7 Montreal Baristas You Need To Know For Your Daily Coffee Fix
The crema de la crème. ☕
Two people sit on a couch holding cups of coffee. Right: A yellow cup in snow with latté art of a snowman.
While there's no lack of trendy Montreal cafés lighting up your social feeds, we're here to spill the beans on something a bit more personal — the baristas behind the brew. If you're looking for some coffee inspiration or just appreciate good latté art, we've got you covered.
From national champions whose creations are as innovative as they are delicious, to coffee aficionados who mix sustainability with exceptional roasting skills, these Montreal baristas pour passion into their craft. There's a master of Studio Ghibli-inspired designs, turning each coffee into a miniature work of art, and you shouldn't overlook the trailblazers who've elevated coffee brewing by opening their own iconic Montreal cafés.
Here's a taste of the talent percolating in the local coffee scene:
Scott Rao
Where to visit: Café Myriade, 4627, rue Saint-Denis (Plateau); 1000, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest (Dominion Square); 1432, rue Mackay (Golden Square Mile); 28, ave. Mont-Royal Ouest (Mont-Royal); 347, ave Victoria (Westmount)
Reason to follow: Scott Rao is a key influencer in Montreal's coffee scene and a must-follow for practical and insightful "Coffee tips of the day." He pioneered Montreal's famed Café Myriade and heads up roasting beans for Prodigal Coffee. Following him offers a mix of expert advice on coffee cupping, roasting techniques, and barista practices. Scott's extensive experience, both as a successful café owner and a consultant, makes his content invaluable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the business or just the bean.
Pedro Furtado
Where to visit: Café Zezin, 2351, rue Jean-Talon Est
Reason to follow: Crowned Aeropress Champion in 2022 and a consistent standout since 2019, Pedro Furtado is a latte art legend brewing up a storm near d'Iberville metro in Villeray. His brainchild, Café Zezin, is a must-visit for coffee lovers, melding the warmth of Brazilian pastries with the intensity of 100% specialty coffee from Brazil. Follow him for a daily dose of coffee inspiration and a glimpse into the art of brewing.
Vivian So
Where to visit: Muru Crêpe, 362, rue Notre-Dame Est
Reason to follow: Vivian So, the 2019 Canadian Latte Art Champion and a licensed Q Arabica Grader, is a true artist in the realm of coffee. Her accolades include clinching first place in both the 2019 CLAC and the 2016 Natrel Latté Art Challenge. Vivian brings a unique touch to her craft, with an archive of adorable Studio Ghibli-inspired coffee art. If you find yourself in Old Montreal, stop by Muru Crêpe for a chance to experience one of her charming creations in your cup. Her skill and creativity make her a must-follow for anyone who appreciates a perfect pour.
Piero Ciampoli
Where to visit: Café Baristello, 709, rue Jarry Est
Reason to follow: Known as one of the city's finest baristas, Piero shares captivating shots of his exquisite espressos and cappuccinos from Café Baristello locations in Jarry and Outremont. His posts not only showcase his skill but also embody his philosophy that a café is a place of warmth and welcome. Following Piero offers a daily dose of coffee inspiration and a peek into the family-oriented vibe of his cafés.
Simon-Pierre Caron
Where to visit: Café Caron & Frères, 26, rue Bélanger
Reason to follow: Simon Pierre-Caron, co-owner of Café Caron & Frères with his brother, is a standout in Montreal's coffee scene. Clinching the title of 2018 Best Latté in Montreal and securing the runner-up spot in the 2016 Natrel Latte Art Challenge, his expertise is evident. At the Little Italy café you'll discover some of the best whole coffee beans in Montreal and a delightful selection of fresh pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads. If you're on the hunt for quality coffee and a cozy, inviting atmosphere, Simon is your go-to guide.
David LaLonde
Where to visit: Rabbit Hole Roasters, 36, boul. Marie-Victorin, Delson, QC
Reason to follow: David Lalonde is part of the powerhouse team behind Rabbit Hole Coffee Roasters, situated near RécréoParc on the South Shore, and crowned 2023 Micro Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine. With credentials like being a Q-Grader and a finalist in the National Barista Championship (circa 2018), David's passion for coffee is hard to match. He's now focused on roasting, consulting, and directly engaging with his community through Rabbit Hole's Instagram. Give the account a follow if you're keen on learning from a seasoned expert or just enjoying top-tier coffee.
Cé Mimault
Where to visit: Édika, 10118, boul. Saint-Laurent
Reason to follow: As a queer barista, Cé brings a fresh perspective to the craft, capturing latté art with striking black-and-white photography. They've earned accolades like second place in the 2018 Th3rdwave Montreal Latte Art Olympics and third in 2019. Follow Cé for gorgeous latte art shots and insightful notes on fire roasting and other coffee methods. It's the perfect mix of stunning visuals and practical coffee knowledge.
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