The beauty of living here in Montreal is that it’s so diverse you can feel as if you’re in more than one country at once. We have European flare with our terrace culture and and endless array of restaurants, cafés, and bars. We’ve got antique cafés that haven’t been re-done since the 1960’s, and the newest and trendiest establishments on the other side of the spectrum. Many of these cafés have so much character that for a moment we have to blink and remind ourselves that we’re still in Montreal. So if your vacation cannot come any sooner or you can’t make it to Europe this year, just head to one of these great Montreal cafés when you need a little escape – even if it’s just for a few moments!
La Croissanterie Figaro
This stunning café’s name alone rolls off the tongue so elegantly! If you want to enjoy tasty eats and beverages that can be found in a Parisian café but have yet to visit the City of Lights, no place is better than La Croissanterie Figaro. A charming décor, a lovely terrace, and intricate brass chairs, you’ll feel like a member of the Lost Generation here. You can enjoy delectable desserts and coffees as well as hearty meals. Open early until late at night, you may just never leave! Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Ernest Hemingway or Pablo Picasso.
5200 Rue Hutchison, Montréal, QC H2V 4B3
(514) 278-6567
Café Olimpico
This hip Italian café in the Mile End has been a favourite amongst Montrealers since the 1970’s. With its large patio and great indoor space, Café Olimpico is a popular hangout all year round. You’ll find all age groups and clientele here! Perfect for people watching and mingling with the friendly staff who will make you feel so welcome, they’re reason alone for continuously coming back. It’s the epitome of Italian hospitality, right here in Montreal. You can go there alone but leave with many new friends! The wide variety of coffee and desserts here can satisfy anyone’s cravings and its great location gives you the perfect opportunity to try many of the fantastic surrounding restaurants. You can never just pass by here! It becomes a whole day event.
124 Rue St-Viateur Ouest, Montréal, QC H2T 2L1
(514) 495-0746
Café Tommy
Relatively new to the Montreal café scene, Tommy has already become one of the city’s most popular hangouts. With its beautiful open spaces and perfect location in the Old Port, it’s not hard to see why Tommy has become so popular. Whoever decided to transform an old financial building into a café is a genius. The trendy spot has become Instagram famous with its beautiful white mouldings and lush greenery spanning the ceiling and walls. Forget travelling to Europe, at Tommy, you’re visiting a fairy tale. Here you can enjoy everything from sandwiches, desserts, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks! The real stars here are Tommy’s coffees and Nutella cronuts. If you haven’t tried this croissant and donut hybrid, better get yourself to Tommy’s and be sure to try it there. It definitely won’t be your last time visiting!
British Empire Building, 200 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T3
(514) 903- 8669
San Gennaro
When that feeling comes over you that you want to be magically transported to Italy, all you have to do is go to San Gennaro! Located in the heart of Little Italy, you can easily enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts, all under one roof. You may just never have to leave! The geniuses behind San Gennaro are also responsible for Bottega and Hostaria, so you know you’re in good hands. With their pizza al taglio and wide assortment of desserts, why go anywhere else? San Gennaro’s cannoli are exceptionally great as are their bombolone. Very friendly service and a perfect excuse to stroll the streets of Montreal’s Little Italy.
69 Rue Saint Zotique E, Montréal, QC H2S 1K7
(514) 273-6868
Café Parvis 
If you want to be seen in a café that’s unique and unlike any other, then you must head to Café Parvis! With an ideal downtown location, Parvis has a cool décor with a warming environment. With its lofty and unfinished look, Parvis is the type of place that you’d expect to find in modern cities all over the world. Serving delicious coffees, wines, light meals, pizza, and tasty desserts, Parvis can be found full to the max any day of the week and at any time. It’s the perfect pre or post bar hopping spot. One visit here is simply not enough. A café that serves both coffee and wine under one roof: now that’s a place of beauty.
433 Rue Mayor, Montréal, QC H3A
(514) 764-3598
Mr. Puff’s Pastry
Mr. Puff’s may be located in Laval, but it’s definitely worth the trek outside of Montreal. Here you can find loukoumades, a greek doughnut that’s typically served with honey. But at Mr. Puff’s, you can get it with simple sugar, caramel, chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, and more! Talk about a sweet tooth! They also serve typical Greek coffee, and cold coffees like a frappé or a freddo cappuccino. For something savoury, they have tiropita, which is greek phyllo dough filled with cheese. They have a mini terrace outside which is truly reminiscent of a Greek village, in that the whole community sits outside with their coffee, gossiping and enjoying the weather! Take a trip to Greece at Mr. Puff’s Pastry!
4879 Boul Notre-Dame, Laval, QC H7W 1V3
(450) 934-7007
Café Aunja
If you don’t know much about Persian culture and food, it’s time to learn at Café Aunja! This Persian café and tea-house is quaint and modest with its simple yet effective décor. Go there for lunch or to grab a beverage and enjoy the Persian influenced flavours. Make your own tea combinations or try one of their own concoctions! They also have refreshing cold tea drinks that are sure to quench your thirst on a warm summer day. Watch out for nights with live music for a little entertainment. And when you’re done your meal, take a walk on Sherbrooke and enjoy the beautiful day!
