The only place in town I know of that can do a proper canelé de bordeaux! One of my all time favourite pastries. :)
Skip the crappy brunch spots and come here instead. This is Victoria's (somewhat) hidden jewel. Everything they sell is top notch.
Excellent egg salad and gruyere sandwich! So glad I did some exploring and found this place close to home.
Elisabeth von Marks-Plesse
+5
Reminds me of good German rye bread. Authentic and actually NOT more expensive than white bread at Thrifties.
Staff is really nice but forgetful on my first stop in there (left my suasage roll in the oven). Price is a little high for what you get. Nice atmosphere. I would try again to see how it goes!
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What do you know of panetonne? It's the dry, tasteless bread that comes in the octagon box. Right? WRONG. That my friend is an imposter. And imposters have been fooling us our entire lifes, convincing us that panetonne is the perfect day old bread for our french toast or bread pudding. Real panetonne is nothing of the sort.
I had the pleasure of savouring a slice from Fol Epi. This sweetbread is a game changer. It's moist, light, flecked with vanilla and studded with raisins and citrus. I tried it as is and toasted with butter. Both delicious!
It's truly worth the whopping $35 price tag. 😲😲😲 I know. I know! That's expensive for *one* loaf. But with multiple sizes, you don't have to make such a big investment :p I just had to try it after watching thier process on the tv show, Food Factory. And wow, am I ever impressed with the amount of work that goes into making these. And double wow, thier panetonne tastes A M A Z I N G. I have fallen in love with it so much, that after the first slice, I decided it's officially part of our holiday tradition. Maybe if you try it, it'll be a new holiday tradition for you too.
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This hip bakery is neighbors with Fantastico coffee. It's a popular place for MeetUps especially cycling ones because it's right along the Galloping Goose Trail. The building, Dockside Green, is known for it's sustainability and has beautiful water features and outdoor seating. Fantastico has recently expanded thier space, adding more offerings and seating to the area in general. You can enjoy a view of the waterline that leads to Point Hope Ship Yards.
Fol Epi has baked delights that are not common in every bakery, like caneles. A custard like dessert that is so caramelized on the outside, some might mistake them to be burnt. But you know better! It's supposed to be that way! I'll also mention thier rhubarb strudel. Only available seasonally, this was so delightfully flavour-packed, I promptly returned for a second so my partner could experience the deliciousness. Except that I ate it. Oops.
They carry an assortment of well made, individual desserts with thier unique take, as well as a selection of fresh baked breads. Next time you're looking for a great place to hang out and enjoy a sweet treat and hot drink check this place out.
One of Fol Epi's locations is Harbour Rd which is really funky and fun. When it's nice it's a great place to get a bite to eat and a coffee from next door is perfect. They had a BBQ making a number of hot lunches, I had a Portabello mushroom burger on one of their in house baked buns with what tasted like a zucchini homemade relish was excellent and really messy, yum. The day was bright and sunny and they seem to have expanded their seating so it was no issue finding a place to sit. Parking is difficult most days so take your bike on the Galloping Goose Trail and take a break in the sunshine.
Great new location on Yates street. Great staff. Aah. Finally some nice people. Great food. Great coffee. The music is way too loud but the space is nice. I'll be back. (What's up with the name tho?)
The Yates St location is a beautiful bakery. I have tried the bread which was delicious, chewy and flavourful. I have also tried the macaroons which tempt me every time I walk past. They are quite delicious and they have a nice variety of flavours. Looking forward to trying the other treats!
Agree that while this bakery is nice, the viennoiserie didn't quite live up to my expectations. Maybe there isn't much competition in town? I'll try a macaron or a slice of cake next time.
Outstanding. European style bakery one of the best on the island
Go. You will NOT regret it.. Simply amazing. Fol Epi has some amazing food. Basically all the macarons are to die for. The scenery is gorgeous and the coffee is great. You will not regret going here. It's a must-stop every time I'm in Victoria!
BEST BAGUETTE EVER!. For all of the peeps left out there that still eat wheat, this place has the best baguette in town, perhaps the world! If you haven't been here, get here.
The man is a genius. Somebody give him the keys to the city.
Truly exceptional bread. I absolutely love the bread here. The boules and baguettes are fantastic. Along with Fry's Bakery, Fol Epi is the best bread in town. Which one you like best is really a matter of taste.
It has a terrific patio too and it's a great place to end or begin a walk on the Galloping Goose trail. The coffee's decent at Cafe Fantastico next door too, but not good enough to warrant the attitude.
Fol Epi is worth finding, am absolute gem of a place. I have been going to Fol Epi for just over a year now and cannot find a flaw, except perhaps when someone in front of me gets that last chocolate eclair !
The servers are always friendly and know their products, they answer all of my silly questions.
The pear tart (when available) is over the top and my new drug of choice.
I have eaten my way through most of their sweets repertoire and am a sucker for anything chocolate that they produce.
I tried the macaroons one day and they were incredible although I am not a macaroon lover.
They are a little hard to find but worth the venture across the bridge, go early as the good stuff sells out fast.
Excellent products. Fol Epi, a well known baker, produces some of the best breads and pastries in Victoria, British Columbia. Expect and get good food, reasonable prices. However, and I am not alone in this, the service is not so good. I went to Fol Epi on two separate occasions over a two week period. Beautiful days, beautiful waterside location, nice way to spend a few moments. Busy bakery. Very rude counter service. No reason for it. Twice in a row by two different counter staff - no thank you. I've actually encountered bad service in Victoria at more than a few places now. I will tolerate bad service to a point if the product is only available through that company, but if there are alternatives, even if the alternative is not as good, I'm done, I'm gone. Unless I'm in the neighbourhood and really want a latte and a pastry I won't go back to Fol Epi for a year or so. My opinion isn't going to make a bit of difference. Except to me. Good Bakery though. One of the best.
Lovely breads, a rich savory wheat and pungently sour. Comfortable open space paired with a tidy coffee stand, perfect for breakfast, lunch or anytime.
Best Bread in Vic. May even be the best bread in BC. Delicious pastries and sandwiches also. Only problem I have with the place is the constant parking hassle. You should get a bigger place with more parking. The coffee shop next door uses up all the parking.
Yum! Yum! Yum! Best bread in Victoria and you gotta love the patio on a sunny day. :)
Neighbourhood favourite. Love the baking. Enhanced by the lovely coffee at Fantastico. Sandwiches are amazing! Especially the ham with grainy mustard. Bread they use is just superb! My only complaint is that they frequently sell out of ham early. Other choices good too, but ham is the best! Breads are superb, special order birthday cakes delicious and beautiful. Maybe a little on the expensive side, but you get what you pay for! And it's worth every penny!
Best Macarons. Fol Epi is a weekly visit, the baguettes are wonderfully crusty and the best I have found in Victoria. The macarons are family must have treat when we go there. Loved the sausage rolls too, and the cookies..in fact I have not had something I don't like here. Service has always been friendly though sometimes it gets really busy.
I do find the rye bread hard to cut at home, would love to have a sliced option.
Tip top. Yes it's a bit pricey but the quality is high. The smoked tuna baguette might be the best sandwich I've ever had.
Service was a little off, and prices a little steep. The product, though, was excellent. We tried some bread, pastry, and a sandwich. All were simply superb. The quiche was a little simple, but was reasonable. I'll be back next time I'm in town. Not to be missed.
Really good, but really expensive Xmas stollen $26 ?? Holy crap! Love the food, hate the prices..... But unfortunately they really have no competition in this town quality wise.
An expensive vice?. Unless someone, anybody can make an equivalent/better bagette/loaf of bread this bakery will remain a relatively expensive food vice for me.
Whatever you serve with this bread has got to be of the highest quality,...or be completely overshadowed,...so delicious,...$7 for a baguette sandwich sounds expensive,...until you bite into it,...a $7 loaf of Rye?,...ridiculous!,...until you realize that it will make 10+ sandwiches the best lunch you will eat for a week,...a thinly sliced and toasted slice with PB&J + a good coffee becomes a great breakfast.
Victoria is turning out to be quite a place for this foodie?!.
Cheers.
Best in Town!. This is the best bread in the city. They mill their own flour, everything is made from scratch, by hand.
Super good!. I've been to Fol Epi around four times and each time the experience is different. The baked goods and sandwhiches are very good but I have definitely learned some lessons on how to pay. The second and third time I went they either did not accept visa or their debit machine was down, now whenever I go there I know to take cash just in case. Try their lemon tarts and the ciabatta bread, to die for!!
Amazing bakery. Most of these reviews are correct in saying that the bread and pastries at Fol Epi are out of this world, but that the service also sucks. Honestly it would be nice for the counter people to know what they were selling/be more friendly and willing to have a conversation, but at the end of the day, all I really care about is my amazing made-to-order-wood-oven-baked caramelized onion and chevre pizza and my hazelnut and almond macaroons. This place has been my favourite bike ride destination for the summer.
Lovely Organic Bakery. Nice little laid back bakery. I love the idea of an organic bakery. I tried the Blueberry Danish today, definitely will be back for their croissant and home made bread.
Romaine Mauldin Bosma
+4.5
Bread from heaven!. Oh my GOSH!!!! I was instantly addicted to the bread I got at Fol Epi yesterday! Boule. . . what a beautiful name, what a beautiful bread! I have got to have more!! It was slightly sour, with a chewy inside and an extra crispy crust. I've eaten the whole thing all by myself in two days, but I think I've lost weight! There must be a secret ingredient that the French use so they can eat bread and not get fat.
Classy. Top marks for sandwiches, sweets, coffees and service.
Cheers!
Lovely experience. As a barista at De'Lish Cafe in Oak Bay, I am surrounded by good coffee and wonderful food every day......however, it is a real treat on a day off to experience the absolute luxury of a fresh croissant with a Fantastico coffee while looking out over the water.
Took home some incredible ciabatta and a rhubarb pastry (both perfect in every way). The server was tall, willowy and friendly and I just felt blessed to live in a place where we all have so many opportunities to indulge in great food and drink. Prices are incredibly reasonable for the work and time that goes into running a small bakery.......this man's talent and effort are worth it!!
I will be going back again and again.
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Fol Epi Sandwiches Out of Hand. Since my previous visit to Fol Epi they introduced a new and divine roast beef sandwich. The baguette, is, well, their baguette. The roast beef itself is tender and subtlety herbaceous. It is topped with a perfect smearing of French mustard and, perhaps, aioli, and the cheddar is sharp and clean but never overwhelming. The lettuce is unnervingly crisp for a pre-made sandwich. With this new addition, the sandwich section is entirely out of control. The experience of ordering and eating there is now almost unbearable. The moment of choice--local shrimp? ham and cheese? smoky albacore tuna? or, now, divine roast beef?--is agonizing. Inevitably I leave several superb sandwiches there, staring up at me from behind the glass, sandwiches that I could only dream of during the long dreary week of lunches on the UVic campus. And then, the experience of eating is heartbreaking. Why fall so hard if, some few minutes later, the dance of flavour on my tongue will be nothing but a memory? I'm swearing the place off, and I suggest that my readers stay away too.
BEST PIZZA ON THE ISLAND. Cliffs pizza is the best without a question. Get there early only available till about 1:30. Try the carmelized onion so good.
Bread god!. Fol Epi is by far the best bakery in town and Cliff is a bread god. His croissants take me back to leisurely breakfasts in France. His bread the best I've ever had. Pizza baked in his wood burning oven, delicious and the perfect size.
His prices are right in line with the quality of ingredients he uses. Spend a bit of time checking him out when he's in action. The whole culture of Fol Epi is fascinating!
Love the patio (I understand they are working to eliminate the funky odour!) Great local art on the walls.
Fol Epi is a destination. Fantastic bread and astounding pastries. We refer to the baguettes, in my house, as crack because they never last more than an hour, regardless of # of people in the house. I have occasionally tried one of the other breads and they are wonderful, but the baguette calls my name. As for the pastries - magnificent. A special treat but well worth the price of admission.
This place has become our favorite bakery.. Decided to check this place out after reading some of the reviews on urbanspoon. Nice clean looking place, great service. Absolutely delicous baguette, one of the best I have ever eaten. Price was $3.50 for the baguette, but considering the excellent quality of this bread it is well worth it. We'll be back for sure.
Bernard Von Schulmann
+4.5
Expensive, but worth it. Cliff makes some very, very good baked goods. There are many attempts at artisan bakeries, but most really miss the mark and are not worth half of what they charge. Fol Epi is worth the high cost.
If you look around the back of the building, you will see his grain silo - he grinds his own flour and it shows in the quality of the baked goods.
The bread has flavours that are simply unavailable in other bread in this city. The danishes have a crust that is light enough that I think it could fly by itself.
You can get his baked goods at Discovery Coffee as well.
The one thing he does not do is a classic German rye bread.
Brilliant!. Best croissants we've had outside of Paris, hands down!
Amazing shrimp sandwiches, and beautiful breads too.
No credit cards is an inconvenience, but it's totally worth it because this is simply the best bakery in Victoria.
Carbs!. I have always been a fan of wildfire- and fol epi- being the product of wildfires owners divorce is just as good- LOVE LOVE LOVE the bread!!! And having cafe fantastico set up there too is an added bonus!
Fol Epi bakery is my kryptonite. All of their ingredients are organic when possible and they even grind their flours on site! Their bread is amazing and their baguette is the closest thing I’ve had to real good quality French bread outside of Paris, it’s the perfect combination of airy yet chewy bread with a crispy crust. I can also go on and on about their Macarons...
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Since my previous visit to Fol Epi they introduced a new and divine roast beef sandwich. The baguette, is, well, their baguette. The roast beef itself is tender and subtlety herbaceous. It is topped with a perfect smearing of French mustard and, perhaps, aioli, and the cheddar is sharp and clean but never overwhelming. The lettuce is unnervingly crisp for a pre-made sandwich. With this new addition, the sandwich section is entirely out of control. The experience of ordering and eating there is now almost unbearable. The moment of choice--local shrimp? ham and cheese? smoky albacore tuna? or, now, divine roast beef?--is agonizing. Inevitably I leave several superb sandwiches there, staring up at me from behind the glass, sandwiches that I could only dream of during the long dreary week of lunches on the UVic campus. And then, the experience of eating is heartbreaking. Why fall so hard if, some few minutes later, the dance of flavour on my tongue will be nothing but a memory? I'm swearin
I did a bit of research before I went to Victoria, and found out about Fol Epi's famous buttery croissants. I had originally planned to have breakfast there on the 2nd day of my trip, but that didn't happen as I slept in after a restless night at the Empress. While the hotel is impressive with its vine-clad walls and rich historical background, there is much to be said about the ventilation in the aged building (especially the rooms). But let's not get into that. So it happened that I didn't manage to visit Fol Epi until late in the afternoon when all the croissants were long gone :( I found the old country theme rather charming â" the brick wall, the wooden counters and the large crusty breads on the shelves. I hope that happy-looking guy behind the counter doesn't mind having his picture shown here. Unfortunately there wasn't a lot of food left since it was near closing time. I decided to try the mincemeat tart, while the memory of the one I had at the Empress was still fresh. Thi
Bernard Von Schulmann
+4.5
I dropped by Fol Epi early Saturday morning with my son that is interested in being a baker. I was mainly interested in taking some pictures, but also in giving my son a chance to see them at work. Cliff runs an amazing operation. He mills his own wheat,
Fol Epi organic bakery is a true Vancouver Island gem. Located at Victoria’s Dockside Green, across the Johnson and Bay Street Bridges, Fol Epi creates breads and pastries with a subtle refinement to them evoking flavors of Europe. The superb bakery use organic produce sourced from local farmers as much as possible. They carefully mill their organic flours in-house in a old fashioned stone grinder to ensure the best possible loaves. The result is a loaf with incredible texture and superior crust. Interested in baking your own bread at home? Stone ground flour from two heritage grains (red fife wheat and rye) are available for purchase at Fol Epi in 1kg or 2kg quantities. For lunch, you can order one of their fantastic daily made sandwiches such as the pastrami with peppery arugula on a crusty baguette. Alternatively, you can opt for a freshly baked pizza between 12pm – 2pm every day except Saturday. Have a sweet tooth? Fol Epi’s macarons
Been buying Fol Epi Panettone for years - the best ! Unfortunately, it has now become so expensive, that this will be my last year buying 10 per yr. Smaller size & way higher price - too bad !
Clean store, super friendly staff, and excellent bread!
Looking forward to returning and trying their other items. High prices, but given the quality and taste it’s justified.
We had wonderful pastries and lattes here this morning. The patio was wonderful, and we enjoyed sharing a few of our crumbs with local sparrows.
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When everything you touch turns to gold it's hard to believe the downtown location had to close. There is nobody that does it better than you beautiful people with Fol Epi.
Fol Epi has been, for a long time, the reference point of excellence by which I measure every bakery. The owner has exceptional standards for everything but most evidently, for flavour - Perfect seasoning, luxurious richness, flaky perfection and an array of sweet and salty that will knock your socks off. This isn't your bargain-bin bakery looking to trade max calories for your malaised dollars - this is the GOLD standard for quality, flavour, passion and skill - a match made in heaven.
Fall into this Frenchman's dream knowing that you're in the hands of a master whose attention to detail lets nothing slip into the ever-present ordinary and who holds each one of his creations high, high above the clouds, somewhere in the light, fit for an angel, yours to behold.
We are blessed xo
Today I got what I thought would be a simple muffin and shared a breakfast sandwich with my wife, and held back from their All-Star line up of pastries, just a simple muffin and ready to grab breakfast sandwich.
And the taste? Texture? It was perfection, of course... How silly of me... they're ALL Stars and Fol Epi is, as is has been since it's beginning, the Undisputed champion.
Thank you for your Art
We went to both locations on a trip to Victoria. Believe the hype, the food there is so good! The breads are exquisite, and their creative use of condiments in their sandwiches are delicious. Both locations have outdoor seating. The sourdough is beyond words.
Very cute spot with plenty of outdoor seating. Go check them out on a nice day. They also have inside seating. I just wish the coffee was a little better. It read as very tanic to me.
Great little bakery, especially for those looking for something extra special.
Highlights:
Outdoor seating
Fresh
Nice bike lane route nearby
Things to consider:
Parking
Went with some friends, and I'm glad they took me here. It's right behind a coffee shop, which is quite convenient. Can't go wrong with baked goods and coffee.
Got the small pizzas to share, which was very kindly heated up for us. The pizza was good, it had a nice little crust that had a nice crisp. The topping/crust ratio was also good; I didn't feel like I was just eating a Flatbread. I also got myself a loaf of whole wheat sourdough bread (I think I got that right). My husband likes bread that have a bit more substance, so it delivered on that requirement.
They do have spacious outdoor seating, as their indoor seating is limited to a small table and some bar stools. Which, with nice weather right now is really inviting.
I just regret not taking photos this time!!
Excellent croissants, good bread. Organic and ethical ethos to their business management, which is very commendable. As such, their prices are higher, 5$ for croissant, $5.25 for a pain au chocolate with one strip of chocolate. Baguette was tasty. If you are able to afford the prices, it is very good.
Breakfast sandwich is really enjoyable. The bun is so fluffy. Side salad is so fresh. Great place for brunch.
Lovely spot for a coffee and more. Rain or shine, good food and great atmosphere.
Amazing bread and confections. Wish it were cheaper but the quality is worth the price.
Great people - I delivered office supplies to them at their old Yates St. location for years, but never actually went there. Now after patronizing their new location I will be going often. Great move! ❤️ Excellent service and quality. I didn't expect anything else from them!
Best $11 bread you can buy in town!
I loved this place, because it has bakery, coffee shop and Cafe Fantastico, so after when we finished our sandwiches, we were 100% sure we had to try pastry, so we got 3 different kinds and they were all amazing. Lots of people said it is little pricey, but in my opinion is worth it, because you getting natural, handmade products.
Organic, good coffee, rich and delicate pastries, small, unfortunately, the pigeon problem in the area has exploded, but since the pigeons can't read English, they hang out for your fallen crumbs as you fall into their 'cooing' trance
Nice place to stop while cycling. They have daily specials for many of their menu items, so you can always get something different.
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