This place is all about amazing bread. We discovered it on a Kelowna food tour, and whenever we’re in town, we stop by to sample their baked goods or get a great sandwich. It’s counter service, but they’ll bring your food to the table outside, which is a pleasant spot to eat on a nice day.
It seems like there is a nearly endless appetite for coffee and pastries on Robson, and Bisou is yet another entry in this competition. If it were the only place around, it would stand out, but there is substantial competition up the street from La Duree, Paul, Le Belisse Cafe (my favorite) and others.
I didn’t try the sweet croissants, but the plain croissant was perfectly good. The bread, however, was a disappointment. The barista claimed that “all our breads are sourdough.” But there’s more to sourdough than just the technique. There’s also the flavor. And what looked like a wonderful French boule turned out to basically just be a big hunk of white bread.
I didn’t have their coffee, so it might be great, but with so many choices around, I think I would probably go up the street.
I’ve always loved Paul in France. My favorite item there is a true French sandwich. A perfectly fresh baguette with a delicate crust served with ham, cheese, and butter. So of course that’s what I ordered at this Paul, the first I’ve been to outside of France. I was not disappointed. It was an absolutely delicious and authentic sandwich.
This Paul also has an assortment of pastries. You order the pastries or the sandwiches at the counter and then sit anywhere in the front of the restaurant to enjoy them along with your coffee drinks or what have you. There’s a separate seating section in the back where a full menu is served, including brunch, traditional dishes such as steak frites, and an elaborate formal tea. I’ll definitely want to go back and try those fancier options.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/paul-bakery-cafe-and-restaurant-vancouver-2
Le Belisse Café bills itself as having been voted best croissant in Vancouver, and it’s easy to see why. All of the pastries here are truly beautiful to look at. But that’s a bold claim, especially when you’re across the street from Ladurée (admittedly, though, Ladurée in North America isn’t quite as good as in Paris or at Harrods in London).
I tried the two most basic offerings, the plain croissant and the pain au chocolat. The pastry for both was very nice—flaky with just the right mixture of moisture and crispness. The pain au chocolat was an unconventional shape, which I think adversely affects the chocolate to pastry ratio, but it was good.
I’d definitely go back and try some of the other beauties in their display case.