Review Gontran Cherrier Artisan Boulangerie - Collingwood

I came to Gontran Cherrier to catch up with a friend at their suggestions as they're local. We have an affinity for Almond Croissant and this was the next one on the list to visit! GC was kind of fancy looking from the outside with it's gold lettering and nice looking curtains. There is 3 long benches outside and a number of tables inside of various sizes. It's an interesting layout when you enter as you are immediately facing the coffee machine which I imagine should be the front counter although there is a bit of space to put any completed drinks. The space is pretty big and doesn't feel cramp at all. Now the best part - the display of the pastries is beautiful with prices helpful on the screen for most of them. The counter is at the end of the counter, next to the kitchen where you can see a little of what goes into the baking process. If you turn towards the tables you'll see a hole in the wall for another counter where you'll see some pastries just out of the oven. After some exploration, we got our lattes, Pain au chocolate and almond croissant. There was a bit of a miscommunication when my friend got his pastry that mine was in the oven and will be out in five mins. When I query staff about my almond croissant he said it ran out and they only have the one with chocolate. I didn't want to make a fuss and decided to go with it but he brought it out cold. So I asked for it to be heated but then the lady said that the almond croissant I asked for was finally ready so they'll bring it out and took away the one they gave me. I got a croissant for my trouble so it worked out well. The almond croissant was really nice and delicious with enough filling to satisfy me. The texture was spot on and exactly what I'm after. The latte was actually surprisingly pretty good for this kind of place which I didn't expect. It was really silky and smooth, with this nice sheen to it. It was made and poured. The latte art degradation test was satisfactory although the art did seem to wear away very quickly. The taste held up despite this due to the silkiness and wasn't bitter at all. I was able to use my AMEX credit card without surcharge. So another tick for this cafe. All in all, I loved it. The almond croissant is probably one of the best croissant in the area and is a MUST try if you have done so already. The coffee was decent and complimented the meal well. They could probably make it a bit more foam so the experience endures but other than that, good job!

Great coffee and tasty snacks on Smith St. Many of the items are baked on site. Service was friendly which can’t always be easy as it was quite busy when I visited. Surprised there were not as many coffee shops on Smith st so very glad when I found this place.

Decent French pastries. Had the pain au chocolat - I think it was so-so, not enough chocolate, and would taste and smell better if it was heated before serving. The almond croissant was a better - not too sweet.

This spacious, modern French bakery serves up a range of delectable pastries, breads and cakes. Among my favourites, the Kouign Amann - a round, crisp dough crusted with caramelised sugar. The simple presentation belies a hearty and thoroughly tasty pastry. Their chocolate brioche has generous amounts of chocolate chips, not too sweet and a good portion size. Basic but polite service, this place is ideal for a little time out while shopping on busy Smith Street. It's a spot I've been to many times with probably many more to come.

Always amazing coffee. Don't skip the pastries; they might be pricey, but so worth it!!

I had the best coffee and cake here that I have had in a long time! I highly recommend the pear and hazelnut tart, it's so delicious!

Great and cosy experience. I tried an almond croissant and was delicious. A shame they didn’t have decaf mocha as the weak mocha was a bit tasteless.

Beautiful pastry , don't expecting as others flaky light pastry . This is different but still delicious.