With some very hot days ahead, we thought we'd put together a short article listing the best places to enjoy an affogato or a crema di caffè. These two options are both refreshing and energizing-perfect for scorching hot days.
This Italian classic is being reinvented at various spots around the city, whether with hard or soft-serve ice cream, an espresso, or even matcha. In short, there's no shortage of choices. So here's our selection of the best spots to indulge and cool off with these little frozen delights from Italy.
Café Olimpico
419 Rue St-Vincent, Montreal, H2Y 3A6
You can't write an article about the best affogatos in town without mentioning the classic Olimpico. Whether you go there to enjoy their affogato or their caffè crema, this Mile End and downtown institution is sure to satisfy your desire to elevate your coffee break.
Read also:
The Best Ice Cream in Montreal
Café Ferlucci
432 Rue de Castelnau E, Montreal, H2R 1R3
In Villeray, Ferlucci offers an affogato inspired by Italian traditions but reimagined with its own third-wave coffee twist. A strong, flavorful espresso is poured not over scoops of hard ice cream, but rather over delicious soft-serve vanilla ice cream. Creamy and refreshing, it's the perfect dessert for a summer afternoon. And for those with a sweet tooth, a Nutella version is even available.
Noble Café
7060 Rue Alexandra, Montreal, H2S 3J4
Le Noble does things a little differently by adding a third-wave twist to its affogato. Here, it's prepared with cold brew coffee poured over soft-serve vanilla ice cream. Since the coffee is served cold, the result is particularly refreshing, and the ice cream melts much more slowly. Several variations are also available, including chai tea, matcha, London Fog, mocha, and more.
Bar Caffettiera
2055 Rue Stanley, Montreal, H3A 1R7
At Bar Caffettiera, the affogato is served as a "tartufo." A freshly brewed espresso is poured over this traditional Italian frozen dessert, which consists of a generous scoop of gelato with a rich center. A rich and decadent take on this Italian classic.
Café Vito
151 Rue Villeray, Montreal, H2R 1G4
At Café Vito, the affogato stays true to Italian tradition. Prepared with their house-brewed espresso and creamy gelato, it's the perfect indulgent treat during a stroll through Villeray. A simple, classic, and perfectly executed option,just like the café itself.
Zab Café
6201 Rue St-Denis, Montreal, H2S 1X2
At Zab Café, the affogato takes a delicious twist with a version made with pistachio gelato. The café's specialty espresso perfectly balances the richness of the pistachio for a result that's both indulgent and refreshing. A wonderful way to reimagine this great Italian classic with a distinctly Montreal twist.
Iconoglace
50 Avenue Laurier O, Montreal, H2T 2N4
At Iconoglace, the affogato is made with a freshly brewed espresso from Zab, poured over your choice of ice cream and topped with a pistachio, cinnamon, and cardamom crumble that adds a fragrant and crunchy touch. Those with a particularly sweet tooth can also opt for the impressive pistachio tiramisu affogato, topped with homemade amaretti cookies, pistachio paste, a mascarpone-ricotta mousse, and a cocoa-pistachio crunch.
Latto - Café & Bar Laitier
395 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montreal, H3B 1A4
Latto puts a new spin on this Italian classic with two versions: a traditional espresso affogato and a matchagato, where matcha is poured over creamy ice cream. Two frozen desserts that are perfect for a coffee break... or a matcha break on hot days.
Mano Figa
990 Rue Ottawa, Montreal, H3C 1S3
At Mano Figa, you'll find a Caffè Crema that emphasizes simplicity and high-quality ingredients. A rich, velvety espresso, made with their exclusive blend roasted by Traffic Coffee Co. is poured over creamy ice cream for a dessert that's both refreshing and deeply Italian. True to the spirit of the café, the focus is on the balance of flavors rather than on toppings.
Nonnina
1865 Rue Notre-Dame, Montreal, H8S 2E9
At Nonnina, the caffè crema offers a delicious way to cool off while enjoying a good dose of caffeine. This Italian iced specialty, halfway between an iced coffee and a dessert, fits perfectly with the spirit of this Lachine spot, known for its gelato, pastries, and an atmosphere reminiscent of Italian neighborhood cafés.
