Boulangerie les Co'pains d'abord

Lovely croissants! I was on a mission to find the best croissants in Montreal, and Boulangerie les co'pains d'abord came up on several lists and travel guides. It definitely lived up to its reputation -- the croissants were super flaky, buttery, and rich, and had a nice crispy outer shell. I had the chocolate croissant (my testing baseline for every new bakery), and I was quite impressed. There isn't a ton of seating inside, but if you're lucky, you can grab one of their stools by the window. I can't wait to come back to try out their other items -- the staff recommended trying out a few of their specialty croissants, so I'm very excited to come back to Montreal!

Excellent bakery and pastry shop! A big selection of items. Service is ok, but it can get busy! There is some seating inside, but it is very limited.

We ordered the fruit danish and have tried their croissants and olive bread. The fruit danish was divine— the custard was nice and the berries had a nice tarte flavor. Fresh bread and high quality croissants. Definitely among the best croissants in Montreal.

Amazing cakes!! And they’re so so nice. The coffee is a great price ($3.75 for a latte, less than $2 for a drip coffee). The chocolate raspberry cake was especially good. And the cheesecake.

Super fresh and delicious pastries just like french, and friendly staff!

Delicious bakery. Ordered a croissant and apple pastry, Natural, fresh, and well made. They also have fresh breads like baguette or loaves, coffee, jams, and more. Staff was friendly as well. The shop itself is tiny so not so good for hanging out.

This place was fantastic. We ended up here twice for breakfast and loved it both times. Very good coffee, a big assortment of baked goods. The ham egg and cheese I'm there croissants with pesto was A huge highlight. The staff helped us and was very friendly and doing so. I did notice that if you try to engage in French but let them know that you don't speak French, they will speak English and be very helpful. That's not just in that establishment that is a citywide thing. If you are a tourist, please take the time to learn a little French to engage in conversation. But if you're looking for a good breakfast spot or just somewhere to stop in for a coffee and a croissant or the ultimate dessert, the kouign amann give this place a try.

I went to the store around the time it opened this morning. I bought two kouign-amann, but when I tried to eat them at home, both were burnt as shown in the picture, making them inedible. Despite there being many other kouign-amann available, I don't understand why the two burnt ones were put in the bag. I felt that selling such low-quality pastries was very disappointing.

We've been in search of the best croissants in town. This place comes real close. Flaky, buttery, crispy exterior and soft pillowy inside. Still no Tartine (SF) but it's quite nice. The chocolate croissant was light and is a perfect pick me up! The staff were helpful and sweet. We'll be back but the search continues!

One of the things I personally noticed about Montréal is that even with some of the Boulangerie+ Patisserie chains around, some of the products actually taste good and don't seem mass-produced. Others on the other hand, do. Choose between window stools or the shareable high-top tables+stools in the middle of the shop to sit a bit and enjoy your coffee or pastry. Service was outstanding and price was reasonable. The energy isn't rushed but do be mindful that this location is small. The sourdough Baguette we got was anything but 'chain' and had that perfect crispness and soft inside that said, 'homemade'. My Matcha Latte was good and hubs liked his decaf Cap. My Chocolate Croissant had a wonderful glob of dark chocolate goodness in the center and wished I had another. Their kouign-amann was heavy; considering what I've read about its light interior, this one fell short. Both the baguette and my chocolate croissant were the all-around winners out of the few other things we picked up- but will keep these guys in mind for these two items and hot beverages.

Croissant was delicious. Would definitely come back and try other baked goods. Bread also looked very good

My mouth waters just thinking about all the good stuff we got from here and I don't even know where to begin. Abricotine was one of the highlights for the entire trip for me, and the croissant ouef totally made my jaw drop which made it difficult to bring it back up to chew. This is such a cute cozy space and it didn't took me long to figure that this must be one of the locals' faves, if only because the peeps kept slowly piling in and the line went around the table in the middle of the shop. I though the staff were nice and friendly and patient with us (I only wish my French was better), and I wouldn't think twice about going back.

Wow this croissant was reallly amazing. Like reallllllly! I'd say the outside could've been a little less crisp because it flaked so much. But the chocolate croissant and almond croissant as a whole deserves an award for the perfect about of buttery-ness, sweetness, and tastiness. Tiny little hole in the wall but the actual best croissants I've had in Montreal. Will go back for sure

Definitely worth trip. One if the best crossants I've had. Very reasonable prices too. I would go back!

Really friendly cute staff - although I do not speak French well, they tolerated my high school franglais well enough and were helpful with suggestions. They also clarified my order to ensure I would receive what I wanted. As well, there is like an army of bakers behind the counter! You get the sense of good camaraderie, good workmanship, and a strong team as they worked well together to service the ongoing line of customers waiting for their cafes, breads, and pastries. I enjoyed my croissant and cafe au lait (avec lait d'avoine) at the shop, and my palmier later in the day as a snack. While I chatted with a friend over our morning snack, we joked that we would rent the apartments across the street next summer...

Amazing small patisserie and bakery! We have been here two days in a row and everything is delicious. The raisin danishes, croissants and kouing ammans are to die for. Let's be honest, it's around the corner from where we are staying and we will probably go here every morning. It's that good. They have three locations, check them out!

What every local cafe should be. Incredible food and wonderful desserts. Service was friendly and efficient. If you are in the neighborhood, a must stop for coffee.

Excellent baked goods! Croissants were very tasty, I wish I could have one of every pastry they had on display.

The food is AMAZING, a must try. It's a very cute little cafe with great customer service...10/10 recommend!

While visiting my sister in Canada, she introduced me to this place. It's a small bakery store, very clean and well organized. Their pastries are DELICIOUS. My husband and I, we tried some in store, from Almonds croissant to baguette and quiches... They are sooooo yummy and we couldn't resist so we got some more to go Service was fast and friendly, staff can speak English and French. There is street pay parking in front and along the store.

I was a bit disappointed with my almond croissant. It was not flaky, not buttery, it was more bread like than croissant like. There was a line to the counter when I walked in, so I thought...this place must be good, but definitely not a croissant that I would get again. In the future, maybe some of the other choices ?!!?? They do take credit cards, so that makes it easy and the staff is very friendly and very polite.. Nice store...

Great croissants, chocolate croissants, scones and 3 meat pie. Those were the items I grabbed on my first visit there and it won't be my last! The meat pie was small but flavorful and satisfying. Easy to warm up in the oven. My favorite is that the taste was simple, not overwhelming of spices. The grand cru chocolate croissant is on the drier side as the the chocolate "ribbon" is like glazed and it's not greasy. The scone was delightful! Had it warmed up in the toaster oven the next morning and still crumbly good.

Amazing. Amazing. AMAZING! I bought six different pastries just to try them. Soooo good! No point in reviewing each as the were all so good. There was a line out the door when I got there yet 1/2 a block away, another coffee/pastry shop was nearly empty. Seems as if the locals know where to go for good eats. Don't believe me? Try it yourself. And grab a coffee while you're at it. The filter/drip was delish

Thank you Yelp community for all the pics and reviews that led us to this flaky, buttery paradise. Comparable with any boulangerie in France. The staff were so helpful and kind and the owner even gave us a "bonus bag" full of goodies when he heard that we that we had spent hours looking for the "real deal" before our visit to Montréal. Got a great shirt for only $10 CAD to boot!

Quaint French bakery with excellent fast service and delicious pastries. Very helpful staff, especially for non French speaking customers. Would have loved to try all their baked goods but stuck to the tried and tested favorites, which did not disappoint. Highly recommend if you're in the area.

This place was so cute! I almost walked by and am so happy I walked in. It felt like such a local place, which I always feel happy supporting. The butter croissant was absolutely delicious! I will never forget that croissant and will definitely return here on all my future visits to Montreal. It was so flaky that it almost reminded me of a sfogliatella. The choco grand cru was just too basic for me though and easily forgettable.

Got a chocolatine and it was interesting. It looks so flaky and delicious but it was not like any pastry I've ever had because it's not flaky at all. It's more like a bread-it's crunchy, crispy with no butter flavour.

This place was recommended by a local when we found out Au Kouign-Amann was closed for vacation. Les Co'Pains d'Abord is a quaint neighborhood bakery. We ordered a tomato fromage quiche, croque monsieuer, and a pain au chocolat aux amandes to go. We walked our order to Parc La Fontaine and enjoyed it outside for breakfast. The tomato quiche was light with a flaky crust and I liked how the croque monsieuer is made on a croissant. The sandwich wasn't overly heavy and had a slight crisp on the edges from being heated up. I enjoyed venturing off to a place we wouldn't have found out about if it weren't for our original destination being closed.

Who doesn't love a good bakery? I happened to pass by Les Co'Pains D'Abord while out and about in the Plateau one day and I thought I would stroll in. It's a really small bakery with only a handful of tables and it feels a little cramped but sometimes good things come in small packages. The prices are fair, the service is incredibly friendly and the food is delicious. Their food selection is awesome. I picked up a loaf of multigrain bread for my toast in the mornings and a baguette for a wine and cheese that I was hosting. Both were super fresh and really soft and chewy. I also couldn't resist trying some of their sweeter offerings so I got a Pain de Jesuite to eat right then. This particular pastry consisted of croissant dough and chocolate and it was so delicious. It was flaky and buttery and thinking of it makes my mouth water. I'm definitely going to be coming here more often when I'm in the area. It was a fantastic find and I can't wait to come back.

Friends First. That is the English translation of the name of the Boulangerie (after the Georges Brassens song). I'm fine with that. Not only will any expectation beyond that be presumptuous, but it also spares one the guilt of cheating on them with other patisseries ;) Having visited the bakery at different times of the day, I can understand the dichotomy in the popularity of this place between the locals and the tourists (22 reviews in 4 years? Seriously?). The latter more often than not just don't get it and rate it poorly as a Patisserie. So, yes: you'll see a few pastries here (e.g. chocolate and pear tart, tarte citron...) but their strengths lie as a Viennoiserie and Boulangerie as croissants and breads (e.g. fougasse aux olives) are what they do really well. Should you come here early morning, you'll likely be waiting in a long line behind locals to get your butter or chocolate croissants (or Chausson aux Pommes: very popular) as the case may be. While they do bake on premises almost all day, the likelihood of getting a great croissant declines should you ask for one in the afternoon. I thought the butter croissant was fantastic, probably the 2nd best I'd had in Montreal, but the croissant I liked best here was the Choco Grand Cru filled with a thick paste of 70% Valrhona chocolate (also brushed on the exterior). Also done very well are the brioches, though I regret not being here for the Pumpkin brioche, available in autumn. Lunch is also extremely busy, with a number of customers here for quiche or a sandwich (particularly panini, though I'd recommend their (bakery) pizza instead - also very popular with the kids. The problem with coming here at lunch is not just the limited seating inside but that the line is long and should you not understand French, it will take you quite a while to be able to communicate and order - testing the patience of those behind you. But, don't feel intimidated for there is always someone on the staff who understands English and will step up to guide you. Service is polite, discerning, and helpful.

Staying across the street from this gem I knew it would be fantastic when we arrived at 1:30AM for our stay and saw them working making their delicious bakery items for the next day. Tried it first and thing was his morning and the high expectations were more than met. Croissants that match the best we had in Paris. Fresh baked multigrain bread as good as I've ever had. The cappuccino was fabulous. On top of this, the help is extremely pleasant and it is a perfect quaint bakery. Bravo!!!!!!!!!

Montreal has some amazing croissants but Les co'pains has the best in the city. Can't recommend enough.

We LOVE this bakery! Since it is not in our neighborhood, we make a special trip here every chance we get to buy croissants and danoises (you have not lived until you have tried their cassis croissant... it is amazing and the most beautiful fuchsia color, to boot). I was immediately reminded that I am over-due for writing a review just a moment ago after enjoying their galette des rois with my family. It is too bad that the season for this fabulous specialty cake is so terribly short, because it is truly the best galette des rois in all of Montreal! Speaking of specialty cakes with a "too short season" we got their traditionally made Italian Panettone for Christmas this year and we immediately fell in love. I went back after Christmas to buy another only to find out that they are sold out. Finito! I am going to have to wait 11 months to buy another one... UGH! That's too long! I suppose I will just have to console myself with their Le Grand Cru chocolate croissants filled with Valrhona chocolate. They are incredible... incredible to eat, but also, incredible to look at! If you are looking for a quick yet wonderful dinner for your family, here is my suggestion: pick up two of their quiches (we have tried them all and each one is terrific, yet we are partial to the Lorraine and the Chevre et Tomate) make a garden salad and pop open a bottle of wine and voilà (!!!) you have the perfect dinner. Baguettes here are also amazing and perfect every time. And on my "things to do list," recreate their ratatouille pizza at home. Ratatouille pizza?!?! What a fabulous idea... but then again, why mess with perfection when Les Co'pains d'Abord got it right already?

Such a lovely place: fresh pastries, excellent coffee and always smiling staff. It has a very happy vibe. The trianguar pastry (une écolier?) is terrific. Actually I have never had anything less than excellent there. Try the pizzas too. This is one place that I hope will prosper. it is a local business that has sincerity, quality and happiness all rolled into one.

Traveled from California to indulge in those chocolate croissants. It was one of the best culinary experiences of my life. The chocolate was amazingly smooth and rich. The dough was crunchy on the outside and chewy and layered to perfection. I will dream about these until we meet again.

Went in as suggested by a local to try their croissant and coffee. Just ended up getting a croissant that was DELICIOUS! It was crispy on the outside, yet chewy and buttery on the outside. Drooling.

Absolute best pastries!! This place is adorable with friendly staff & the most delicious pastries (especially croissants) I've ever had! Will return here every time we visit this beautiful city.

This is the best bakery in the city! Their croissant is crispy and chewy at the same time and great buttery flavor. And their Chou chou is similar to a brioche, very fluffy and moist, is to die for. Staff is very friendly and attentive.

This is just about as good as it gets! I've been going here for a couple years. They have a fantastic variety of pastries, breads & croissants to make you insane and obese all at once. Everything is good... everything! They also serve up big fresh sandwiches that are flat out delicious, yet simple, made on the spot for a very nominal price. Like 5$! I'll often walk by on my way to the park, grab my lunch and watch the weirdos prowl Parc Lafontaine for an hour. Enjoy!

Fantastic little place. Superb coffee and baked products. There is a line in the morning for a good reason (but not a crazy line that spills into the street). There aren't many tables - there are a couple of high tables in the centre of the shop and also bar style seats close to the window. As an Israeli, I have never appreciated great coffee until I came to North-America and tasted the oh so beloved filter coffee that everyone here drinks (and my initial response was: Yak!). There's also a tenancy to over-roast the coffee beans used for espresso (and overcharge for it compared to Europe and the Mediterranean). When I was ranting over this to my barber down the street he recommended I come to Les Co'Pains d'Abord to get my coffee, but I stuck with the few places where I found reliable baristas - until this morning. I wish I had listened to him a few months ago and came here sooner. This small bakery has a variety of breads, croissants, cakes, macaroons, and other amazing baked goods. The cafe au lait (latte) was great (something I no longer take for granted!). The cup size is definitely local (the smallest one would be considered a large across the Atlantic) but it was awesome! I was going to go with an almond croissant that looked great but changed my mind in the last minute and went with a croc monsieur in a croissant. It was a wonderful choice, although my partner did like her sweet pastry as well. I really like that it's not a big chain - they have three locations only, all in close proximity (the others are on Mont-Royal and Mason). I would rate the products among the best in town. The girls behind the counter were very nice!

I feel like I have died and gone sugary buttery heaven. I am so sick and tired of restaurants trying to pawn off Costco croissants as "homemade". This place is easily the basis for comparison for the rest of the city when it comes to home-made buttery flakey deliciousness. The cookies and all their other stuff looked outstanding. This place is not only where you should go on your diet cheat day, it should be reason to throw the diet out of the window entirely!! and eat here every day!!

Such a privilege to live so close by to this neighbourhood gem. Exceptional baked goods (almond croissants, the cheese croissant, the clafoutis, the breads, the somewhat unconventional pizza-manakish hybrids, cookies) and zero hipster attitude compared to some newer generation bakeries. Opens early, closes late and never fails to give you happiness. Since I slowed down my carb intake, this is the only place I dearly miss.

After stopping in An Kouign-Amann the same afternoon and discovering it was nearly sold out of everything, we found this bakery on Yelp and wandered over. Unfortunately, while decent, the confections here were not up to snuff. We ordered a slice each of chocolate-pear and apricot-pistachio tarts, and the flavors and texture were lacking. Because they are refrigerated, the tarts are served overly cold and the crust is a bit dried out and crumbly. My first thought was regret at not buying at least a plain croissant from the first bakery that just ambushed you with the scent of butter from the moment you walked in the door. There may have been butter here, but we didn't find it. Sigh. Pass.

I walked by this place at least a hundred times before it spoke to me. Now I'm a regular. Fresh breads, perfectly moist and savoury cheese croissants, chocolate almond croissants, millet pies and a few dozen other items to choose from. I brought a lemon Meringue pie to a friends house and the entire pie was gobbled up to rave reviews. I quote "I just want to scrape up all that lemon into my mouth" I'm giving 5 stars but I'm not a huge fan of the coffee. My latte has a bit of a bitter / sour taste that actually makes it a challenge to drink.

Great little bakery,not too many choices where bread is concerned,but very good and cheaper than the other artisanale bakeries around the city. Odd that I never noticed this before; the freshly baked goodies are great too,but again selection is limited compared to some of the other places. For a very affordable lunch,or light dimner,try their special soup/quiche/potpie or soup/panini specials,all come with a small salad... all for a little over $7.00 plus taxes of course. Good place to keep in mind.

Loved this place. Amazing sweet pastries. We got the écolier and almond croissant and 2 coffees and everything was great. Definitely recommend for a quick bite in the morning. The service was also great! Got to practice my French with the employees while ordering. Will certainly come back if ever in Montreal again!

Got butter croissant, cheese croissant, and a piece of flan here on a Sunday morning. After getting croissant at two other top rated bakeries in Montreal (which were both really good) I have to say that Co'Pains D'abord's are the best croissants I have had in my life; layered, flakey, buttery, crispy...perfect! The flan was also great, firm to the fork and not too sweet. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. So lucky that this place is half a block from my hotel.

Coming to Montreal for the first time...I knew I want to go to a bakery cafe to sit down have a cappuccino and pastry... we were walking back from le banquise and stopped in to eat here.. i will be coming back maybe today or tomorrow before I leave for home.. a must for everyone!!

my go to bakery when im in montreal fresh fresh fresh bread and sandwiches cool and hip place

Best pastries ever! And i m really picky when it s about croissant! i love the freshness of the products , best croissant of montreal. Other products are also very good. A nice retro atmosphere in every bakery, it took me sometimes to finally find THE good bakery, i love it and recommend 300%!

Best butter croissants in Montreal; gorgeous and consistently breathtakingly divine! Cheese croissant is also excellent. Great pastries; all very reasonably priced, as are the hand crafted coffee beverages. 2 small bar tables & a bar along the window facing the street. They also sell savoury items like meat pies and freshly made sandwiches, but I can never forego multiple croissants on every visit...

Amazing pastries and baked goods. Choice is great. It might not be the cosiest place to stay and have your coffee because it's small and crowdy with lines waiting to get their baked goods but it has a distincht charm of a lil local Plateau bakery. Great cakes for great price.

This place was my regular breakfast joint during my vacation ! I really loved their almond croissant . Their jesuit and clafoutis some other things were just alright and the coffees were quite wonderful . It's the service that was top notch here ! Extremely friendly people with a lot of energy and charm , I loved seeing them every morning! On my last day I packed some coconut cake with apple pieces that blew my mind !!

A fantastic selection of pastries, quiches, breads, cakes... just about everything you can imagine. They also make delicious baguette sandwiches and sell some of the best jarred pickles I've had in Montreal. Oh, and of course, they make a stellar cup of coffee.

I love this bakery! Everything here is delicious. The bread, pastries, croissants and especially the pizzas, also good price for the pizzas, makes a good quick lunch.

Thank you for introducing me to the wonder that is the almond croissant. Crisp, flaky outside, moist pastry mingled with almond paste. I feel myself slipping into a diabetic coma just thinking of it.

Our go- to neighbourhood bakery. Nice bread, good pies and pastries. Service sometimes slows to a crawl as the cashiers also fill orders for coffee and sandwiches so better to not be in a rush. Recommend the pain Miche if you like white bread that toasts well.