Best Cafés in Downtown (2026) - Reviews & Menus

Downtown, Shaughnessy Village

Café Bakery Pastries Crêpes Desserts & Sweets Gluten-free Options

Mentioned in: The Most Indulgent Cupcakes in Montreal: Our Recommendations

Review Summary

Café Desserts ETC. stands out as a popular spot for dessert lovers with a broad range of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and pastries that are often fresh, moist, and beautifully presented. The cake offerings, especially tres leches and red velvet, receive high praise and customization for celebrations is a recurring theme. Customers frequently note friendly, attentive service and helpful recommendations from staff, with many visits described as warm and welcoming. Several reviews mention the atmosphere as cozy and charming, though a couple point to occasional gaps in service at the counter and value for money depending on the item. The selection includes late night options and coffee, making it a versatile stop for dessert during trips or daily routines. Overall, the consensus is positive, with strong favorites across items and frequent plans to return.View restaurant profile

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Cafe Lounge

Open until 3 am

(3)

Downtown

Café Bar

Fuwa Fuwa

World Famous Soufflé Pancakes

Opens Today at 10 am

(474)

Downtown

Desserts & Sweets Breakfast Crêpes Café

Mentioned in: Where to Find the Best Pancakes in Montreal

Review Summary

Fuwa Fuwa is described as a standout for ultra-light Japanese and soufflé pancakes, croffles, and decadent desserts, with many praising the airy textures, delicate flavors like tiramisu and pistachio, and the visually appealing presentations; the robot server adds a playful element that some find charming while others view as a gimmick. The menu items frequently highlighted include the tiramisu and matcha pancakes and the Basque cheesecake, though some experiences note eggy or undercooked pancakes, uneven fillings, or portions that feel small for the price. Wait times are a dominant theme, as made to order pancakes can take longer than expected, and in busy times service can feel slow or disorganized. Cleanliness and atmosphere receive mixed reviews, with some calling the space cozy and Instagram friendly and others reporting dirty tables or bathrooms and cramped layouts that hamper comfort. Service quality varies, with many staff described as friendly and attentive, while others encounter monotone or inattentive service or language barriers. Overall Fuwa Fuwa seems to be a popular dessert destination worth trying for pancake lovers who have time to spare and are open to premium pricing, but it may not satisfy those seeking quick service, consistent value, or a calmer dining experience.View restaurant profile

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Cacao 70

Opens Today at 9:30 am

(383)

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Downtown

Café Desserts & Sweets Crêpes Sandwiches

Review Summary

Overall, reviews for Cacao 70 mix high marks for rich chocolate drinks, generous portions, and a tempting dessert menu with many noting the classic dark hot chocolate and Belgian chocolate as standouts, and brunch options described as appealing; service is often praised as friendly and welcoming, making it a good spot for casual meetups and families. On the downside, several experiences mention a loud or bar like ambiance and inconsistent cleanliness, with reports of sticky tables, noisy music, and occasional mess in the dining area, as well as long waits for food or unclear service at peak times. Menu value can feel hit or miss, with some dishes and prices deemed reasonable and others seen as expensive for the portion size, and a few reviews cite uneven quality across items or a disappointing sweet option. Still, many would return for the chocolate focused concept and desserts, while others advise timing and expectations to manage the experience.View restaurant profile

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Chaiiwala of London - Montreal

Opens Today at 10 am

(321)

Downtown, Shaughnessy Village

Indian Café

Review Summary

Chaiiwala in Montreal is described as a warm, welcoming spot with a standout Karak chai and pink chai, rich aromas, and a menu that also features samosas, parathas, desi toast, wraps and toasties, chana masala, and desserts like gulab jamun cheesecake and a chocolate lava cake; the vibe is lively and cozy, making it a popular hangout for chai lovers and groups, with ample seating and late hours; the staff are repeatedly praised for friendly, attentive service and helpful hospitality, though a few notes mention upcharges or unclear pricing, occasional declines in food quality, and moments when cleanliness or heating fell short; overall the drinks are often described as the best in town or among the best, with many visitors planning to return, and the place is frequently recommended for authentic chai and a robust menu that pairs well with the beverages.View restaurant profile

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Alice Bar

HÔTEL OMNI MONT-ROYAL

Opens Today at 1:30 pm

(5)

Downtown

Contemporary/Modern Café

Chez Hailar

Open until 2 am

(954)

Downtown, Shaughnessy Village

Iranian Café Halal Pizza Sandwiches

Review Summary

Reviews describe Chez Hailar as a cozy, welcoming spot serving authentic Persian fast food with standout pizzas and sandwiches. The atmosphere is warm and homey, the upstairs dining area is particularly praised while the downstairs is undergoing renovations. The quality of food and ingredients is repeatedly praised, with favorites including roast beef sandwich and roast beef pizza, bandari sandwich, and a variety of Persian style pizzas. Many reviews highlight the restaurant's signature house sauce and a distinctive thyme powder that elevates several pizzas. Desserts and beverages such as saffron ice cream, pistachio shakes, and Dubai chocolate desserts are noted as delicious additions. Service is described as friendly, attentive, and often fast, with appreciation for consistent hospitality across visits, though a few mentions of occasional delays or online order mix-ups exist. Value is seen as good for the quality, even if a few diners find some items pricey for portions, and many say they will return. Overall, it comes across as one of the best Persian fast food options in Montreal, delivering bold flavors, varied menu, and a welcoming, nostalgic vibe.View restaurant profile

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San Sebastian cafe

Open until 3 am

(274)

Downtown, Golden Square Mile

Café Pastries Desserts & Sweets

Review Summary

San Sebastian cafe presents a warm, cozy, spacious feel with modern yet comfortable décor and plenty of seating for working, studying or meeting friends late into the night. Reviews praise a broad drinks menu from espresso to lattes and specialty coffees, along with a signature San Sebastian cheesecake available with pistachio, chocolate or lotus biscoff toppings that many call creamy and indulgent though some note it can be very sweet or pricey. The atmosphere is described as friendly and welcoming, with helpful staff and a vibe that suits both focused work and relaxed conversation. A few observations point to cleanliness issues in the floors or restrooms and occasional slower service during busy periods. Overall the cafe is seen as a standout dessert spot in Montreal, highly recommended for the cheesecake, hot chocolate and the inviting ambience, and many say they would return with friends to enjoy the desserts, drinks and comfortable space.View restaurant profile

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Kettlemans Bagel

Open 24HRS

(485)

Downtown

Bagels Café

Review Summary

Overall, reviews of Kettlemans Bagel describe a place with fresh Montreal-style bagels and a wide range of toppings, from cream cheese to smoked meat, with many customers praising the quality and variety. Service is frequently noted as fast and friendly, the surroundings are clean and welcoming, and staff are described as helpful with good recommendations. Many visitors say they would return and some call it among the best bagels in Montreal, though a few reports mention slower service, occasional order mix-ups, or inconsistency in bagel texture from visit to visit. Pricing is described as reasonable or competitive for the quality, with some comments about value and portions. Overall sentiment emphasizes taste and service, with praise for ambiance and care shown by the staff, while noting that experiences can vary.View restaurant profile