Let's be honest, some of us like to go to cafes just to take cute pictures for Instagram, and not for the coffee itself. If you are one of those people, Montreal's coffee scene offers many charming and trendy cafes. Whether you are in the Old Port, in downtown, in Mont-Royal or anywhere else in the Greater Montreal area, there is a cute cafe in every corner.
To help you choose where to find the most aesthetically pleasing spots, we have compiled a list of some of the cutest cafes in the city. The establishments selected for this list are not only Instagrammable but also offer delicious food and drinks. As a matter of fact, you will find various culinary options, like Italian, Iranian, Japanese, and more!
2030 Rue Mansfield, Montreal, H3A 2Y7
Whether it be winter or summer, this coffee shop located near the McGill campus immediately transports you to a summery Spain, with its decor inspired by an orange grove. Upon entering, you are greeted by a ceiling full of oranges, tables and chairs reminiscent of European cafes, and ambient lighting. The best part is that they also offer an array of food and drinks, from delicious pastries, to homemade breakfast and lunch options, like loaded nachos, or smoked salmon on a toasted croissant or bagel, to fresh drinks like smoothies, iced teas, and more, all served in cute dishware. They even have a beautiful terrace outside.
292 Rue St-Catherine O, Montreal, H2X 2A1
Located in the Quartier des Spectacles, 5 Senses is the type of coffee shop that reminds you of an antique shop. Every corner of the cafe is adorned with unique pieces of furniture and decor, with multiple chandeliers and star-shaped lights hanging from the ceiling. Their menu is just as random, but in the best way possible, offering various options from smoothie bowls and caffeinated drinks, to Asian and Greek food and French crepes. The best part is that unlike many cafes, 5 Senses is open till late at night.
1015 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, H3A 1G5
From its tiled floor and wooden chairs, to its rustic walls and ceiling lanterns, this charming little Italian coffee shop transports visitors to Europe. Upon entering, you are greeted by the smell of the freshly made sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Make sure to order a hot drink as the baristas at cafe Castel make some of the cutest latte art.
360 Rue St-Jacques O., Montreal, H2Y 2N1
Who doesn't know about Crew Cafe already? Located in the Royal Bank Tower in the old Port of Montreal, this cafe also transports visitors to Europe, with its Cathedral style high ceilings and chandeliers. This spot is known for attracting both tourists and locals alike, so make sure to visit a bit early in the day as it can get quite crowded. Their iced latte with a dash of vanilla syrup is a must-try!
1448 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, H3G 1K4
Did you know that Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello visited this place in 2019? This basement-level Persian coffee shop is one of the coziest places in the city, with its wooden armchairs, arched doorways made of brick, and shelves filled with multiple jars of different spices and teas. You cannot miss out on their homemade Persian food and drinks!
200 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, H2Y 1T3
While there are multiple Tommy Cafe locations, the most iconic spot is the one located in the British empire building in the Old Port of Montreal. This bi-level coffee shop is one of the most beautiful and coziest places in the area, with its white arched windows, natural lighting and plants hanging from the ceiling. On top of that, they offer a variety of breakfast, lunch and pastry options. Their signature iced Tommy latte with Lucky Charms is a must-try!
Photo credit: Tastet
248 Rue de la Montagne, Montreal, H3C 2A7
Located in Griffintown, this colourful coffee shop is like an updated version of a New York-style bodega, with its black and white tiled floors, counter tables and stools, snack stall with unique and nostalgic treats like Dunkaroos, candies and more, and their various knitted plushies displayed over their cash register. Not only is this place very aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve amazing coffee.
51 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, H2X 1X2
Where to even begin? Set in an industrial-style space, this trendy and fashionable Japanese cafe is one of the coolest places to hang out. It even has a terrace, a DJ booth and a section for vinyl records for sale. Their menu includes unique Japanese-inspired drinks, such as caramel miso lattes and a variety of tea lattes. Make sure to check out this spot a bit early in the day as their sando sandwiches and curries run out fast. That's how you know the food is delicious!
Photo Credit: Elliot Légaré
173 Avenue Duluth E, Montreal, H2W 1H4
This charming little Portuguese cafe's aesthetic can be seen from the outside alone, with colourful graffitis covering its brick walls. The interior is just as cute, with its bright yellow walls covered with photos and paintings and its little wooden tables. Their food is just as vibrant in colour, offering various Portuguese soups, sandwiches, desserts and their infamous egg custard tarts.
1188 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, H3A 1H6
Located in the historic Maison Alcan building near the McGill and Concordia campuses, this coffee shop offers a modern yet welcoming atmosphere, with its ambient lighting, numerous plants hanging from the ceiling and comfortable and spacious seating area. The latter makes Améa Café one of the best spots to meet up with friends or get work done. Their menu is quite varied also, offering delicious Mediterranean inspired breakfasts and lunches, gourmet pizzas, the popular Supreme croissants, matcha lattes with pistachio milk, and more. Oh, and their washrooms are worth checking out too.
Photo credit: François Roy
206 Rue Bernard O, Montreal, H2T 2K4
What makes this coffee shop very charming is not only its bohemian decor or the fact that it is located in the Mile End, but that local musicians come to perform live everyday on weekdays. Whether it be the piano, the guitar, or the trumpet, the guests at this coffee shop always know how to liven up the atmosphere. Make sure to also try out their delicious carrot cake!
