I really like the food and atmosphere of this restaurant. The sandwiches are nice, if a bit unimaginative and I've yet to try a dessert here that I dislike. They are a bit overpriced and the staff can be a bit rude.
This place seems to get a mixed reception: you either love it or hate it!
Yes, it's in the Byward market (and rents must be high). No, it isn't the cheapest bakery. Yes, I get that 'Obama' thing is a bit gimmicky. Some may call this a 'tourist trap'.
But these guys know their baking!
Where to begin...... the vast glass cases with tempting array of sweet and (a few) savoury options, the tasty brioche and Danishes, their home-made meat pies, fresh sandwiches.... try it all with the cheap and decent coffee- all in all, a great place for a weekend lunch in the Market.
PS-As for the service, it is fast and efficient: I am anglophone (and a South Asian) and I've never felt anything amiss (unlike some other posters here).
One of the first things you see when you enter the Byward Market - an overwhelming selection of baked goods and Obama cookies (which they are still clinging onto as their claim to fame, 8 years after the fact haha.. it's tacky yes but cute in a way). It's large and spacious, the staff are very friendly. The New York Cheesecake is great - just the right amount of softness and not too sweet. I love their eclairs. Not an out-of-this world bakery, but nice and convenient location.
Omg, so delicious!! First time to Ottawa, been here twice in two days! Yesterday I got an imperial cookie ("Obama" cookie) and today I returned and bought a pecan square, another imperial cookie, and an almond Danish for tomorrow. My husband has equally enjoyed his eclair and chocolate mousse dome with a cherry. Prices are very reasonable with each desert being $3-$4 and the imperial cookie being $3.
It is a cafe-style setting where you can sit and chat with some friends.
Definite must-try if you love pastries and desserts! They also had sandwiches and other bread-types.
Get them at Le Moulin de Provence, ByWard Market!. Two posts back to back! I am on a roll… I wanted to share my experience with you on Obama Cookies! They are famous in Ottawa, as President Obama tried them on his visit to Canada’s national city.
They have really good cookies and tarts, which were my favorites. As tarts you can try sweet fruity ones as well as salty quiches. Also do not forget to try their pumpkin pie when the time comes around.
ByWard Market was establised in 1826 and it is one of the oldest and largest public market nestled in the neighbourhood of Lowertown. The name “By Ward” derived from the surname of the engineer, Colonel John By, who was the area’s original conveyor. Colonel John By is also the legendary builder of the Rideau Canal.
Good food, in the hearth of Byward Market. I was there for breakfast and I enjoy my time at the restaurant not being push out after your done.
The price are within the range of what you order. Good pricing.
Montreal Food Pictures
+4.5
A bakery located at the heart of the ByWard Market. This is known for selling the infamous Obama cookies. It also sells many classic French desserts which cost at most $5. I had the fruit tart. It is composed a soft and crumbly sweet crust filled with a thick not-too-sweet pastry cream. It is decorated with an array of fruits painted with an apricot jam.
I spent a month in Ottawa recently. I visited this place several times and each time was served by a charming man who was consistently kind and efficient. Being British I am very keen on manners and was very impressed. Staff all seem bilingual but I only got served by this one guy. The food was very nice, I loved the almond croissants which are freshly baked throughout the day, the guy even got me one fresh from the oven, it was delicious. Yes a little pricey but to be fair I found all of Ottawa pricey so I think it was in line. Obviously not cheap like Tim Hortons but much better on every level. The chocolate tulips were also lovely. The Obama cookies are great little gifts as they come in a special gift tin too which personally I liked. Definitely a place to revisit. The only negative for me was the plastic chairs which looked cheap. Other than that it is fantastic.
Staff are rude and unknowledgeable about the product they are offering at huge prices. Clearly no management present.
Tasty but overpriced. Bought some xmas cookies to take home and an apple turnover to eat in. The turnover was tasty and the pastry was perfectly flaky.
The palais royale and the mille feuille pastries are simply delicious, and totally worth the price; I come back all the time to buy them. However, a lot of their prices are way too high, and the quality of their stuff isn't great, since I'm pretty sure that some things are more than a day old. Their hot buffet is also pretty decent, but there were a couple of times when the meat was just really dry and tasteless, and definitely not worth it.
I've been there twice so far and enjoy their coffee and pastries. The selection of pastries is impressive.
Flan. Just had their flan, was delicious, reminded me of my days in Paris. thank you xox
This cozy little bakery has superb pasterries and wonderful drinks. It's no surprise that Obama had to stop by. I highly reccomend their croissants and cakes. A must see in Ottawa!
Located on the core of Byward Market, this is a stop for me every time I’m in Ottawa.
There is a lot to choose from so be ready to make a decision on what to pick. I haven’t had their sandwiches or drinks but from what I saw they seem pretty tasty.
I’ve never had an issue with service, they are welcoming and patient for those having to take a bit more time to choose from their many products.
On my last trip out I got the lemon danish, meringue and double chocolate cookie.
Both the Danish and Meringue were superb and I would highly recommend trying if you go. My reason for the 4 stars is for the double chocolate cookie. The taste was there but the freshness was lacking as the cookie was not soft but hard. I’m not sure if that’s the way they are going with their cookie but it is more of a crunch than a melt in your mouth.
would recommend stoping here on your trip to the market!
Loved walking around the market experiencing different pubs and foods. Came across le moulin de province. Id say the French make the best pastries and the wife and I were excited to eat a legit croissant even if canada. Larhe display of baked goods, breads, pastries, cookies etc. Took some time to look everything over as it wrapped around the building. Everyrhing was fresh and looked delicious. We intended on a croissant. Which they had several different ones. But we ended up buying additional pastries just because of how tasty they looked. Prices were pretty average, service was helpful and quick. Taste was more then what was expected and yes, best croissant ever. I think only getting one in France would top it. The market is a must visit, but while there you need to stop by this Bakery and sample some of the goods.
Very large and spacious bakery. They have the famous Obama cookies (we got an owl and a unicorn) as well as other well priced treats (the fruit tart and scone). Would recommend to anyone to take a stop by and get something if they haven't.
Place is located inside the Byward Market. They had so many delectable options for desserts. The tarts, buches, macaroons looked so good. I ordered a chocolate bushe and it was one of the best deserts I have had in a long time. Service was quick and servers were helpful.
Very yummy, I’ve been going back to this bakery every day since my stay. I tried their chocolate almond croissant and their salmon focaccia all very good. Lots of selection as well
What an amazing selection of patisserie, sandwiches and salads! A large selection of food and a large amount of seating available both inside and out.
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