Café Olimpico is widely celebrated as an essential Old Montreal coffee spot, where rich, smooth espresso and a European vibe draw crowds and a loyal following. The beverage lineup includes cortado and affogato, paired with a pastry program that features tiramisu, cannoli, bomboloni, pistachio pastries, and other sweets that many describe as standout, along with notable hot chocolate and gelato. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, with authentic Italian touches and a lively, sometimes busy energy that makes lines common but often move quickly thanks to friendly and efficient service. Space is small with limited seating, which can be a challenge during peak times, though visitors often say the quality and hospitality make the wait worthwhile. The location in the heart of Old Port adds to the appeal, and many reviews frame Café Olimpico as a must visit, with guests returning on future trips for coffee, desserts, and that distinctive cafe culture.
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.
The place is honestly lovely, great atmosphere & ambience. Coffee & food absolutely top notch but what took over all this amazing experience was the service of my new friend & great barista Julian, thank you for giving us such a wholesome experience.
My friend & I visited this place three times during a recent trip to Montreal, so it's safe to say we were obsessed. We could not get enough of their caffe crema. Also enjoyed their remix & hot chocolate. The service was great & the atmosphere was perfectly cozy.
Nov 29, 2025
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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.
