Some of the best cafes are in Montreal. With its rich history, diverse population, and deep appreciation for the art of coffee, Montreal boasts a thriving coffee scene that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From the charming cobblestone streets of Old Montreal to the bustling neighbourhoods of the Plateau and Mile-End, there are some of the finest cafes on virtually every corner, each with its unique character and offerings.
Montrealers take their coffee seriously, and the city is home to numerous independent coffee shops that serve high-quality espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. Many of these cafes proudly source their beans from local roasters, emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of community. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to savour a cup of artisanal coffee, enjoy a pastry, or immerse yourself in Montreal’s rich cultural tapestry, the city’s cafes offer a warm and inviting haven for residents and visitors alike. It’s a testament to Montreal’s ever-evolving coffee scene that continues to be a significant part of its cultural fabric.
There are so many great cafes in Montreal, and to pick just nine as the best is no easy task.
At Café Vito, Vito Azzue’s love for coffee and exceptional customer service create a warm, family-like atmosphere. He knows his customers by their first names, leaving a lasting impression. With a lineage rooted in coffee culture, Vito has honed his barista skills over 25 years, even winning awards. Now, with his family, he operates his first family-owned cafe in the Villeray district. Included in their menu are a variety of vegetarian sandwiches and vegan pastries like Vegan Brownies and Vegan Date Squares.
In 1980, Giovanni Pezzullo founded Ferlucci Jeans in Montreal, originating from his Italian roots and hands-on experience in the field. Originally crafting jeans in a small basement on Alexandra Street, the company later thrived in Montreal’s garment district, introducing innovations like stretch denim. Three decades later, the next generation resurrected the Ferlucci name with Cafe Ferlucci, blending clothing and coffee lifestyle products in a neighbourhood coffee shop. Original Ferlucci items from the past decorate the cafe’s walls and shelves, a nod to its heritage.
Le Brûloir, a cafe and society, prioritizes two core elements: curating, roasting, and preparing exceptional coffee while consistently enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, it proudly offers a range of vegetarian menu items such as the delicious Strawberry & Vanilla Chia and homemade granola which is also gluten free. Established in Ahuntsic since 2011, Le Brûloir operates from its bright location at 318 Fleury Ouest. Their dedicated roasters, Svetozare and Vincent, tirelessly seek the finest flavour profiles from carefully sourced coffee beans, driven by a commitment to quality and production excellence.
Caffè San Simeon, a well-known establishment in Little Italy, has been serving Montreal since 1979. Originally named after an Italian soccer club, it has evolved from a men’s social club to a welcoming café for all. This family business, founded by Giovanni De Palma and now run by his son Antonio and grandson Nick, is famous for its classic Italian espresso, freddos, and creamy cappuccinos. They use Fantini coffee, ensuring quality remains consistent. While the menu is simple, it’s executed with perfection, complemented by cookies, pastries, and even pizza al taglio on Saturdays. Caffè San Simeon is a neighbourhood institution that continues to thrive, embracing generations of patrons and creating a sense of family in Little Italy.
Saison des Pluies, a cozy neighborhood café in Montreal, offers a diverse menu with pastries, soups, salads, and sandwiches, including breakfast, meatball, veggie, and cheese options. Designed by Alphabet design studio, the space boasts light woods, oval tables, baby blue and terracotta seating, and a minimalistic matte black decor. They also offer unique cookies filled with Oreos, Fruit Loops, and more, along with a vegan gelato shop located behind the cafe.
Café Éclair offers coffee enthusiasts an exquisite experience with two expert roasters. The Barn, from Berlin, features a wide selection of high-quality coffees, including unique single-origin micro-lots. Bows and Arrows, a family-friendly business in Victoria, BC, is dedicated to producing premium products while collaborating closely with customers. The cafe also houses bilingual literature collections, spanning literature, theory, poetry, comics, zines, artist publications, and children’s books.
The Caron brothers fulfilled their dream of becoming entrepreneurs by opening Caron & Frères café in Montreal’s Little Italy. They aimed to share their passion for coffee, and their cafe on Bélanger Street offers a delightful blend of gourmet food and coffee from seven local and international roasters. Caron & Frères is the perfect spot to enjoy a carefully crafted latte (complete with perfect latte art) and grab a quick salad or sandwich. It’s a warm, welcoming, and friendly space for all coffee lovers to enjoy.
White Heron Coffee has two Montreal locations in the Plateau and Griffintown areas. It provides a unique multi-roaster experience featuring Canada’s top coffee roasters. The cafe offers a diverse coffee menu with knowledgeable baristas crafting pour overs primarily from Canadian roasters like Rogue Wave and Hatch. It also offers Japanese-inspired pastries, including vegan donuts, making it a top choice for quality coffee and a memorable experience in Montreal..
Dreamy, nestled by Montreal’s picturesque Lachine Canal, plays a pivotal role in the city’s dynamic coffee culture. Founded by Scott Rao and Andrew Kyres, this coffee destination offers an extensive array of locally roasted beans. It’s a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts in search of both quality and variety. Dreamy’s commitment is to showcasing Montreal’s rich coffee landscape, with a rotating selection of artisanal beans. This has established it as an integral part of the city’s coffee scene, making it a cherished destination for aficionados.
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