Nestled in the heart of the ever-growing Mile End district, Café Olimpico has undoubtedly been one of Montreal's best-kept secrets. In a city known for its multiculturalism, Café Olimpico's European flavor definitely fits the bill. Founded in 1970 by the late Rocco Furfaro, this vibrant and charming café has not only withstood the test of time but has brought together people from all walks of life. From the businessman who sips his early morning espresso, to the artists and students who leisurely enjoy their afternoon cappuccino, Café Olimpico has proven to be a great place to meet great people.
Across reviews, Café Olimpico is consistently praised for outstanding coffee with authentic Italian character, including rich espressos, smooth cortados, and flavorful lattes, often paired with beloved pastries like tiramisu and cannoli. The atmosphere is described as warm, cozy, and lively, with real Italian café vibes, old school decor, sports on TVs, and a buzzing terrace in nice weather. Staff are repeatedly noted as friendly, efficient, and welcoming, helping it feel like a neighborhood hub even during busy periods, though lines and seating can be limited. The spots are seen as Montreal institutions open early and late, with multiple locations maintaining the same charm and quality, and the overall experience is described as a go to for coffee purists craving a true Italian cafe vibe. Desserts and pastries, especially cannoli and pistachio items, are highlighted as must tries, and the quality of the coffee is often described as epic and consistently well balanced. Some reviews mention occasional bathroom or outdoor cleanliness issues during peak times, but these do not overshadow the strong coffee, vibrant energy, and community feel that define Café Olimpico. Overall, Café Olimpico is viewed as a top destination in Montreal for great coffee, tasty sweets, and a lively, sociable atmosphere.
Came from New York to spend a week in Montreal. It was a forty minute walk from where I was staying, & I came here four times. Very relaxed. Lots of locals. Great outdoor area for relaxing in the sun or people watching. Coffee was really good, & the staff has that familiar vibe with just about everyone. It's like they're your cousins, but you're not sure how or from what side of the family. Will always come back when I visit Montreal. Helps that St. Viatuer bagel is right around the corner.
Cozy little Italian café with an authentic ambiance! The staff is super friendly, the coffee is excellent, & the tiramisu is delicious.
They also sell good handmade pistachio chocolate bars.
Just a heads-up-parking is limited if you're driving. Love this place!
Mar 10, 2025
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Italian coffee which is similar to what I had in Australia - unlike other coffee I had in North America, I was so happy seeing the right amount of coco powder on top of my cappuccino. & the tiramisu is not too sweet!
Le meilleur café italien de Mtl pour moi , excellentes patisseries italiennes aussi, iced coffee & tutte quante affogato tiramisù canoli, le croissant au Nutella ou aux pistaches débordé de crème & c est généreux & succulent . Bravo keep going .. Nous avons essayé toutes les succursales &. C'est aussi bien partout mais celui du mile end reste mon coup de coeu
Feb 27, 2025
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One of the best coffees in Montreal. Expect a line-up during the busy hours (depending the season) almost every day; early in the morning (rush hour), around noon & all the evening.
The only point to improve for them is maybe to clean the washrooms regularly , considering the high traffic!
Café Olimpico is hands down my favorite coffee spot! I recently had their cannoli & latte, & both were absolutely delicious. Their pistachio croissant is also a must-try-it's consistently amazing, though if you're visiting their Centre-Ville location, it may not be available before 10 AM so it's something to plan for if you're craving one early in the day. It might be different now, but that was my experience in the past. (I'm not sure if this applies to all locations, but it's something to keep in mind.)
The staff is fast, friendly, & always makes the experience enjoyable. The cleanliness of the place is excellent, which adds to the overall appeal. The only minor challenge is finding a spot to sit during busy times, but it's worth it for the quality of the food & coffee.
Whether you're stopping by for a coffee, a croissant, or a sweet treat like their cannoli, Café Olimpico never disappoints.
Finally tried the original olimpico. It's open late at night & the coffee is delicious! It's also way bigger than the other locations but as busy if not more. Highly recommend!
Jan 24, 2025
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Café Olimpico is a lively Italian bakery & coffee spot that was packed when I arrived, with a mostly younger crowd. We stopped in for a quick coffee & a couple of cannolis, an original & chocolate (or hazelnut). The service was friendly & efficient, but the coffee & cannoli were just okay. They didn't quite live up to the hype for me, though the atmosphere was fun & lively & the people were friendly. We spent about 30 minutes interacting with other people & it was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon!
Enjoyable Montreal cafe with very authentic italian design The coffee was so good that I ordered twice They have projector ️ & screen that shows the top football games
I recently visited Café Olimpico , & I must say, it was an amazing experience! The coffee was rich, flavorful, & perfectly brewed. The atmosphere was cozy & welcoming, making it a great spot to relax or catch up on some work. I'll definitely be coming back to enjoy more of their delicious offerings. Highly recommended!"
