Review Macarons Et Madeleines - Ottawa

A small quaint shop where we were greeted in French. Made it feel very much like a family bakery in Paris. Not that I have been, but this was close. We got a Kouign-aman (picture) it came in a biodegradable wrapper and wooden box. We ate it at home :) Merci, c'est tres bonne!

Amazing pastries, atmosphere and service! You can tell that the owners really care about every detail of this business, from the cleanliness of the cafe to the beautiful and delicious pastries! This is the best cafe we have ever been to in Ottawa, and we will definitely be coming again soon! Thank you for such a wonderful treat :)!!

I looked them up on my first trip to Canada. While they didn't have as many flavor options as expected, the ones I got were quite tasty. They had a variety of fresh breads and pastries. The lodge waffle was also delish.

Always exceptional across all of their products. Prime example is their canneles--many fine shops make these really really well, but they're almost all disappointing compared to Macarons et Madeleines. Even with the great reviews I see for this place, it's clear they're under appreciated. Give it a few more years and this will be an Ottawa foodie landmark for pastries that is compared against global pastry landmarks. Also, try ordering a custom cake--I've ordered four in the last couple of years and the skill / quality is unbelievable.

Last Saturday, I had another very pleasurable hour at my favorite bakery/cafe. Coffee and croissants (who can have just one if they are that delicious?!)were outstanding. Even on weekends I always have a place to sit down and have a quiet moment.

Having lived and worked in France for 2 years, I am a bit particular about my croissants and patisseries. This is my favourite place to get them in Ottawa although I found the croissants cooked a shade more than I really like but they are done in the authentic French way that takes 3 days lol.. They macaroons are also very tasty with a changing selection and the tarts / cakes I tried were all very good. Quality ingredients made into quality products. Stephen and his wife Julie are great and I remember going when they were operating the store out of the ground floor of the house. Stephen is Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa trained and spent an year in Paris after and obviously picked up some skills there :D

Some of the best pastries and baked goods in the city. In particular I love the chocolate éclairs. The croissants are incredibly good as well. The macaron flavour selection changes every week, offering classic and adventurous choices.

Great service and absolutely delicious pastries and cakes. The macarons are very flavorful with occasionally some very unique choices of flavors. The various drinks are all very good as well. If you're not sure what to order, pick anything. They're all delicious :)

Cute little café! So happy we tried it! Tried 3 desserts, an eclair, a cannelé bordelais and a madeleine. All 3 were delicious! Their coffee is also good.

Excellent French baked goods, far above typical coffee shop or other bakeries. Not just macarons, bread and other treats too! Bit pricey though.

I went at 8 am today as they opened and sampled all my favourites and it just cemented how incredible this bakery is. The croissants are crispy on the outside and moist and buttery on the inside. The canneles bordelais was so hot and gooey on the inside it was magic. I can't say enough about this place. After living in the Glebe and constantly being underwhelmed by the French baker I'm happy to have found a bakery that is perfect every visit.

Terrible. Over baked pastries, rude and pretentious chef. Will never be back. Those Napoleons are not chocolate...just burned. Yechh! Stick to French Baker, Chez Francois, or even Art-is-In. But avoid this place.

Pure magic. One of those rare instances when you happen to stumble upon someone who is exactly where they should be, doing exactly what they should be doing. Spend a little time there if you can.

Haven't tried their other goods, I knew right then and there, they had good looking Madeleines. Very nice buttery crispy edges and a good decent amount of lemon brightness in it. Simplicity is key.

This is hands down the best bakery in ottawa. My favorites are the cannelle bordeaux and the almond and chocolate croissant! I recommend trying the 6 for 6$ day olds behind the counter. They are honestly amazing and a good way to try a bunch out or to share.

If I could give this place a zero star review, I would. I didn't even get to try the food because the customer service was so terrible. <br/><br/>I had never been to Macarons Et Madeleines, so as a food blogger in the Westboro/Wellington area, I knew I had to check it out. Much to my dismay, the head chef was very rude which lead to me leaving the premises angry and empty-handed. <br/><br/>At other bakeries (of the same quality standard), I have found that typically macarons are sold individually and as you buy more the price decreases (a novel marketing idea!). Since it was my first time there, I asked someone who looked like the owner (a male wearing a chef's hat) this question: "If I buy 6 macarons or 12 macarons, does the price stay the same?" To which he sarcastically answered, "Even if you buy 20 macarons the price will be the same." And I said, "Ok. Thank you." Then he added, "If you buy 1 billion macarons the price will be the same." And I said again, "Ok. I understand." And then the rant began. He started by saying something along the lines of "the cost of the ingredients doesn't decrease with the cost of the macarons" and went on to explain this concept. So I took that as a "Yes, the price stays the same the more you buy" and thanked him for clarifying. I suppose me thanking him and acknowledging that I understood opened the flood gates for discussion because he proceeded to lecture me about the topic. He ranted that no one ever asks him about the quality of the product or where it comes from they just ask about the price. I told him I understood and it looked as though he was leaving, but then he sharply turned back to me to resumed his tangent and said he had one more thing to say which was essentially "if I went to a grocery store and bought 12 apples, does the price decrease?" I said, "That's true, it doesn't. I understand." Then he continued to argue at me (key word is "at" since I wasn't responding other than validating his points), he asked me if I thought any other place does that (and didn't look to me for an actual answer) and he then argued at me some more. To which I responded, "I understand and I really appreciate your passion" thinking that that might cue him to stop berating me for asking what I thought was a simple question. But that didn't stop him as he drove a final point home (at this point I had already stopped listening and was smiling and nodding). After all that, I left. Why should I walk into an establishment, ready to invest in the product they offer but instead get my head chewed off for asking a yes or no question? It wasn't as though I asked, "WHY doesn't the price decrease if I buy more?" I only asked, "Is this rule something that applies here?" <br/><br/> Also, I appreciate the review from the person who was behind me during this tirade. I'm glad someone else could see how patronizing this chef was to me. Overall, I am disappointed that I was treated so rudely. If you're planning on going, I recommend placing your order and not asking any questions.

In love with the macarons. Always wild and exceptional flavors from this bakery. Don't be discouraged if the macarons have ginger or lemongrass mixed with chocolate. Is absolutely amazing. Texture is so fine and light(not a sticky chewey texture that I've had at other bakeries), biting into one just makes me amazed. I was in love when I first stepped into their old location near Chinatown.

This is NOT where the urbanspoon map says it is. It is nowhere near Mill St Brewery as the map pin led me to believe. Use the address and Google maps - or else you'll get lost and go hungry.

Disappointed with the lack of choices. I was very disappointed with the lack of choices in macarons. There were only 3 choices. I was also disappointed that the chef was rude and abrupt, lacked tact. The place is very cute, but lacks courtesy and respect. I will not be returning there.

From the second I stepped inside, I knew this was going to be fantastic.. Smell can provoke incredibly powerful affective memories. The second I walked in the door of Macarons et Madeleines, I was instantly transported to France. The heady and intoxicating combination of puff pastry, chocolate, choux pastry, apples, raisins and I don't even know what else combine to create the singular and distinctive aroma of a top notch French bakery. I knew this was going to be good.<br/><br/>I've only tried the pain au chocolat, but I have to say that it was perfection. Delicious deep chocolate flavour, beautifully crisp-soft pastry punctuated with the satisfying sensation of butter. It was so good. I desperately want another.<br/><br/>All this to say that the smell told me this bakery was the real deal, and the taste has confirmed it. What a wonderful treasure - I will most definitely be back!.

A lovely new addition to the Westboro/Wellington area. While M&M have been around for a while over by Lebreton Flats, where they earned an excellent reputation for their products, outgrowing that location and relocating to a much more easily accessed locale will be an interesting challenge as success threatens to overwhelm. With increased staffing, new, and larger equipment, more space, and high expectations they will need to mould this new operation into a fine tuned machine. Thus far, a week in and I believe they are succeeding well. Compared to the house, there is a constant stream of customers, much more space, and some very nice baked goods. I look forward to watching it evolve, and sampling all the while! It will continue to be a regular stop.

Horrible Customer Service. As quite the macaron aficionado, I was excited to visit Macarons and Madeleines. I had been meaning to try their macarons for some time, but never found the time. <br/><br/>I thought my dry spell of good macarons would finally come to an end, but boy I was wrong. <br/><br/>The majority of macarons from shops not specializing in macarons in Ottawa are all from a place in Quebec called Le Maison de Macaron. I made a visit there myself, there was a great variety, but it was otherwise typical. They ship the macarons to wherever they need to be, the problem is, is that the vendors leave them out for weeks at a time.<br/><br/>What results is a carcass of a macaron, hollow inside, with a thick, crunchy exterior. <br/><br/>So I developed this habit where I ask, "When did you recieve/make these macarons?" If it's older than two days, I would thank them for their time, and leave if I couldn't find anything else to buy. Frankly, my mouth is tired of producing saliva in overdrive so I can swallow those once-been macarons. <br/><br/>The shop is located in Chinatown, which is one of the main reasons I haven't been able to make a trip. It's off the beaten road, in a residential area. I was greeted with a cat, which is fine, I love animals, I rod hourses when I was younger, but is totally inappropriate in a place where food is made. <br/><br/>I once again asked this question to the chef. I didn't really think I needed to because they had "macaron" in the shop title and the chef went to Le Cordon Bleu. One of my friends went there and she is an excellent chef. The cashier responded, "This week." I asked, politely, even with a smile, what day. After about two minutes of not answering this, the chef finally gave in and said, "Monday.", about five days ago.<br/><br/>That's fine, a lot of places keep their macarons for that long, I was disappointed, but it's not like this is preposterous. So once, again, I said thank you, and that I would look for something else to buy. <br/><br/>The chef then said, "Do you know what macarons are?" Yes, I did in fact. I bake them quite frequently, around on par to those of Le Maison de Macaron; mediocre, though certainly not to the level of Laudree, or even some places in Toronto. He then said that if I really did know anything about them, I would know that they need to "sit". <br/><br/>Now, I am a teenager, but I have manners. I pleasantly responded to their greetings, didn't comment on how there was a cat in the same area that food is being prepared. <br/><br/>Yes, macarons do need to sit. They need to sit after baking for at minimum half an hour, at maximum over night. This depends on the recipe. Any reputable macaron shop will not sell anything over a day old, but I'm okay with anything below the two day mark, as mentioned earlier. He then proceeded to convince me that indeed, macarons need to sit for seemingly five days. <br/><br/>I acknowledged what he was saying, but responded I would look for something else. <br/><br/>He then tried to convince me that after they are first baked they are dry and as they age, they become softer. If you have ever felt macaron batter, it is wet. That is because the bulk of it is egg whites. These egg whites are dehydrated during baking, but still retain some of their moisture. This moisture decreases as they age. Elementary science, am I right? Now this isn't entirely correct, but for simplification, let's say moisture follows the thermal equilibrium rules. There is less moisture in the air than in the macarons, so water from the macarons will go into the air. This is what happens during baking. Of course, this is caused by evaporation, not an equilibrium, but truly explaining what actually happens woudld take too long. Does it make sense for all this moisture that is released to come back in a few days? Is the air suddenly more damp than the macarons? No. <br/><br/>I sipped some bubble tea I had picked up. <br/><br/>On his tangent, because I guess he rationalized that two wrongs make a right, he continued, "That bubble tea, do they make it every day?" "They made it in front of me." "Well the ingredients, did they pick them up today?" <br/><br/>This response was so flawed, I was surprised this man owned a business. First of all, the second statement implies that he picks up all his ingredients the morning before he bakes. He runs a business, I am 90% sure he buys his ingredients in bulk at Costco. Additionally, baked goods are perishable. Tea and syrup are much less perishable. If they replaced all their inventory every day like any good bakery would, they would just be irritating their suppliers. <br/><br/>Now, two of my friends were with me, so one of them jumped in at this point at bought a meringue (I suppose to not completely waste their time) and we left. <br/><br/>I run a small business selling baked goods during the summer, and let me tell you, if you are doing that sort of thing, you are completely replaceable. All people need is something with sugar and butter in it that is not burnt. You are selling yourself just as much as you are selling food. <br/><br/>Will not return.

Upscale and delicious!. The Chef Stephan is very welcoming and enthusiastic about his craft. The ingredients used in his cakes are very refined and the end product is one of high quality. The only place in Ottawa that can compare to the high French bakeries of Montreal.

Amazing Macarons. Friendly personal service from the master chef at this beautiful home business. Will definitely return! Not a coffee or sit-down place; only a pick-up place for their beautiful specialty creations. MUST TRY!!!! Delicious!!!!!!!

Hidden treasure!. I love pastries and breads- I admit it. This week in Ottawa I discovered a small bakery in the main floor of a house. It is off the beaten path- and it may be THE BEST pastries I have ever had, surpassing those that I had in France. If you are ever in Ottawa make your way here- you won't regret it!!!<br/><br/>This morning I had a pain au chocolate et almond ( my favourite so far). Yesterday I enjoyed an apple turnover, and the day before a pastry with eclair cream and sweet nectarines.

Awesome place but..... His wife on the other hand is very short, abrupt and almost seems non-genuine. For this reason I have stopped coming to this shop.<br/><br/>Stephane is patient, nice and very welcoming. <br/><br/>I've been here many many times to buy macarons when they used to cost $1.75, I hadn't gone for a few months and the price went up to $2.00/each. <br/><br/>It's too bad, the macarons here are AMAZING!, head over and try some for yourself... just hope not to run into her!

The chef is so nice and explains everything he can do. I bought macarons having never tried them before, and they were phenomenal! I also liked the cats. It was a very charming shop, and I will definitely go back.

One of the few places in this city that is dedicated to quality, hand-made viennesoirie and patisserie. Highly recommended.

Well kept secret- Custom Eclair au chocolat !. Ask for a custom order of Eclair au chocolat. If you like eclair au chocolat like the one you can find in the finest bakery in Belgium or France you will not be disappointed. It is just an exquisite and marvelous experience.<br/>A outstanding vanilla custard cream a nice crisp and moist pate de chou shell"covered by a delicious crust of chocolate.<br/>It is perhaps one of the best European patisserie experience you will get.<br/><br/>Trust me order some eclair, and Stephan will just send you to the nirvana of foodie ...

One of my favourite places in Ottawa. Incredible pastries. Wonderfully pleasant people. It's clear that they love what they do. I love the almond croissants. Just an absolute gem of a place.

Finally, no need to travel to eat a real macaron!. I used to plan my trips to Toronto from Ottawa just so that i can stop to Nadege to get my fill of macarons! Now, I can get (an even better?) macaron in Ottawa! I heard of this place through word of mouth, and although i would love to keep this place hush-hush, I also want the owner to do well. My boyfriend and I stopped there yesterday and purchased a dozen macaron and a croissant (which was also excellent). We tried the most incredible flavor- marzipan/orange, which was perfect given my boyfriend is a German and therefore marzipan junkie. Thanks Stephan, we will be making many more visits!

A true hidden gem. So glad we found this place. You definitely get more than what you pay for. A little Paris in Ottawa :) Stephan's passion shines through in his pastries.

Love them!. Stephan and his lovely wife are such hard working, wonderful, talented people. Stephan is the most passionate chef I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and his attention to detail and commitment to excellence is inspiring. Order a quiche lorraine and prepare to be absolutely blown away. He infused the bacon with maple the last two times, to devastatingly delicious effect. All the pastries I have had there are similarly amazing, with the macarons being a high point. He also prepares seasonal jams that are quite exquisite. Stephan is also very keen to take special orders, and is an attentive and enjoyable person to plan out a special dessert with.<br/><br/>Keep up the fantastic job, Macarons et Madeleines!

Le créateur, Stephan Ethier, sait bien faire la pâtisserie française et sait aussi innover, mariant textures et saveurs pour créer des desserts des plus raffinés, adaptés aux désirs de sa clientèle avec qui il aime discuter. Mes coups de coeur : les macarons beaux et innovateurs, les viennoiseries bien réalisées en particulier le choco-amandes et le cake au citron et aux graines de pavot, les gâteaux uniques faits avec des ingrédients de qualité.

Definitely worth a special visit, I promise you will not be disappointed! Not only will you be warmly received into the home of one of the most passionate pastry chefs, you will surely leave with amazing treats that will leave you pining for more!