Café Milano in St-Leonard is a popular Italian bistro with café. The specialties are sandwiches (Salcicia/ Steak/Chicken), submarines, soups and salads. Open late for the late night diners and offers what many say is "the best Italian espresso".
Café Milano remains a legendary Montreal spot known for its old school atmosphere, strong espresso and pastries, and solid Italian sandwiches and cannolis. The room feels like stepping back in time, and many return for the friendly service, late hours, and reasonable prices for the area, with a big terrace and a bustling tone when busy. Some reviews note the recent renovations have doubled the size and given a modern cafe vibe, while others miss the former coziness and quote thinner portions and occasional dryness in the chicken cutlet sandwich, with dressing and salt sometimes not meeting memory. Cleanliness is uneven according to some, and while the coffee and cannolis are praised, the full dining experience can be hampered by noise, wait times for tables, and occasional inconsistencies. Still, Café Milano is often cited as a dependable place for a sandwich, coffee, and a chat with friends, and many say it offers good value and a classic taste of Montreal.
Its been nearly 15-20 years since I used to frequent Milano's. It used to be much smaller & run down. Kind of a greasy spoon type of place that made the best sandwiches & salads. Its a lot different now. Its been redone, doubled in size & has a modern cafe bistro vibe. I ordered the 7' chicken cutlet sandwich. The smaller chicken salad, an aranciata & cappucino. The bill with tip was $40. The sandwich was good, but small. The chicken cutlet & toppings much thinner than I remember. The salad also okay. The chicken a bit dry & the dressing not as good as I remember. It needed also salt, which was not provided on the tables. Everything tasted fresh. The coffee was amazing. I should have asked for chocolate on top of my cap. Very clean inside the resto but the bathroom was not. All in all, I enjoyed my meal. It was a blast from the past with a bit of nostalgia mixed with some disappointments.
Mar 1, 2026
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Café Milano's is such a gem! This charming Italian café has the best subs ever-I've been coming here for years, & they never disappoint. I always tell my friends about it because everyone needs to try it at least once! This place is extra special to me because it's where my boyfriend & I had our first date. Since then, it's become my go-to spot, & I'm always excited to come back. The food is fresh & delicious, the atmosphere is warm & inviting, & the staff are so friendly. If you're looking for amazing Italian subs & a cozy spot to enjoy them, Café Milano's is the place to be. Highly recommend!
Jan 13, 2025
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Best place for a quick coffee grab or if you want to sit with your friends. Best thing that they have an extra seats available outdoor in summer so you can work on your computers or have a fresh tuna sandwich.
Great place, with delicious sandwiches, the bread is crispy, the vegetables were fresh, & the meat was nicely grilled. The drink selection is wide, & their summer special-coffee fusion was delicious.
Back in the 90's, this was the best place to get an Italian sandwich in St. Leonard. Be it steak, sausage, veal, or chicken, the sandwiches were fresh, delicious & reasonably priced. No more as times have changed. I ordered a veal & a steak sandwich yesterday. Also ordered a cappuccino while I waited only for it to be served when my order was ready. Bread was very stale. Toppings were no longer generous as they once were.
Jul 23, 2024
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We hired Cafe Milano to provide a coffee stand & a few desserts for our wedding. Frank was such a pleasure to work with, very responsive & adaptable to our needs. The coffee was amazing, the pastry was fresh, & they made sure that the delivery was well-timed to ensure that everything was fresh & delicious without even having to ask. Their set-up was beautiful & sleek & all of our guests raved about it. We would definitely recommend again & again!!!
Milano's Coffee in Saint-Leonard is a hidden gem that deserves recognition! From the moment you step inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee envelopes you in warmth & comfort. The baristas are not only skilled but also incredibly friendly, making each visit a delightful experience. Their coffee is expertly crafted, with a perfect balance of flavor & richness that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a cozy spot to relax, Milano's Coffee in Saint-Leonard is sure to exceed your expectations.
Milano's is one of the Best Sandwiches money can buy !!!! , Fresh all the time ! , Great ambiance , Service is fast & Coffee is really good ! , place to eat in the east end for sure !!! , highly recommended !!!! .