If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that Kelowna does not lack incredible food and drink options. It’s one of the many reasons why I love living here. And if you’re a croissant lover like me, you’re in luck! There’s no shortage of spots where you can enjoy the perfect croissant. Each bakery brings its own take on this classic pastry, offering different textures, flavours, and more. Read along to find out where to grab the tastiest croissants in Kelowna!
What Makes a Great Croissant?
Before we dive into the top spots for croissants, let’s take a minute to talk about what makes a croissant truly great. A good quality croissant isn’t just about the taste- it’s also about the texture and achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and buttery-ness, but without being too greasy. The outside should be golden and crispy, while the inside needs to be soft and airy, with delicate, visible layers. The best croissants are made from a combination of high-quality ingredients, and precise baking techniques that come from years of expertise.
Where to Find the Best Croissants in Kelowna
Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate
Centrally located just off the highway and across from the mall, Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate is a Kelowna classic. Known for their authentic French pastries, this spot has perfected the art of the croissant. Sandrine's croissants are freshly baked every day, using high-quality ingredients sourced from local Okanagan producers. Plus, they’re open seven days a week, so you can get your pastry fix whenever the mood strikes. This spot truly delivers on all ends!
My Favourite Croissant: Their Chocolate Almond Croissant is a standout, featuring slivered almonds on top and a smooth chocolate centre. When I need an afternoon pick me up, this croissant (paired with a hot coffee), works every time.
The Full Menu: Aside from croissants, Sandrine offers a variety of other treats, including gorgeous cakes, macarons, and chocolates. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, you’ll want to try their Cruffins- a hybrid between a croissant and a muffin, offering the best of both worlds! The current available flavours for their cruffins are Pistachio & Chocolate and Lemon Curd!
Okanagan Grocery
Established in 2004, Okanagan Grocery is a local gem that offers a variety of freshly baked and high-quality traditional breads and treats that showcase the flavours of the region. Their commitment to local is evident- alongside their baked goods, the shop features locally made food products, cheeses, and organic coffee roasted right in the Okanagan Valley. You can find them in Guisachan Village, in the Pandosy neighbourhood of Kelowna.
My Favourite Croissant: Pain Au Chocolat, often called a “chocolate croissant” is a classic pastry known for its delicate, flaky layers and rich chocolate filling. Made from buttery, laminated dough, it has a crisp, golden exterior that gives way to a soft, airy texture inside.
The Full Menu: Whether you’re after a loaf for dinner or locally made goodies, this place has it all! Okanagan Grocery has artisan breads, decadent cakes, cookies, tarts, and seasonal scones. Their signature loaf is called the Village, it’s a classic sourdough bread with a touch of whole wheat- a perfect staple for your pantry.
Karat Chocolate and Pastry Boutique
Founded in 2016 by Pastry Chef and Chocolatier Julian Helman, Karat Chocolate has quickly made a name for itself as one of Okanagan’s finest destinations for handcrafted and unique confections. Karat has earned over 60 international chocolate awards, solidifying its reputation on the global stage. Their handmade confections, pastries, and desserts are crafted with the highest quality ingredients, offering a luxurious experience with every bite.
My Favourite Croissant: I personally love their Karat Cube Puff. It’s a delicious cube-shaped croissant filled with rotating seasonal flavours. Last time I had their maple pecan and salted caramel one! Be sure to grab extra napkins for this one- it’s messy!
The Full Menu: Karat delivers flavour and artistry from their gorgeous macarons, beautifully crafted chocolate bars, and exquisite desserts. Their award-winning creations are a must-try for anyone who loves fine chocolate. They also offer an aesthetic cafe space for you to enjoy a treat and hot beverage on your work breaks. Stop by often to see all the new flavour combinations they come up with!
Sprout Bread
Need a place to study? Meet a friend for coffee and lunch? Buy some freshly baked bread? Sprout Bread can be your go-to spot for all this and more. You can find Sprout in the heart of downtown and their charming bakery and cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for both productivity and relaxation. A bonus for those coffee lovers is that Sprout serves expertly brewed espresso drinks and drip coffee, crafted with care.
My Favourite Croissant: When I’m at Sprout, I like to keep things simple with the Classic Plain Croissant. Flaky, buttery, and perfectly golden, this croissant doesn’t miss. Also, be sure to check frequently for their seasonal flavoured croissants!
The Full Menu: Beyond their exceptional pastries, Sprout offers a thoughtfully curated menu featuring high-quality ingredients. The sourdough bread is a must-try, with its perfect crust and tangy, chewy interior- a testament to their artisanal baking process. Their rotating seasonal selection of toast, sandwiches, soups, and more makes it easy to find something delicious for breakfast or lunch.
350 Bakehouse & Cafe
This local favourite is making a move to Spall Road in March- but you can find them at their usual location on Bernard until Feb 22. Open since 2017, 350 Bakehouse & Cafe has built a reputation for the “Best Donuts in Town!”, offering a wide variety of fun and tasty flavours. Ed, one of the owners, comes from five generations of Dutch bakers, bringing a deep passion for quality and tradition to everything on the menu.
My Favourite Croissant: Their ham and cheese croissant is a must-try- flaky, buttery pastry wrapped around layers of savoury ham and melted cheese, making for a perfectly balanced bite. It’s the perfect item to grab next time you’re doing some shopping downtown.
The Full Menu: While their croissants are a highlight, the real showstopper here is the donuts. They come in a variety of flavours that change regularly, always made fresh. Whether you’re stopping in for your morning coffee, grabbing lunch, or indulging in an afternoon snack, you can always count on fresh, scratch-made baked goods served with a smile. Beyond pastries, they also offer catering services and the convenience of online ordering for easy pickup.
Now that you know where to find the best croissants in Kelowna, it's time to try them for yourself. So next time you're looking to treat yourself, grab one of these flaky delights, and experience the best croissant in Kelowna. I hope you find a new favourite!
