The absolute best croissants in the world!!!!
May 8th, 2009
I've been all over France, throughout Paris, and I've never tasted croissants as good as I have had at the French Baker. Go give 'em a try!
Piece of Heaven in your Hands "Croissants" of the French Baker
May 13th, 2009
I have been at the French Baker several times and I find their Croissants totally out of this world their texture melt in your mouth flaky and scrumptious to the palate the taste lingers for a long time after you have devoured them, you can just eat them just like that or perhaps with a little marmalade, they are frankly the best between Ottawa and Montreal and other cities to name of few. You can easily have two of them to go, with their delicious coffee "Illy", they are a piece of heaven in your hands (Croissants), actually everything in the French Baker is amazing their pastries "Blow you Away", rich creamy and did I mention their filling of belgum chocolate in their Croissants the best "AWESOME"
CHEERS!
Craving croissants 
Colleen Johnson
XPress Ottawa
May 7th, 2009
Head to The French Baker for the finest croissant in the city
The world economy has everyone abuzz with ways to curb spending. First up on the chopping block is your daily cup of coffee. Writers seem to be tripping over each other in an effort to condemn this morning ritual as though our collective coffee consumption were responsible for propelling us all into recession. As if things weren't bad enough already, now we have to feel guilty about stopping by for a latte on the way to our soon-to-be-outsourced job?
So it was with great pleasure that I decided to throw caution to the wind this week and review one of the nicest places in Ottawa to grab your daily hit of caffeine - The French Baker. I must admit it was hardly my first trip to the bakery. I discovered The French Baker in college when I moved just a few blocks away from the Market location. It wasn't long before a stop at The French Baker became a part of my daily routine. I'd pass by on my way to the bus, ready with a handful of change, greedily awaiting a pain au chocolat, still warm from the oven. It was a small luxury I afforded myself, even on a student's budget.
The newer Glebe location features bistro tables and a sleeker aesthetic. A pair of spectacular plants in the window and a beautiful array of brightly coloured mid-century modern chairs perk up the bakery's stark white interior.
Early one morning, I eyed the classic French pastries showcased along the lengthy counter, unable to make a decision. Hastily, I decided to get one of everything, and a cup of Illy coffee to go. I tried
the pain aux raisins first, a gorgeous combination of pastry cream and plump raisins soaked in rum. The next morning I tried an almond croissant, twice-baked and made from a day-old chocolatine. It was an indulgent treat to be sure, but at only a few bucks apiece, it's hardly something to feel guilty about. Their brioches, croissants and tart apple turnovers are also exceptionally good.
As we enter this new climate of financial responsibility, I wonder if we can't make a little room in our budgets for life's simpler pleasures. Just enough room perhaps, to enjoy a decent cup of joe and a perfect croissant.
The French Baker
(801 Bank St. and 119 Murray St.)
(613) 236-7579 (Bank)
(613) 789-7941 (Murray)
Pastries: $1.60-$3.10
FIVE GREAT places to buy bread
Ute Mikula, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Thursday, April 24, 2008
5. The French Baker
Why it's good: This ByWard Market bakery makes its bread fresh every day in small batches in the French way -- using a traditional fermentation technique that uses no sugar, fat, eggs or dairy and very little yeast or salt.
What's available: Three types of baguettes -- denser, strong-crusted Parisienne; lighter-textured, fine-crusted country; and wheat-sheath ("epi") that tears apart in little buns. The flavourful sourdough (pain de campagne) contains no additives. Other breads include nine-grain, olive, ryes and organics. Availability varies each day.
Prices: The Parisienne costs $2.10, the nine-grain $3.95, the sourdough $3.75, olive bread $4.25, and croissants $1.60.
Pedigree: Jerome Mantel, a Sorbonne-educated, French government-certified Parisian baker, opened the bakery in 1994. In 2000, Citizen readers voted his croissants the best in Ottawa.
Tidbit: Peek in at Benny's Bistro at the back, a popular unassuming eatery of high accolades.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/features/fivegreatplaces/index.html?g=14
The New York Times, August 26, 2007
"This sunny and simple bakery is home to the flakiest croissants in town. Order yours en francais at the counter, pull up a stool by the door, and watch the locals wander in..."
| Five Stars out of five: |  |
Condé Nast Traveler May 2007
"...During Winterlude, shacks along the Rideau Canal sell a deep-fried whole-wheat pastry shaped like a beaver's tail. More delicate palates can savor the city's finest croissants and pain au chocolat at Boulanger Francais." http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/detail?articleId=10776
The Journal of Porter Airlines, Fall/Winter 2006
“For steaming cafes au lait, luscious cakes and perhaps the best croissants this side of the Atlantic, head to Jerome Mantel’s charming patisserie. The Parisien’s sweet and savoury treats are baked on the premises each morning to mouthwatering perfection. Ah, la vie est bonne!”
Frommer's Review
"...During market season, enjoy a snack at one of more than 70 indoor and outdoor stand-up counters and cafes and watch life surging by over a cold beer or glass of wine. The surrounding neighborhood is a mix of rehabilitated 19th-century brick buildings and contemporary commercial structures.
If planning a picnic, pick up some cheese or cold cuts at International Cheese & Deli, 40 ByWard Market St.; and bread from The French Baker (Le Boulanger Français), 119 Murray St...."
Yahoo! 
Last Visit: May 2005
"...Jerome the baker is straight from France and makes wonderful baguettes, real! croissants and memorable classics like pain au raisin. The cafe in back offers a small, sophisticated menu that changes with the seasons ... perfect for lunch..."
www.wcities.com
French baker Jerome Mantel's philosophy is simple: use the finest ingredients and bake fresh every morning. His formula has been a roaring success. Close to the Byward Market, this spacious bakery has a colourful eat-in area at the back, making it a perfect lunch stop. Check out the art on sale at the coffee bar.
Best of Ottawa 2006 by Xpress
"...Best Bakery - Winner: The French Baker (119 Murray)..."