The Bench Bakehouse

I had ham and cheese croissant 4 times now amazing!!! whenever I am in the area I will be stopping for one recently they have a new one and it somehow even better friendly staff promptly service great bakery

The Bench Bakehouse is a quant bakery with plenty of flair and baked goods to help one reminisce or imagine they’re in urban France; this place is a must boasting simple pastries to espresso and olive oils and sardines. I had an americano with a danish, which was just delightful. However, the inner and outer part of the croissant was a bit dry. There isn’t plenty of seating, but that’s probably for the best, given the density. I’d return.

We tried 3 items. The tiramisu was okay, a little too bitter for my taste and the white layer was too runny. The double baked almond croissant was amazing! We bought near the end of day so I put in the air frier for a minute at home before eating and it was woww! Soft inside and crunchy outside. The matcha white chocolate cookie was hard but also yummy. Definitely will come back for the croissant!!

A cozy spot on Commercial Drive with a variety of mouthwatering treats.
The Kouign Amann is to die for.
We tried the cinnamon roll and peach Danish last time – yum!
I Noticed they increased their prices a bit. Still, totally worth it.

This French-inspired bakehouse is A+++. Interior is a vibe, staff are so sweet, and the lot has 45 mins free parking (just register at the machine). Now for the baked goods:

Kouign Amann – Always one of my favourite pastries and they sure make a good one. Due to how sweet they are these could be an acquired taste for some, but they definitely work for me.

Cinnamon Bun – Officially my #1 in Vancouver. Icing is more cream cheese-y than sweet. You can taste the 100% real butter and how lovingly this was made from scratch. Worth many return trips. PS. It didn’t just survive but THRIVED after a second day re-heat.

Pesto Scroll – Biggest surprise of the bunch! The flaky layers and fragrant pesto came together to make something truly magnificent. One of my favourite savoury pastries ever. Also ate half on the 3rd day (illegal I know) after re-heating and it was still fab.

Morning Bun – First, this thing is huge. Second, if you like the caramelized crust of a Kougin Amann but also desire the flaky butteriness of a croissant, this pastry is pretty much it. So good.

Croissant – Not the best shot but this was an absolute unit of a croissant. Exterior flakier than your average Vancouverite, interior pillowy soft, though it could have been just a HINT more buttery for me. Tied with 1-2 other bakeries for #1. Doesn’t come with icing, I accidentally lay it on the cinnamon bun lol.

Kouign Amann Crunch – These are crunchy but don’t hurt, caramelized but not bitter, sweet but not too sweet. This bakery has brought balance to the (pastry) force with this snack. 100% recommend.