Looking for guidance on where to find excellent coffee in Montreal? You`ve come to the right place! I, Matt, the local coffee aficionado (read: enthusiast) in this part of the internet, recently spent a week in Montreal sipping espresso and discussing coffee with whoever would listen.
And I’m here to help you find some great coffee experiences while you’re in Montreal.
As a city, Montreal was a very intriguing place to invest a week. It brings to mind a number of different cities all in one. The cobblestone roads of Old Montreal could be a street in Budapest or Bologna.
The Plateau area shares similarities with the residential parts of Portland and Seattle. Like other cities with multiple universities, such as Boston, it has a youthful, student-oriented atmosphere.
And the architecture deserves its own comment, being quite an eclectic mix.
In many ways, the coffee scene is similar, with multiple influences converging and creating a scene that is intriguing and diverse, with a strong focus on local micro roasters (more on that below, because it’s a unique characteristic that is worth discussing).
A couple coffee establishments in Montreal would likely rank at the top anywhere due to their rare and exceptional single origin coffees served as espresso or pour over brews.
There are numerous quality coffee shops that would fit in well here in Portland, and some spots with a unique inspiration – whether Italian or Japanese styling – that are doing their own thing.
In this guide to the top coffee in Montreal, I’m going to take you through the coffee shops that stood out to me for one reason or another – usually because of an experience that you won’t find elsewhere or a unique approach to coffee – and explain why I think they deserve a place on my list.
By the end, the hope is discovering at least one or two new spots to add to your list, and that visiting those places results in an remarkable cup of coffee and pleasant conversation with the barista.
It’s crucial to note that the list below reflects one person’s opinion, and that my experience at a coffee shop could differ from yours depending on the time visited, the barista on duty, or the specific drink ordered.
For example, I visited one of the shops below on a Wednesday morning when it first opened and a Saturday morning at 10am, and it was a vastly different experience.
I generally do my best to visit at times that are less busy so that I can have those personal interactions with the barista that make the difference between an average experience and an outstanding one.
Consider this guide to be a starting point for locating the best coffee in Montreal from the outlook of someone who really enjoys coffee, and loves to delve deeply into specifics like the origin of the beans, the brewing method, the proportion used for espresso (something I’ve been experimenting with at home over the course of the past year or so), and more.
It’s worth noting that I have Celiac Disease and can’t consume even a crumb of gluten without being ill for days. For that reason, I’m not really considering other aspects of each of these locations, like who has the best avocado toast.
It’s all about the coffee, both for myself and in this guide.
What was my process for constructing this list? My investigation involves three steps. Initially, I use search engines to compile a preliminary list. Secondly, I contact anyone familiar with coffee whom may have a perspective on where to visit. Thirdly, I go to places on my list and, in conclusion, I ask the barista for recommended additional locations or establishments not to be missed. In Montreal’s case, the top three spots were venues that I came across during my time in Montreal, which is somewhat enjoyable because that signifies there weren’t a great deal of lists at the top of Google advising them.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
10 Incredible Montreal Coffee Shops to Add to Your List
It’s worth repeating that my “best” coffee shop will look different from your “best” coffee shop, because that label is incredibly subjective (just like coffee).
You may prefer your espresso bold and rich, while I go for bright and fruity flavors.
Or maybe you can’t do coffee without milk, while I’m all about the black filtered coffee.
And, truly, when it comes down to it, Montreal has an incredible variety of microroasters (more on why that`s the case shortly) meaning there are literally hundreds of places to get a quality cup of coffee in the city.
However, I believe presenting a listing of the Montreal coffee shops that were notable to me for a specific cause or another – either because they take an exceptional approach to coffee, they provide novel methods for coffee consumption, or I was truly impressed by the coffee served to me there. Or, they offer a coffee experience that can`t be replicated independently.
I’m not an expert in coffee by any means – I’m a complete novice home brewer who gets teased for being a little choosy when it comes to coffee (I prefer fruity, juicy coffee rather than the kind that’s been roasted to within an inch of its existence, sue me) and has a morning ritual that involves approximately ten minutes of carefully brewing a cup of coffee with a V60.
So, as you read my long monologues on why such and such coffee shop stood out to me, just remember that this list is not the be-all and end-all, but is just one coffee nerd’s opinion on where to find some fun and interesting coffee in Montreal.
And now, with all of that background and those caveats out of the way, onto the particular recommendations (which is what you’re here for, I know, but context is important)!
Cafe Dreamy (The Canadian Roasting Society): An Interesting Aspect of Montreal’s Coffee Scene
I’m beginning with this place, which is situated along the Lachine Canal in the southwestern end of Montreal, because I think it underscores one of the most exceptional aspects of Montreal’s coffee scene.
Is it my initial choice in regards to my most loved coffee in Montreal? Probably not. But I think it’s an important aspect of the coffee scene in Montreal, so it goes up top!
The first thing I noticed when I started building my list of Montreal coffee shops was that there are an impressive number of microroasters located in Montreal.
I had no idea why that was until, around halfway through my weeklong coffee extravaganza, a barista said “do you know about the Canadian Roasting Society?”
Instantly intrigued, I subsequently found out that numerous coffee roasters in Montreal I had observed over and again actually roast their beans in a shared establishment managed by the Canadian Roasting Society.
This lowers the barrier of entry for individuals hoping to get into roasting coffee but unable to afford spending thousands on roasting equipment.
The onsite cafe, Dreamy, is wonderful, rotating through different roasters operating out of the space and having most of their various bean selections available for purchase too.
Founded by Scott Rao (known for “Rao spin” techniques in the coffee industry and as a co-founder of Prodigal Coffee) and Andrew Kyres (owner of local shop Tunnel Espresso), this establishment has perhaps the most extensive selection of locally roasted beans in the area.
It features a huge wall completely filled with bags, plus a few extra shelving units set up to accommodate more.
Similar to numerous coffee shops in Montreal, they offered two espresso options – one that is brighter and juicier, one that is more traditional (three if you count decaf) – roasted by Cafe Myriade.
With multiple transfers necessary from Florence, the round trip journey will take approximately six hours total.
Location: 3780 St-Patrick Street, Montreal, QC, Canada, Quebec
Website: https://dreamydreamydreamy.com/a/pre-launch
Instagram: @dreamydreamydreamy
White Heron Coffee: A Multi-Roaster Featuring Canada’s Best Coffee Roasters
Now, if we’re discussing the first coffee stop I would recommend for coffee lovers in Montreal, it likely wouldn’t be the Canadian Roasting Society, since it’s a bit of a detour.
Instead, it’s a toss up between these next two Montreal coffee shops, which offer similar multi-roaster menus, each with a unique characteristic.
White Heron Coffee is a coffee shop with two Montreal locations inspired by Japanese specialty coffee culture. Their description, not mine.
It’s a completely gluten free kitchen, so no need to worry about cross-contamination.
I found myself at the latter on a somewhat damp weekday morning, and was happily surprised that I had missed the peak crowds.
The coffee choices here are enjoyable. They have two beans on espresso – a lighter, brighter option and a more traditional option – and a rotating group of pour over coffees.
The barista had impressive knowledge (not to mention efficiency, being the sole worker behind the bar), and I sat at the counter and conversed as she prepared my pour over, a Colombian coffee roasted by Hatch, using an Origami filter.
Over 15-20 minutes, we discussed everything from why she enjoys the Origami, an interesting Thai coffee they had just completed, and life in Montreal. It was an excellent encounter altogether, and the coffee was great.
When I visited the Plateau location a few days later, I learned that I was conversing with the owner. Which makes sense, now that I know that.
In any case, great coffee and a great experience, particularly if you’re seeking some of the best roasters in Canada. They also have an enjoyable selection of pastries, which is where the “Japanese inspired” component comes in.
Locations:
- The address 131 Rue Prince-Arthur E is located in Montreal, Quebec H2X 1B6 in the Plateau neighborhood.
- 370 rue des Seigneurs, Montreal, QC, H3J 2M9 (Griffintown)
- Strongly emphasized: @mutantisbeer
- Instagram: @moonshrimp_brewing
Cafe Éclair: A Multi-Roaster Featuring Incredible International Coffee Roasters
Along with White Heron, Cafe Éclair is tied for the top spot on my personal Montreal coffee list.
When choosing coffee shops, I have a strong preference for two things: setups that curate excellent coffees from multiple different roasters, and intriguing international roasters not commonly found in North America.
This place scratches both of those itches.
It also happens to be the place that nearly every single barista (as well as the great people over at Luna Coffee Roasters, to whom I inquired for suggestions) recommended when I asked where I should not miss in Montreal.
What sets Cafe Éclair apart for me is that coffee is truly the central focus here.
While there was a small selection of grab-and-go pastries, the major focus was on creating excellent coffee, something I learned about from the barista as they explained what they appreciated about the shop.
The layout aims to invite people to sit and remain awhile, with a bar design resembling what one may find in a sophisticated cocktail bar instead of a coffee shop. Additionally, a pleasant green velvet couch in the entranceway.
The barista assisting me that day was called Jair, and he originally came from Mexico City (where we conversed about because we love Mexico City and visit as often as possible).
Later, I realized that he placed third in the recent Canadian Barista Championships, which was an impressive achievement!
Honestly, as far as I know, he’s likely the most talented barista I’ve ever had prepare coffee for me (perhaps after Joachim at Substance in Paris, which is referenced in my top Paris coffee shop recommendation).
Anyway, discussing the coffee. They offered three different international roasters when there – the Barn (Berlin), Tim Wendelboe (Norway – his coffee is received through a monthly subscription!), and Gardelli (northern Italy).
I was there for a pour over with some unique beans, and there were three options to select from, all from the Barn.
I went with a gesha from Colombia (which I’ve found to be my favorite coffee beginning, recently) and was not unsatisfied – lots of tropical fruit vibes, a delicate body, and, of course, a near-perfect extraction.
As it cooled, it became juicier and the sweetness truly came through, which I appreciated.
Additionally, he sampled the coffee before serving it to me, which generally signifies that the establishment cares about the coffee.
They offer a few espresso choices too, including a micro-lot. I returned on a busy Saturday morning, and it was a totally different experience.
A different server, it was very busy, and the experience lacked the personal touch, which is the instance I reference when stating that your time at any given location will largely depend on numerous fluctuating factors beyond your control.
Despite it being my initial experience, it was so remarkable that it deserves a top 2-3 position on my list, and I recommend you visit as well.
Location: 12 Maguire St, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1B8, Canada
- Website: https://harlowpdx.com/
Instagram: @cameliacafe_
Café Caron & Frères: An Eclectic Mix of Different Roasters, Canadian and International
This spot up in Little Italy a couple of blocks from Jean Talon Market was highly proposed by the staff at Zab (I visited Zab twice, and different baristas at each pointed me here).
I went to this location three separate times but only had coffee on two occasions.
The first time was a walk by, and as soon as I saw beans from DAK, a coffee roaster in the Netherlands, on their shelves, I was hooked (Watermelon Drops from DAK is one of the best coffees I’ve ever tasted).
They offer a diverse selection of roasters, including Montreal’s Traffic, Toronto’s Hatch (my personal preferred Canadian roaster), and Yamabiko (a roaster further outside Quebec).
The second time, I lingered a while, enjoying the cozy interior of the shop as I jotted down some notes and thoughts about Montreal.
The shop clearly attracted many workers, with every seat occupied by someone using a laptop. They also had a small outdoor area with a couple of picnic tables.
I got a decaf caffe macchiato following a morning of consuming espresso shots, and I was pleasantly surprised with how good it was.
Granted, the milk contained a silky smooth texture, but the surprisingly bright decaf coffee proved even more remarkable (typically I find decaf coffee to possess a darker hue attributable to either the chosen beans or roasting method).
I inquired the barista regarding it, and he was happy to share all about how the decaf coffee they use (from aforementioned Traffic) is the best he’s ever tried. I must say, I somewhat agree (although Hatch has some good ones, too!).
Like many of the shops on this list, they had two distinct espresso selections, and they rotate what beans they’re using every three to four days or so. At the time I was there, they had a natural process Ethiopian coffee roasted by Yamabiko, and a darker roast from Hatch called “Blackout.”
On my third trip, which included friends, I drank the natural Ethiopian coffee as an espresso, and it was pleasant. It was well-balanced, with not too strong of an earthy flavor, but enough juice to indicate that it was certainly a naturally processed coffee.
Overall, a great recommendation from Zab (more on them later), and stopping there is advisable when heading up to Jean Talon (which you should visit).
Location: 26 Rue Bélanger, Montréal, QC H2S 1C8, Canada
Strongly emphasized: https://whiteheroncoffee.ca/
Instagram: @caronfreres
Zab Coffee Roasters: A Coffee Roaster with a Fun Frozen Coffee Selection
Yet another place I ended up at multiple times! Two things stand out to me about Zab.
Regarding its location, it`s somewhat removed from the main areas, about a five minute walk from the Beaubien metro station or approximately a 15 minute stroll southeast from Jean Talon Market.
Secondly, and this is something I learned from the barista on my initial visit, they merged with Paquebot (one of the main players of the Montreal coffee scene) back in 2017, and they kept the two brands separate to make Zab the more coffee-focused version of the two.
They, like many of the places I visited in Montreal, had two espresso choices. An Ethiopian coffee, and a Brazilian coffee. As the barista defined the two options, I immediately was drawn to the brighter notes of the Ethiopian coffee.
When I chose that one, she told me she had to dial it in and it might take her a shot or two to get there, which tells me that at 11am on a weekday, I must have been the first or second person to order it.
A short time later my espresso was ready, exhibiting juicy fruit forward qualities leaning more towards citrus than red fruit, and a silky texture.
But this is where Zab became interesting. Being my third (or was it seventh?) coffee that day, I was stimulated when I noticed the freezer at the back of the shop. “What is in that freezer?” I inquired, already partially aware of the answer.
“Special coffees.”
I enjoy having a freezer full of special coffees (and have one myself!). So I came back a few days later, and savored an Ethiopian coffee with a bold blueberry flavor brewed with an immersion method that the barista likes because it’s simple to manage in a busy cafe setting.
Location: 6201 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2S 2R8, Canada
Website: https://zabcafe.com/
Instagram: @zabcafe
Pikolo Espresso Bar: One of the Most Stylish Cafes in Montreal
This was both a recommendation and a place that I found on my own, and it was the first coffee shop I visited in Montreal. It’s just off of St. Laurent Blvd on the outskirts of the Quartier des Spectacles.
The initial thing you’ll notice when you enter is the beautiful marble counter and the brown San Remo espresso machine on it, which is a work of art.
When I visited, they were brewing shots of Café Myriade, a local roaster who works with the Canadian Roasting Society, and they had two options available in terms of espresso. I, naturally, chose the brighter Ethiopian coffee, and it was delightful.
One thing I noticed here, other than the good coffee – their latte art skills were STRONG. As someone who basically can’t pour latte art to save my life, I was amazed by the speed and ease with which their baristas were producing beautiful designs.
I almost ordered a second drink just to photograph, but decided against it since there was more coffee still to drink!
Location: 1635 Rue Clark, Montréal, QC H2X 2R4, Canada
Website: https://pikoloespresso.com/
Instagram: @pikoloespressobar
Café Saint Henri: Quebec’s OG Microroaster
Founded quite some time ago in 2011 by Jean-François Leduc (who has since moved on and they`re now backed by private investment), this was Montreal`s first micro roaster and third wave coffee shop.
Previously, it solely provided single origin coffees lightly roasted compared to competitors, now it has evolved as a permanent fixture of Montreal`s coffee landscape, with multiple places dotted around the city.
Though I certainly wouldn’t say it was my favorite coffee of the trip, it’s worth a visit if you find yourself near one (which, given their numerous locations, you very well might).
I went to its two locations – the original in St. Henri near the Lachine Canal, and the one at Jean Talon Market – and the newer site was gorgeously designed with white walls and marble tables.
One thing I appreciate about them is their way of discussing flavor profiles in coffee. They have their bags and menu color coded according to taste, like red = round and comforting, yellow = floral and delicate, etc etc.
I had their “Godshot” as an espresso, which uses a washed Ethiopian coffee in the “floral and delicate” taste profile. Like most places on this list, they also had a more traditional flavor profile available if that’s more your preference.
The espresso was good – I enjoyed that they have the recipe they use posted on a sign by the grinder – and I had an interesting time learning about the difference between a short shot and an “allongé,” which basically just means an espresso with a longer ratio (and is something we don’t usually do at home, as far as I know).
Apparently, the allongé (lungo, in Italian) is very popular in Quebec, which is a fun fact that I definitely wasn’t aware of before coming here!
Locations: There are numerous – here’s a listing
Website: https://sainthenri.ca/
Instagram: @cafesainthenri
Café In Gamba: A Mile End Multi Roaster
Somehow, in my caffeinated haze, I went to Café In Gamba in Mile End on a rainy weekday morning and took exactly zero photos. Mostly because I was busy conversing with the person from Escape Coffee, who was there showcasing their beans for the day.
Yet another multi-roaster in Montreal, they highlight virtually all of the various micro-roasters who operate at the Canadian Roasting Society, such as Traffic, Escape, and Zab, along with some outliers like Rabbit Hole (also in Montreal) and Detour (from Hamilton, ON).
They have two areas in Mile End, and both are cozy and inviting (and were absolutely busy on this particular weekday morning, divided between people working and people meeting for coffee).
The original location of their Parc Ave spot has a lovely little terrace out front that calls to you on a warm sunny morning, inviting you to enjoy a “PERFECT SPOT FOR YOUR MORNING LATTE.”
Locations:
- 5263 Du Parc, Montreal (Qc) H2V 4G9 (Parc)
- 71 Rue Saint Viateur East, Montreal (QC) H2T 1A7 (Saint Viateur)
Website: https://cafeingamba.com/
Instagram: @cafeingamba
Shaughnessy Café: A Multi Roaster with an Fantastic Bean Selection
Tucked into a basement level unit on the western outskirts of downtown Montreal between about three different universities/colleges, this is yet another multi roaster cafe that has a mix of local, domestic, and international roasters stocked on its shelves.
They rotate through them, though the barista couldn’t specify how frequently, and I saw Luna, Sey, and Traffic (among others) when I was there.
The reason Shaugnessy isn’t ranked higher is because they only employ their own house blend in the cafe itself. Which, I don’t know, kind of defeats the purpose of being a multi roaster, doesn`t it?
The cappuccino was good, though, but they don’t offer anything particularly distinctive outside of their selection of coffee beans.
I must say, though, I enjoy the space! It’s warm and inviting (is there a fireplace? I feel like there should have been a fireplace) and would be the perfect spot to read or work, especially in the winter when that cozy indoor space is what you’re looking for.
Location: 1455 Lambert-Closse, Montreal, QC
Website: shaughnessycafe.com
Instagram: @eclair.montreal
Cordova Coffee: A Recommendation from Coffee-Loving Friends
I`m disappointed to report that this was the sole spot in Montreal that I really wanted to visit (based on my research and recommendation from the folks at Luna), but just couldn`t quite fit it into my schedule.
It’s another cafe with multiple roasts (that has Luna beans), but there’s more of an all-day focus than some of the other locations on this list.
It was started by a group of three people – a person involved in coffee, a contestant on a culinary television program, and a journalist – which provides it with a different approach to coffee than many of the shops on this list.
They also offer cocktails and a Spanish-influenced food menu, making it a good spot to stop on a weekend afternoon if you`re in the St. Henri area.
Location: 4606 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H4C 1S4, Canada
Website: https://www.cordovasthenri.com/
Instagram: @cordova.st.henri
