Overall, reviews describe Café Olimpico as a beloved, authentically Italian coffee spot with a warm, buzzy vibe and a strong focus on high quality pastries and espresso drinks. The space is small and often crowded, with limited seating which makes takeout or arriving early the practical choice. The drinks receive frequent praise—caffè crema, cortado, latte freddo, and rich espressos—while pastries like tiramisu, pistachio croissant, cannoli, and other Italian sweets are repeatedly highlighted as standout. The staff are repeatedly described as friendly, welcoming, and engaging, contributing to a hospitable atmosphere even during busy times. Some reviews note the compact, sometimes noisy interior and long lines, but also emphasize the lively ambiance and the sense of getting a taste of Italy in Montreal. Occasional criticisms include a few experiences with inconsistent service or a suboptimal latte on a busy day, but the overall impression remains that Café Olimpico is a Montreal staple worth visiting for the coffee, desserts, and vibrant vibe.
the barista's got charm, the kind that fills the room before the smell of coffee does. I ask him how it is. he laughs,'not good.' a joke, maybe. maybe not. he wasn't lying. it's the kind of coffee that tries too hard, like a man in a new suit with nothing to say. bitter, empty, no heart, no art. you drink it because you have to, because the day's too long, because you forgot what real coffee tastes like. it'll wake you up, sure, but it won't make you feel alive.
Extremely happy justin is back! the vibes are so right, the boys are grinning ear to ear while making coffees. what else could you ask for while getting your morning coffee!?
Wish the coffee was better!
Sadly, the coffee just wasn't good. I was really excited to try it after visiting three different shops during my work trip, but the latte was poorly made. Instead of using a slow, circular pour to incorporate the milk properly, the barista just dumped it in all at once. The result was a very bitter drink. I tried to finish it but ended up having to throw it away. The vibe was nice, but the coffee & the long line just weren't worth it. I'm not sure if they had token their time with the latte it could have been better, but I wouldn't go back. The good thing is there are plenty of other options in the area.
Ce café à l'ambiance tamisée est une vraie petite perle. 🍰☕? L'atmosphère est feutrée, chaleureuse, & donne envie de s'attarder longtemps autour d'un espresso ou d'un cappuccino bien mousseux.
Mais le vrai coup de coeur ? Les desserts italiens. 🇮🇹✨ Croissants dorés, biscuits croustillants, gâteaux moelleux & ces douceurs qu'on ne trouve pas partout. Chaque bouchée transporte directement à Rome ou à Naples, avec ce mélange de simplicité & de gourmandise qui fait la magie de la pâtisserie italienne.
Le comptoir déborde de tentations : tiramisu, biscotti, petites douceurs maison… le genre de vitrine où on a envie de tout goûter. 😍 Les prix sont honnêtes, & la qualité rend chaque euro (ou dollar) bien investi.
We had an excellent experience at this coffee shop - the espresso was rich, smooth, & expertly made, & the overall coffee quality was top-notch. The staff were professional & the atmosphere was welcoming within the café itself.
Unfortunately, outside of this space, our experience in Montreal was overshadowed by instances of racism, which deeply impacted our overall impression of the city. While the coffee shop offered a brief & much-needed positive moment, the broader social climate left us feeling disappointed & disheartened.
Amazing experience from the second I walked in to the second I left! Super friendly staff, amazing vibe, the coffee & snacks were phenom, & service was top tier. I'll definitely be a regular here !!
