Noah CôtéThe 10 best coffee shops in Montreal for satisfying brews
Like many who work from home, I sometimes like to shake things up by working outside every now and then. There’s something about coffee shops that helps me focus. Maybe it’s the sound of conversation or the energy of everyone working on their laptops.
Honestly, it somewhat feels like a makeshift office, minus the fluorescent lights and awkward small talk.
And you know what makes working in a coffee shop even better? The instant access to coffee and snacks!
So, I made it my mission to check out every coffee shop in Montreal to see which ones serve up the best brews, tasty food, and solid vibes. Read and discover what I found!
1. Bar Caffettiera
Media credit: caffettieracaffebar
Website: https://www.caffettiera.ca/
Address: 2055 Stanley St
Contact Details: +1 514 507 2055 and [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
Pricing: $
One of the reasons I love being at Bar Caffettiera is the old-school vibe the shop has. Its interior design is inspired by the 90s Italian bar, allowing visitors from the newer generation to have a glimpse of the past.
Many people will testify that they serve the best modern Italian espresso. It has a perfectly balanced taste of sweetness and bitterness, the taste that I’m always looking for in an espresso.
They have so much to offer for foodies. They serve croissants, focaccia sandwiches, and much more to pair with coffee. Their focaccia sandwich is soft and fluffy on the inside, and slightly crispy on the outside, which makes a crackling noise when you eat it.
| Pro Tip: If you’re aiming for a relaxed setting, consider visiting during off-peak hours to enjoy the shop without a large crowd. |
2. Cafe Olimpico – Old-Port
Media credit: cafeolimpico
Website: https://cafe-olimpico-1970.myshopify.com/
Address: 419 R. Saint-Vincent
Contact Details: +1 438 386 9071 and [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 12 AM
Pricing: $
The shops of Cafe Olimpico in various areas of Montreal are well-known for their European-inspired, historic design. I can’t stop looking at the ceilings and walls of their Old-Port shop because they’re super beautiful. Think of an Instagram-worthy facility.
If you want some coffee ice cream, their caffe crema would be the perfect choice. It’s a coffee-flavoured dessert that’s very rewarding to have after endlessly typing on your laptop. The crema is dense and stable, creating a lingering mouthfeel.
For food, I highly recommend feasting on their bestseller, tiramisu. Its hint of sweetness perfectly complements the prominent coffee notes, leaving a satisfying taste in your mouth.
| Pro Tip: Browse their online shop, which has coffee beans, cups, and more. If you want to buy, order above $200 for free shipping nationwide. |
3. Cafe Aunja
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Website: https://www.aunja.com/
Address: 1448 Sherbrooke St W
Contact Details: +1 514 914 8337 and [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10:30 AM to 6 PM
Pricing: $
Cafe Aunja is a cosy spot that’s more than just a coffee shop. The impressive paintings on the walls and the relaxing live music make this shop a paradise for people who appreciate various kinds of art.
As a latte lover, I always order a double latte every time I visit here. They never fail to serve it with a balanced combination of espresso and milk, giving me a drink with a slightly sweet taste. I will not have my double latte any other way.
For dessert, you can never go wrong with their dairy-free saffron cake. It has a tender crumb and a rich, buttery taste that you will not get tired of tasting.
| Pro Tip: The shop encourages shared tables, making it a great place to meet new people when you visit alone. |
4. Alphabet Cafe
Media credit: farhapatel_ and alphabet.cafe
Website: https://ambroscoffee.com/pages/alphabet-cafe
Address: 5765 Clark St
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM
Pricing: $
I discovered Alphabet Cafe when it garnered much attention on TikTok. Normally, the shops I’ve discovered through that app don’t always live up to their hype, but this one’s different. They serve nice coffee and pastries in a setting with a trendy atmosphere.
I highly suggest sipping on one of their Freddos, particularly the Freddo cap (the one that went viral online). They serve it unsweetened, allowing the coffee’s natural flavour to shine through. Depending on your preference, you can request more sugar or syrup.
What I love here most is the terrace, where you can completely relax after working on your laptop. Its style makes me feel like I’m in a Greek film.
| Pro Tip: Be prepared for a potentially long waiting time for a table if you visit during peak hours. |
5. Cafe Myriade – Golden Square Mile
Media credit: cafemyriade
Website: https://cafemyriade.com/
Address: 1432 Mackay St
Contact Details: +1 514 939 1717 and [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM
Pricing: $
The Cafe Myriade has been serving satisfying coffee since 2008. Due to their success, they now have five shops within and outside Montreal, and their Golden Square Mile branch is just as amazing as their other shops.
I love sipping on their cappuccino. It has a balanced espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, making it a velvety and flavourful coffee. Also, the serving amount is decent compared to most shops.
When it comes to food, I recommend ordering their tasty chocolate croissants. Its buttery, flaky, and crisp outside is hard to resist when you see it over the counter.
| Pro Tip: Be prepared for the shop’s lively atmosphere, as it’s a popular hangout spot for students in nearby schools. |
6. Crew Collective & Cafe
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Website: https://crewcollectivecafe.com/en/
Address: 360 Rue Saint-Jacques
Contact Details: +1 514 285 7095 and [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Pricing: $
Crew Collective & Cafe is, without a doubt, an extremely photogenic place. Honestly, there are times when the place doesn’t feel like a cafe because of the cathedral-style interior design. It would be impossible not to put a place like this on your Instagram.
If you and your team want to work together physically after a long time of working from home, you can rent one of their meeting rooms. I recommended this to our supervisor, and he can’t thank me enough for the amazing discovery.
For coffee, you will not regret trying their signature latte dulce de leche. It’s a double espresso latte mixed with their special dulce de leche syrup and Werther’s Original caramel candy.
| Pro Tip: When exploring, don’t just focus on one area. Take your time to admire the impressive architecture, like the 50-foot vaulted ceilings, intricate tiling, and historic chandeliers. |
7. Tommy Cafe – Notre-Dame
Media credit: tommy.cafe
Website: https://tommycafe.ca/en/
Address: British Empire Building, 200 Notre-Dame St W
Contact Details: +1 514 903 8669 and [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Pricing: $
Tommy Cafe is a two-storey coffee shop with historical architecture, especially on its second floor. Its quiet atmosphere makes it my preferred place to bring my favourite book and let the day go by.
While reading my book, I always have a cold brew coffee on my table. Their cold brew coffee has a maple and vanilla aroma, and sweet fruit compote flavour. It offers a smooth, less acidic, and naturally sweet taste.
For food, I always go for their super delicious avocado toast. The ripe avocado paired with sturdy and flavourful bread often gives me total satisfaction. What’s even better is that it’s properly seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
| Pro Tip: When ordering at the shop, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations, as they’re very knowledgeable. Browse their online store for merchandise, including shirts, hoodies, and more. |
8. Cafe Redwood
Media credit: cafe.redwood
Website: https://www.caferedwood.com/
Address: 2604 Saint-Patrick St
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8:30 AM to 6 PM
Pricing: $
I love the minimalist interior design and Lo-fi music of Cafe Redwood. That combination is extremely relaxing, especially when you visit in the morning.
My preferred coffee here is their flat white. What I love about it is the balance between the espresso’s bold kick and the sweet, silky microfoam.
It also pairs well with the shop’s homemade chocolate fondant. It has a warm, molten, and intensely chocolatey centre that will satisfy every chocolate lover.
| Pro Tip: Aside from coffee, they also sell beers and wines by the glass or bottle. They also offer catering services for any event. |
9. Le Bruloir
Media credit: lebruloir
Website: https://www.lebruloir.com/en
Address: 318 Rue Fleury O
Contact Details: +1 438 385 9556 and [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Pricing: $
When the weather permits, many people prefer to be on the terrace of Le Bruloir, sipping on their favourite coffee. I can’t blame them, though. You’ll really love to take your time to sit and relax in this unpretentious area of their shop.
When it comes to coffee, I highly recommend trying their Honduran coffee. It has a thick, golden crema, and the taste reminds me of crème brûlée.
Cheese lovers will love the grilled cheese sandwich, which many people adore for its crispy and delicious flavours.
| Pro Tip: Buy their signature coffee beans as a take-home treat for your family. |
10. Osmo X Marusan
Media credit: osmo_x_marusan
Website: https://www.marusan.ca/
Address: 51 Sherbrooke St W
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Pricing: $
Osmo X Marusan is a Japanese cafe set in an industrial-style space. The place is not just for coffee, but also for fun, as they have an in-house DJ.
I suggest ordering their nitro-cold brew coffee. You will appreciate its smooth, creamy texture and subtly sweet flavour if you’re into not overwhelmingly sweet drinks.
For the dish, go for one of their bestsellers, tamago sando. It’s an egg sandwich, specifically mashed hard-boiled eggs and Japanese mayonnaise. Like their nitro-cold brew coffee, it’s creamy and doesn’t taste too sweet.
| Pro Tip: Try their katsu sando as well, another one of their most liked dishes. |
