La Croissanterie Figaro — Restaurant in Montreal

Let’s do the good stuff first. It’s got great atmosphere. Like really great. Like being transported to a Parisian arrondissement great. The viennoiserie looks really pretty.

The pastries are reheated. That’s a trick to make them better. I ordered a croissant with jam. The jam that arrived was Smuckers. A little peel the top off plastic container that you get at diners. The cutlery was dirty. Like disgusting dirty that it reminded me of when my Chinese grandmother used to wash the chopsticks at restaurants in hot tea. The good news is that the pain au chocolate my wife had was « buttery » which is what happens when you put it in the oven. Nothing wrong with warming up French pastries. It’s a great way to make mediocre pastries pretty good. My croissant was mediocre but heated to make it pretty okay. But it was small. I like small buttery croissants. But mostly ones that are well done by talented and determined bakers. Who would kill or die at the sight of their creations being served with Smuckers.

I ordered a café au lait. Which is usually a delicious coffee drink with texture and the sweetness of a good milk. Not here. This was more akin to a double double from Timmy’s but not as sweet. I didn’t drink much of it.

I mentioned it to the waitress who asked about the food - after we ate it. She looked at my barely touched café au lait and I told her in no uncertain terms it was the worst I’ve had in my life. To be clear I’ve had worse coffee beverages but this was the worst café au lait. She said she would mention it.

Waited forever for the bill. The café au lait was still on the bill. She presented me with the machine to pay and the lowest tip option was a whopping 18% which is the norm but was about $4.00. I stared at the machine and felt bad as I pressed no tip. I felt bad because the server probably needs the money in the typical cheque is small. But the tip is a way to make things right if the product isn’t commensurate with the price.

Save your money. Cross the street to Rumi where I had an amazing...

We parked a street away, watch the signs! We were fine but check times, dates, etc

The restaurant is old but reminded me of many in Europe of heck, New England, they don’t update anything but that is part of the charm, no? Or… to some NO!

My sister would hate it, my mom on the fence, she loved the music but thought a few repairs would be nice and just a tad (a tad, really better fruit, I understand summer is over, so harder to get summer fruits but hard melon is awful).

The service was good, our waitress polite and I’m not sure why people complained about the timing, we got our drinks right away and food within 15 minutes and all hot!!!

Again, it is not a hip and happening place but you aren’t paying $7 for coffee or $25 for eggs. There is no dj (like at Bar George) in the back and no need to dress up. If you want Instagram photos, take a look around and above the bar! The eclectic decorative pieces there are worthy of a photo but my mother doesn’t “believe” in photographing food, places or your drink!

Do go if you just want to try an old school place, we enjoyed our meal and time...

Bistro life, without having to travel. Enjoying la vie en rose at this beautiful Parisian bistro, located at the corner of Hutchison and Fairmount. Come for the coffee, ambiance, amazing croissants, and meal option. You can languish on the terrace or in the roomy indoor space. Romantically decorated with lots of art deco items, and gorgeous brass bistro tables, it's a great place for gathering or for a romantic tête à tête. On hot sunny days, the terrace is great for people watching , and on a cold winter's nights, the warm atmosphere will take the chill off. We've had lunch there, as well as just dropping in for coffee & treats during the afternoon. We love the flammekuche, an Alsacian thin bread that's topped with bacon, onions, and cream cheese, and baked. Their almond croissants are to die for. We love the pâte d'amandes twist which is almond paste twisted into flaky buttery pastry. And then it's heated up for maximum enjoyment. Owner Charmand is friendly and welcoming, as are the staff. Parking was usually found along Fairmount or...