The appeal of panettone — much less where to procure the best one — can be a divisive topic among family and friends. There are those who insist they “just don’t get it,” while some start stocking up as soon as the sweet holiday bread hits shelves mid-fall. Others still maintain that they have no qualms with the idea of a boxed, cellophane-wrapped Italian treat but would much prefer a slice of pandoro, the star-shaped, powdered sugar-dusted cousin of the panettone. Even once you think you’ve found the right person to share in your panettone passion, chances are you disagree on whether the bread should be studded with bits of crystallized fruit or chunks of chocolate. And then there’s still one more knotty conversation to be had: where do we buy it?
Montreal is home to many small local spots, like Little Italy café San Gennaro or Old Montreal sandwich counter Dispensa, that feature stellar selections of imported bread. Otherwise, consider visiting an Italian grocery store, such as Fruiterie Milano, Cavallaro in Les Halles d’Anjou, or Berchicci in St-Leonard, where shelves are lined with so many brightly hued packages of the sweet bread that it couldn’t hurt to have a cognoscente in tow. But this map is dedicated to Montreal bakeries, restaurants, and cafes selling their own gift-worthy takes on the Italian classic.
Want to take care of more of your holiday shopping at local food spots? Check out this gift guide composed entirely of Montreal restaurant merch.
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