Honoré de Balzac, one of history's consummate coffee aficionados, is a prolific and celebrated 19th century French novelist. His prodigious output was famously fueled by copious cups of strong, black coffee consumed throughout the night. While earning a university degree in French Literature, Diana Olsen, President and Founder of Balzac's, discovered a kindred spirit in Monsieur Balzac and his genuine passion for coffee. Upon graduating, she immersed herself in authentic French culture, spending a year and a half in France. Passing many enchanting afternoons in the Grand cafés of Paris, Ms. Olsen was inspired to bring this sophisticated celebration of coffee and social tradition back home to Canada.more...See more text
First visit last summer I was not impressed with one of the staff. We sat in the back porch which was nice until someone living upstairs started sweeping and dirt was coming down through floor cracks. This spring I took another friend there. We stood there ready to order and the staff was doing her thing behind the counter ignoring us. We asked if we could order, she replied back rudely that we had to go towards the register where she was standing in order to be served. It was awkward.
Stopped in because i saw them on the Den, and wanted to have a look. We were heading to the 2pm play and grabbed a coffee and a biscuit. Great place.....
We visited Balzacs once again while we were in Stratford for our wedding and honeymoon. We have been here a few times now and the chai is best in town, and the lemon tarts are the best i've ever had.
Will always return here , love the staff and the atmosphere.
My husband and I love this place! The atmosphere...
My husband and I love this place! The atmosphere is wonderful and the coffee is even better. We always make a point to stop in when we visit Stratford.