Old Montreal's Café Olimpico is widely praised as a beloved Italian coffee spot with rich, smooth coffee and an impressive pastry lineup including tiramisu, cannoli, bomboloni and pistachio croissants; the cozy wooden interior and warm, welcoming staff create a European cafe vibe that draws locals and visitors alike even as the small space and lines can be challenging; customers highlight standout items like affogato, cortado, cappuccino and gelato, along with generous service and occasional thoughtful accommodations for gluten free options; the overall tone is that the cafe is a must visit for authentic flavor, friendly atmosphere, and a strong sense of Montreal cafe culture.
AStepping into Café Olimpico - Vieux-Montréal feels like a quick trip to Rome without leaving the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. Whether you're an early bird catching the 6 AM sunrise or looking for a late-night espresso fix, this spot delivers that perfect European vibe every time.
Did you know? While this stunning location is a neighborhood favorite, the Olimpico legacy actually began in 1970 when founder Rocco Furfaro opened the original shop in Mile End just so he'd have a place to watch soccer games with his friends! ⚽? Today, they still serve that same secret family blend of six different beans that has made them a global coffee landmark.
Grab a cannoli, snag a window seat, & watch the world go by in the heart of the Old Port. 🥐🏛?
Amazing place, loyal to this cafe since 3 years now, this & sainte catherine has been my go to since years.
Nick & anthony are amazing & best at their work
Perfect Crema Cafe! I have been looking for so long for Crema Cafe in Toronto & the only one I found (Eataly) sucked. A trip to Montreal & to Café Olimpico was needed to try sth this amazingg
A True Gem in Old Montreal! Café Olimpico is an absolute must-visit! The Hazelnut Affogato was out of this world-rich, creamy, & perfectly balanced. The cannoli, made fresh in Europe & served here in Montreal, tasted authentic & heavenly. & the tiramisu? Simply delicious-light, flavorful, & the perfect sweet ending.
The atmosphere is warm & inviting, with that classic Italian café vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. Every detail feels crafted with love & tradition. If you're in Old Montreal, do yourself a favor & stop by-this place is unforgettable!
Café Olimpico is widely recommended as one of Montreal's classic Italian coffee spots, & we stopped by this Vieux-Montréal location for a short coffee break earlier in the spring. It absolutely lived up to its reputation.
I loved the vibe & ambience of the café-lively yet relaxed, with the Italian café energy that makes you want to linger a little longer.We had Macchiato & Cortado, they were very good. & the tiramisu was delicious, rich without being overly heavy. The cafe is quite small tho, with limited seating, & it connected to a clothing shop & to a hotel, the lineup was huge but moving fast.
Moments like this really remind you that Quebec is a hidden gem for coffee lovers, with so many great cafés worth discovering. ☕?🇮🇹
To be honest, I thought I was crazy when I took a sip of this coffee & thought'really? This is what people say is the best coffee in Montreal?' Everyone else in the cafe was exclaiming how wonderful it was. The espresso is a bold Italian roast that leans heavily towards burnt & bitter, with an ascorbic aftertaste. I would choose all antonyms of smooth to describe the mouth feel. Sadly the pastries didn't look too much better. Sad squished crossiants & soggy doughnuts did not tempt me enough to purchase them. Although the cannoli & tiramisu looked delicious!
The edible aspects of Cafe Olympico left much to be desired, but the staff were great! Kind, funny, patient with tourists, & generous with their welcoming attitude. It's a funky cafe with classic charm & an infectious energy of welcome that would keep folks coming back.
Overall, the coffee wasn't that great, the food sub-par, but that atmosphere was delightful & the staff were fantastic.
Café Olimpico: An Authentic Italian Escape in Old Montreal
Step directly into Italy from the streets of Old Montreal. Right in the heart of the city's historic district, Café Olimpico welcomes you with an inviting atmosphere filled with authentic Italian flavors & aromas.
Beyond the excellent coffee, the café offers a wide variety of pastries that transport you to Italy's best pasticcerias from the very first bite. The highly friendly baristas make you feel instantly welcome, as if you're visiting longtime friends.
We have been customers a number of times, & the place is always joyfully relaxing. On our last visit, Julien treated us to great music & engaging conversation while preparing what were truly the best cappuccinos ever.
Finally, the enchanting building & decor complete the experience, making this spot an absolute must-visit.
It's a very nice place, I went to study with my friend (knowing before hand it was a small cafe linked to a hotel lobby), the only issues we've had was that it got cold very easily every time someone opened the door, wind/cold would come in & we were a bit uncomfortable, & my friend also had issues with her order. She ordered a London Fog but the barista seemed to not know what it was / how to do it but took her order anyways, & the tea wasn't infused enough as he didn't really know what he was doing, & then charged her for an Americano with milk. Also he didn't ask her if she wanted the receipt & threw it out immediately, & when she asked for it, he didn't seem to know how to print another one (I'm a cashier so to me that's a very simple thing to do, but I could be wrong). My mocha didn't have a lot of cocoa but the banana bread is insanely good I will say that. +the slice is huge.
Café Olimpico is one of those charming little spots that instantly makes you feel at home. It's a quaint, small café with limited seating, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in warmth, character, & quality. The moment you walk in, you can tell why it's such a beloved staple among both locals & visitors.
The coffee here is exceptional rich, smooth, & made with real care. It's the kind of cup that wakes you up in the best way & keeps you coming back. Their food is just as impressive, simple yet delicious, & perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing moment with a pastry. The service is friendly & efficient, adding to that welcoming neighborhood feel that's hard to find these days.
What made it even better for me was how convenient it was to my hotel. Being able to stroll over for great coffee & a comfortable atmosphere was a huge plus, especially in a city with so many options.
Even though space is limited, the café's energy & authenticity make it worth waiting a few minutes if needed. It has that classic European café charm that encourages you to slow down & enjoy the moment, something that's easy to appreciate in Montréal.
Overall, I'd highly recommend Café Olimpico to anyone looking for quality coffee, good food, & a genuine local experience. It's absolutely worth the visit, & I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in the city.
While staying in the Old Port I visited this Cafe Olimpico when they opened at 6a each morning.
The barista David warmly welcomed me, & after the first morning impressively remembered my order each successive morning!
I really liked the community he created - locals & visitors alike were talking amongst themselves & it made me - as a visitor to the city - feel like a local.
