plain glazed, to more wild options like cheesecake, Nutella, Fruitty Pebbles and… Bacon, buy them one at t time or build your own box.
Multiple locations
Jason Lee
Jason is a seasoned food writer and blogger with over 18 years of culinary adventures in Montréal. He’s a master at uncovering the city's hidden gems and transforming meals into captivating stories. Join him as he continues to explore and share Montréal’s vibrant food scene.