I just got back from two weeks in Montreal for work. I had a long list of restaurant recommendations from friends and co-workers, and while I didn’t get through them all, I crossed a lot of places off the list, and can’t wait to tell you about my favourites.

First up is Cocoa Locale, a cake boutique on Avenue du Parc. Jen recommended it to me, having been there a couple times last year on a visit. It doesn’t have a website, but after reading this article and this one, it quickly rose to the top of my list.

The shop itself is just so cute, decorated with a nostalgic ’50s feel:

 

 The owner does her baking right there in the shop, and she just pops up to the register when you’re ready to make your purchase. 

I had my heart set on a cupcake, which come in three flavours: Vanilla, Chocolate Chai and Lemon Coconut.

 

I tried Vanilla and Chocolate Chai. The Vanilla was my favourite of the two; it was fluffy and sweet with a thick buttercream frosting. The spice in the Chocolate Chai was quite strong, in both the cupcake and the frosting.

Cocoa Locale also sells brownies, cakes and cookies, and I bet they are all just as sweet!