The reviews are generally very positive about the atmosphere, decor, and coffee, with several comments also highlighting good service. Several dishes and pastries are frequently praised, including the drinks, toasts, muffins, and some pastries. However, a few customers found the service inconsistent, sometimes brusque, and the place does not seem ideal for everyone, especially during busier hours. One person also mentions few vegan options.
the vibes were kinda off
Amazing pastries and Aoife was an excellent server who made our time here really pleasant
pastry and service very good, was nice the keep some tables open to those not using laptops
Highly recommend both the espresso, and the croque monsieur.
I had a very disappointing experience at this café, which unfortunately does not reflect well on Montréal’s café culture, especially for students looking for a calm place to study or spend time. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt unwelcoming. Although the café looked nice and somewhat “fancy,” we quickly felt out of place due to the general attitude of the staff. We were a group of five, and while three people ordered normally, two of us initially chose not to order anything. A staff member (who appeared to be in a managerial or ownership role) approached us in a very rude and confrontational manner, insisting that we had to order something. The tone used made us feel uncomfortable and pressured, which immediately created a negative experience. Because of this pressure, we ended up ordering anyway just to be able to stay and study. However, the overall service and attitude remained unpleasant throughout our visit. Later on, we were told we could not consume small personal snacks we had brought (simple crackers), which we understood, but the way it was enforced felt unnecessarily harsh and unfriendly, especially given the already tense atmosphere. On top of that, the drinks we ordered did not meet expectations. The chai latte, which we specifically asked about before ordering, was described as having a strong chai flavor. In reality, it tasted like a plain milk drink with very little chai presence, which felt misleading compared to what was promised. Overall, the experience was disappointing due to the rude interactions, poor atmosphere, lack of hospitality, and overpriced, underwhelming products. Multiple similar reviews online also mention rude service and poor ambiance, (I also seen, micro-racism , straight Racism, pressure abuse, verbal aggression and much more than a “Montreal” cafe should NOT have at all..which unfortunately and obviously reflects what we experienced as well. And this do not reflect Montreal cafe i do not know who managed, that but he/she/it should be ashamed. This café feels far from being a welcoming or comfortable place, especially for students or anyone looking for a relaxed environment to work or study. And I sincerely think of making a higher complain and calling the mapaq for the lack of salubrity and also have to involve OCP/OPC, Office of Consumer Protection, being a member myself, it is going to be a personal case believe me.
Downtown independent coffee, giving me life. I am a silent monster without some quality coffee. The latte & a cortado made me smile. 31st May 2026 last day before their break so had to grab some beans to go.
The food quality is super good, the pistachio small tartelette and the avocado toast and salad were excellent. The coffee was good too. Recommend
As you enter, leaving behind the festive that Places des Festivals is well known for, you find a quiet ambiance accompanied by a gentle jazz house playlist. From the aesthetic of the place and to the waiters/waitresses, everything is quite exquisite! The customer service was lovely, big thanks to Aoife and her crew! The coffee was delightful and the burger is a personal favorite. A nice tinge of spicy to keep your day going 💪
Great decoration, lovely place. Loved the chai latte and the pistachio muffin, delicious. Avocado and salmon toast very good 😋 great service 😀
Such a cute cafe. Got food and coffee and both were delicious. Great place to work and easy to get to.
Nice atmosphere
Great and cozy café with a warm, inviting atmosphere that immediately makes you feel comfortable. The pistachio tarte is truly outstanding, rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced in sweetness with a deliciously fresh taste. It’s located right in front of the metro, which makes it incredibly convenient, yet it still feels like a hidden gem. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy a high-quality dessert in a welcoming setting.
My friend was at the café and had already ordered food. I went to sit with her, but I am currently fasting for Ramadan, so I am not eating or drinking anything. I was simply keeping her company. Shortly after I sat down, the manager approached me and asked if I would like to order. I politely explained that I am fasting and therefore would not be ordering anything, but that my friend had already placed an order and I was just sitting with her. He responded rudely, saying that I still needed to order something or I could not remain seated in the café. About 20 minutes later, he approached me again, and I calmly repeated the same explanation. He then returned once more, speaking in a very disrespectful and horrible tone, and told me that if I was not ordering anything, I needed to leave and could sit “outside” instead. I have never experienced this level of disrespect in a café before. The way I was treated felt humiliating and discriminatory. I am extremely disappointed and disturbed by this behavior and i've heard this manager is known for racial microagressions
I came here with a friend today and unfortunately had one of the worst café experiences I’ve had in Montreal. I ordered a tea, and my friend was fasting for Ramadan, so we explained that she wouldn’t be ordering food or drink until 5pm when her fast broke. The manager was immediately dismissive and rude. Even though I told him I planned to order more, he insisted on a “20-minute ordering rule” and asked us to leave instead of taking my second order. The café was nearly empty at the time. The interaction felt unnecessarily hostile and, given the context, personally and culturally disrespectful. It was disappointing and uncomfortable
Incredibly disrespectful manager & horrible experience. I ordered a coffee & sat for under 20 mins before the manager told me I had to order something else if I wanted to stay. When I said that I already got something he told me to go outside because I have to keep ordering if I wanted to stay.
The food is good but nothing worth the prices and the service is awful they HARRASSED us from the moment we stepped into the cafe to the moment we left asking us to order and sit at specific places that were not ideal for studying and leaving MULTIPLE tables empty and cramming students together for potential clients that literally never came we were placed at the random benches outside of the main coffee space that were backless chairs facing a wall. Could’ve just stayed at my school library if I wanted to depress and pay for overpriced mid food. At least the chairs there would’ve been cushier. Finally, waiters are French I think you know how rude those come.
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