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Dauphine Bakery and Bistro
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
23 reviews for Dauphine Bakery and Bistro
Review Highlights
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"Oh, the sharp goodness of that lemon curd." In 3 reviews -
"...vibe and the smell of fresh baked goods was marvelous." In 6 reviews -
"...always a fan of this place at the Downtown Farmer's Market." In 3 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Lauren N.
5/5/2012
Great little place to stop for lunch in downtown! Formerly known as Queen of Tarts, Dauphine is a French-style bakery and cafe which offers delightful baked delectables and also a great menu for lunch and dinner.
I stopped by here for lunch the other day and had the trio plate, which was a plate of chicken liver pate and brie with french baguette slices and fresh salad with sweet pickles on the side. Absolutely freakin' delicious! My lunching companion had the potato and leek soup of the day with the banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich). His soup was a bit cold at first, but on the plus side, it was warmer on the bottom! We finished lunch with a couple of coconut macarons which were sweet and flaky.
Already made other plans for lunch here next week, this might be a regular thing! -
Review from Peggy L.
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
My boyfriend came across Dauphine while wandering around downtown one night and decided to pick up some of their tarts. We ended up with three of the little ones: the fig frangipane, chocolate hazelnut, and lemon curd. The owner somehow knew that it was our first time there and threw in some gougieres as well.
My favourite of the three was the fig frangipane - the figs were balanced well with the filling so it was just sweet enough. The chocolate hazelnut was delicious as well, dense and rich. However, the highly recommended lemon tart did not suit any of us. Although the initial lemon taste is really fresh and luscious, it left an unpleasant metallic aftertaste (did anyone else have this issue?). I also found it a little overpriced. Three small tarts cost $24.00.
I really enjoyed the quiet atmosphere and the personable owner, so I'll likely be back to try their cafe. -
Review from Jo-Ann S.
12/30/2011
Such a cute place. I really wanted to love it but unfortunately decor isn't everything.
I ordered the tuna sandwich and tomato basil soup. The soup was very good and obviously made fresh without cream. Just a nice, clean, tasty soup. The tuna sandwich was alright with fresh homemade bread but it was too salty for me and I enjoy my salt! The coffee was very good.
My husband had the chicken pot pie which left him disappointed. It was more like a stew with a small pastry on top and I thought the portion size was small for the price.
I like the idea that they utilize the 104 market's fresh vegetables in their menu! A nice unique surprise!
My waitress forgot my coffee but remembered a while later without me telling her and was very apologetic about it.
I wanted to buy bread and mustard there but was very disappointed to see that they sell fois gras items in the jar. I expressed my concern to our waitress about the restaurant selling an item made with such extreme animal cruelty and she was very receptive to the feedback and mentioned that she understood how I felt. Unfortunately I won't be back due to their decision to support animal cruelty.Listed in: Don't Bother
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Review from Elizabeth L.
Vancouver, BC
3/30/2012
This review is for the bistro only, which was a complete and utter disappointment.
I visited with some friends over lunch. We had no problem getting a table, which was a pleasant surprise. The room is tastefully appointed and manages to remain bright and fresh despite being in the basement.
The service, however, was absolutely terrible and the food wasn't much better Our server was friendly and polite, but inexplicably slow and unattentive. The food was poorly executed, bizarrely seasoned, sloppy looking, and in the case of the butternut squash soup, wholly inedible.
Better to stick to the bakery and avoid the bistro at all costs. -
Review from Aditya R.
Queen of Tarts is so much more than just tarts. A lovely bakery with french inspired breads, lots of treats, fancy small jars of jams, foie gras, local dried herbs etc. and of course delectable, pretty tarts. The breads are really good here. Try their french rolls if you haven't yet. Crusty outside and soft inside with a delicious flavor of fresh goodness.
Now many people will say that Queen of Tarts is an expensive joint, and I agree that you do end up paying the extra buck for your loaf here. What's important to notice though is that most ingredients are local. The flour is obtained from a local mill, eggs and dairy are also local produce. Recently they've started a once a month 4-6 course meal dinner at the bakery. It's a lovely concept wherein an invited chef is called and they create a menu. I've been for one such dinner and I should say that it is really worth it's price. (it was $65 for 6 courses + wine). They also considering a high tea which would be great too.
The bakery houses a really high quality food menu for casual dining. Menu includes delicious sandwiches prepared on house baked french loaves. Also, their quiches are really tasty. I'll be honest, I haven't had an entire quiche but have definitely tasted it! Some other delicious things that I can't recollect the names of but my salivary glands definitely recognize! Their coffee is the famed Intelligentsia coffee which is gaining popularity with its excellent use at Credo Coffee, across from the Queen. Also, their tea is loose leaf. Everything about this place speaks of traditional with an edge of modern day nuance.
It's definitely worth coming here once in a while. -
Review from Alex P.
Saanichton, BC
11/17/2011
Open doors and the smell of baked goods welcomed me in and down the
Stairs into this open, appealing, quietly bustling space. (Why line up for Blue Plate Diner especially with it's so-so reviews) Tables were taken so I opted for the bar, where the sandwiches were cheaper anyhow. A friendly Irish lass served me and it was a lovely roast beef, carmelized onion, watercress on artisan bread sandwich. Huge. Really good for $8.50! I took home an almond croissant for later and found it to be almost "parisian good"! And baked fresh daily. The bright stylish minimalist open space and faint tinkling of Fats Waller and crooning Ella Fitzgerald brought me back again soon, and the mini lime tart was... Fit for a queen. -
Review from Tess R.
9/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very very nice staff, although every time I go in the cashier doesn't know how to ring in a takeout lemon tart slice. That slice is lemony, not too sweet and a crust that doesn't fight back.
I've tried a Brie, tomato and basil on a baguette. Mmmm, but I wish they could toast it.
I've also taken home a pumpkin seed bread. OMG, this was exactly what I was looking for to dip into homemade fall harvest soup. I hope that is available again, good multigrain- seedy bread is hard to find.
I wish they made fruit based tarts, say a rhubarb-cream, or strawberry, or something more exotic. The custard tarts are fine, but they don't really entice me.
So I guess I'm a fan overall, but surprisingly not because of the tarts. -
Review from Rachel F.
10/11/2011
The lemon tarts are divine! And the few bars I have tried are pretty spectacular, especially the lemon coconut. Their other pies, pumpkin and chocolate pecan, are very good, too, but not as tasty as Mom's and certainly not worth the $40-$50 you'll pay for them.
I know that rent on 104th St. is not cheap, but this bakery is overpriced, even for the neighbourhood. It's high-quality food, just a bit too pricey for what you receive.
But again, the lemon tarts are outstanding. And I will go back, just for them! -
Review from Carina Z.
4/11/2011
Hmmm... I have mixed feelings about this place. I will start with what I love.
I LOVE the décor - so amazing. I walked in (and down the stairs - so it is not wheelchair friendly) and felt like I was in Montreal or Paris. The whole bakery has a cute Parisian vibe and the smell of fresh baked goods was marvelous.
This was my first visit and I let my eyes do the shopping - I purchased several items and even ate a warm caramel orange sticky bun while a staff member filled the rest of my order. The cheese crisps were melt in my mouth delicious, the granary bread has been great for French toast, and the sticky bun was finger-licking good.
The BEST items that I purchased (and I will for sure be returning specifically for) are the scones!!! They had two flavours when I was there - apricot ginger and cranberry - and both were phenomenal. Mmmmmm my mouth is watering just thinking about them as I type. I honestly cannot wait to go back and have another one.
The only item I bought that I wasn't happy with was the apple cinnamon brioche. The apple slices were so thin so the ratio of apple to bread was way off (too much bread) and the amount of cinnamon would hardly be classified as a sprinkle (maybe they were running low?).
So now onto the disappointing part - the staff member that assisted me. I am not sure I can convey in words exactly how I felt but I came out of there disappointed about the place just due to the service. She was rude and almost acted like I didn't deserve the items I was purchasing. Unfortunately I do have to take this into account when reviewing the whole business. Hopefully she was just having a bad morning and this doesn't happen again.
I will be returning and cannot wait to see what new delicious creations they dream up. -
Review from Melanie L.
Edmonton, AB
3/8/2011
Loved the spinach and leek quiche I had. Finally, a quiche that wasn't dry with terrible pastry. The accompanying salad I had was simple but appropriate to the quiche.
I bought a dark rye loaf that I'm alternately anxious and excited to get into. The good news is that I've finally found a place that makes proper dark rye (none of that shitty Wonder Bread style bread with molasses to darken it). Hopefully the taste and texture will live up to how it looks.
Love the space. Despite the fact that it's downstairs, it's bright, clean and modern. Very French in décor and styling. Aside from a nice array of breads and sweets, you can buy other edibles such as Jam Lady Jam and dried flowers. I like that there are two types of service: counter for baked goods and full-service in the café if you're stopping for lunch.
On a side note: it was interesting to see two former Culina servers working there.
I have to downgrade my rating to a three (from a four) after eating the dark rye loaf. It was actually terrible. Gummy and pretty tasteless. Hopefully I just got a bad loaf. It's a shame because I'm once again on the hunt for good dark rye. -
Review from Jacqueline S.
Edmonton, AB
3/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Queen of Tarts was one of the most popular booths at the City Centre Farmer's Market, and now they've opened their own shop on 104 st.
In addition to the tasty tarts they sold at the market, they now have a few delicious breads, a take out menu, and a small sit-down cafe with table service. They also have a selection of other local products available.
The staff here are extremely friendly and helpful, although there seemed to be some of the mild chaos that can be expected from a recently opened business.
I suspect that will sort itself out in a few weeks.
I got a square and some bread to take home. The square was delicious, and the bread smells amazing. I look forward to returning to check out their cafe menu.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go daydream about lemon curd.Listed in: Downtown Tastiness, One day in Edmonton
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Review from Paula K.
3/5/2011
This is one of the rare cases on Yelp that I wish I could add a half star, because I would have rather rated Queen of Tarts three and a half.
I went here on the second day of the bakery/cafe's opening. We sat in the cafe area, which offers full table service. There is a selection of sandwiches, quiche, and other light dishes, as well as soups and salads. All of the dessert items found in the bakery's display can also be served. Prices seem to be higher in the cafe than in the takeout however, including the sandwiches.
I had a sandwich that featured olive oil packed tuna, lemon, greens, and olive spread on a crusty bun. It was small, but very flavourful. Instead of the side salad I opted for a cup of one of the soups of the day: curried lentils and duck. The soup had a sweetness to it, lots of lentils, and shredded duck throughout. Admittedly, this was the first time I had eaten duck, and prepared this way it reminded me a lot of chicken.
My guest just wanted dessert, so we both had a slice of the famous lemon tart with coffee. Oh, the sharp goodness of that lemon curd! The buttery crust! It was grand.
As coincidence would have it, my brother brought home some baked goods from Queen of Tarts that evening. I had some biscotti, and was very disappointed. The pieces were thin and were very bland to my taste.
Another drawback for me was the price. The sandwiches in the cafe will run you $10-$13 and around $8-$10 for takeout. They are delicious but small. One of the choices is banh mi (Vietnamese sub) which can be gotten at a fraction of the price anywhere else - not just in Chinatown, but also at V Sandwiches on Rice Howard Way. And they will be bigger. It is prices like these that discourage people from shopping for locally-produced food. It is a shame that high quality has to equal high prices.
That being said, I will be back. The lemon curd is haunting me. -
Review from C M.
Edmonton, AB
9/30/2011
I really wanted to like it here...
My husband and I came on one occaision, experienced spotty services - it took a very long time to place or order, and then we only received our drinks after we had finished our desserts.
On a second occasion, I wanted to order a little something for myself, as well as inquire about catering for an office event the following week. The server was clearly busy, dealing with what seemed to be a pretty diffuclt customer, so I waited by the till (which is, I assume, where you place your order). When she was finishing up with the customer ahead of me at a different cash register, two men walked in. She looked right at them and said "Hey guys, what can I get for you?" (!). I was so upset, first of all at having been completely ignored, and second of all for having waited 20 minutes for nothing. I gave up and left. And, I have given up and left on two other occasions. When you're so blatantly ignored, it really changes the tone of your day.
They need better training for their employees, and they need some sort of signage so people know where they are supposed to order (it's apparently equally confusing for the staff). It's sad to say, but if they don't fix these things fast, word will spread and business will suffer. The desserts really are fantastic but, for someone like me, this does not outweigh the fact that I feel almost worse about myself when I leave. -
Review from Joanna F.
5/13/2011
Went here for the first time yesterday, and came away with a loaf of grainery (sp?) bread and some 'mini kisses'.
The bread is this heavenly mix of different organic flours that is absolutely delicious & filling without being the tiniest bit heavy (well, except in price... $5.50 - OUCH!)
The mini-kisses meanwhile, are meringues w french chocolate in them. They are lovely, but they don't really compare w Dutchess' (which has seat the highest of high standards, IMO).
All in all, lovely little spot with some wonderfully yummy looking & tasting baked treats. I'm already looking forward to my next visit (and the rest of my current loaf of bread - is it breakfast time yet?)! -
Review from Cherie K.
Had my first try here today at the Farmers Market. I had heard great reviews from a local restaurant so checked it out. Went to the booth and got some lemon and berry scones, which I've heard are fab. They announced that their bakery was open just behind them and they served hot drinks. This was all I needed to check it out as it was unusually cold outside.
Bakery is downstairs, but very up scale in ambience. Open, white walls, with a touch of antique flair. Lots of baking despite it being midday. I ordered a hot chocolate, requesting it be only warm for my 5-yr old, which they were happy to do. I got a coffee and a binh mi (sp?) Vietnamese sandwich. I observed as they made the hot chocolate with freshly melted chocolate and steamed milk-the best I've ever had, and my 5-yr old agreed by slurping it down, without getting burnt.
The coffee was dark and rich, and the sandwich was a delicious blend of chicken, cilantro and veggies! My first vietnamese sandwich ever. I probably could find it in China town for a fraction of the price, but it was worth it.
Overall a fantastic bakery-a must see!Listed in: Favourite cafes & restaurants
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Review from Quoc H.
Edmonton, AB
4/12/2011
I was always a fan of this place at the Downtown Farmer's Market. Their prices are on the high-end but I feel that they deliver quality ingredients and excellent flavours. My favourites are the hazelnut tart, lemon or lime tart, and brownies. I have also tried the caraway rye which is very dense and tasty. My wife and I enjoyed brunch one morning in the bistro area - it's a very cool environment with nice decor and exposed brick walls.
Overall, I think they have great product although I'm sure prices might drive a few away (average value for money). However, their desserts and treats always bring a smile to my face so how can you put a value on that? -
Review from Nathalie L.
Edmonton, AB
6/29/2011
Portions are way too small, prices are large and quality is mediocre. I traveled all over the world and lived in different world reknowned cities. Whoever said this is very french and excellent has not tried real French cuisine. And at this price, I expected it to be close to the real thing. It's not at all. The lemon tart was not good at all. The carrot cake was dry and bland. It would have been better to eat at the cafeteria across the street at sobey's.
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Review from Alouise D.
Edmonton, AB
8/24/2011
I've never been to the 104 Street Farmers' Market, but I'd heard about how good the Queen of Tarts baked goods were. I stopped by one afternoon just before they were going to close. Inside the bakery was very nice. I didn't realize it was going to be in a basement, but even still the area was really bright and cheery. There was a small seating area, and it looked like they had some savoury options if you were going for lunch. I grabbed a lime tart to go. It was delicious, nice tart lime flavour and a graham cracker crust. Considering the bakery is along 104 Street and close to the LRT I'm sure I'll be back. I only wish they stayed open a little bit later during the week.
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Review from Jessica D.
Edmonton, AB
4/9/2011
Extremely cute location, it was almost Alice In Wonderland-y for me with the black and white decor. Parking here is horrendous, good luck if you don't want to walk! Location is prime for the type of crowd they're aiming for but they're not really up my alley. Queen of Tarts for me is more of a "when you have money" place to go. Maybe it's because I haven't really wandered into the world of delicacies yet but I'm not really into paying up to $8 for a tart. When I went I got an americano and a goat cheese with raspberries tart. The tart was okay, I found there was a lemony aftertaste that kind of just washed away the tartyness of the goat cheese which I love. The americano on the other hand was really good and good value. This place would be great for special occasions or once in a while for me or else you're gonna find me living on 104st instead of shopping on 104st!
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Review from Raquel F.
Edmonton, AB
11/11/2011
I loved the place.community minded. Local food. Nice staff. Austere yet elegant and comfortable. Food was excellent. My new favorite.
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Review from Alan D.
6/20/2011
Everything I have tried including spinach quiche, the various tarts, sandwiches, and all of the different breads are great. Beautiful decor: Edmonton needs more places like this. Perhaps a bit of competition will reduce the prices which for me are the only negative.
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Review from Liv V.
Edmonton, AB
5/20/2011
This is the best lemon tart I've ever had. Perfectly flaky pastry that hugs a sunny yellow, zippy, tangy lemon curd that sings of sunnier, warmer climates. They are hideously priced for what you get ($4 something for a tiny tart that was gone in three bites), but I would prefer paying more for something delicious than paying less than something that came out of a can. I sampled their breads as well; tasty but do not exceed others (like Prairie Mill) in terms of taste and quality. I'd like to sample more of their baked goods but may have to start a swear jar to save up some money!
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Review from Bridget C.
Edmonton, AB
3/10/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I became a loyal fan of The Queen of Tarts at the city centre Farmer's market, and I am SO excited they've set up shop permanently on 104th! The bakery is beautiful inside, and all my favorite treats are there. Prices seemed a bit higher than what they were at the market, which I already thought was expensive, so on a tight budget I can't indulge often. I love that they have such a great variety of meals and desserts, and they had quite a few different breads out on the counter to sample. The staff was so friendly and kind. The girl that rung up my order told me she was the daughter of the owners, and was so genuinely appreciative of my praise for the store. It was really nice to have that personal touch, Edmonton really needs more local businesses like this: it feels like shopping with friends instead of just buying mindlessly from a franchise. Queen of Tarts will definitely be a regular weekend outing for me, now year-round!
