The familiar smell of roasted coffee beans occupy the air like they would in any other café. But what makes this adorable coffee shop different from the rest is that the couple who run Café Replika have created dishes inspired by their hometown and added a local twist.
The walls are decorated with black and white vintage photographs which add a very homey and personal feel to the ambiance. The mismatched furniture and pretty china cups and plates add to the quaintness of the décor. Replika is a nice study spot as it has a fairly calm and cozy atmosphere. The big windows let the right amount of daylight fill the airy space and the communal tables allow for easy conversation starters with friendly strangers if you’re up to it.
Mostly everything served at Replika is made in-house. Since most of their dishes are inspired by street food from Istanbul, you can expect to increase your Mediterranean food knowledge by adding tahini rolls, borëks, and the simit to your list. The simit is the Turkish take on a bagel with a homemade olive tapenade, smoked salmon, avocado, and fresh vegetables and greens.
What to try? If you’re a coffee snob, try their Turkish coffee, of course. It’s the result of a simple combination of cold water boiled with a rich, dark roast. The coffee is slightly stronger than most coffees we’re used to consuming so it might be a shock to your palate. We recommend that you eat first since the Turkish coffee is muddy in texture and very rich in flavour. But you can always opt for a traditional latte or espresso instead.
252 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2W 1E5
(514) 903-4384