Paillard operates as a high-volume bakery and café that specializes in traditional French artisanal techniques. The menu features an extensive selection of crusty baguettes, flaky croissants, and buttery pastries baked on-site throughout the day. Substantial sandwiches are crafted using house-made breads, frequently paired with hearty soups and crisp salads. The interior design emphasizes an industrial-chic aesthetic with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and long communal tables designed for efficiency and rapid throughput. Guests order at a central counter where glass cases display an array of colorful macarons, tarts, and dense chocolate desserts. This establishment prioritizes the rapid production of quality wheat-based products within a bustling and utilitarian setting. It remains a central destination for those seeking authentic European-style baked goods served in a streamlined, self-service environment.
Online reservations are not currently offered through this listing for Paillard. However, you can call them directly at (418) 692-1221 to inquire about table availability.
Does Paillard offer online ordering?
Yes, Paillard offers online ordering for delivery.
Paillard is widely recognized as a popular destination in the heart of Quebec City, frequently praised for its extensive selection of fresh, high-quality French pastries, artisanal breads, and satisfying breakfast sandwiches. Many visitors highlight the buttery, flaky texture of the croissants and the delicious flavor of items like the almond croissant and mushroom soup. The atmosphere is generally described as lively and welcoming, with ample seating that makes it a convenient spot for both small groups and families. While experiences can vary due to the high volume of customers and occasional service inconsistencies, many guests appreciate the professional and friendly staff who are often able to assist in both English and French. Despite some mixed feedback regarding coffee preparation and wait times during peak hours, it remains a go-to location for those seeking an authentic bakery experience in a beautiful, historic setting.
The croissant breakfast was delicious with crisp, buttery pastries served warm. While the food quality was good, the service experience was less ideal. Staff seemed impatient when explaining the bread selection process to non-French speakers, making ordering slightly stressful.
Le café & les croissants étaient bon. Par contre, la propreté est disons douteuse, quand tu y vas à 7h00 am & que la toilette est déjà sale & certaines tables sont également sales avec des miettes disons que c'est douteux.
Popped in here before breakfast to try their croissants. So glad we did! It has to be one of the best croissants I've ever had - buttery, flaky, & indulgent. They were golden brown on the outside but nice & airy once you bit into them.
La nourriture est excellente mais c'est l'anarchie : personne sait où se diriger pour commander, la jeune fille qui nous sert crie à travers la vitre par dessus les croissants… Si j'attends pour une viennoiserie je peux pas consulter le menu dîner…
bref tout est à revoir au niveau du service au comptoir, personne n'est impressionné.
J'avais précisé être enceinte lors de la commande. La salade de fruits était pétillante, très molle & translucide, signes évidents de fermentation, ce qui soulève des enjeux de base en hygiène & en contrôle de la fraîcheur des produits. J'ai cessé d'en manger après quelques morceaux.
Le croissant déjeuner contenait une sauce hollandaise aux jaunes d'oeufs; après l'avoir refusée, aucune substitution ne m'a été proposée. À noter aussi que la cannelle dans le chocolat chaud n'était pas mentionnée.
Pour une addition d'environ 43 $ pour deux combos déjeuner, je m'attendais à davantage de vigilance, de transparence & de service.
The croissant was actually good, but unfortunately the service completely ruined the experience. The staff were rude, shouting, & had a very bad attitude toward customers. If you are not speaking French, you are very likely to face rude behavior, which made the atmosphere feel uncomfortable & unwelcoming. Good food does not make up for poor service. I would not return unless the staff's attitude seriously improves.
Pour commencer, je ne suis pas du genre à laisser des avis, bons ou mauvais. Mais aujourd'hui, 31 décembre, je suis à Québec & on me conseille d'aller chez Paillard. Je m'y rends avec ma copine, on achète deux croissants jambon fromage, un petit morceau d'opéra & une tartelette aux citrons. 55$ plus tard…la conclusion… je dirais que IGA & Metro vendent de meilleurs produits, l'opéra était sec & vraiment pas frais, la tartelette au citron, j'ai dû recracher la première bouchée 🙄😖
Tellement décevant!
Pilliard is a charming little pastry shop right on Rue Saint-Jean in Old Quebec, easy to walk to from many restaurants & hotels. The atmosphere is warm & friendly, & they've thoughtfully arranged different kinds of seating that can comfortably fit groups of up to about 20 people, which is great if you're meeting friends or family.
The pastry selection is impressive - they offer a wide range of treats, some of which are more like a full breakfast than just a simple croissant or donut. The quality is good: flavors are solid, & you can tell care goes into the baking. That said, it's not quite'great' or exceptional - if you're looking for truly outstanding pastries, this might not be the top spot in the city.
On the downside, I did notice quite a few flies inside the pastry fridge, which is a bit off-putting, especially when choosing something to eat. The washroom is upstairs & wasn't very clean, which is a shame in an otherwise nice space. Service is friendly, but a bit slow, especially when it's busy.
Overall, Pilliard is a convenient & pleasant place to grab a coffee & a pastry in a great location, but the hygiene issues & average pastry quality keep it from being a must-visit. I'd stop in again for a quick bite, but I'd keep an eye on the fridge & maybe skip the restroom.