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37 reviews for Cho Pain
Review Highlights
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"Almond croissant, fresh out of the oven." In 6 reviews -
"High quality pastries, for those with a sweet tooth." In 14 reviews -
"Also got a pistachio filled pastry and it also did not..." In 8 reviews
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36 reviews in English
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Review from Todd G.
West End, Vancouver, BC
2/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
These are my favorite croissants in the entire city!
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Review from Karl D.
Vancouver, BC
3/31/2012
I have nothing against France or French food. Quite the opposite, in fact, but I've just returned from my first and probably last trip to Cho Pain. Why last? Wellnow: burnt coffee and not-very-good food, all served up with a generous helping of passive-aggressively peevish attitude.
There is a difference, evidently lost on these people, between dark-roasted coffee and *burnt* coffee. The woman behind the counter served me the latter, but not before reacting to my question ("Do you have soy or almond or coconut or some other non-dairy milk?") by curling her upper lip in undisguised disgust and saying "No!" in a tone of voice that would've been more appropriate in response to a request for poached dog crap. Um...seriously? Madame, this is Vancouver.
I ordered a ham and cheese croissant. Would have liked it warmed up, and they appeared to have the facilities to do so, but she did not offer and when I asked, she pretended not to have heard me. But then again, perhaps I am misattributing malice here; espresso machines aren't silent, but the ones here are unnecessarily and conspicuously noisy. They got in the way of conversation with my friend once we sat down, so prhaps they likewise prevented her hearing the simple query I enunciated clearly and repeated before giving up. So, a _cold_ ham and cheese croissant. It was edible, but nowhere near spectacular and not worth the price.
As for the aforementioned burnt espresso: after ordering and paying, I stood aside to wait for it so others could approach the counter and place their orders. This was evidently not acceptable; the woman behind the counter stared at me and hovered her hand over the cash register, making the next customer wait while she made it clear to me that I should leave the counter. Ohhhhhhhhkay, then! I sat down and began trying to talk and listen with my friend over the din of the espresso machines. By and by, my espresso was placed, unannounced, on the front counter. No call-out, no bringing it to the table. I went up and fetched it.
My friend ordered a few different pastry items, and let me try them. I was just as underwhelmed with them as with my own lackluster croissant fromage-jambon. All in all, this was a disappointing and frustrating waste of time, money, and stomach space. Not again. -
Review from Jessica P.
Vancouver, BC
3/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm sad to report that it was.... Ok.
I don't know if it's the time I went (Tuesday mid afternoon)? I had a chocolate croissant. It was ok ... Even the ones from urban fare are better... Given the # of amazing reviews, I'd probably try again. -
Review from Dan C.
5/17/2012
One of the best croissants that I've ever had. I've never been to France but my wife has and she was also raving about them. They had this special fresh crunchiness that is rare to find in croissants. They were chewy like most others out there. We had to go back a second time after a nice bike ride and then ordered some to go for the trip back home. We couldn't get enough. Coffee was okay but it's a the side show to the pastries.
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Review from Paula P.
Vancouver, BC
12/28/2011
Until this place opened, I was always on the lookout for a good bakery in the West End. No where in my neighbourhood compares to this bit of deliciousness when it comes to pastries and baguettes. Chopain baguettes are always crunchy on the outside and sweet softness on the inside. I've also had their premade baguette sandwiches and they are worth every penny.
This place has a nice, French feel to it and is definitely the place to go for fresh baked goodness! -
Review from Nick C.
1/6/2012
I'm going to give them the nod for the best cup of coffee on Davie. Still doing more research to determine the best pastry stop on Davie, but this is a definite contender along with Maple Leaf Bakery and Transylvania Traditions Bakery. I had the tiramisu and it was moist and rich... just fabulous. Get your bread early as it goes fast.
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Review from Alice A.
Updated - 10/21/2011
Having been to a couple of different french bakeries around downtown, and tried a good number of breads, pastries and coffee/tea at Cho Pain, it is clear that this is AS GOOD AS IT GETS.
Always a great place to catch up with friends, or read and watch the world go by. Go for it!Listed in: Best Hangouts of Davie Village
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/5/2011
Love hanging out here with my mates, I wish I've tried more things to give them a 5-star rating but… Read more »
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Review from Mark D.
Vancouver, BC
2/24/2012
I've been going here for a long time, at least once or twice a week. Sometimes just for a desert treat - the cheese straws and palmiers are delicious. The chocolate cheesecakes are good value, but not cheap. the coffee is USUALLY good, but occasionally like dishwater...maybe a one-off? They just changed owners, so we'll see how that affects the service. Behind the counter, the staff are very nice and pleasant, but when there's a line-up, they have no coordination. I think they're losing business bc of it, I've seen people wait in a 6 or 7 person lineup and then leave bc it's so slow. Or others open the door, and give up. Sort that out, and this will be even better!
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Review from Maitrayee D.
Vancouver, BC
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
It really doesn't get any better. It's fairly busy at brunch time, but well worth the wait if it's sunny.
Their sandwiches are amazing, the tarts are fresh, the bread is always fantastic, their coffee is decent sized.
I spend more money here than I should, but it's worth every bit. -
Review from Jenna L.
Updated - 7/1/2011
I went earlier in the morning this time (10am Sunday.. but that's not that early I guess) and was able to finally try almond croissant! Em it was great! Same buttery and flaky goodness plus the almond taste! I also took home the ham&cheese and pistachio croissant. The pistachio was too sweet for me but the ham&chees was amazing. I loved it. The cranberry pecan loaf was so good. I love dried cranberries so of course I am a fan.
They offered me a free refill (maybe I looked so sad coughing and all) for coffee. The service was great this time! Maybe the weather makes ppl feel better too?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/20/2011
I happened to be walking on Davie Street and realized I really wanted to try its almond croissant!… Read more »
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Review from Thang H.
8/2/2011
My friend and I stopped in this bakery for an afternoon snack. Let's just say that there was no talk while we ate our pastry and dessert. It was AMAZEBALLS!
I had the pistachio slice and he had a three layer chocolate mousse. It was soooooo good. If I had know about this place earlier in the week, I would have come twice a day. You must give this a try. -
Review from Vicki L.
3/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is a carbo-lovers dream! The shop itself is tiny, so be prepared to either order to-go or get to the shop early to snag one of the small bistro seats. My boyfriend and I stopped in for a light breakfast and snagged two drip coffees and a couple random pastries to sample. He devoured his ham&cheese croissant, and all the people in line behind us were ordering several of them, so I have a sneaking suspicion they are well known for them here.
I thoroughly enjoyed my brioche bun and also nibbled a bit at the seeded bun. 2 coffees, a brioche bun, seeded bun, and ham&cheese croissant set us back a total of $7 or so - a fabulous deal for breakfast in the city!
Being a parisian style patisserie, their bread is airy, fluffy, and not at all dense. If you want something chewier, I'd recommend Cob's across the street - but if you're in the mood for buttery, flaky, and fluffy, Cho Pain is where it's at!Listed in: Places that piss off my…
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Review from Kari C.
3/1/2011
My sister was so pumped to bring me here because it's in her neighborhood. I was really excited after having read Yelp reviews for this place. Sigh, Le Disappointmente!
Croissant: Nice, shiny wash on the outside, good toasty colour, fluffy texture on the inside, but BLAND! My palate is very salt-sensitive so to anyone used to more salt than me, it must taste like cardboard.
Crème brulée: Good, classic vanilla taste (from an extract, not the seeds), but runny. What the F***! I scooped some out with my spoon and it went "le ploop!" Mon dieu!!! I taste CBs whenever they're on the menu at any restaurant I'm in, and unfortunately, this one claims the title as the worst one I've had yet.
Madeleine: Subtle lemony flavour but dry and kinda hard/crumbly. Supposed to have a crisp side and be light and fluffy (made with a sponge cake batter).
Cornish pasty: No complaints other than the fact that the sign said "Cornish Pastries".
Service: Friendly but scatterbrained. They gave me my stuff to go instead of "for here." I asked for spoons for the brulée, and a girl told me that "forks are over there". I don't eat crème brulée with a bleeping fork, especially when it's like condensed Cream Of Vanilla soup, which we later found out. So I had to ask for spoons again, and when she gave them to me, one of them was dirty. Sacrebleu!
My poor sister could tell that I had a smile on my face but was mighty annoyed. If only one thing tasted mediocre, it might have been that there was an off-kilter batch of something, but the fact that there was a lot gone wrong, both in food and in service, was a real turn-off for me. I chose the croissant, brulée,and Madeleine as a benchmark test to see if the bakers knew their merde and it was a letdown.
We sat and ate for about 20 minutes, in which time people came bustling in and out. If this is how an okay bakery does, I wonder how they would do if everything was bang-on.
I really wanted to like this place. C'est dommage!Listed in: Eff THIS Noise!
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Review from Irena L.
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have no self control when it comes to chocolate. Once the urge hits me I need to have chocolate RIGHT AWAY, NOWNOWNOWNOW. I can't focus on anything else, my whole existence has one sole purpose- get chocolate!
I was walking home on Davie st. once the craving hit me. Luckily my yelp app is always there to lead me to the closest chocolate heaven. I have to admit, it wasn't an easy decision to make - pastry, tart or eclair? Oh the never-ending struggles of my life!
I went for the triple chocolate tart, mostly because it looked quite large and almost had my name written on it!
I got it for to go since I live really close by, so i figured I'll enjoy it at home. But oh lord, as soon as I started walking I couldn't resist the temptation, I had to dip my finger in the chocolate moussy goodness! I know, I have no control, I warned you! That wasn't enough so I tried to actually stuff a piece of it in my mouth. Ummm, biting into the foil around it wasn't pleasant, I'll tell you that much! When I finally got home, I thoroughly enjoyed what was left of the tart! People that saw me probably had a good chuckle since my face was kinda covered in chocolate, not that I cared at the time.
I should also note that girls that work there are really extremely nice!
probably you get the hint, that I'll go back! -
Review from Mark H.
1/21/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Once wasn't enough. I had to go back to get more the next day.
High quality is right, but you wouldn't have thunk that looking at their prices.
First visit we went for the desserts. I had the triple chocolate mousse, gf had the neapolitan. Both were delectable. I'm not a fan of kill-your-teeth level of sweetness for desserts, these were just right.
Other notables: apple turnover (never seen such a sexy version), croissants, banana chocolate muffin among others. Everything is good. Forget COBBS et al.
Services is excellent. They imported a girl from Latvia and one from Ireland last I was there. Sweet girls.
More bread awesomeness please. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
Almond croissant, fresh out of the oven...
Whole Wheat Oat loaf thick sliced...
49th Parallel Coffee ready for any java kick...
Space to read, space to write, space to people watch...
What is this place? Neighourhood heaven. -
Review from Dave B.
Campbell River, BC
Updated - 3/17/2010 ROTD 7/26/2010
Just had Boulangerie's Black Forest cake and their chocolate cheesecake. Sooooo good.
If I give them another 5 stars, does that add up to 10 stars?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/15/2010
Tiramasu...
Tiramasu...
Tiramasu...
You want to buy Dave B. lots of Tiramasu....
Boulangerie is a very… Read more »
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Review from Ashley S.
Vancouver, BC
5/24/2010
Everything I've tried here so far has been amazing! Croissants, tarts, cakes, bread... they have a great variety of products to choose from, and it all tastes as good as it looks. I've now started buying pastries and bread exclusively from this bakery because I know it won't disappoint! Staff are friendly, and prices are very reasonable.
They also serve delicious 49th parallel coffee here, so it's a nice place to sit with a coffee and pistachio croissant and people watch. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this place! -
Review from Wei P.
Vancouver, BC
8/2/2009
Calling all bread & pastry lovers!!!
This place used to be "Sweet Success Bakery" but went under a few months ago. This new bakery is a lot sweeter than the previous one. The new owner is French Canadian and imo, he knows his pastry.
I buy bread, baguette (you must try his herb mini baguette), and pastry almost everyday. Out of all the bakery I've been to, I can say he is second-to-none in the West End.
Personally, I would recommend his cheesecake and hazelnut cake. Sometimes he make killer Napoleon, too (whenever he feels like making it, which is great because there is always something you've never tried when you walk into his bakery).
Also, if you love a good loaf of sourdough, GO BUY A LOAF RIGHT AWAY because I am a sourdough lover and his sourdough made me think "wow, what was I eating before???" -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
5/28/2010
Omgosh love this place.. i might not have noticed if someone didn't tell me about it..... but when I walked in, I saw one pastry case filled with cakes and the other full of puffy pastries. I honestly could not determine which one I wanted.....
I actually came into here planning to get a treat for my roomate but I decided to treat myself too! Knowing that my roomie doesn't like chocolate, that eliminated about 1 /3 of the options. I ended up going to an apricot tart - that looked super tasty! Then I saw the APPLE GOODNESS! I asked the super sweet (and cute) guy whether the apple treats were good and he rightfully agreed.. in a humble kind of tone.... so i got that too :) He was sooo polite and so patient with me.. good eye candy with a dreamy french accent (please don't tell my bf).
Took it home in my takeout box and enjoyed half of each. I think with ice cream it would have tasted even better. The pastry was loaded with butter like it should haave been and and I even wish I hadn't shared with my roomie .. but you know what they say. Sharing is Caring.
I have to come back for the Apple turnover - it looked HUMONGOUS!
so... to continue my earlier review.. I just came back from Cho Pain with two parisan macarons in my hands - for 70 cents each! one was green pistachio flavour while the pink was strawberry. I was so excited I didn't even get a chance to take a photo.
To give you an idea - the shell was crispy and the overall size is larger than what I remember in France. it tasted good, but not quite Paris. I would say good effort, but not sure if I would try again.Listed in: I Love Apple Pie :), Not Your Average Macaron!
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Review from Khanh L.
7/12/2010
Was just walking down the street minding my own business (very recently stuffed myself w/poutine) when I noticed the beautiful pastries in this little shop. You kinda have to question yourself if you're eye-ing pastries on an empty stomach...but when you're so full you're about to bust a gut and the pastries still look irresistible (and smells heavenly), you just go right in and grab a couple.
There were two young ladies working behind the counter and both were so sweet and one even had an adorable French accent (direct from Paris, I'm sure)!
I don't know why it's so hard to find good melt-in-your-mouth almond croissants...but it's not as easy as one would think. Their almond croissant was soft, chewy, crispy, yummy goodness. Also got a pistachio filled pastry and it also did not disappoint. One of the remarkable things I really appreciate about French pastries is how light on the sweet side everything is...nothing screaming sweet like buttercream or heavy caramel or dense mousse.
I wanted to (but didn't) get a cup of coffee here but wasn't ready to eat my pastries right away so didn't want to carry it around. -
Review from Gagan D.
Vancouver, BC
Just wanted to say, this place has become my regular weekend treat. It is so deliciously amazing to be able to walk here and indulge in that oh so delicious chocolate almond croissant.
Listed in: Top Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/28/2011
North Americans are starved for good baking, and most French people would laugh at what we call… Read more »
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Review from Alejandro E.
Vancouver, BC
5/26/2010 2 photos
Delightful addition to the Neighbourhood.
All previous posters have already pointed out the highlights of this place: french staff & bakers, awesome rye & sourdough and a prime location for people watching.
Hint: try their pistachio croissant! -
Review from Neil M.
Vancouver, BC
6/25/2010
This bakery may have the best croissants in the city. In the AM have a plain croissant with their delicious coffee (49th Parallel beans), and in the evenings, a heated chocolate almond croissant is incredible.
All around great place. Friendly service, tables to sit and enjoy and not too busy. -
Review from Adam R.
Vancouver, BC
3/16/2010
I buy bread here and mostly it is very good, the country rye is my favourite. The Russian rye is nothing like the real thing flavour-wise, only in colour. Also the pain de campagne is a loaf of pain ordinaire as far as I can tell, just [tasty] white bread, not the rustic blend I would expect. However, the walnut and raisin (but really cranberry) is utterly sublime.
The service is always very friendly (they let me in just after they locked the doors once) and the hazelnut torte is unfathomably good. Many different loaves and cakes to try, still working my way through them. -
Review from n Y.
Vancouver, BC
11/25/2010
Best bakery in the West End. Best baguette sandwiches. Pistachio crusted croissants are to die for. Shortbreads and vanilla crescents are divine. Fresh loaves of bread everyday and they DO actually run out at the end of the day. Coffee is 49th Parallel, baristas need more training on making decent americanos but they are a bakery, not a coffee shop.
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Review from Missy J.
2/28/2011
Enjoyed both the taste & consistency of the chocolate ball I ordered. It went well with a latte.
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Review from Raza M.
9/12/2010
Pretty average Espresso. Croissant was ok. May be I was just pissed off, I will give this another chance.
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Review from Cassandra M.
10/27/2010
Today after reading the reviews I decided to pick up a croissant and a couple other pastries. There was quite a bit of selection and an assortment of other delights. I took then home to sample and after heating them up in the oven they were flakey and gooey and delicious. I would return, but am still on the search for the best in the city.
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Review from Peter S.
9/10/2010 4 Check-ins Here
If they could channel some of Tartine's bread making wizardry, Cho Pain would be as good as it gets. Close. But no croissant!
Listed in: Baked Goods
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Review from lucinda k.
Vancouver, BC
6/12/2010
Awesome fresh, clean tasting pastries and not too sweet which is great in my book. The quiche however left something to be desired, hence the `1 star. It was ordered to stay and had a weird combination of too dry filing and soggy crust (but that was most likely because it was microwaved). If I get quiche here again, I'm not going to have it heated...
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Review from Terry A.
Vancouver, BC
5/28/2010
This place is FANTASTIC!! The service is efficient, helpful and friendly. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING that I've tried has been delicious. Good coffee too.
There is nothing better than sitting outside at one of the bistro tables with a coffee and a pastry on a sunny morning.
I wait patiently for it to be fig season, so I can once again treat myself to the Fig and Anise Bread.
The Chocolate Almond Croissants are TO DIE FOR! The pistachio ones are on the sweet side for me, but also delicious.
The sourdough bread is also amazing. My mouth is watering.....my only complaint is that they close too soon. :( -
Review from Mike r.
Vancouver, BC
3/10/2010
Absolutely amazing.
The croissant taste like they come from Paris, which isn't surprising as the people that work there are from France. The ham and cheese is simple but so delicious.
I purchased a sample of cakes a pastries for a dinner party. WOW.
They are all freaking amazing. The desserts are tasty but light.
Plus everything in there is reasonably priced. I can't say enough good things about this business.
YOU MUST GO. -
Review from Mark C.
7/11/2010
Stopped in here Saturday morning for coffee and a croissant (thanks to Yelp reviews). A complete delight! This place is the real deal too. I didn't expect to find a real French boulangerie in Vancouver but it is one, with excellent croissants, bread, and a lovely French lady, with a sweet smile and a terrific accent, at the counter helping us to top it off. The pain au chocolat were as good as I've had in France. Though small inside, tables and chairs were available for us to linger and enjoy coffee and pastries. If I lived in this part of Vancouver, I'd be a regular here for sure.
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Review from R A.
8/11/2010
Pastries a bit dry.
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Review from Dave H.
Vancouver, BC
1/10/2010
I love this place. Awesome chocolate almond croissants, gateau basque, rum balls, etc. High quality pastries, for those with a sweet tooth.
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