La bête à pain (Laval) — Restaurant in Laval (administrative region)

La Bête à Pain in Laval is a charming bakery and café that has earned its spot as a local favorite, thanks to its inviting atmosphere and focus on quality food. During my recent visit, I had the opportunity to try a few different items: the soup of the day (creamy tomato), a dirty chai, a croissant, and a suisse.

La Bête à Pain offers a well-rounded menu with fresh ingredients and expertly crafted pastries. The creamy tomato soup was comforting and came with a slice of fresh bread that complemented it well. The dirty chai was nicely balanced, and both the croissant and suisse showcased the bakery’s strong pastry game. However, the service was slower than expected, which could be a downside if you’re on a tight schedule.

Video Review will be posted on Tik Tok anwd Instagram soon @Foxyappetite

Here’s a detailed breakdown of my experience:

Atmosphere & Service:

Upon entering La Bête à Pain, the space immediately feels cozy and welcoming. With a mix of rustic and modern touches, it’s a pleasant environment where you can either relax and enjoy a meal or grab something to go. While the atmosphere is great, the service during my visit was notably slow. It wasn’t that the staff was unfriendly—they were pleasant enough—but there was a bit of a wait for our food and drinks, which is something to keep in mind if you’re in a rush.

Soup of the Day (Creamy Tomato):

The creamy tomato soup was a comforting and satisfying choice. Served with a slice of fresh white bread on the side, it added a nice textural contrast to the soup. The bread was soft and slightly chewy with a nice mild flavor, perfect for dipping. The soup itself was smooth and creamy, with a balanced tomato flavor that was neither too tangy nor too sweet. The subtle hints of garlic and herbs added depth, and the creaminess didn’t overwhelm the natural tomato taste. It was filling and flavorful.

Dirty Chai:

The dirty chai was another highlight of the meal. The spiced chai was aromatic and well-brewed, complemented by the boldness of the espresso. The spices were balanced, adding warmth without being too overpowering, and the espresso was strong enough to give the drink a nice kick without overwhelming the chai. The milk was perfectly frothed, providing a smooth and creamy texture. While it wasn’t overly sweet, it hit the right notes for a comforting, satisfying drink. For those with a sweeter tooth, however, it might feel a bit understated.

Croissant:

The croissant was a true standout. Flaky, buttery, and perfectly golden brown, it had the crisp, crunchy exterior you expect from a well-made croissant, and the inside was light and airy. The rich, buttery flavor was balanced—decadent, but not heavy. It paired perfectly with the soup and dirty chai, making it a solid, reliable choice.

Suisse:

The suisse, a pastry filled with almond paste, was also quite enjoyable. The almond flavor wasn’t too sweet or artificial, and the pastry itself was just the right balance of flaky and soft. It had a nice nutty richness that complemented the buttery layers of the pastry, offering a satisfying bite. It wasn’t overly sweet, which made it a pleasant treat without being overwhelming.

Pros: • Freshly baked, high-quality pastries (croissant and suisse) • Flavorful soup of the day with a nice bread pairing • Well-balanced dirty chai • Cozy, welcoming atmosphere

Cons: • Service was slower than expected, which could be a downside for those in a hurry • The soup could benefit from a bit more seasoning or texture to complement its creaminess

In conclusion, La Bête à Pain in Laval is a great spot for a relaxing meal with excellent pastries and comforting food. While the slow service might be a factor for some, the quality of the food and the overall atmosphere make it a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy a...

HORRIBLE SERVICE!!!

I went to the Laval location today to buy a Fig Bread today with some coffee. I got it and cleaned my hands with sanitizer then waited for my turn and looking trying to see if they had the bread I was looking for by keeping more then 2 meters distance from the other only customer. Then came this lady with her french accent telling me that i needed to step 1 foot back on the green line because I was too close to the other customer. I am an essential worker and I know Social Distancing as that is a main aspect of my daily responsibilities. i informed the lady calmly with a smile that I understand which is why I was keeping my distance. she continued with a strong voice, almost ordering me to stay behind the green line... I looked at her and informed her that the other customer was now at more then 6 meters away and you can clearly see the distance as she was now almost at the cash registry. She looked at me and told me "this is the rule here, so you either wait behind the green line or get out of here and go somewhere else"... all this time, I was still at the same spot next to the sanitizer. It is surprising to what extend human Ignorance runs rampant... I am fully aware of the Covid19 regulations and requirements and agree with them, but the way she handled the issue and gave me an ultimatum... I looked at her and informed her that she should learn how to count distances and that 2 m was about 6 feet... i told her that she just lost a customer and that I WILL most definitely go somewhere else!

FYI, I went to AU PAIN DORE on St Martin and Avenir.

I am grateful of one thing though, thanks to that Lady's lack of judgement and utter ignorance, I was able to find a spot that has an even BETTER FIG Bread then this place... their Americano is also better as the one at Bete a Pain was watered down!

Go to Au Pain Dore, Premier Moisson, or for some Italian flair, Milano's! :)

stay...

Disappointed with my last couple of experiences with La Bete a Pain. I used to love going there, the food was good and the coffee too. Servers were great. The last times though, everything seemed to scream "get me out of here".

The bathrooms were dirty, the trash cans were broken, the holder for your coat/bag broken. The soap was missing/coming from a transparent generic bottle... no aesthetics that once housed this cafe.

On top of that, the service was lacking. I ordered only a coffee and the servers seemed annoyed with my sitting for a coffee only. They brought me my cup of coffee..and that's it. No water. No plate for my coffee or to put my spoon should I want to stir something. No spoon for that matter either. No napkins... just a cup of coffee and then I was left there. I don't know if there's a different service for people who order a coffee cup vs. those who eat but it's bizarre. Hated it. When I asked for a small plate to a running server (it was 7AM, we were about 5 people max), she eye rolled and went to get the plate. Amazing. I haven't eaten there for months because the last time I ordered a croissant, the croissant was rock hard under my egg and avocado. When I say rock hard, I mean... rock hard. Felt like I was biting into a 4 day old croissant. No taste.

The more popularity this cafe has received, the less quality it seems to have. Which is sad, because I used to love going there. I hope this review finds the owner and gives them the right boost to put money back into the business. The concept is beautiful, but the aesthetics needs to...