Arno's Fine French Pastry Inc. — Restaurant in Central Core

The only way I can describe this cafe is this: you know that thing that you do really well in your life? Maybe you've been practicing for years, and maybe you've gotten pretty good at it. The owner of this business is a couple of levels better than that, only at baking. No need to be jealous, because the thing he excels at is creating baked goods that cause the world to stop turning for a moment or two, where all of a sudden, it's just you and the pastry you're eating. And he shares this gift with anyone who shows up at the door of his business.

The man is a master, and he is able to elevate food to the art form that it can become under the right hand. Their croissant is a celebration of the simplicity of pastry; an ode to butter when it's used in the right way. The pain au chocolat is what I'm sure every patisserie France strives to attain, and at Arno's, they do. Simple, beautifully balanced flavours that manage to be bold but at the same time comforting. Trying a pain au chocolat at this cafe reminded me of the first time I'd ever tasted one, and it made me feel like Proust transported by a madeleine.

Pour les francophones parmi nous, voilà qqn avec qui on peut parler français quand on lui rends visite, ce qui ameliore et amplifie l'expérience de manger des produits qu'on ne trouve qu'en Europe, faits par qqn qui s'y connait vraiment. C'est un vrai plaisir!

There's something to be said for mastery of a thing, and Arnaud is a master. How his business is not more famous already, I have no idea, but let's all help him get there by doing our part: eating one delicious...

I used to love this place. However the last 3 times I have been there I got Almond crossiant that was burnt at the bottom. The last time I specifically mentioned not to give me a burnt one since twice before I had the issue. Arno nodded his head and still gave me a good one and a burnt one. I am beginning to think this is no longer a coincidence. I have been purchasing almond crossiants from Arnos since 2015 and the size of the crossiant has reduced, price has increased and now I am paying $5 for a crossiant that is burnt at the bottom. Not a good feeling. I am deeply disappointed. Please try to get back to the high standards from before. Thank you.

Update: This is in response to the owner's reply to my review above. I have been purchasing your baked goods since I met you for the first time at the downtown farmer's market when it used to be on 104 street. I am real. I live 3 mins walking distance from your coffee shop. I have brought in several customers both edmontonians and out of province visitors to try your almond crossiant and we have always enjoyed it and never tasted anything like it before even when we were in Paris. So I believe my concern is valid given that both you and I work very hard for our living. I truly hope you took the feedback as a chance to understand customer needs rather than as a personal attack on your work ethics. The intention of my review was not to insult you. I have been a very loyal customer to you for 5 years now and will continue to do so. However I would like you to pay more attention to what you provide us with. Thank you and all...

Newly opened place is Edmonton! Amazing French desserts and breakfast items. And btw - they do speak French, and the whole atmosphere is very very Paris.

Friendly staff, patiently answered all my questions even though it was busy! And I mean... I was there half an hour after their opening time and it was busy - so get there early!

Tried chocolate brownie and fruit tart (or whatever it's called - picture attached). Omgggg!!! Heavenly delicious! Chocolate brownie and coffee - that's the best breakfast ever right there! Proper amount of sweetness and nuts and crunchiness - everything is perfect! But real masterpiece was fruit dessert - cream was smooth and soft, fresh fruits, and pastry.... Little crunchy on the outside, soft inside, with nice balance of sweetness - overall its a taste explosion in your mouth...

Can't wait to go back and try other desserts and of course créme brûlée (if fruit dessert was so good, than créme brûlée should be...