Overall impressions describe Café de'Mercanti as a cozy, welcoming neighborhood hub with excellent coffee, tasty Italian pastries, and friendly, attentive service, though it can be busy and a little loud at peak times. The espresso is widely praised for its richness and smoothness, with memorable croissants, cannoli, and hot chocolate, and the atmosphere is often described as relaxed and social, with plenty of seating and a small garden terrace. Some reviews note crowds or a quick pace that can affect service and cleanliness, but the quality and vibe make it a reliable spot for a casual coffee, conversation, and a generally pleasant experience.
I have been putting off leaving this review for 6 months in the hopes that the owners would realize the new baristas they have cannot make coffee, but it's only gotten worse.
We have been coming to Mercanti ~3 times a week for coffee for years because it was the absolute best in the area. Before November, Ilan & Darryl were the baristas making consistently excellent coffee.
Starting in November, Mercanti started hiring new baristas that have no idea how to make decent coffee. We've raised our concern a couple of times over the last 6 months but felt uncomfortable saying more. We have friends & family that frequent the cafe & they've been disappointed recently as well.
The last straw came last week when my coffee tasted awful...I came home & told my partner that it tasted like I was drinking petrol. He told me that happens when the machine isn't cleaned properly.
It's shocking how the best coffee in town has gone downhill so quickly...truly heartbreaking for a family who spent countless mornings in this cafe. We have no choice but to sadly look somewhere else for our regular coffees.
Cozy cafe on Monkland avenue, in the heart of the NDG district. Coffee is great thanks to a master barista, staff is very friendly & the terrasse is a magnet for the local & visiting cutomers.
The'tall, young' Barista did not know how to make a proper Flat White (must be made with proper ratio of espresso to microfoam) & instead mainly like a cup of'warm milk.' Perhaps because he was too focused on chatting it up with his colleague on the topic of hockey stats (no issues with that, so long as you can also focus & make a proper coffee for the customer).
The'older' fellow who took the order at the cash was rude & presented a classic'arrogant vibe.' No'good morning' or a even hello to the customer?
Quite rare to experience both arrogant & unhospitable attitude...& bad coffee but they nailesd it!
Food & coffee good even though a bit overpriced, but the place is a bit dirty They are not really friendly & they keep air conditioning literally shooting on the head of customers. I got sick!!!!! Not recommended
Great casual terrace to enjoy your coffee outdoors. Sit & chat for as long as you like. Some people had their dogs. I had a single shot latte which was good, but I'd probably go for a double shot next time. They have some croissants & cookies but I didn't see any food.
Looking for the perfect espresso in Montreal? Café de' Mercanti on Monkland Ave is a true gem that brings a slice of Italy right to NDG! 🇮🇹☕?
From the moment you walk in, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee hits you, & you know you're in for something special. Their espresso is hands-down one of the best in the city-rich, smooth, & authentically Italian, just like in Rome. Whether you're a coffee purist or love a creamy cappuccino, you'll find your new favorite here.
The vibe is cozy & welcoming, with friendly staff who make you feel like a regular even on your first visit. There's plenty of seating inside & a cute garden terrace for sunny days-perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with a book. Don't miss their pastries & fresh cannoli, piped to order & absolutely delicious.
Café de' Mercanti is more than just a coffee shop-it's a neighborhood hub with a real community feel. If you're in NDG, do yourself a favor & stop by for a true Italian coffee experience. Highly recommended!
