Boulangerie Louise may be part of a larger European venture, but the team behind its Montreal outpost has built something that feels grounded in the neighbourhood. Opened in 2018 on Saint-Laurent just south of Little Italy, the bakery runs on a steady rotation of fresh bread, baked continuously throughout the day—hot, crusty, and meant to be eaten right away. Its namesake comes from a story close to home: Louise is the daughter of founder Laurent Menissez, whose shy demeanour bloomed through her early involvement with the bakery. That spirit of openness carries through here, where the team—led in North America by Michaël Duhamel—prioritizes warmth and accessibility. Recipes are anchored in French technique but adapted for local taste, with a signature liquid leaven that gives their loaves a distinct tang and longer shelf life. With Julius coffee, a few sandwiches, and pastry on offer too, the space is bright, modern, and busy without feeling rushed—just like the block it calls home.