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Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates and Patisserie
Categories: Food Desserts Food Bakeries Food Specialty Food Chocolatiers and Shops Desserts, Bakeries, Chocolatiers and Shops [Edit]
2539 W Broadway AveVancouver, BC V6K
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 736-1848
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
56 reviews for Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates and Patisserie
Review Highlights
"Line up for the double-baked almond croissant."
(in 8 reviews)
"The Aztec hot chocolate was amazing."
(in 3 reviews)
"This is a fantastic place for pastries and hot chocolate."
(in 12 reviews)
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56 reviews in English
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Review from Betty T.
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
- Classic hot chocolate: RICH and pure. not very sweet. I recommend sharing because, well like i said, it is very rich (in the good way)
- Almond croissant: SO GOOD WHEN IT IS FRESH OUT THE OVEN. But I had to literally fight for one croissant because some people would just buy 10 at a time....
- Macarons: Perfect as gifts. Their current Xmas flavor is Eggnog. GOOD GOOD AND GOOOOOOOD!!!! Chewy and not too sweet.
- Chocolate almond: I bought some Christmas edition ones... planning on giving them away as small gifts!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!!! A little pricey... but who cares? -
Review from Arnold P.
Vancouver, BC
2/6/2012
Double Baked Almond Croissant is simply amazing. It could it eat it for days. MMmmm Butter!!!
Macarons is also a favourite. Soft, melt in your mouth. -
Review from Herman E.
11/22/2011
Very nice desserts and pastries, but pricey for what is still "just a pastry"
I wouldn't come here every day for an indulgence, but one in a while is OK. -
Review from felix b.
Vancouver, BC
1/21/2012
Thomas Haas looks like a touristic place not local patisserie.
Crowded
Loudly.
over priced
you can not drink your coffee and read your book at the same time. -
Review from Kenneth E.
Vancouver, BC
1/20/2012
Just got into macarons lately, after the awesome ones I've had at Thierry! But have to say that Thomas just isn't as chewy or flavourful enough, plus they had a flavour there -- ferrero rocher that TH didn't have!
all in all, i've sampled their other cakes & pastries, so it's definitely worth going back. A chic place, you know the westside folks ;)
Kinda hard to believe they would close 5:30pm tonite! -
Review from patricia l.
Vancouver, BC
I was lucky enough to receive a box of chocolates as a gift from before, so when I saw the Thomas Haas sign while I was walking around in Kitsilano, I literally threw all my sensible giblets to the wind and ran my ass across the street with the intention of just looking at all the goodies.
I had an Aztec Hot Chocolate and I need to stop writing here and take a deep breath because just reliving the memory of that perfect, spicy, chocolately goodness just made my tummy grumble because it just wants more.
If i had unleashed my hunger beast in here, the store would have been completely ransacked and emptied into my gluttonous belleh. Sh!t's GOOD!
I'm sure there are superior places around the world, but that's all subject to personal preferences and interpretations. We get a piece of our own little chocolate heaven right in our very own city .
The prices are more than decent for what you are getting and I didn't really pay attention to the service because I was too busy looking at everything I wanted to eat. Locally made and beautifully executed. I can't wait until my next visit!Listed in: I HEART Food!
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Review from David L.
11/3/2011 2 photos
This is a fantastic place for pastries and hot chocolate. This is the second location of Thomas Haas, as there is one in North Vancouver. I ordered a double baked almond croissant and it was solid choice. Their almond croissant was flaky on the outside and somewhat soft and moist in the middle. The almonds were nicely toasted too.
The Aztec hot chocolate was amazing. I love the not too sweet, yet rich taste of the drink. There was a hint of spiciness from the of chipotle and ancho chili.
The interior is very small and there is very limited seating. For a second shop, Thomas Haas should have choosen a larger location. -
Review from Cody S.
7/8/2011 2 photos
Ordered the Champagne Truffle Cake for a birthday and it was the best cake I have ever had. That's just about all I can say. I might add that the champagne aroma was alcoholic, to say the least. Everyone was impressed.
I will be ordering all my family and friend's birthday cakes from Thomas Haas. Amazing. :D -
Review from Cooking D.
9/16/2011
Sorry, Vancouver folks! The croissant in Seattle ( Honore and Cafe Besalu) are better.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I would like to know which bakery in Vancouver make better ones than the two above, please let me know. Thanks! -
Review from Siri W.
8/2/2011
So...sometimes on particularly lucky days, I get food at work. Sometimes that food comes in the form of decadent delicious incredible Thomas Haas chocolates. And those, my friends, are goooood days.
Now this has to be limited to the chocolate bon bons, because that's all I've had. But if those are anything to go by, I guess I have to get my butt down to Thomas Haas right now and inhale his entire store.
They are just so good. So, so, SO good. Creamy, delectable, rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. There isn't a single one that I don't like, but I have to say the salted caramels are to die for.
I'm gonna have to check out his pastries and cakes. From the sounds of it, I am missing out! I sense an investigative splurge-mission in the near future... -
Review from Jenna L.
7/4/2011
Emmmm~~ this wonderful little place on W Broadway is amazing.. I rushed after work to buy a cake. Luckily I made sure I call ahead to reserve a Cassis one! It's light and filled with blackcurrant mousse and has the right amount of the blackcurrants. The purple color is beautiful and the decoration is definitely interesting.. I think I would go for a dainty design instead of the big half moon chocolate but that's ok because it tastes wonderful.
Their macarons are excellent too. I got a six pack with various flavors including cassis, lemon, coffee, lime etc etc. I thonk I quite like the cassis one! I heard their double baked croissant is heavenly as well but of course by 5pm they are all gone.... :( -
Review from Eva B.
5/25/2011
I can't see myself sauntering into this shop on a regular basis for two reasons. First of all I would become incredibly chubby and secondly I would be poor. That said, this is a place you go if you're in the mood for a sweet treat.
I shared a boozy chocolate, a croissant and a couple of macarons with my partner in culinary crime. The croissant was perfect. Everything else was pretty darn good as well. Trust me Thomas Haas knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth. So sweet, my fillings are having phantom pains just thinking about eating there.
Anyway, next time my Mom comes to town I have a new place to astonish her with and a good excuse to indulge. -
Review from Jacqueline T.
Coquitlam, BC
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Thomas Haas known for their decadent desserts and chocolate truffles.
I come here for lunch sometimes, as their sandwiches are a treat! And whats an even bigger treat? When they give you a complimentary truffle or two or three with your lunch :)
Chocolate makes me smile. Delicious chocolate and free? Happy Ecstasy!
Tip: Make sure you check the hours before coming! -
Review from Melissa K.
Vancouver, BC
10/30/2011
Thomas makes the best croissants. They're very famous for their almond ones but i'm not a fan of almond. I like pistachio croissants a lot more but I haven't seen them there; I normally just get plain. For a chocolate shop they don't make very good mochas, but their espressos are good so get the cappuccino. They have very good sandwiches and it changes daily. The raspberry chocolate cake and the pear tart are my favorite. It's not up to Parisian standards, but this is the best pastry shop in Vancouver. Better than Thierry and Ganache for sure. They have beautiful chocolates that make great gifts.
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Review from Marje B.
Burnaby, BC
7/19/2011
The best double baked almond croissant, pastry here is always delish!!!
Love this place!!!!! -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
3/3/2011 4 photos
I see plenty of Patisserie and Chocolate Shops back in Toronto and so I designate Thomas Haas the YAY rating as it was quite a busy shop offering from Full Cakes to Designed Chocolates to Individual Cakes to Macarons to Packaged Box Chocolates.
Stilton Cheesecake($5.50) was a good Cheesecake with enough Stilton to separate it from other conventional Cheesecakes. They even offered a Strawberry Compote that went quite well with the Cheesecake.
As for Chocolates(Salted Caramel, Lime Cachaca, Cognac) I've only tried the Salted Caramel so far and while it was good, it didn't wow me yet. I hope the Macarons(Passion Fruit, Pistachio, Raspberry) are as good as they look.
Thomas Haas was there this afternoon and he was very nice Gentleman and a FUN Happy Guy in general. It must be great working along side him. This places reaches 4 *Star* status because the pricing on the Macarons($1.75) and Chocolate Truffles($1.10) are simply great value.Listed in: 4+ ****Stars****, Vancouver'ing for the Week
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Review from Beryl L.
1/20/2011
I got this as a breakfast-in-bed gift from a dear person. So said person dealt with the frenzied commotion.
Almond croissant tastes like souffle in the middle. The outside is flakey then it's like the softest custardiest scone that you never thought existed right underneath that. The almond pot o' gold in the center is divine. All the other pastries had great flavors as well with hints of tangy sourness amidst the sugarsweet which I adore. However, the croissant is unrepeatable - it's in the same category of greatness as the late Lord Stow's portuguese egg tarts. -
Review from eddy m.
Victoria, BC
10/11/2011
Thomas Haas is a reliable, consistent, well-priced, well-rounded and delicious bakery. Whether you're going for truffles, patisserie, cakes or coffee, it's solid stuff. I would basically eat anything that comes out of his kitchen! However I can't vouch for lunch items. That's not why I go there.
I go there whenever I come down to Vancouver. I've had much on offer there, and enjoyed everything. Many places around town pale in comparison. Nowadays, too many wannabe bakeries charge $3 for a pain au chocolat, or $4/person for a large cake. Except, they aren't good and think they can get away with it.
The pain au chocolat, croissants, and other patisseries are my favourite in the city. A croissant is still sold for $2.75 (price hasn't changed in years), and damn good alone or dipped in an americano. It's buttery, flaky, the outside a crisp golden-brown and the inside moist and light.
The small and large cakes are delicous, and well-priced. I get my bday cakes there, and I am never disapppointed. Anything with chocolate and nougatine will be amazing. I even ventured for a tart last time and was surprised how good it was: the base was hiding a crisp circle of pate sucree and the pate a bombe was delish.
I also enjoy Baguette & Co for a cheaper, more casual experience. I have also been impressed by a recent visit to Faubourg, in the Kerrisdale area. Their patisseries and baguettes were top-notch. I wanted to try Thierry's but discovered a price tag of nearly $4 for a small pain au choc so I decided against it and walked out.
In short, T. Haas is the shit. I have been around BC and have not found a better croissant. -
Review from Reena M.
11/30/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I came here once before and loved everything! The ham and cheese croissant, the hot chocolate, and the little dome cake with cherry in it and pistachio mousse covering it. I was a huge fan!
Then I went back today with a major chocolate croissant craving and all they had was regular croissants. Fair enough, it was the last 1.5 hours of their day. So I thought, maybe I'll still get something and chill out for a bit and do some work. Nope.... no wifi. Boo. :(
I can kind of see why they wouldn't want people to chill out for hours on their computers while they are running their business... but if you're going to have coffee and pastries, I need wifi.Listed in: Pain au Chocolat
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Review from Fidela C.
10/27/2010 1 photo
Line up for the double-baked almond croissant! This is heavenly.
The first time I came here, they were all out of croissants, and this was only at 4pm. You need to get those croissants warm and fresh in the morning. A great alternative is the apple almond turnover, but once you've tried the double-baked croissant, it's hard to go back. Gulp it all down with a delicious chai latte, and you feel the sugar buzz pronto. -
Review from Annie M.
Vancouver, BC
12/27/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I was craving for a coffee and chocolates after lunch. We went there after 2.30pm, they were extremely busy and we saw the long line up before we went in.
I wanted to get double baked almond croissant and coffee to go. After 10 mins line up, the almond croissants was sold out. I was so disappointed and got few chocolates to compensate for long line up. -
Review from Shelley V.
Beautiful little shop with a feast for the eyes - the chocolates here look as good as they taste. A great selection of truffles as well as macaroons!
Prices are a little expensive but well worth the splurge.
We purchased an 18 count truffle sampler and took home to the folks to try out. My favorites were the champagne, salted caramel and the merlot...we didn't try any of the bakery goods but i'll definitely go back...
Parking is a little annoying and the shop is a bit cramped but once you bite into one of those heavenly truffles, you get over your own bitchiness and sink into chocolate coma heaven! -
Review from David F.
Vancouver, BC
9/30/2010
Everything here is so good. The coffee is excellent. The nicest latte anywhere. Smooth, strong and perfect. The sandwiches are excellent (although not cheap at $8 each), but the almond croissant is other worldly. So amazing. After this, you won't be able to look at another croissant.
Chocolates are great as well, but if you want a coffee and pastry, you can't do better anywhere on earth. It is that good. -
Review from Claudia L.
Burnaby, BC
1/27/2010
Dear Mr. Haas,
I just wanted to let you know that I find your work despicable. You come into our city with your chi chi cafe and just expect me to like you with your fancy macaroons and "special" chocolates. Well, let me tell you something mister - you better check yourself!
You had me for lunch and although your carrot ginger soup was good, $7 for a tiny little cup of it? Puh-leese. Your $8 panini portobello panini was borderline cold even though it took you 10 minutes to fix it up in the hot press.
Last but not least, you think you can get to me with your double baked almond croissant? Do you think that it's delicious crispy exterior and shell of aromatic roasted almonds that hide a decadent custard interior can get me to forgive you? And just because I almost fainted after the first bite doesn't mean that it was THAT good okay?! It doesn't mean that I'll come back and wait in your unorganized line ups and fork out $20 for a dinky lunch just for your stupid awesome croissant!
*cries in corner of room*
Okay, please don't get upset Tom, I love you. I love your double baked almond croissant and I would die for it. I didn't mean those things I said before. I can forgive you for your flaws because everyone makes mistakes. I know it was meant to be so please save me a croissant before you run out. I promise I won't talk bad about you ever again.
Love,
Claudia "Food Pervert" L. -
Review from Raymond O.
Vancouver, BC
12/5/2009
So Thomas Haas has built a second location this time in Kitsilano and he decided to hang out there instead. The place is equally busy and the line is the same chaotic the-staff-don't-care-where-the-line-forms as long as they serve the person who manages to sneak next.
Someone was sneaking up in front of us while there were a decent number of people lining behind us that we had to tell her there was a line at the back already. Then we asked the staff where the line starts obviously to help the rest not sneak in as well and they didn't seem to care about how the line was forming any which way and just saw where we were lining up and said the line was exactly there. Obviously.
At the same time you see Thomas Haas himself behind the counter serving and guiding the staff that every one of them is oblivious to what's happening on the other side of the counter. And that's the sad part because they need to hire someone with good management experience in the restaurant industry in order to help make the trip to this place a pleasing experience.
Sure the baked goodies and chocolate items are what I would have expected in a relatively upscale patisserie. And the price paid at the cashier will certainly remind you of such. But if they don't care how you line up to reach their counter, it makes me wonder how much they care in producing the treats for the customers.
Oh and I wanted to get some Parisian macarons, but they didn't look good behind that glass because some were crumbly and falling apart right in front of Haas himself. Can someone please inspect those expensive treats once in a while to show us you care what you're selling to us customers.
I will come back and will update my review in hopes that someone does care to offer their customers a good experience (product and service) from beginning to end. In this case I've experienced better at the first location and especially at 49th Parallel. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
1/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
On a weekday morning, Kits is filled with one thing and one thing only - mommy meetups. Bugaboos, fashionable diaper bags, yoga gear, oh and kiddies galore. So what better place to take kiddies than in for some chocolate?
Me, alone with my computer, settled in after waiting for only a short time in a small line up. I was tempted to try some of the confections, but at 10 am, I thought I should stick to a more breakfast like choice. Thank goodness I got one of the last two chocolate croissants because I needed the sweetness to override my bitter americano. Sheesh. What was that?
But back to the chocolate croissant. The dark chocolate melted in my mouth along with the buttery, flaky layers of croissant.
I'm not rushing to go back, but I'm sure I'll go for sweets eventually. But next time, I think my safest bet is to make two pit stops: grab a coffee (maybe even from Capers) and a croissant to go. -
Review from Martin T.
Québec, QC
12/30/2009
Worst service evah!
Raymond's review says it all.
How can you confuse "pain au chocolat" for "almond croissant"? -
Review from Matt S.
Vancouver, BC
5/22/2010
Upon recommendation my wife and I swung over to Thomas Haas this afternoon. I was told that their croissants were devastatingly delicious - like many other reviewers let me reiterate:
Best.Croissant.Ever.
A pleasant surprise was their delicious Latte. (Living in New Zealand turned me into a coffee-snob, so trust me!)
Service was fantastic - perhaps some reviewers aren't accustomed to the chaotic busy cafe vibe, which (I agree - at first at least) can seem a little strange (with everyone standing around, not sure who is about to pay or waiting). I'm used to it, and found the service great.
So head over, order an almond croissant and a latte, find a seat (if you can) and you'll soon be experiencing sugar-induced bliss. -
Review from Sarah O.
1/11/2011
I can't stand their parking lot and their location. When I am forced to come here with other people who love the place, it puts me in an agitated mood. I think Thomas Haas thinks they are some shit. I don't see the big hoo-ha about the place, HUH? I saw some worker touch all the pastries with her bare hands today and it rubbed me the wrong way.. use tongs or wear gloves. I thought you were suppose to be all classy?
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Review from Judy W.
10/2/2010
Seriously one of the best bakeries I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing! I'm pretty sure I'll be craving their double baked almond croissants for the rest of my life while waiting for my next visit (even though each one needs many hours of cardio to burn off). Not only are their pastries good, but their cakes are amazing as well. My favorites are probably the chocolate and the passion fruit.
Yes, they are expensive, but it's such a cute little place (that's always packed, mind you!) but get there a bit earlier in the morning for a delicious breakfast that you will not regret, or a delightful afternoon snack and teatime. The owners are super nice and you will love it :) -
Review from Amy C.
Vancouver, BC
2/7/2010
From Passion Fruit Vanilla Truffles to his signature double baked almond croissants, Thomas Haas surely has a creation to satisfy your sweet tooth. The new 1400 square foot location just opened up in Kitsilano and is a mixed space of retail, café and patisserie.
Named one of North America's Top Ten Chocolatiers by Dessert Professional Magazine, all Thomas Haas creations are baked fresh daily on premises. The perfect spot for a Sunday hot chocolate and truffle session... -
Review from Brett C.
Toronto, ON
2/5/2010
Someone I follow on Twitter said this place had the best hot chocolate in town. Now I would like to think I know a thing or two about hot chocolate as I don't drink coffee so it's my staple when I end up at a café. Plus having publicly declared my favourite place for hot chocolate in my Yelp review for Mink I felt it only fair to see if my Twitter friend was right.
Nope, he is wrong.
While the hot chocolate was good, it was not mind-blowing. When I walked out of Mink with my mint hot chocolate for the first time, people around me knew what I thought of that hot chocolate. But when I walked out of Thomas Haas, people on the street had no reason to think the hot chocolate I held in my hand was the best in town.
So while I could tell the chocolate used was of higher quality than what you would find in your hot chocolate at Starbucks, it definitely does not beat out Mink for the coveted "Best Hot Chocolate In Vancouver As Determined By Brett C.'s Exacting Taste Buds" award. -
Review from Jeffrey S.
Vancouver, BC
5/19/2010
Decadence Bar None! Great everything! The coffee, the chocolate and absolutely the BEST Double-baked Almond Croissant ever!!
I would go everyday but my waistline couldn't take it. :) -
Review from Quddous B.
Vancouver, BC
8/12/2010
5 stars because they opened in a better location. Thank you.
The food at Thomas Haas is delicious. Every item they sell is thought out and executed immaculately. -
Review from Stephen Y.
Vancouver, BC
12/7/2009
Beats going to the industrial park in NV for a fix...
Parking can be a bit painful at the new location... Certainly they have done quite well now located next to Lumiere... Talk about reversal of fortune
Been twice...very crazy esp around lunch time on wkd... the line is crazy long ... I know the staff do try to make this a minimally invasive process... but can be painfully slooooow.
My favorite desert was the stilton cheesecake.. and had been my fav since Senses was at the downtown location... However, I think this item has gone downhill significantly..
I do agree with the other reviewer... the pistachio tart kicks ass !
The hot chocolate is not bad either... almost LA Burdick- like....
Macarons are OK... a bit dear and just sweetness but little subtlety...
Pastries yummy
Other than that- go at an early hour... avoid the crazy crowd... -
Review from Ernesto G.
Updated - 5/2/2010 7 photos
Add the almond croissant to the list of good food at TH. I gave it a try yesterday and it definitely did not disappoint.
Forgot to mention in my first review, there's tonnes of free street parking out front too.Listed in: Tired of the rain in Vancouver
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/5/2010
Yummy coffee and great dark chocolate.
If you're looking for a cool place to relax and chill out on a… Read more »
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Review from Roger T.
West Vancouver, BC
1/27/2010 1 photo
Been a loyal member with Thomas and frequent their North Vancouver shop since day 1 - 2004 I think. So I could be bias. That said, visited this new location for the first time on a Saturday late afternoon 30min before closing about 11 days ago. First thing I see is Thomas finishing up on a customer's what looks like a chocolate log - and it looked really nice! The first thing he did when he saw us was to show off this creation. Ordered two coffee one Mocha for me and a skim latte for my companion. Both very good. Too bad that they sold out of almost all pastry by that time as we want to try his pastry again.
My point - Thomas is very hands on and dedicated to what he does and very good at what he does. He is still the one. To those who are not used to waiting in line - get used to it! I did! -
Review from Irena L.
Updated - 3/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I tried chocolate manjari cake and almond croissant. It was uber delicious! They also have good looking paninis if you are looking for something savoury!
Listed in: Chocolate?! You had me at…
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Review from Connie M.
Vancouver, BC
5/7/2011
love, love love the double baked almond croissants and their london fog tea...never had it so good anywhere.
Pricey items but totally worth it. Tried 5 different individual cake desserts and excellent if you have a sweet tooth. Macarons, too soft, no chewiness, so those get only a 5/10. -
Review from Chris L.
Vancouver, BC
4/5/2011
I was so sad when Sen5es closed along with the Georgian Court Hotel downtown a few years ago, and was delighted when I heard that Thomas Haas had opened another location here, although I've taken my sweet (pun intended) time to finally try it. Having tried most, if not all of the single serving cakes before, we recently ordered a hazelnut praline for a birthday and it was a rich and decadent, but not overwhelmingly so. Recently I've taken a vigorous bike ride across the city to the cafe to assuage some of the guilt from consuming such calorie-laden yet irresistible goodies. I think it's working, and to reward myself after the grueling jaunt (ok maybe not quite so strenuous) I order the hot chocolate - dark, or the Aztec one with the hint of chili peppers. Ohhhhhh soooo chocolateyyyyyyy!!! Thank you Mr. Haas.
