Monte Bakery

Founded by Sanjin Lee, Monte Bakery is a dedicated viennoiserie shop known for its rigorous, three-day sourdough lamination process. The bakery focuses on producing high-quality, airy, and flaky pastries, with an open-kitchen concept that allows customers to observe the baking process. While the shop has expanded to multiple locations, the St. Clair Avenue West site maintains an intimate, local atmosphere that prioritizes the craft of baking over extensive seating. It serves as a specialized destination for those seeking artisanal pastries made with a consistent, sourdough-based technique.

For a first-time visit, the classic almond croissant is a staple, offering a balance of crunch and rich, nutty filling. The menu also features savoury options like the croque monsieur croissant, alongside rotating items such as cruffins, scones, and various seasonal danishes. As this is primarily a grab-and-go operation with very limited seating, it is best to plan for a quick pickup. Popular items often sell out early in the day, so arriving in the morning is recommended to ensure the widest selection. Prices are generally moderate, reflecting the artisanal quality and labour-intensive preparation of the pastries.