Cocoa Locale

When we moved to Montreal, one of our local friend introduced this cute and dreamy pastry in middle of town🥹🩷. For 2&half years the first pastry shop pop up in my mind for birthday cake is here😍. It's local pastry shop and the baker is really kind and friendly woman with big smile and ready to explain and help you to chose🥰. We tried different types of cakes: Classic Chocolate, Orange & Cardemom, Vanilla & Honey, Rose & Vanilla, Lavender & Honey, all of them are so tasty, soft, creamy, the ratio of cake and icing is amazing, their look is cute and dreamy and simple with reach flavors and combination of flavors will be different every time you go there. I personally love other flavors than chocolate cake here. Doesn't have reservation and it's first come first serve and better to pick up cake within first hours of opening to have various choices, her cake is coming in two different sizes which is small and other one is a bit bigger. It's cash only. My friends always love the cakes I bought for their birthdays from here and they always ask for the address😍. Love this shop with all cakes/cupcakes and cute decoration🥹🥰🩷

I discovered this little gem over 20 years ago... After moving across the city, I found myself back in the neighborhood a few months ago—and suddenly, I remembered the unforgettable chocolate chai cake! SIMPLY THE BEST. The texture, the flavors—absolutely perfect. Today was my son’s 17th birthday, and that memory came rushing back… so across town I went, hoping for a slice of nostalgia. And there it was—serendipity! The last two traditional chocolate cakes (not chai, but still divine). THANK YOU, BEAUTIFUL SOUL, for continuing to make magic. ♥️

We bought a lemon and coconut white cake for my friends birthday and it was so amazing! You can really taste the quality.

This bakery is a true hidden gem! It’s been in business since 2005 and I’d been wanting to try it for ages, and now it’s my go-to for cakes. The portions are perfect either for 4–6 people or 10 which makes it so convenient when you don’t need a huge cake. The owner is incredibly sweet (she even offers a candle!), and the prices are extremely fair. Everything tastes homemade in the best possible way. Highly recommend!

Wow! I love rima! But I might love her chocolate cupcakes a little more haha! The quality and just everything was amazing! I have not found chocolate cake as good as this anywhere else in a very long time. Must try if you're a chocolate cake lover.

I got two chocolate cakes for a special occasion and they were absolutely delicious. One was regular, one was chai (ginger + cardamom). The crumb was so tender, and the icing was just the right amount of sweet. These are some of the best cakes I’ve ever had, and they are affordable ($10 for small, $25 for large).

Joining everyone else who raves about this spot to give my 5 stars. Absolutely terrific cake, and I say this as someone who usually doesn’t like the stuff. Perfect size, reasonably priced, and friendly service. Highly recommend.

Ive known this place since 2007 and it is the BEST cupcake, brownie and cake place ever. Lemon vanilla cakes, chocolate chai, lavender, red velvet, and i recently had a line icing cake with vanilla that blew my mind!!!! I also the want to keep this GEM a secret as she can only make so much! A true blessing of the plateau and after 7 years of being out of Montreal she was the first place i came back to, as her cakes are to DIE FOR!!!

This is the CUPCAKE MECCA of Montreal, and you'll see why once you visit. It's a tiny, unassuming shop on Park Avenue, with an adorable, retro feel inside. The owner is so friendly and welcoming, and her cupcakes are to die for! Moist and delectable cake, and the frosting comes in a variety of flavours, including chocolate chai, lemon coconut and vanilla. There is indeed an international flair (as one reviewer mentions) to these magical cupcakes. There are also birthday cakes, ie. larger versions of the same cupcake flavours. Sometimes, when you come, certain things might be sold out -- that's how popular and well-loved this place is! I've been a loyal customer over the years, and the quality and taste has been consistent, prices reasonable, and honestly, I'm so glad we have a cupcake shop of this caliber in our city (comparing this to NYC's cupcake shops, and I think the cupcakes here blow those out of the water). Highly recommend.

Charming little place, owner is very welcoming and kind. Shop opens at 12 so make sure to get there early, as she tends to sell out fairly quickly. I went once at 1pm and everything was sold out. Tried out the small chocolate cake and it was rich and delicious! Definitely a place worth checking out that offers various cakes, cupcakes & brownies.

It is very easy to pass by this amazing little shop. Once you know about it, you'll always turn your head as you drive by. The first home I purchased happened to be on the side street of this amazing little shop, I lived off a diet of her heavenly cupcakes. These are tried and true recipes, chocolate chai and lemon are my favourite. The shop is small, the owner is so kind and hard working. Be sure to arrive earlier as she will often sell out, much to my disappointment many times over the years. The store is very sweet, clean and warm. Fresh blooms are placed on most of the cakes, birthday candles added if the celebration calls for it!

These are my favorite cupcakes in the world. We do not deserve such a kind baker, who's been delivering these delicious cakes year after year, with consistency, kindness and without raising the price in a decade? That is unheard of. I'm so mad at the reviewer below, who wrote "don't buy anything but chocolate stuff here. I tried the lemon coconut thing and it was too sweet and kind of gross." So wrong, so misguided, so unable to properly assess taste. I can't believe this level of idiocy - the vanilla cupcake at Cocoa Locale is literally so epic, perfect, and timeless; and the lemon cupcake comes in a close second. The icing has a nice thick consistency, but it's also not too buttery; and the cake is moist and just right - not too dense, not too airy. I read a yelp user declare a competing Montreal bakery made the best cupcakes in the world, and this self-declared cupcake expert was wrong! Trust me, a self-declared cupcake expert. I've tried this competitor's cupcakes - it was a joke, it cost at least a dollar more, maybe two, their icing was all wrong, too light! It had the texture of cream cheese, and didn't taste like much. Yes, the cupcakes at Cocoa Locale are sweet, that's literally the point. Paris? the cake is too dense! New York? Stop it, buttercream icing is not great, too buttery! Berlin? All wrong. Nobody does the perfect cupcake like Cocoa Locale.

Don't buy anything but chocolate stuff here. I tried the lemon coconut thing and it was too sweet and kind of gross. The chocolate however is soft, cakey, moist... pure heaven in a bite. Highly recommended. And reasonably priced at $3 per cupcake.

I've now tried their chocolate cupcake and literally needless to say; it's darn good, if not the best I've tried in that category --- I must admit, there's something special about it. This might sound like a strange description, but it's almost too moist to be cake and too thick to be frosting. Let's just call all three flavors; 'r r e e a a l l y y, g g o o d d'.

Wow! I can't believe I waited this long to review this place. My friend was the one who brought over one of their mini chocolate chai cakes for my bday and since then I'm an addict. Her cakes have an international flare and remind me of home (india). She uses indian spices in her cake and they're delish! Her cakes sell out really fast as she doesn't mass produce and makes only a certain amount. If you want a full cake you gotta go early. It's a small space so only to take out.

Every time I go to Montreal (which has now been 2 times), I make a point of coming to this spot. Some of the most tasty, mouth-watering, exciting cake experience of my life. I am definitely a pie person, and cake usually doesn't do it for me - except here. Every cake I have had (including the pear, pumpkin, and others) is moist, sweet, decadent, and ridiculous. I also enjoy the fact that it's such a cute, local spot to go - there is a park swing hanging from the ceiling, and the feel and service from the place makes you feel comfortable and at home. Taking a cake up Mont-Royal on a vacation brings me to utter peace.

Adorable, Affordable & Delicious Cakes. Small in size (each cake is enough for at least 6 slices ) but absolutely stunning in quality. Each are only 12$. They flavor are pretty unique, I choose the Peach & Cream and the Vanilla & Roses one. And the cake lady is really friendly! I highly recommend this little gem shop .

As Good as it gets first of all, Rima is fantastic (pretty and nice!!) she is really good to suggest a cake depending of type of guests, event, etc the shop is small and very old fashioned (nicelly decorated) it has a small town feeling to it lets talk about the CAKE because it was simply amazing (you can be pretty and nice but if the cake doesn't hold up...) i was recommended the chocolate cayeenne pepper. Snapple can go back to the school bench; the cake was simply a party in your mouth!!! i still can't explain how good it was!! the cake's texture was just perfect, not too light, not too dense. the chocolate (not sure if it was Valrhonna??) had a nice sweet and bitter taste, but the star was the addition of the cayenne pepper WOW it stars slowly to kick in and then BOOM a small fire starts in your mouth (yes it's not for lighthearted or for kids) but don't be a «wuss» cause it's worth the try (it would go really well with a nice Tawny port) shop is open from Wed to Sun (cash only and arrive early so u can get a wider choice of cakes) she also sells cupcakes (my daughter enjoyed the vanilla one) but i think she gets out of the box with those wonderful cakes. merci Rima

This place is absolutely adorable! I was craving a good chocolate cake for weeks when my partner surprised me by bringing me here. It's a simple store front in retro- 1920's/ 1930's decor. Vintage mirrors and Banting banners. The woman who bakes all the desserts, in the open kitchen behind the counter, has been there for 12 years. It's a one- woman show. She bakes up a bunch of cakes and they're gone by late afternoon. I love that she has a variety of sizes, suitable for 2 people or 10! We tried the chocolate, chai, cardamom cake. Honestly it wasn't the perfect cake for me, I think I was looking for more of a simple chocolate but decided to try something a bit more adventurous. But to her credit, I could taste every ingredient clearly. I'll be back to patronize this lovely business.

You're having a bad hair day, your boyfriend dumped you by leaving a sticky note on the fridge and your boss told you the bombshell who just arrived a month ago as a receptionist was going to take your job? Well..... run to Cocoa Locale. Just try one of those heavenly made cupcakes and I can assure you none of that will matter anymore. Remma is so passionate about her job and shop, you could talk to her for hours. And the decor is so divine, I keep begging her to sell me her tea cups and artworks. Really this place is one of a kind.

This is a must for everyone to try. This is the sweetest little bakery in the whole city, I am totally convinced. The treats here are amazing. Baked fresh and rich with flavor, you can't just take one bite. I have eaten entire cakes on my own from here and have loved every bite. I encourage everyone to check out this amazing haven when in Montreal! Bring cash, double check the opening hours, and come early because when the goodies are gone, they're gone for the day. The early bird gets the cake!

The best brownie I have had. The ganache on top of the brownie (I think it's ganache) is decadent, and rich. The brownie has a delightful texture and taste, the flavours are exquisite. The owner of the business is pleasant and welcoming and I could tell that her creations were made with love, and true mastery of her craft. I recommend to anyone visiting Montreal, especially lovers of chocolate desserts!

Whenever I have guests I get one of Coco Locale chai chocolate cakes...Everytime, it never fails, she then gets new customers. I have yet to have anyone not rave over this cake. I have tried pretty much all of her cupcake flavors over the years and although I'm not a fan of cupcakes (not at all into the icing), hers I consistently find somewhere between good to awesome. I also enjoy some of the little touches, like fresh flowers, she adds to some of them. The owner is definitely a character. She's very sweet and has made a success of her business that she runs on her own terms. The store is only open Wed to Sun. She makes a certain amount of cakes and cupcakes for the day. When they're gone, so is she :). Hence if it's late in the day, you may want to call ahead.

I really can't say enough how wonderful this cake bakery is. The cupcakes and icing were the absolute best i've ever tasted in my life ....and I've eaten ALOT of cupcakes. Go...beautiful decor...nice lady....scrumptious cupcakes. You will love it.

Glad Cocoa Locale is still around! The moist cakes with simple, well-assorted flavors (orange-lavendar and chocolate-chai my favorites) always live up to expectation. Stopping by to get a dessert is like going to my grandmother's kitchen--welcoming and smells great. Cash only, come early, and try again another time if she's sold out for the day. I left the rest of the cake at my sister's for her birthday, and I'm kicking myself for not having a third slice.

It was ok...i gave the 4 star because of the owner..she seemed really friendly and gave great service. The cupcakes were okay though. However I really liked the choco chai- the frosting was amazing! it was really chocolatey and the chai flavours had a nice cardamom taste to it. Overall a good place to try and when you're in the mood for some good cupcakes :) and for a nice convo with Reema

We read blogs about this place being great for the cupcakes, so we made a pit stop to grab a couple. Of course, going in there, we met the lady who makes the cupcake (aka the owner). She's really cute with her bandanna and was friendly to us. We got all 3 flavors of her cupcakes: vanilla, lemon coconut, and chocolate chai. The vanilla cupcake was ordinary, so I'd give that 3.5 out of 10. The lemon coconut had amazing frosting, so that gets a 6. I like the chai part of the chocolate cupcake, but the cake was dry. That gets a 5.

As a freshman McGill student several years ago, I was so excited to find this adorable little gem. It's quite tiny but there's no need to linger, as you'll likely devour your baked goods in about 2 minutes. Good luck in making it back home without finishing them! I generally think cupcakes are overrated, but Rima makes the BEST cupcakes: moist, not too fluffy, flavorful, just the right amount of the richest frosting (no fluffy stuff here!). She also makes brownies, peanut butter cookies, and other yummy treats.

I have nothing but good things to say about this tiny cake shop. This is where I swing by when I want a homemade quality cake but don't have the time or energy by on bake one. Everything is super fresh and delicious. The only downside is that when the cakes are done for the day, that's it. But that is why they are always so fresh: nothing sits around. One taste and you'll understand why.

Super chocolate... almost any baked goody. Sadly, if you don,t get there early in the day..... good luck! The lovely young lady owner/baker will however; reserve a cake for you if you call in advance. I love her spiced brownies & her orange/chocolate cake. YUM!

You must try this place, the classic chocolate cake was unbelievable! I tried this bakery for the first time and the cake I bought was so delicious. I loved it, my coworkers loved it, and I can't wait to go back and try some of the other pastries! The price was very affordable , the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was charming.

Everything she makes is perfect. Cupcakes, brownies and cakes are all delicious, the quality of her ingredients and her chocolate are incomparable with any other bakery. Lovely atmosphere and owner is very nice. As other reviewers have said, any excuse is good to stop by! Only one constructive criticism: i wish she made some desserts that are only chocolate flavour, without spices or orange. That would make a nice change.

I love this place. My favourite small bakery. I'm particularly a fan of her Chocolate Chai - cake, cupcake, cupcake a deux format, doesn't matter. Just delicious!

A really cute place and the owner is super sweet! I love her chocolate frosting, so succulent. The flavors are really delicious and I like how she trademarks things with flower petals.

The number one bakery in Montreal Ganda down! The cupcakes are the core competency here- the chocolate ganache is intense, the island flavor are invigorating and the vanilla classic cannot be passed up either. The quality of the ingredients and the special touches like edible flowers on top go a long way. I noticed they use Callebut and Valhrona chocolate only and it's nice seeing actual vanilla bean pod in the vanilla icing. The brownie and cakes are extremely good as well! Overall the place is run by a very sweet woman and the decor is an homage to 1960s America.

It is so hard to find a time when this place is open (they are open Wed-Sun 12 - 6pm), but I finally did it! I got a chocolate mint cake, which was delicious. I later got a cayenne brownie, which is really spicy and yummy. I think they do chocolate really well, so I haven't experimented with the blueberry lemon, and vanilla cakes/cupcakes, but will do soon. I was told by the person working there that the cakes are the same as the cupcakes, but just with more frosting -- so I haven't had a cupcake yet, but if I pass by again during the time that they are open, I'll get one. It seems like heaven in there. Warm, cakey heaven. Go check it out.

It can only bode badly for my waistline that I recently moved much close to this delicious cake shop! Everything about it is enchanting: the cute decor, the lovely owner and especially the delicious cakes. Try the Spicy Valrhona or (my favorite) the Lemon Coconut. Cakes sell out quickly, so it's better to call and have one put aside for you early in the day...if you rock by at 4pm there's often not much left. Seriously one of my Montreal addictions.

Great chocolate and chives cupcakes. Not too sweet. Basically her brownie with a hint of herbs and spices,maybe cardamom? Good amount of icing. Good cayenne brownies. Sometimes have too much icing. Ok chocolate chip cookies. Too many chips but the dough's good. "An unusual little spot where one talented woman bakes a limited selection of very special pastries that changes daily, depending on her mood and fancy. Call ahead to make sure she's open, as she sells out fast. (No official website, but Unique Boutiques blog gives lots of info.)"

Reema's spicy brownies have stolen my heart and her cupcakes are always dense, perfectly frosted (as in not 75% frosting, 25% cake) and exactly sweet enough. Go in, take a few minutes and chat with her while she whips up your order... she's such a doll, you wanna just take her home for tea and cake (which you are now in possession of, coincidentally).

This past weekend we picked up an Apple Honey cake. It was delicious, and perfectly balanced. I have to admit we go whenever we can find an excuse for cake. It was beautiful, with its flower petals. The baker and shop owner was delightful and friendly. We paid $10 for the privilege of eating this nice little cake which would have served more than the 3 of us who were lucky enough to eat it. I have never disliked anything she's made. She's got a great recipe for success - great ingredients, kindness, and a delightful shop. One of those businesses that makes me feel lucky that Montreal births and draws such talent in all of the arts.

First of all I would like to preface that I am very picky when it comes to deserts and have a very low opinion of cupcakes. For me cupcakes are a low quality, lazy american deserts and I never spend my hard earn cash on them. However on a couple of occasions friends picked up cakes for a get together so I got the chance to taste them. Flavours tried were chocolate, lemon and I believe rose....or something similar. The cake itself was good, right amount of moisture and fluff; however the icing was horrible, especially on the non-chocolate flavours. It was overwhelmingly sweet, with a cheap sugary taste. Also for the non-chocolaty cupcakes the flavour is only in the icing while the cake uses the same batter so no subtleties in flavour. All in all, if you really care about quality deserts go elsewhere. Montreal is a city with so many excellent patisseries, that for the same price you can easily find 10 places where you can enjoy a really good pastry with first rate flavors, textures and ingredients. However if you must have a cupcake, stick to the chocolate one.

OUTSTANDING PASTRIES. SOME OF BEST IVE HAD (AND IM FROM NYC). place is so charming and the woman running the place is such a lovely character and of course great baker as its a one woman show. make sure u get there early especially on weekends! get the brownies, cupcakes and cookies!

I bought a chocolate cake and lemon coconut and chocolate cupcakes. I was expecting the cake to have a very chocolate intense flavor but I was disappointed. It hardly tasted chocolate. The cupcakes were better as far as the icing was concerned but it was too much icing for a cupcake. Overall, not what I was expecting.

Cake like you would make at home if you were really good at making cakes, really creative and had a ton of time.

Ever felt like a homemade cake like Mom used to make? this girl does it better than Mom, try the chai&chocolate cake..... It is sooooo amazing. The only problem is that she doesn't make too many and if you get there late, well just too bad for you ...... You'll have to come back tomorrow! But if you're a regular, you can call and and reserve one.

Awesome customer service! I wanted to order a birthday cake for my daughter who lives in Montreal and I live in BC...Rima was wonderfully helpful in making it all work & my daughter received 12 of her beautiful cupcakes!