For most of the last 50 years, I insisted on getting my birthday cake here (the Religious, of course) and for most of the last 50 years it was buttercream heaven. I couldn't rate this place highly enough when it was downtown, but when it disappeared and reopened on Broadway it was still really good, with some blemishes (sometimes slightly inconsistent cake/ butter cream/ wafer ratios, and typical rising costs) but last year marked the 2nd and probably last time my birthday cake was a disappointment (it also happened 2 years earlier when they gave me an alcohol filled diplomat instead of the religious I ordered) and then last year when it was the correct cake, Religious, but there was basically no cake. Mostly butter cream, and some wafer layers. So this year my wife got me a Religious cake from elsewhere, and the balance of cake /wafer /butter cream is better... But I miss that unique Bon Ton buttercream flavour. The buttercream is still the best here, but the decreasing quality control and increasing price (they asked us if we wanted cheese sticks to go with the cake last year and rang 2 bags up without telling us they were almost $20 each and frankly mediocre, not up to their usual standards. Still the best tasting buttercream, but this place was always 5 stars on Granville and at least 4 stars when it was on Broadway. read more

We arrived Near closing and the diplomat cakes were sold out Instead we took one each of the chocolate bite sizes ... forgot the fancy names .. will note next time The shop keeper put them in a nice box with a gold leaf sticker As we got back in our car we ate them with a glee and satisfaction.. read more

I was born and raised in Vancouver and I grew up eating their delicious Diplomat cake!! We live in the states now but when we visit we definitely make a trip to this bakery!! On our last two trips we have brought the cake back home. On our last visit we met the sweetest associate. I believe her name was Lori? She has been with the company for years! The bakery is pretty but i did love the old location. This cake is delicious. A must get!! Rum infused buttercream with layers of yummy pastry and cake!! read more

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We always grab 1-2 boxes of pastries whenever we visit Kitsilano. The pastries are fresh and delicious, the shop has a quiet, cozy vibe, and everyone--including the owner--is welcoming. Highly recommend! read more

Their simplistic window display showcasing their different creations piqued my interest. I have never tried this shop before so I went inside to see what selections they have. Their store is very bright, airy, and clean, and although their display case is not full, there are definitely plenty of selections to choose from on their counters. The lady behind the counter was patient and seemed approachable. I thought the prices were on the higher range, but the quality is there. There are plenty of underground parking stalls (access from 10th Ave - side of the building). read more

Love their always delicious Diplomat cake....and pretty much everything they make! So happy to see them re-open in their new location. read more

We called at noon today to order a St Honery cake (sp). I was quoted 200 for one that feeds 22 people. When my sister called back 2 hours later to put in the order they said it was 400!! I called them and said what happened to quote I was given and all she could say was she made a mistake and the new price was 400 due to whipping cream price increase. 200 bucks more because of whipping cream???? She would not in any way honor the quote given to me 2 hours earlier. She just kept saing she made a mistake?!?! Well we found two other It Italian bakeries who offered prices between 130 and 150 for enough to feed 35 to 40 people. They just lost a new customer. Their mistake and one they should have honored!! Very very poor customer service! read more

Julia Child said the only time to eat diet food is when you're waiting for steak. Well my take is I don't believe in diets and you should eat cake anytime you're waiting for food in general. You ever have that timeless connection that's so rare and unforgettable in this world? That is me and Notte's Pastry. A friend introduced me to their heavenliness over 17 years ago. So it was without doubt I would stop by while visiting Vancouver and rekindle that timeless affection to see if it stood the test of time. Grab a whole cake. Take a taste. Come join me. Life is so endlessly delicious with Notte's Diplomat Cake. There are no words. This cake is buttery, flakey, addictive, out of this world and my all time favorite on the world. And the only time I am jealous of anyone is if their cake is bigger than mine. So I solved that issue buying the whole larger size cake for myself and indulged on it my entire trip. Call me miss piggy. Call me utterly happy. Either way I am left smiling for hours in contentment. Thank you Notte. You. Are. My. Favorite. The End. read more

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The signature Diplomat cake still tastes as good as ever even with the change in owners! Super buttery and flaky! We had both the rum-soaked one and one without. Honestly can't taste the difference, so both were good. read more

Notte's Bon Ton Pastry - two cakes on a table - Bakeries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I drove from Seattle and it was more than worth it! Unbelievable pastry selection great cakes. I have never been let down by anything I have purchased here. read more

I inquired online on a diplomat cake for a 50th Anniversary. They sent me a price list and timeline that I needed to order. I telephoned and ordered a $90 cake, but the lady on the phone days it is $150.00 ?? I went ahead and ordered. When I went to pickup ... Parking was 2 blocks away in the pouring rain. I went into the store and they showed me the cake and asked for $150.00 cash or Debit. No CC. I then told her and showed her my email from Bon To dated a few days ago and it says $90 for a 9 inch sq cake. She called the Mgr who came out and informed me that prices have changed, this $150.00. But since I am here and have the email they went ahead and honored the $90 price. Oh the cake was excellent. Just like before. Yes I would go back.. read more

I have loved the Bon Ton for decades. Now they finally reopened. They don't yet have any of the French pastries, just cakes. A small cake, which was $20 last rime I looked, is now $49!!! You get 4 or 5 slices. I know costs have gone up but this is ludicrous! We waited many months for the reopening only to discover it's now only for rich people. So sad. read more

My family has been enjoying Notte's Bonton products since the 1930s. That's some 90 plus years... They truly are the best in the West. My dad ( Albert E. Magliocco) worked for the BonTon back in the 30's He was born in 1917 so would have been in his 20's. He told me he had a deal to come in and work half a day on Saturdays for 10 cents a day, after saving up his days all summer he approached the owner of the time for his pay. Well the owner said to my dad "I didn't say a dime a day I said a nickel a day), so my dad ended up taking the 5 cents a day and ended up Quitting over it. The 1930's were tough times in Vancouver. I still have never even come close to the amazing tasted's of BonTon's products particularly the Rum Cake and Pastries. My Dads Brother Onario, also worked for BonTons just after my dad left. Thanks for maintaining this amazing Vancouver landmark. read more

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HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. My family have been eating/ordering the Diplomat cake for 3 generations. Growing up we used to love going downtown to pick up the Diplomat cake and then as an adult I would drive to the current location for the Diplomat cakes. The cake was fluffy and full of rum, the puff was light, flaky and buttery and the icing was fabulous. There would be a fight over the roses. The quality and taste have disintegrated through the years to the point of disappointment. Now, OMG. The cake is barely there and is maybe half the amount of what it used to be and the rum is barely there. The puff is dense and not flaky but more hard and crunchy. I don't know what happened to the Diplomat cake(s). Not the first one that was disappointing. I stopped buying the Diplomat cakes from Notte's Bon Ton for the past 8 years. This year, I did not want to buy one but my birthday child insisted for the birthday. We will not be spending $80.00 here when there are better places. Au Revoir. read more

Notte's Bon Ton Pastry - a piece of cake - Bakeries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I visited Notte's Bon Ton after reading the reviews that the bakery"s flagship Diplomat cakes we're not the same delicious addictive tasty cakes after the new owners took over. Also past reviews said service was bad. This is my report from today's visit. The taste, is exactly the same as before, delish! I bought their individual small size serving called Jealousy. The young lady attendant was polite and helpful so I rate the service as good. I'm happy because I'm going to be ordering a diplomat cake for an upcoming birthday party. read more

Notte's Bon Ton Pastry - Diplomat Cake individual size and named Jealousy. - Bakeries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Bon Ton made an incredible wedding cake for our wedding this weekend! The service provided by Kam was excellent - she was always available to answer our questions and was able to work with the pastry chefs to create exactly what we wanted at a reasonable price. We had a 3 tier chocolate naked cake and each tier had a different delicious and chocolately frosting. Would absolutely recommend them to anyone searching for a wedding cake...not to mention their pastries are the best. read more

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Been having their diplomat cakes for over 40 years back when they were located downtown on Granville. They have a large variety of pastries but sadly all I've ever had was the diplomat cake. Can say I have never been disappointed. I've had diplomat cakes at other places such as True Condections and alway prefer Notte's. Alway moist and not too buttery flavour. Even the cakes made with alcohol, you cannot taste it and I can taste alcohol when it's used in most cooked foods. Staff is very friendly. Always polite and ready to serve no matter how busy they get. read more

Mixed feelings on how to review this place. Cakes: delicious, creamy, classic italian cakes. They are about $2 a piece, and you can't just buy one.. if its to go. They sell it in boxes (6,8, or 12) Service: They seriously need to be more friendly to customers. Maybe they have the notion that they are too popular and too in demand, that they need to scare customers away with their bitchy, granny attitude. Or maybe its all part of their play to act out as Italian snobs? I don't know what the deal is.. but I would rate this place a lot higher if only the service allowed me to. Atmosphere: Really old, and dusty. I have second guessed myself if the place they put out the cakes are clean. But once I see that butter cream... i'm ready to put down my dollar bills. Maybe its a good thing that their place isn't so clean, and their servers are so bitchy. It helps my waist avoid those temptatious butter cream goodness :) read more

I love this bakery. It's an old style bakery. I have to admit that I don't come here often but when I do come I only order 1 thing: their diplomat cake! I know it's a bit on the sweet side and its super rich (a small piece will do) but its pretty darn good! Service is pretty good at Notte Bon Ton Pastry. The woman are really friendly and they do their best to make sure you leave as a satisfied customer. Next time I'm in the area I'm going to come in here and try some of their pastries.... They all look really good! read more

Notte's Bon Ton Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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I love this place. After driving 17 hours from California, besides the hotel room, this was the first place my friend and I went to. After a horrible day and a half of traffic and heat, the pastries at Bon Ton was well worth the trip. The pastries are small but they pack so much flavor in every bite. Love It!!! I bought a three sisters and my friend bought a chocolate progressive. Best French pastries ever!!!!!!!! The ladies behind the counter were very sweet and inviting. Customer service here is very good. They were so nice to let us take pictures of their pastries. read more

Notte's Bon Ton Pastry - This is the Chocolate Progressive. - Bakeries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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5 stars for my all-time fave cake - The Diplomat, but more like 3 stars for the customer service here unfortunately. I'm also a big fan of this cake in particular and have tried it at other bakeries. If you love the real deal when it comes to buttercream and down right good cake, this is it. And be prepared to lose the fight when it comes to counting calories here (it's so worth it!). I've tried some of the other smaller sized desserts as well and they've all been so good. The Diplomat cake consists of white cake layered in between light puff pastry, rum and buttercream. The combined flavours and textures.... wow. And I literally say wow every time I have that cake, with every bite. We had it as our wedding reception cake too. Thank you Mr. Notte! Tip: free parking in the back. read more

Notte's Bon Ton Pastry - Diplomat cake. I can eat this whole cake easily . - Bakeries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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So happy and thrilled that Mr. Notte has handed the helm to his Son.... When he closed the Bakery a few years ago myself, and many others I am certain were saddened by the news. Today, I shall go for my Favourite Chocolate Eclairs....mmmmm. Congratulations and Bueno Fortuna.... Patricia Wood read more

Only need to say...."Diplomat cake". Fabulous and if you love a flaky cake with butter cream then this is the place to get it . Also many sweets to choose from as well and I will have to try and see if they are as delicious as the diplomat. I am sure they are. read more

It was (past tense) a family tradition of ours to use their diplomat cakes for special events over the years, including two weddings. My husband and I, along with my mother and her partner, and my sister's family (in laws) have ALL stopped using this bakery's famous cake for family events due to being treated so badly by their staff over the years. Today was the last straw, and I was the only one who'd still go there. My mother stopped years ago after the owner's wife was very rude to her (my mother is a very well-mannered and kind person who is not an obnoxious customer). Notte's closes at 6pm on Saturdays. I phoned asking for small dipomat cake and asked if they're open tomorrow, she scoffed at the question and told me I needed to pick up the cake today at 5:30. I requested the size and a little personal birthday greeting, and I confirmed they're open until 6 (I had phone in the afternoon and had a child sleeping, who would wake/need to be dressed and then we'd drive from the North Shore to Kits to pick up the cake). I got there at 5:53 (accurate synced apple time), the store was dark and empty. A dark haired woman walked out from the back and said with a scowl "you missed us, we are closing". I walked towards her counter and looked at my watch, I said "you're not still open?", she ignored the question and said "you ordered a cake?" ... I said "yes", she said "how would you like to pay?". I had brought a friend (who bakes a lot and wanted to visit the French bakery) who is visiting from Germany, and she asked if she could order an eclair, the woman was annoyed that we were adding to the order, told her they're out of eclairs and was so abrupt with her answers about what is similar, we didn't even look through the cases to see what the options were, we took two of what she said to get instead. Another family came through the door, and a blonde woman wearing her jacket, clearly ready to go home came out from the back and served them with a scowl that matched that of the dark-haired woman serving us (my mum said this blonde woman is the owner's wife). I felt bad for the kids in the family who came in to buy some sweets for Saturday night. They were treated as badly as us, for coming in, while I was treated like I missed an appointment because she had said to come at 5:30 (I wish I had said "you're open until 6pm and I called you at 4:30...WTF, this isn't a doctor's appt it is me giving you money for a small overpriced cake, I'll come during your business hours, at whatever time I choose"). This business has NO RESPECT for their paying customers. They have clearly lost touch with the idea that someone may come through their doors for a treat or a dessert for a family event, and to have customers arrive five minutes before closing to pay for goods is no excuse for rude service. With that said, I've had the same rude service in the middle of the day nowhere near closing. They ruin the experience of going to a bakery for a treat. They're just horrible. Their pastries are 'ok', their cookies are not anything remarkable, their diplomat cake is amazing. Someone else should just start making it and market it with a tagline about a french cream and pastry cake served with a smile. I'd bet thousands of people would love to stop buying the "Vancouver tradition" of a diplomat cake from these horrible people. I spent $47 on two bite size pastries, two cookies, and a small cake. We left laughing about how badly we were treated and how disappointing it was for her as a guest to Vancouver. But when you get home and realize you spend nearly $50 at a bakery and are still bothered about how you were treated, it is time to end the tradition. read more

I just love the rich and tasty European pastries at Notte's Bon Ton. From the apple slice to the magnificent little petits cakes, each delight is made with cream, butter and eggs. If savoury is more to your taste, the cheese straws are wonderful at lunch and the sausage rolls are filled with flavour. Birthday cakes are superb - buttercream cakes are heavenly. The Diplomat is not my favourite, however, other family members and friends crave it. Typical European-style service, staff have been here for years and they are knowledgeable and most important - they pack the pastries with great care, so all arrive intact. The cafe in the back of the shop serves a bright, fragrant coffee and the pastry tray is filled with little delights - serve yourself at your table. Afternoon coffee served in fine European style. For those who desire a bit of adventure, there is a card reader in-house from Wednesday to Saturday. A Vancouver icon, Notte's was located downtown on Granville Street for decades. Parking behind the store, lots of street parking. read more

Hands down the best cake I have ever had in my life. The diplomat cake is a delicious and creamy cake and is so perfect for special occasions and friend gatherings. read more

They run the business like children in my opinion. Product maybe good but the business is run pootly

I have shopped at the Bob Ton for years . I went in today to get an iced petite four for a treat . It cost $3.95 for the cake. I took one bite and had to throw it away . It was so stale . The fondant just fell off of it , and the cake was so dry - I'm sure it was sitting there for at least 3 days . ! I was so disappointed . I went back to talk to the manager just to let her know and she was so rude to me ! She didn't acknowledge my concern at all or even give me an apology . There are some unbelievable bakeries out these days - Bon Ton is past its prime and has terrible customer service . read more

Diplomat cake really isn't what everyone hyped it to be... too much buttercream, really hard flakey bits, and dry sponge cake layer. Drive an hour there to get it for my boyfriend and it was very disappointing... read more

Can I rate this place 0 stars?? First time at this bakery with my girlfriend and her parents. It was her parents' idea to come to this bakery as we had just eaten lunch nearby. They were so excited to see this shop having heard about their "famous" cakes / desserts. The experience quickly turned sour as the service is absolutely TERRIBLE!! We realized that the two ladies working the Saturday morning shift were RUDE, miserable, truly unhappy to be working/interacting with customers. Cold service even after spending a large amount of money. We asked a simple question about ordering some of their goods and she scoffed as if we should have known! It was our first time but truly, our last... the pastries just aren't worth it. Do yourself a favour and don't ruin your morning by coming to this place!! read more

Bon Ton is Awesome!! This bakery is definitely not somewhere to visit often (unless you have the most amazing metabolism for which I hate/ am insanely jealous of you) but it is worth a half hour drive for. They have a lovely apple tart/ pie which has perfect sweetness and flaky, lightly sweet crust.... Which comes in peach as well, and is also the perfect size and presentation and price for a small hostess gift. I have to try their other confections but that tart keeps demanding to be bought!! Oh well... One day. The star off is for the surly staff... You think that all that sugar and delicious food would make you happy? Or maybe they're angry because its hard to keep on top of your diet with so many temptations around. Oh well. It's worth checking out NBT!! 20/30 yelp challenge read more

Diplomat Cake Not the best, I'm afraid. For those of us who have had diplomat cakes from more than one bakery should be able to agree that there are better ones out there. I'll tell you why the diplomat cake here sunk beneath expectations. From most of the reviews, I gathered that diplomat cake was one of their signatures. As I couldn't drive all the way to Steveston, I decided to try the one here. When I phoned them to reserve this cake, they knew right away I wanted a diplomat cake. That must be how popular it is. I chose to have blue roses on the cake - it seems roses are the only option? I was only told to pick a colour. It was a birthday cake. So, there's that. She asked how many I was serving. Apparently, the 7-inch cake serves 8 people. I thought to myself: "These 8 people must not love cake". I got to the store and it was marvelous. From the decor to the cakes in the window, it was old-fashioned and very cosy. It feels like you've walked into a french bakery from the 1800s. I loved the feeling. The ladies were very pleasant. When she held up the box, I heaved a sigh - not at the roses, but at the size. It was quite small. I was then told I could request a cake of any size, regardless of their recommendations. Here are my thoughts on the cake itself: It was quite dry. The buttercream wasn't creamy, rather it was quite stiff. The pastry was almost too crunchy, which again leads us to the word 'stiff'. The flavours did not come through very well. It was just a crunchy cake with cream and not much else. It left much to be desired in a diplomat cake. Now, I gather most people love it, so this may be the one bad cake they've made? I'm not prepared to go the distance and try them again. This might just be too bad. But, the cake was beautifully decorated. The roses were excellent and very romantic. I did manage to poke around before leaving the shop. All the other little cakes and pastries look delicious and beautiful, so I will give those a go when I get the chance. For now, I will seek my diplomat cakes elsewhere. Sorry, Notte's. read more

The cakes and pastries here look really good but boy do they ever hate you asking what is in them! Innocuous names and no explanations and surly responses when asked. Do us all a favour and print up a legend sheet so you can just grunt and hand over when information requested. Would be a HUGE step up in customer service. read more

If you like butter & sugar you can't go wrong with anything they sell! My faves are the Three Sisters (pipped icing dipped in chocolate) & the Jealousy mini cakes / diplomat (full size cake) Sometimes the women working don't have the friendliest approach (reminiscent of Seinfeld's Soup Natzi character) but well with it. They have an adequate cafe to sit in if you need a place to rest and enjoy their confections on site read more

Been going to Bon ton since I was a kid and it was on Cambie street. Great pastries And especially love the diplomat cake! They lose two stars for awful service though. Every time I go in, I dread the cranky snippy service. I have never ever had any one smile or be a tiny bit engaging while I am being served. Older unhappy women who clearly hate their jobs behind the counter does not do this business any good. read more

Notte's Bon Ton Pastry ------- 3/6/2011 Best cakes and French pastries in town. This famous French cake and pastries shop in Vancouver since 1926, they maintain their European tradition and using genuine ingredient I remember when I was a teenage, mom usually send me to Granville Street ( Back in the 50, we go down Granville Street by Electric Street Car) pick up a Diplomat from Bon Ton, there's always a 10-15 person line up, particular around 4-5 when the office workers finish work. The legendary Diplomat Cake with multi-layered, rum-soaked sponge and puff pastry cake is the best in town. I remember when they were in Granville Street, they seems to have a bigger store than the present one in Broadway, its customary for a restaurant or café stipulated a minimum charges, particularly when rent is high and space is limited. Back in the old day when they were in Granville Street, I believe they also serve Sandwiches in addition to their famous French pastries. I always have good memory about this place. Whenever I want a good piece of cake, I always go down to Bon Ton pick up a Diplomat Cake instead go down the street pick up few buns and egg tarts; there is completely no comparison to Bon Ton Diplomat and those French pastries. Yesterday, I went down there to buy a Diplomat but they all sold out. The server suggest I try their Blueberry Cheese Cake, for some reason, I don't like cheese cake that much, particularly the New York type Cheese Cake, I like the cheese cake (soft and light ) served by White Spot Restaurant. Anyway I bought one instead of go home empty handed. To my surprise, the Bon Ton cheese cake is different from any other cheese cake, its not very rich and just like the Diplomat cake with several layered of cream, cheese cream and sponge cake combined. (Not just one brick of solid cheese cake) It's light for cheese cake and very tasty. As usually Bon Ton always makes their cakes differently and the best. It's always enjoyable to have cup of tea and a piece of cake or pastries from Bon Ton. read more

Notte's Bon Ton Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I have enjoyed 40 years of the delicious diplomat cake from Notte's. It has been the cake of choice for 4 generations! However, I must say that I prefer the smaller diplomat cakes vs. the birthday cake with the roses. Whenever I am in the area, I will stop by and buy a whole cake to take home. Still my all time favourite cake! I am only giving it a 4 star because some of the staff can seem unfriendly. read more

This place is really cute, I love the setup. The service is average, the lady who helped us was new and that was difficult because we were looking at the bon bons, which is a problem because they all just have name cards and no descriptions of what they are. Clever names but it makes it really difficult to keep asking what each was and to have the person helping us fumbling through her cheat sheet. Honestly I would have preferred if she just gave us the cheat sheet so we could pick out the flavors we liked. Maybe in the future they could have a laminated sheet for customers to look at. She did recommend the "Jealousy" which is their best seller and this was actually my favorite of the little sampling we chose. Their Napoleon is also done very well. Skill wise with baking this place definitely knows what they are doing, I do agree with the other reviewers that their customer service is sub par. read more

If your family has lived in Vancouver for more than one generation Notte's Bon Ton may be tradition. It has provided our family with Easter eggs, birthday cakes, and treats for special occasions for years and I hope it always will. read more

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We ordered two cakes, the Chocolate Vienna and the Rum Layer cake for birthday celebrations. The Rum Layer had mold spots and was stiff at first bites, and the Vienna was dry, stale, and had mold on the bottom crust. Having a pathologist in the family, Dad immediately brought a mold piece under the microscope and concluded that in fact prominent mold spores were present. Of course this ruined birthday celebrations, and my mother-in-law was deeply embarrassed. read more