Top 10 Cafes In Montreal, Quebec
Today we’re going to be counting down our top ten favourite cafes in Montreal, Quebec. We’re going to be looking at the most unique cafes in some of the most prime locations in the city. So if you’re sightseeing in Montreal, skip the Starbucks and hit up one of these amazing locations. If you're not in the mood for reading, you can watch our video which recaps our top picks! Check it out at the bottom of this article.
Tommy is one of the busiest cafes in Montreal, so if you want to guarantee yourself a table, make sure you beat the crowd and arrive early! But it’s absolutely worth it—there’s a reason why it’s so busy! Located in the heart of Old Montreal, Tommy is situated in the British Empire Building, and although it was built back in 1874, all of the original charm and inspiring architectural features remain. After admiring all the architectural wonder of this building has to offer, climb up the stairs into the cafe and you’ll find yourself in a light, cheery atmosphere.
The inspiring architecture on the outside of this building is continued inside as well, with some of the best interior designs in the city. The high ceilings and walls are beautifully lined with Victorian moulding, while the cafe itself is sprinkled with a mix of modern and mid-century elements. But don’t let the beauty of this cafe fool you into thinking it’s the only reason why people come here; the coffee and food is nothing to laugh at! So grab a tastefully brewed coffee and perhaps one of their delicious quiche’s, and soak up the sun through the large front windows.
If you find yourself in the plateau and in need of some coffee, check out Kawha cafe. Kahwa has a cosy, eclectic, somewhat hippie vibe. When you walk in you’ll see lots of exposed bricks, hanging lights, and odd little nick nacks scattered around. Oh and did we mention that this cafe is rhino themed? Now that's something we’ve personally never seen before! But if you're not a fan of rhinos, their choco macchiato alone is reason enough for a visit! And on top of that, they’ve got a delicious selection of sandwiches and baked goods which are made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
You might just get lost taking a walk through the Anticafe, located smack dab in the middle of Place Des Arts—that is, if you can even spot the doorway that leads to this coworking cafe. To a regular onlooker, this beautifully painted and psychedelic door is certainly one to marvel at, however you might need to get a closer look to realize that it’s actually a door and not just a skillfully painted wall mural. After climbing a neon-lit staircase, you’ll quickly find that the Anticafe brings the phrase “make yourself at home” to a whole new level, as their staff cheerfully greet you and offer to swap your shoes for a cozy pair of slippers. And to make you feel even more comfortable, you only pay for your time at the cafe, meaning that you can help yourself to unlimited coffee, tea, cookies and snacks—or even ask an employee to prepare you a specialty drink.
But perhaps the most unique aspect of this cafe is the layout and decor itself. Wander through the winding and narrow hallways of this two story building, and take a look into any room—you’ll quickly find that no two rooms are the same and each features its own set of unique decor. Some rooms will bring you back to the 90’s with the classic wooden chairs your mom had in the kitchen, and some rooms will make you feel like you’re a Weasley wandering through The Burrow—what room will you stumble upon?
Located in the heart of the trendy plateau area, this cafe and bar will provide you with a warm and cozy environment with limitless sights to lay your eyes on. Every square inch of this cafe is decorated with a meticulous attention to detail, and I guarantee that every time you sit down for a morning cup of coffee, you’ll spot something that you haven’t seen before. If you were a fan of the eye spy books when you were growing up, you’ll love this cafe. It’s like getting an opportunity to walk through the pages of the I spy spooky night book in real life. But maybe a touch less spooky.
The warm vibe at Le Darling is accentuated by the exposed ceilings, wooden furniture, dangling plants that seem to double as curtains and the warm candle light illuminating each table. The vintage decoration strewn about will make you feel cozy and comfortable,
Located in the historic and culture-rich atmosphere of Old Montreal, the SSENSE cafe is a hidden gem located inside a high-end clothing store. Constructed with brutalist and minimalist design, this five story flagship boutique sits right next to the Notre-Dame Basilica—so be sure to stop by early if you want to grab a seat in the cafe, as this is a prime location for some good coffee. Pretend to be bougie for the afternoon as you walk the various fashion displays and get a taste of the luxury and streetwear mix that’s trending in Montreal—though unless you’re willing to for out hundreds of dollars for one item, browsing is likely the only interaction you’ll have with the clothing at SSENSE.
Nevertheless, simply being in the presence of a 900$ pair of rubber platform sandals is definitely an experience. The coffee on the other hand is affordable, and definitely worth it. Grab yourself a delicious latte, admire the fashion displays and take in the sights beyond the large windows in the display rooms—you might just think you’re in Europe. The architectural legacy left by the French and the British have made Old Montreal a prime attraction, and the SSENSE cafe sits at the very heart of it.
Take a trip to the Mile End and grab a coffee brewed to perfection, at one of the best artisan roasters in Montreal, Saint Henri’s. This is a cafe unlike any on this list since it features a mini-laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, which is separated from the cafe with floor to ceiling glass panes. If you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time, you’ll catch a glimpse of the mini-lab in action, which is used to deliver exclusive training for those wanting to learn more about the art of coffee making.
But even if you miss out on watching coffee hopefuls in action, there’s no shortage of things to capture your attention, one of which is the hypnotic and mesmerizing purple LED lighting illuminating the skyfarm. This urban and eco-responsible agriculture project developed exclusively in Montreal decorates the walls of this cafe with blossoming herbs, which works to complement the vast amount of plant-life that’s already housed by Saint Henri.
The chic and modern decor of the cafe bar and lounge area featuring high ceilings with exposed piping and brick walls give off a trendy and minimalistic vibe. So be sure to grab yourself one of their famous red velvet cookies, a coconut milk latte and grab a spot at the back to take in all this cafe has to offer.
Le Petit Dep is the perfect place to visit if you want great coffee, a unique atmosphere, and you also want to score some super cute souvenirs at the same time. This unique hideaway is located in Old Montreal, steps away from Notre-Dame Basilica Every corner of this cafe is covered in items from the victorian era.
10. Tommy
200 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec
Tommy is one of the busiest cafes in Montreal, so if you want to guarantee yourself a table, make sure you beat the crowd and arrive early! But it’s absolutely worth it—there’s a reason why it’s so busy! Located in the heart of Old Montreal, Tommy is situated in the British Empire Building, and although it was built back in 1874, all of the original charm and inspiring architectural features remain. After admiring all the architectural wonder of this building has to offer, climb up the stairs into the cafe and you’ll find yourself in a light, cheery atmosphere.
The inspiring architecture on the outside of this building is continued inside as well, with some of the best interior designs in the city. The high ceilings and walls are beautifully lined with Victorian moulding, while the cafe itself is sprinkled with a mix of modern and mid-century elements. But don’t let the beauty of this cafe fool you into thinking it’s the only reason why people come here; the coffee and food is nothing to laugh at! So grab a tastefully brewed coffee and perhaps one of their delicious quiche’s, and soak up the sun through the large front windows.
9.Kahwa
331 Mont-Royal Ave E, Montreal, Quebec
If you find yourself in the plateau and in need of some coffee, check out Kawha cafe. Kahwa has a cosy, eclectic, somewhat hippie vibe. When you walk in you’ll see lots of exposed bricks, hanging lights, and odd little nick nacks scattered around. Oh and did we mention that this cafe is rhino themed? Now that's something we’ve personally never seen before! But if you're not a fan of rhinos, their choco macchiato alone is reason enough for a visit! And on top of that, they’ve got a delicious selection of sandwiches and baked goods which are made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
8. Anticafe Montreal - Place Des Arts
294 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec
You might just get lost taking a walk through the Anticafe, located smack dab in the middle of Place Des Arts—that is, if you can even spot the doorway that leads to this coworking cafe. To a regular onlooker, this beautifully painted and psychedelic door is certainly one to marvel at, however you might need to get a closer look to realize that it’s actually a door and not just a skillfully painted wall mural. After climbing a neon-lit staircase, you’ll quickly find that the Anticafe brings the phrase “make yourself at home” to a whole new level, as their staff cheerfully greet you and offer to swap your shoes for a cozy pair of slippers. And to make you feel even more comfortable, you only pay for your time at the cafe, meaning that you can help yourself to unlimited coffee, tea, cookies and snacks—or even ask an employee to prepare you a specialty drink.
But perhaps the most unique aspect of this cafe is the layout and decor itself. Wander through the winding and narrow hallways of this two story building, and take a look into any room—you’ll quickly find that no two rooms are the same and each features its own set of unique decor. Some rooms will bring you back to the 90’s with the classic wooden chairs your mom had in the kitchen, and some rooms will make you feel like you’re a Weasley wandering through The Burrow—what room will you stumble upon?
7. Le Darling
4328 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec
The warm vibe at Le Darling is accentuated by the exposed ceilings, wooden furniture, dangling plants that seem to double as curtains and the warm candle light illuminating each table. The vintage decoration strewn about will make you feel cozy and comfortable,
6. SSENSE Cafe
418 St Sulpice St, Montreal, Quebec
Located in the historic and culture-rich atmosphere of Old Montreal, the SSENSE cafe is a hidden gem located inside a high-end clothing store. Constructed with brutalist and minimalist design, this five story flagship boutique sits right next to the Notre-Dame Basilica—so be sure to stop by early if you want to grab a seat in the cafe, as this is a prime location for some good coffee. Pretend to be bougie for the afternoon as you walk the various fashion displays and get a taste of the luxury and streetwear mix that’s trending in Montreal—though unless you’re willing to for out hundreds of dollars for one item, browsing is likely the only interaction you’ll have with the clothing at SSENSE.
Nevertheless, simply being in the presence of a 900$ pair of rubber platform sandals is definitely an experience. The coffee on the other hand is affordable, and definitely worth it. Grab yourself a delicious latte, admire the fashion displays and take in the sights beyond the large windows in the display rooms—you might just think you’re in Europe. The architectural legacy left by the French and the British have made Old Montreal a prime attraction, and the SSENSE cafe sits at the very heart of it.
5. Saint Henri
7335 Rue Mile End, Montreal, Quebec
Take a trip to the Mile End and grab a coffee brewed to perfection, at one of the best artisan roasters in Montreal, Saint Henri’s. This is a cafe unlike any on this list since it features a mini-laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, which is separated from the cafe with floor to ceiling glass panes. If you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time, you’ll catch a glimpse of the mini-lab in action, which is used to deliver exclusive training for those wanting to learn more about the art of coffee making.
But even if you miss out on watching coffee hopefuls in action, there’s no shortage of things to capture your attention, one of which is the hypnotic and mesmerizing purple LED lighting illuminating the skyfarm. This urban and eco-responsible agriculture project developed exclusively in Montreal decorates the walls of this cafe with blossoming herbs, which works to complement the vast amount of plant-life that’s already housed by Saint Henri.
The chic and modern decor of the cafe bar and lounge area featuring high ceilings with exposed piping and brick walls give off a trendy and minimalistic vibe. So be sure to grab yourself one of their famous red velvet cookies, a coconut milk latte and grab a spot at the back to take in all this cafe has to offer.
4. Le Petit Dep
461 St Sulpice St, Montreal, Quebec
Le Petit Dep is the perfect place to visit if you want great coffee, a unique atmosphere, and you also want to score some super cute souvenirs at the same time. This unique hideaway is located in Old Montreal, steps away from Notre-Dame Basilica Every corner of this cafe is covered in items from the victorian era.
It’s hard to leave Le Petit Dep with just one of their delicious coffee drinks. You’ll be sure to find something that you can’t leave without—let’s just say that if you’re someone who enjoys browsing the accessories you find in Chapters or indigo, you’re going to absolutely love Le Petit Dep.
Eva B is one of the most unique places you could possibly grab a cup of coffee in Montreal—it's probably one of the most unique places in Montreal, period. Doubling as a thrift store and cafe, Eva B has what feels like endless rooms. Wander around and get lost in all sorts of trinkets, and odds and ends. Eva B has anything and everything. And since their prices are so reasonable, you can go on a major shopping spree without breaking the bank.
Once you grab yourself a coffee, you can either head to the back and sit in the most oddly decorated diner space ever, or just get lost wandering around the endless clothing racks. And if you're lucky enough to visit in the summertime, they even have an outdoor patio to enjoy. Even if you’re not interested in buying vintage, Eva B is definitely worth a walk through. Oh, and did we mention there’s free popcorn?
This cafe makes our top ten list because it’s by far one of the best instagram-worthy cafes in the city. The posh and pastelled interior design in Pastel Rita is absolutely captivating, meaning that you often see patrons with their phones out to capture the unique atmosphere this cafe has to offer. The mixture of the orange walls, the green bar design and curved archways give off a Spanish vibe, which is especially nice in the winter because it can feel like a quick get-away from all the snow. And if it does happen to be cold outside when you go, make sure you try one of their delicious espresso drinks—they’ll be sure to warm you up! Be sure to grab a seat near one of the large front windows, which are ideal for people watching in the Mile End.
Located in old montreal, this former bank turned cafe is a spot that you absolutely can’t miss. Built in the former Royal Bank of Canada building, this historical structure has maintained its grandeur and historic elements that took nearly two years to craft when construction began in 1926. Stepping into this cafe, you can’t help but feel like you’ve taken a trip back in time. The marble floors mixed with the vaulted ceilings create an echo with every step you take, a distant reminder of how prestigious and breathtaking this bank was in its heyday (and still is!). The ceiling above has been carefully painted with meticulous detail, with brass light fixtures illuminating the cafe with a warm glow.
This cafe is a great spot for anyone looking to grab a coffee while looking to catch up on some light reading, study or even work. Speckled with a ton of seating and a number of full-equipped, cathedral style workstations, you’ll find this is a hot spot for many Montrealers’ to grab a hot brew, pull out their laptops and get to work. And if you’re too hungry for a muffin, croissant or danish, the Crew Cafe is also known for its delicious bowls and soups. Oh, and if you’re looking for a great place to take some insta-worthy photos, this is one play where you won’t have to feel shy! This historical building is a magnet for cameras, so you won't feel out of place doing a mini photoshoot, if that’s your jam!
3. Eva B
2015 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec
Once you grab yourself a coffee, you can either head to the back and sit in the most oddly decorated diner space ever, or just get lost wandering around the endless clothing racks. And if you're lucky enough to visit in the summertime, they even have an outdoor patio to enjoy. Even if you’re not interested in buying vintage, Eva B is definitely worth a walk through. Oh, and did we mention there’s free popcorn?
2. Pastel Rita
5761 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec
This cafe makes our top ten list because it’s by far one of the best instagram-worthy cafes in the city. The posh and pastelled interior design in Pastel Rita is absolutely captivating, meaning that you often see patrons with their phones out to capture the unique atmosphere this cafe has to offer. The mixture of the orange walls, the green bar design and curved archways give off a Spanish vibe, which is especially nice in the winter because it can feel like a quick get-away from all the snow. And if it does happen to be cold outside when you go, make sure you try one of their delicious espresso drinks—they’ll be sure to warm you up! Be sure to grab a seat near one of the large front windows, which are ideal for people watching in the Mile End.
1. Crew Collective
360 St Jacques St, Montreal, Quebec
Located in old montreal, this former bank turned cafe is a spot that you absolutely can’t miss. Built in the former Royal Bank of Canada building, this historical structure has maintained its grandeur and historic elements that took nearly two years to craft when construction began in 1926. Stepping into this cafe, you can’t help but feel like you’ve taken a trip back in time. The marble floors mixed with the vaulted ceilings create an echo with every step you take, a distant reminder of how prestigious and breathtaking this bank was in its heyday (and still is!). The ceiling above has been carefully painted with meticulous detail, with brass light fixtures illuminating the cafe with a warm glow.
This cafe is a great spot for anyone looking to grab a coffee while looking to catch up on some light reading, study or even work. Speckled with a ton of seating and a number of full-equipped, cathedral style workstations, you’ll find this is a hot spot for many Montrealers’ to grab a hot brew, pull out their laptops and get to work. And if you’re too hungry for a muffin, croissant or danish, the Crew Cafe is also known for its delicious bowls and soups. Oh, and if you’re looking for a great place to take some insta-worthy photos, this is one play where you won’t have to feel shy! This historical building is a magnet for cameras, so you won't feel out of place doing a mini photoshoot, if that’s your jam!
Seeking More?
Looking for more? Check our video below which recaps our top picks, and gives you a more in-depth look at all the cafes. We've also included a map of all the locations mentioned below.
0 comments