Maison Christian Faure

Yes I'm still posting about Montreal! My husband's coworker told us that if we were in Old Montreal and we wanted to have the best croissants ever, he knew just the place.

Restaurant: Maison Christian Faure
Location: Montreal
Meal: Brunch
Day: Saturday
Son's Age: 12 weeks

This restaurant is also a pastry school, so I had high hopes for these croissants.

Accessibility: ⭐️⭐️
This isn't actually particularly accessible because there is a set of stairs just to enter the restaurant, so if you have a stroller, you need to fold it as soon as you get here. Once inside, however, I was able to park my stroller at our table without blocking anyone.

As I mentioned, this is also a pastry school, so there is an elevator to go up to the other floors (so close to being accessible!). The washroom is on the fourth floor, which as far as I could tell was only accessible by elevator. Alas, the washroom is not equipped with a change table.

It is a single washroom but there is zero counter space if I had needed to change a diaper. I do like that they have Spectro, although I don't know that I would necessarily recommend it as a hand soap per se, but I digress.

Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Our server was great at providing recommendations when I couldn't decide exactly which croissant I wanted (more on that later), and the staff was gracious enough to give us a table for four so that we could comfortably park the stroller. Side note: I guess they didn't exactly have anywhere to put the extra chair that they removed for us, so they stashed it in the elevator, which I found amusing. I also didn't have any issues when I needed to breastfeed during brunch, which was a nice plus. The only reason I didn't give five stars was because we weren't offered any assistance with the stroller or the door upon entry and exit, and given the stairs, the extra help would have been greatly appreciated. But other than that, service during the meal itself was excellent.

Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So my husband's coworker did not lead us astray! We both ordered a brunch plank, which included a choice of pastry and drink. At the server's recommendation, I opted for an almond croissant.

This was by no means a light croissant. There was still an airiness to it, but also a sticky sweetness that was very satisfying. The almonds adders a nice flavour and crunch as well. I also got a latte, which I found to be a perfect pairing with my pastry.

The main event, of course, was the brunch plank itself. Eggs benny on puff pastry with smoked salmon, accompanied by brioche and caramel sauce, with a side of fresh fruit.

Every part of the meal was light, including the hollandaise, to the point where I somehow convinced myself that the entire meal must be healthy. Nevertheless, by the time I had finished eating I was incredibly full. This place really knows how to make their baked goods shine while still providing the substance that people expect from brunch.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
The food is definitely worthwhile, especially if you like croissants and pastries. That being said, it isn't easy bringing a baby here, and there is definitely an upscale vibe to the restaurant (although I did see a couple other families with young children, albeit not babies). I wouldn't try to come here with the baby by myself, but if you have someone to help you get your stroller in and out then this is worth a try.