As we officially welcome
winter
, you might be looking for a quaint and cute café to warm up in, get some work done or catch up with friends. So, this got us thinking...
We asked you all on Instagram for your favourite
Montreal cafés
and we received loads of responses with nearly 30 recommendations. Here are the 11 cafés in Montreal that received the most submissions:
Why You Should Go: Pourquoi Pas is known for their vast selection of brewing beans from so many corners of the world served at its industrial-cool espresso bar. Oh! Not to mention the café's stellar latte art that is bound to put a little pep in your step.
Address: 4126 rue Saint-Catherine, Montreal O., QC & 9299 ave. du Parc, Montreal, QC
Why You Should Go: Café Gentile has been a fan fave for over six decades, serving up a breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menu. With two locations across Montreal, you should definitely give their panini, salads and countless other Italian delicatessen-style options a taste.
Why You Should Go: If you're looking for a taste of authentic Lebanese coffee, then Café Chez Teta will take you straight to the villages of the Middle East.
Why You Should Go: This family-owned café will not only feed your belly, but a taste of their coffee and baked goods and your soul will feel full, too.
Cafe's are kind
of my jam right now. I've found my passion in life and it's exploring the cutest cafes Montreal has to offer. I honestly drag my friends around with me and we explore Montreal's newest and coolest cafes. Once we're there we judge the quality of coffee, the atmosphere of the cafe, and the location.
It sounds like
I'm being picky about my cafe's but it's really just a fun adventure and a cool way to explore the city we live in while enjoying the best lattes in the Montreal! Summer is the perfect time to plan these adventures because most of the Montreal cafes have their cute terrasses open.
So grab your
closest friends and enjoy these cafes on your next coffee adventure!
This cafe is located right on the corner of Castelnau and Henri-Julien allowing them to occupy two sidewalks with two terrasses. This summer they painted the sidewalk in front of the cafe which makes you feel like you're a part of the art. Enjoy a delicious coffee at this summer terrasse!
This adorable terrasse is located at the back of the cafe which allows you to escape the city streets for a little while and feel more immersed into nature. You can sit in a colourful chair with your refreshing iced coffee and read a good book under the trees. Doesn't that sound perfect?
This adorable cafe right on Notre-Dame is perfect for the summertime. With a large outdoor terrasse you can enjoy your coffee while soaking up the sun! They also offer some amazing food so check it out.
This spot is the perfect summer terrasse. Not only do they have delicious coffee but they offer some amazing summer treats as well! Come try their chocolate/vanilla swirl soft serve or a cookie dough ice cream sandwich! OMG right??
Located right across the street from Concordia, this cafe is perfect for students and all coffee lovers. Their coffee is made with love and tastes like it! Their front terrasse is perfect for a summer chill with a good friend.
This is an adorable little cafe located in the mile end. They make all of their coffees in cute red cup and their terrasse is set up with lines of fancy beige chairs and small marble table tops. This is one cafe terrasse you don't want to miss!
This cafe terrasse just can't be beat. I mean, look at it! Don't you just want to spend your afternoon lounging here with a perfect coffee and a good book? A cafe terrasse that features hanging plants and twinkling lights is honestly the best.
This cafe has a cute theme of moustaches! Their mason jars have little moustaches on them so when you drink out of them it looks like you have a little moustache. They also serve some amazing sandwiches for lunch. Come to this cafe for your next lunch break.
This adorable cafe sets up this terrasse during the summer months on the sidewalk. The interior of the cafe is decorated with cute paper cranes and they serve some amazing lunch food as well! Don't miss this cafe terrasse this summer.
This cafe offers some pretty cool things aside from coffee. Try an pink iced tea with a giant slice of watermelon sticking out of it for those hot summer days or try a barbie frappe (which is bright pink btw).
Cafe OSMO is a super hip cafe dedicated to startup companies as a space where you can come and brainstorm and meet other startup professionals. The architecture and style of this cafe is like no other place in Montreal. For the summer months they open up their backyard area and set up colourful Muskoka chairs for you to enjoy.
Located in Old Montreal, this cafe has so many cool things going on. Their specialty is their affogato, which is ice cream with a shot of espresso on top! They also make their own homemade ice cream for those hot summer days, and they make homemade mini pies! You can't go wrong making a trip out to this summer terrasse.
This cafe is a cool place to chill during the summer months. With their outdoor terrasse up for business, their classic cold brew coffee, and their special summer drinks like hibiscus and cinnamon iced tea, you're gonna leave here satisfied!
Kitsune is a hip cafe located in the Plateau. It's perfect for a study space or a chill hangout space with your closest friends. Their terrasse is even better because it's located at the back of the cafe where you can escape the sound of the city for a little while surrounded by trees.
Going for coffee
is essentially a staple of burgeoning adulthood, and also a favourite activity for close friends who are looking to catch up, hang out, and just enjoy one another's company.
For this week's
coffee date, why not break up the mundane a little? Instead of hitting up the nearby chain coffee company around the corner, make a little extra effort to scope out local gems. They often provide way better atmosphere, unique drinks, and best of all, comfy, cozy ambiance that will create the perfect setting for your hours-long life chats.
So, set your calendars
with your closest friend or your whole crew, and pencil in one of the amazing places listed here. Time to get sipping, friends.
At this point, Tommy has pretty much reached iconic status; and for good reason, because this gem in Old Port is absolutely worth going to. The high ceilings, gorgeous windows, and myriad of green plants set against the calming white decor is just perfect for a relaxing time with friends.
Of course, the coffee is good to boot. The busy, but not ultra noisy, atmosphere is also perfect for conversation - tuck yourself away in the high rows with your mugs and chat the day away.
Situated right across from McGill, this student favourite not only has some amazing espresso and cappuccino, but the gentle hustle and bustle creates the perfect background noise for you and your company. Minimalist in style, the Humble Lion is a great option for a quick coffee break with a friend, and it maintains just the right level of traffic to keep a content atmosphere.
A simple, welcoming, constantly buzzing cafe also close to a student area, El Mundo instantly feels like a staple hang out spot. The booths make it perfect for a bigger group of friends if that’s your case, and the staff are really warm and friendly. You'll find lots of people studying here, but don't worry about disturbing anyone - students often work in groups and chatter rises from nearly every table.
They also have a decent menu of snacks, and bonus, they serve alcohol. So if you suddenly need a pick-me-up but don’t want to have to scope out a bar, this place has you covered. Head to El Mundo to enjoy the warmth and comfort that this little corner cafe creates so well.
Of course, what makes Cafe Olimpico a Montreal favourite is the incredible coffee creations they offer - and no doubt, these are worth the trip alone. But it’s the laid-back, fun environment that makes it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon or evening catching up with friends.
It also boats the authenticity of a real Italian cafe, so you and your closest buds will appreciate the ambiance - you’ll definitely feel like a part of the neighbourhood. Really, it's just the perfect place to sit back, relax and share good times.
One of the more hipster, trendy cafes in Montreal, MELK is perfect for friends who are constantly on the hunt for somewhere new and interesting to enjoy a catch-up session over coffee. Both cafe locations are on the smaller side, so they definitely create that intimate environment you're looking for.
But be warned, go during peak hours and you may have a hard time finding a table. Otherwise, MELK is a must-try for many reasons, and one of the ideal settings for friends looking to cozy up with a delicious drink.
Ok guys, this may be
the
cutest cafe in the city - I mean, the name itself suggests a whimsical quirkiness that this places certainly embodies. The quaint decorations and mismatched comfy chairs are the absolute perfect setting to sidle in next to your best friend and share anything from gossip to heartache.
A standout that people rave about here is the friendly and helpful attitude of the staff, which is also key to creating the perfect homey feeling for your BFF date. La Brume Dans Mes Lunettes also carries some delicious treats - if you or your bestie need to heal a broken heart, consider this place as your top choice to do so alongside your regular coffee or tea.
So I must confess, Cafe Melbourne may not entirely fit the “cozy” vibe that I’m seeking to achieve with this list, but I simply
had
to include it, because it’s quite possibly the friendliest of all cafes. Run by Australian expats, this Plateau cafe’s sign reads, in French, “Our French isn’t very good but our coffee is.” How honest and endearing is that? And if you or your friend is a sucker for Australian accents, well, walk on in and *swoon*.
The cool, friendly vibe carries right through to the cafe itself, with affordable prices and relaxed surroundings. If you and your friends tend to spend hours chatting, dishing secrets, or simply enjoying one another’s company, Melbourne is the perfect place to pass the time without feeling rushed. Also, they serve some authentic Australian food, so if you've always wanted to try some Aussie fare (or you just love the accents, as I mentioned), Cafe Melbourne is the perfect place to start.
Comfortable couches, twinkling lights, exposed brick, and an adorable garden patio? Yes, yes, and more yes, friends. Le moineau masque is so pretty, you might occasionally zone out from your in-depth convo with a friend to simply glance around and admire.
You can see the work that went into making this place feel like a quirky artist’s living room, and it pays off with an awesome, welcoming vibe. Go here for a serene break from the stressful day-to-day, and relish in great company and gorgeous surroundings. What more could a pair of friends need?
First of all, how cute is this name!? A little gem, Lili & Oli instantly provides the simplicity and charm of the area surrounding. This cafe is a totally perfect fit for a relaxing coffee date, with rustic decor, classic drink creations, and endearing old-world pieces of art.
If you need an inspiring place to hang with your best friend, somewhere to feel both relaxed and invigorated, Lili & Oli is a great choice. Get there before tourist season!
Ah, Ouis Mais Non - the whimsical cafe with a little shop next door to check out after you finish your coffee. So perfect, right? Right. This trendy spot falls on the same spectrum as Le moineau masque, with the mismatched, comfy furniture, and the vibe feels something similar to a cabin or a modern cottage.
Once you settle in to hang with your friend, you'll feel right at home, almost like you're cuddled up next to a bookshelf in the coziest corner of your house. Pro tip: the tea comes in a really cute setup, so order that to set the stage for your heart-to-heart. Honestly, the adorable atmosphere at Ouis Mais Non could make anyone pour their heart out.
Alright, guys, the heat
has finally landed. Summer's definitely starting, and with it comes good vibes, fun activities, and some hot, lazy days.
What does all of
this spell out? I'm glad you asked. As we all know, Montreal is an amazing city to be in if you adore coffee - and although there's nothing like grabbing a latte, there's just something extra special about an iced latte. Or a cold brew. Or an iced coffee. Or any caffeinated beverage, as long as it's served up cold AF.
And, if you happen
to love your caffeine served up frosty, then you're in luck. Montreal's got tons of fantastic places to enjoy a nice, cold cup of the best drink in the whole world.
If you're a coffee-loving Montrealer, then the chances are very high that you know all about Cafe Olimpico. This Mile-End coffee spot has been in the city for ages, and has been serving up some serious, top quality coffee for just as long.
Although their hot coffees are bae (shoutout to their cortados, BTW, which are amazing), their iced coffees will absolutely change your life. They've got a few different iced varieties, and they're honestly all awesome - but check out their mind-blowing "Remix" (a mix of iced coffee, crema di caffe, milk, foam, and pure, concentrated happiness), and prepare to be totally blown out of the water.
Alright, who here has been to the Plaza St. Hubert recently? If you have, then you might have noticed that a couple of awesome, new places have moved into the Plaza - and one of them is Candide Cafe, having set up shop with its iconic (adorable) sheep logo and gorgeous terrasse about a year ago.
Despite the fact that it's relatively new, this spot has been making a huge splash on Montreal's coffee scene. They specialize in tasty smoothies - like their "Le Jardin", featuring kiwi, banana, spinach, dates, and fennel - and some seriously smooth, rich coffee. Protip? Try their Quebec rose (iced) latte, featuring their signature awesome espresso, milk, and real life rose petals.
Located in Ahuntsic, Le Brûloir is not only pretty much known as one of the best places in the neighbourhood to go and get a rich, tasty cup of coffee, but it's also one of the top places to enjoy your fave cup of joe in the whole city.
Why is that, you ask? Well, it all has something to do with Le Brûloir's high-quality coffee beans, which are home-roasted by the owner. They've got a huge selection of coffee beans, so if you want to take a bag or two home, you totally can. Or, you can chill at their bright, welcoming shop, and enjoy one of their mouthwatering iced lattes, which feature their smooth and tasty espresso. Oh, and bonus points for offering N7 Café - a tasty, cold-brewed coffee with a little bit of a chilly twist.
Okay, we need to talk about the cold brews at Pikolo. To be completely honest, I was never a huge fan of cold brewed coffee... but then I tried the one at Pikolo, and I was forever changed. Other than being the perfect treat for a hot summer day, the cold brewed coffee here is incredibly flavourful.
It packs a seriously tasty punch, all while managing to tone down that slightly more acidic flavour that some coffee can't seem to shake; and, with a splash of cream for added richness, this is pretty much my go-to for a refreshing summer cold brew.
Of course, Pikolo's coffee menu doesn't just feature this awesome beverage. They've got tons of high-quality hot and iced coffee to choose from - and if you're not feeling a cold brew, go for their iced cortado. Smooth, tasty, and rich - with just a little splash of milk - this drink really does hit the spot.
Situated right in Montreal's Sud-Ouest, this adorable and welcoming spot has some of the most ace ice coffee you'll ever try, bar none.
I honestly don't know what it is specifically that makes the Sud-Ouest's Lili & Oli such an awesome spot. It's not one thing, TBH - it's more like a combination of many, many awesome factors that makes this coffee shop so amazing. Their vibe is trendy, yet incredibly welcoming and friendly, and their coffee is straight-up delicious. Their iced coffee in particular is amazing - especially since they've got you covered with coffee ice cubes, so not to dilute that rich, flavourful taste of their cold coffee.
One of Little Italy's most popular spots for a nice espresso, there's one super clear reason why San Simeon's got such a strong devotion of fans. Their coffee? Yeah. It's out of this world.
Not only have they got some of the best lattes and cappuccinos in the city, hands down, but the cold version of their coffee is just as amazing (if not better, especially when enjoyed on their wooden terrasse on a hot summer day). Their freddo (iced coffee) is a thing of beauty, but for an extra special treat, try out their "perfect storm", which is a mix of cold espresso, foam, and pure good vibes.
Iced latte on point, life on point. And the iced latte at Melk? So, so on point.
A refreshingly smooth, sweet beverage - the perfect thing to quench your summer thirst and (daily?) need for caffeine - the iced lattes at Melk should absolutely be on your bucket list of coffees to try at least once in your life. But, seriously? You're going to want more than one of these iced delights. You're going to want so many that it might just become an obsession... Don't say I didn't warn you. Oh, and protip? Try one of their deliciously moist, crumbly scones to go along with your life-giving latte. Get there now, friends, and thank me later.
For me, it's just not summer unless I'm enjoying a deliciously smooth, rich, milky iced coffee on the terrasse of St. Leo's Cafe Milano.
The cold coffee here is one serious work of art: Sweet, creamy, strong, and served up ice cold, this drink has almost a slush-like consistency, which also happens to make it incredibly refreshing. For extra good vibes, pair your tasty cold coffee with one of Milano's beyond delicious chocolate chip cookies. Or, hey, if you're trying to eat well, grab one of their chicken salads, park yourself on the terrasse, and enjoy the true beauty that is summer in Montreal.
Alright, friend, do you appreciate a pure, straight-up, rich cup of joe? Can you detect the subtleties and nuances between two different shots of espresso? If so, then you're going totally fall in love with this downtown Montreal coffee spot.
A super popular Montreal coffee spot - and for good reason - Myriad is known for serving up some seriously tasty caffeinated drinks, totally due to their deliciously roasted and blended coffee beans. The iced versions of their drinks, though, are on a whole other level of awesome: High-quality, delicious, rich, smooth, and the perfect way to freshen up on a hot summer day.
Down to indulge in one seriously tasty, strong cup of your fave (aka, coffee)? Then you know exactly where you need to go, friends. Villeray's Cafe Vito is ace at serving up pretty much the best coffee you'll ever taste, TBH.
And they're even better at serving up one life-changing cup of iced coffee. It's super refreshing, and it's got pretty much the perfect balance of rich, bold, smooth, and creamy - pretty much, if you're a lover of deliciously cold coffee (and you know you are), then you've got to get yourself here. For a super special treat, you should also totally try out one of their crispy, tasty, sweet cannoli... Just trust me on this one, guys.
If you're down to try some iced coffee with a little bit of a twist, then Dispatch is totally your spot. The coffee here has a slightly different taste - almost a little bit lighter - than most other places, which makes for a coffee experience unlike any other.
Which means that of sip of their iced beverages (like their creamy, flavourful iced cappuccino) will leave you totally, 100% hooked. For one seriously special treat, though, try their Vietnamese Coffee Affogato, which is chicory ice cream floating in a delicious combination of Dispatch's awesome espresso, coffee, and condensed milk.
I don't even know where to begin with this awesome spot. First of all, Le Cafe Creme has been around for decades - and one sip of their coffee and espresso-based drinks will tell you why.
First of all, the coffee here is pretty much perfection: bold, not too acidic, expertly balanced, and basically guaranteed to leave you with a big, huge smile on your face - and a spring in your step, of course. For how awesome their hot coffee drinks are, though, their iced coffees are probably even better, offering the same smooth and fantastic taste, but with the added bonus of being incredibly refreshing. Oh, and huge bonus points for their warm, friendly, and casual vibe, making it the perfect coffee spot for studying, chilling with friends, or pretty much anything.
Soy milk is for basic betches
(not a typo)
.
There, I said it. As much as I love a big bowl of vanilla soy milk with my cereal, when it comes to coffee, the mighty almond beats the plain old soy bean every time. Lighter, frothier when steamed, and lacking any weird aftertaste, almond milk is the perfect latte-liquid, better even, perhaps, to cow's milk.
Not always the standard dairy-free option at restaurants and cafes,
almond milk can't be found everywhere in Montreal, as most coffee shops use soy milk. Somehow, the lack of availibility of almond milk makes it that much more special, as your spirits are instantly raised when you see "almond milk available" on the menu of the cafe you just popped into.
To make your almond milk latte drinking a little less sporadic
, we did some digging and found 25 cafes that always have the almond-y stuff on the menu. Vegans and lactose-intolerant folk will want to pay heed, as will anyone who just enjoys a good almond milk latte. If you've never had the chance to try one, then hit one of these cafes up, you shan't regret it.
As always, if we forgot a coffee shop, let us know in the comments and we'll gladly add 'em in.
Young or old, few can resist the allure of a well crafted cheese-based dish. Cheese, whether it be featured in its grilled, macaroni, or Philly steak format, is sure to please young and old alike. The newly launched 'Le Cheese' food truck is well aware of the large amount of fromage-ophiles inhabiting Montreal, and seeks to cater to their cheesy needs.
'Le Cheese,' hosted its official launch party on Friday at the quaint, but very comfortable, Lili and Oli in St. Henri. Thankfully, MTL Blog was around to preview all of the cheesy goodness and give you a preview of whats in store for your taste buds.
To get started, Le Cheese offered early comers a sample of their mac 'n cheese as well as their gazpacho. Only a cup-full was made available, a taste to leave you wanting more. The mac 'n cheese was baked with peas and cauliflower, along with a generous amount of breadcrumb on top, to create a tender yet crisp twist on a childhood favourite. Living up to its namesake, Le Cheese's gazpacho is chock full of cheese, which balances the sharp flavour of onion and spices inherent in the dish. Both options can be found on the food truck's official menu and are definite recommendations.
Some may have been a little peeved by how long it took for the food truck to actually start serving food, but the show runners of Le Cheese knew how to keep the crowd satisfied: free alcohol. Beers, and the random undercover bartender with a water bottle full of vodka, kept us all more than pleased. While it did take a bit to get the ball rolling, everyone seemed to be having a great time. And the cheese was worth the wait.
Le Cheese's menu is fairly straightforward, offering starters, grilled cheese, sandwiches and some dessert. Going for the classic, I went with the 'special du jour' grilled cheese, priced at just below $8. The regular was only about $5 but when it comes to cheese, go big or go home, and I was not disappointed. The bread was a perfect combination of soft, crisp, and slightly burnt, to offer that delicious charred flavour. Packed with an assortment of cheeses, the 'special du jour' was a great pick, although the regular was nearly as delicious for a lesser price.
Not to be restricted in its offerings, Le Cheese also offers cheesy tater tots, Philly cheese steaks, and deep fried cheese cakes. Appetizers to desserts, Le Cheese has its cheese-bases covered.
In terms of execution Le Cheese could have made its launch a little cleaner. I had a great time throughout, but I could sense some frantic anticipation from the crowd regarding when they would get their cheese-fix. Bare in mind, however, that a catering event, which what the launch was, is very different from a lunch service. A bar of 100+ is not the same as a lunch-line of twenty. Once orders were being taken the wait was pretty short. Keep your cheese-filled hopes up and check out Le Fromage for your comfort food fix. They'll get the job done.
And MTL Blog, of course, made its mark on the truck.
