- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Julien's French Bakery & Cafe
Categories: Food Bakeries Restaurants Sandwiches Bakeries, Sandwiches [Edit]
5517 Young StHalifax, NS B3K 1Z7
(902) 455-9717
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 7:30 am - 6 pm
Sat 8 am - 5 pm
Sun 9 am - 4 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Julien's French Bakery & Cafe
Review Highlights
-
"Julien's, in the Hydrostone buildings, is a throwback to a..." In 8 reviews -
"Their pain au chocolat is one of my favourite things in..." In 3 reviews -
"Who does not love fresh homemade breads." In 9 reviews
Loading...
25 reviews in English
-
Review from Sarah A.
Halifax, NS
4/27/2012
MMmmmmmMmmmm! It's really awesome!
-
Review from Ben B.
Updated - 5/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Okay seriously. Is it me??
Yes - their baked goods are among the best. Their bagels perfectly balance a crispy outside with a chewy inside, their cheese croissants make me weep tears of joy, and their sourdough is the stuff that carby dreams are made of.
But honestly, I've had more personal and friendly interactions from an ATM.
I received a split-second half smile from the cashier to signal that I should be telling her my order by now. I smiled, I ordered, she blinked and walked away. I didn't see her again until my order came back with a simple, "Here."
Sure. That covers the very basic interaction level required to run any customer-facing business. I was able to receive what I wanted, pay for it, and walk away with it in hand so my personal expectations for a hint of friendliness should certainly not keep you away from this otherwise wonderful Hydrostone bakery. I'm just saying it kind of kills the mom 'n pop shop mood that I wish Julien's would have.Listed in: Coffee Shop Stops, North Enders, Baked goodness.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/13/2010
I'd love to love Julien's but I just can't get my head around their lax approach to customer… Read more »
-
-
Review from Lori M.
3/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love then idea of Julien's, especially the setting as I love the Hydrostone area. The coffee (and tea) is... ok. I know, I know it's the baked goods that people go ga ga for and they are great, but I need a beverage to go with it.
It's quaint and typically busy so there must be something that invites people back. They staff is pleasant but not engaging in any way. And I want to be welcomed, not simply doled out items. Perhaps I am not a regular and those who are are met with smiles and chat.
on the pluses, their breads are excellent, but sold elsewhere so I can get it anytime. The cafe needs to draw me in. And this one hasn't. I keep trying though. -
Review from Jeff L.
Spruce Grove, AB
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
If I lived in Halifax this would be regular spot for me! There was a bread pudding looking mile high cake standing at the cash register I wish I would have tried. I enjoyed the Pakora.
-
Review from Stephen W.
Halifax, NS
11/14/2011 16 Check-ins Here
Having a coffee and a pastry here never fails to remind me of France. It may not be upscale, and it may not be large, but it is authentic. The busy street and little park outside the door make it even more so.
They make a cappuccino that rivals Steve-A-Renos, and the sweets are exactly like the ones I've eaten in little coffee shops all over France. The only reason I didn't give it a full five stars is because their croissants, although excellent, aren't always fresh and are not as good as their French cousins, and that always makes me a little sad. -
Review from David H.
Halifax, NS
5/20/2011
Probably the best place for bread in Halifax. I always find their breads to be better than the same bread from La Vendeenne.
Two disadvantages:
First, it is almost pointless to go there during the afternoon. The shelves are more or less empty after 1pm.
Second, and this is what really drives me nuts, they start putting all their bread into plastic bags (!) during the afternoon. This means that if you buy one of the 50% off loaves from the day before the crust will be completely gone and you will have a soft boring sandwich bread. This also means that even if you go there at 4pm most breads (if they still have any, that is) will have lost their texture already. I don't understand why they do that. Nobody in Europe would ever do that. You store bread in paper bags, not plastic bags, and there's a reason for that. Didier Julien is from Belgium. You'd think that he'd make sure that bread is properly stored in his stores.
So make sure to go there early, and make sure to buy bread off the shelf that hasn't been destroyed by being bagged yet.
They also sell cakes and chocolates but I find them boring and overpriced. Their almond croissants are good but not cheap either.
There are a few tables in the store so people can sit down. -
Review from Sabrina B.
Halifax, NS
2/12/2012
Lattes are good, meringues are great. The bread is always a bit stale. Isn't a bakery supposed to ace their bread?
-
Review from Rhia P.
3/8/2011
This cozy neighbourhood bakery features authentic French-style baking.
A wide variety of bread will please every palate. The baguettes are stunning, but I haven't bought a loaf there I haven't loved.
Very good croissants (if you get them on the right day), amazing merangues, the palmiers flake-o-licious. The pain au chocolat... divine.
The lineups can be lengthy on the weekends, and the coffee is ... nothing to write home about. The seating is basic, and somewhat limited, but no one is opposed to you settling in and camping out to enjoy your baked goods and the company of friends.
In the summer, the little patio out back is the place to be.
But your very best bet is to grab some of those loaves to go... and enjoy them down to the very last heel. -
Review from J B.
2/25/2011
I don't get back to Hali often enough to sample all of Julien's delights - I always make a beeline for the almond croissant. It's so perfectly executed with the right amount of filling and a flaky croissant. The shop itself has a nice ambiance, but I don't get to spend much time in the north end.
Fortunately, the croissants can be procured at Pete's downtown or at Jo-Ann's in Mahone Bay. -
Review from Melissa B.
Halifax, NS
8/2/2010
I don't think there is a bakery in Halifax that rivals Julien's for quality. Their bread is outstanding. The crust development is just perfection; thick, crispy crusts that crack into fluffy, light interiors.
Julien's has also mastered the croissant, making something properly proofed, buttery, airy and feather light. All of their pastries are equally wonderful. I've never had anything from Julien's that wasn't fresh, perfectly cooked and wonderfully presented. Halifax carboloaders would be at a loss without this place. If you haven't gone to the Hydrostone to check out their wares, or stopped by their booth at the Farmer's Market to have a decadent breakfast, you are missing out. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
12/9/2009 1 photo
I can't believe i've been in Halifax for 6 years and yesterday was my first time trying out Julien's Patisserie Bakery and Café. I can usually be trusted to suss out a good bakery but... I seem to have missed this one.
First of all, I was extremely impressed with the apple fritter/danish (not sure which it was) that I had! mmm, good! I had heard that this spot was popular but a line up at 3pm on a tuesday afternoon? unheard of!
Some of the particularly yummy looking breads are as follows:
*10 grain
*Good Hearth (flax, sunflower and mustard seeds)
*Parisian Baguette
*Foccacia
*and a host of others!
Lots of delicious pastries and cakes as well. A point of interest for regulars will be this addition in term of holidays hours: 'Julien's' will be open 9am-5pm on Monday December 14th as well as Monday December 21st.
My sole complaint (and I think I might have been in on an 'off' day since nobody else has mentioned the service) but I found both bakery attendants pretty cheerless. Maybe I just underestimate how overwhelming a long bakery shift can be... -
Review from Lesley-Anne S.
Halifax, NS
1/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the baked goods. Their pain au chocolat is one of my favourite things in life. And I really dig their breads. Their coffee, however, is so-so to not so good. If they could make a better cup of coffee, I would probably move in.
Listed in: Nom nom nom, North Ending, Coffee Talk
-
Review from Nick B.
Halifax, NS
1/30/2010
Julien's is probably about the best argument I can make about why I wish I lived in the Hydrostone.
This busy but beautiful cafe is going to quickly become my favourite place to perch on Saturday mornings when I get some offsite work done - the coffee is superb, and a brioche with jam is probably the best $1.25 I've ever spent. A wide selection of breads make you hungry just looking, and the service is friendly, you get a sense of being a guest in someone's home, not just a customer. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
11/2/2009
Julien's is a french pastry shop and cafe, and the display cases are packed with irresistible sweets. I have a particular favourite: the pain-au-chocolat - a flaky croissant filled with dark chocolate goodness.
I also enjoy a nice mug of hot chocolate from here on a chilly day, but perhaps not avec the chocolate croissants. But really, too much chocolate - is that even possible?
The cafe is small and often full, but it's worth the wait in line for whatever you decide to indulge in, and even nicer if you can sit and enjoy it for a bit.
They also sell fantastic freshly-baked bread daily, including buttery brioche. My partner makes the most amazing chocolate bread pudding with this brioche! Must ... go ... to... Julien's.... now. -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
3/14/2010
Julien's, in the Hydrostone buildings, is a throwback to a simpler time. Fresh made breads line the shelves in baskets, waiting for you to make a selection (or two, or three). Fancier offerings can be found in the display cases that run in front of the cash area. Coffee is always brewing and a fine selection of teas are available to go along with that papillion purchase.
The baked goods are all fresh daily, baked off-site in the Chester location. Hearty sandwiches and a daily noon special never disappoint. Desserts run the gamut from simple to exquisite; both plainer fare (cookies, oatcakes) and more refined offerings (pastries, gelato) are proffered as a perfect finale to your meal.
Julien's has been chosen six times as "One of the Best in the Country" by Where To Eat in Canada. It's not hard to see why. Their products are sold locally at other vendors and they maintain a permanent location in the Saturday Halifax Farmers' Market.
Julien's has both indoor and outdoor seating. In fine weather, the Hydrostone buildings lend themselves to leisurely browsing. Why not finish up a window shopping expedition with a hot beverage and baked goods from Julien's? -
Review from Laura P.
4/16/2010 9 photos
Its enduring run speaks for itself. Open for 25 years, Julien's is a local hotbed as well as a nationally acclaimed eatery. Its fabulous Artisan breads and pastries have stirred up a reputation, as Julien's was listed as "One of the Best in the Country" by Where To Eat in Canada. (The country's national food guide)
They offer a bucket load of bread types, including the 'spelt bread', which is made out of wheat-free flour. Hooray, wheat intolerance! Pastry treats appear as prize winners, as I take this opportunity to recommend giving the fruit tart a whirl. The squash soup is top notch as well.
If you haven't been to Julien's, its just a spot to hit. With its old school atmosphere and assured goodies, its one of Halifax's best flavours.Listed in: There's No Place Like…
-
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
7/1/2010 1 photo
Who does not love fresh homemade breads. Well I know I do and Julien's is just the place to visit when you have the craving of something fresh and tasty.
After visiting the home base in Chester they actually told me that the bread is transported all over and they told me about this location in the Hydro stone. Well my sister turned me onto the sourdough bread and OMG is it good. Crispy thick crust with a light fully inside who would not love it. It will make you work through the outside as it is a bit of a pull to it but that is what I love about it. Now this is a treat for me and I love getting it and bringing it home with some butter and molasses. YUM.
Now this is not the only bread that they sell of course there is a side variety of textures and loaves to chose from. Another one is the 12 grain one. Pastry's as well is something that you will not leave this store without as they are too tempting to say no. Try the large cinnamon buns I guarantee that you will grab a table inside to be able to taste this lovely treat. Delicious that is all I can say.
Coffee as well as homemade Jams are available to take home so that you can enjoy that added flavor to something that is already delicious. Now if you can not wait until then you are more then welcome to pull up a chair as it is available to sit inside and have a hot drink with a pastry. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
12/2/2009 1 photo
Juliens is a staple in our lives. The shop at the Hydrostone has a great ambiance, it reminds me of the small cafes in Italy.
They make all their bread fresh daily. The good thing is you can order your bread ahead of time, which is great. Especially around Christmas, I always order bagels and our favorite breads, one being the 9 grain, they will slice it for you as well and of course the sourdough baguette, we just can not leave without it.
With Christmas approaching they have made their special German Cake and Pudding. It sells out fast. Going to Juliens over the Holidays is a must. I have gone when it is lined up out the door.
Juliens is famous for their lobster sandwich in the summer. I have had it and it is packed full of goodness. They have a great menu and always a lunch special.
Their chocolate is to die for. One of our favorite is the Croissant filled with chocolate. These are always a treat.
They have great coffee, hot chocolate (made with real milk) and teas.
I can say for sure that the variety of breads and treats are well worth the trip and I have not found anything that comes close. -
Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
12/4/2009 5 photos
Truly, I'm not sure which I love more - Julien's in the Hydrostone market, which is right around the corner from me, or Julien's at the Halifax Saturday Farmers Market where Barb always greets us with her quirky sense of humor - I can't imagine coming back from the market without some pain chocolat, croissants that rival anything from my Montreal days, and some healthy artisan bread.
The cafe is always busy, no matter what the time of day. In the summer I love sitting out on the side patio and then when it gets cold there's nothing better than sipping a freshly brewed cappucino and sniffing in the wonderful aroma of baked breads. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/26/2010
I think I'm unwittingly involved in a bread love affair because my mind has been swimming with visions of loaves and tasty pastries for days.
Currently, sitting on my cutting board is a loaf of Julien's hearty Flax Sourdough, weighing in at $4.50 if you purchase it from Pete's. I have only visited the Hydrostone location on a few occasions, but definitely have found my trips in to be most delightful. It's nice to grab a cuppa-joe and one of Julien's fresh goodies straight from the horse's mouth.
Julien's bakes such a delightful array of loaves, from your standard multigrain to baguettes to specialty concoctions featuring gourmet ingredients. All loaves are baked in a wood-fired oven and Didier Julien (the expert behind the deliciousness) is not only highly-skilled but extremely well trained in the art of French baking.
Julien's lovingly-crafted loaves and goodies are a must. I urge you to indulge in an organic loaf ASAP. Whether sandwich making or simply having a slice with some fancy cheese, Julien's baked good are perfect for any and all occasions! -
Review from Ellen C.
6/1/2010
I never got a chance to visit the actual shop in the Hydrostone, but luckily had 'yelped' some local bakeries in the area and knew to look for Julien's stall in the Farmer's Market. Good butter croissant, great cinnamon roll, and fantastic whole wheat loaf (which sustained my husband and I through a somewhat cold, windy, and rainy camping trip in Cape Breton the following week). I'm sure everything else in the bakery is just fabulous, I'm just sad I never got to try more pastry selections and have the full-on in-store experience.
-
Review from Brian S.
Halifax, NS
1/25/2010
Absolutley, the best pastries in the city, hands down...:)
-
Review from Christopher C.
Halifax, NS
9/1/2010
This will be a limited review, as I only go there for the bread. But what bread it is, a slice of heaven. The Brioche is amazing and the baguettes are delicious, and there is always a different bread there to satisfy my hunger. The only place for bread in Halifax
-
Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
12/9/2009 1 photo
Yum. Yum, yum, yum. If you're ever wishing to bring me a present, please consider a Julien's croissant. You will be well on your way to winning my heart.
Of course other items are delicious as well. My boyfriend always begs for a canelé, and their bagels are regulars at our place under melted cheese and sprouts. At the café you're able to buy their whole line of bread and pastries, whatever's been made that day at least, plus a wide range of sandwiches, soups and Samosas. (I don't think they were going for an 'S' theme, but there you go.)
Julien's location in the Hydrostone is a favorite stop after a bit of yarn shopping at L K Yarns, just down the road. You can also find Julien's at the market on Saturdays or at Pete's Frootique, who often stock their pastries in a big basket hidden in the bread aisles. -
Review from Personalo X.
South End, NS
9/1/2010
Over baked bread with a crust of razorblades. There is a reason that in the market Julien's is on the decline while the newer French bakery is on a serious tear.
