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.
Café Olimpico in the Mile End is a legendary institution for a reason. Their old-school espresso is consistently perfect-strong, smooth, & authentic. The atmosphere captures that classic Italian café vibe perfectly, making it the best spot to grab a coffee & soak in the local energy. In the summer, their outdoor terrace is the place to be, offering a great space to relax & enjoy the neighborhood. It is a must-visit for any coffee purist.
Café Olimpico is an absolute gem. The staff are incredibly warm & welcoming, creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar & full of character. The coffee is the real star here-authentic Italian quality, rich & perfectly balanced, just the way it should be. Whether you're grabbing an espresso at the bar or settling in with a cappuccino, every cup feels like a little trip to Italy. Highly recommend! ☕🇮🇹
Nov 2, 2025
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I love my espresso & cortado's daily so when my brother found out I was visiting Montreal he highly recommended this spot.
This place is awesome at all hours of the day.
We stayed downtown so we visited the location on Boulevard Robert?Bourassa & we also enjoyed the location in Old Montreal.
If you like great coffee & a great vibe make sure you check out any of the locations.
The added old photos on the wall of the Italian national team Azzuri is a very nice touch.
You won't be disappointed.
Caffè Olimpico is a legendary Montreal café known for delivering an authentic Italian coffee culture experience. From its roots in Mile End to its presence downtown, each location captures the essence of Italian hospitality, espresso excellence, & timeless charm.
Looking for the best espresso in Montreal? Stop what you're doing & RUN to Café Olimpico in Mile End! This legendary spot has been serving up rich, authentic Italian coffee since 1970, & trust me-the espresso here is next-level. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just need your daily fix, their smooth, perfectly balanced shots will have you dreaming of Rome.
The vibe is unbeatable: classic Italian décor, soccer flags, & a buzzing terrace where locals & visitors mingle like old friends. The staff are always welcoming & the service is fast, even when there's a line out the door (which is often!). Pair your coffee with a fresh pastry, tiramisu, or biscotti, & soak in the old-school charm that makes this place a true Montreal institution.
Open early & late, Café Olimpico is perfect for a morning pick-me-up, a lazy afternoon, or a late-night espresso run. If you haven't been yet, you're missing out on a real Montreal experience. Five stars, hands down-the gold standard for coffee in the city!
May 26, 2025
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Here, as Italian, I am not only happy to find a good espresso or cappuccino, I am proud to find such a'bar' as we would call this in Italy representing real Italian food & coffee tradition. Everything is authentic & the vibe is great on a rainy weekend morning
This Christmas season, Café Olimpico in Montreal was my perfect winter escape. With its festive decorations & cozy atmosphere, it's a place where the chill of the city melts away with every sip. Their famous espresso drinks hit the spot-rich, bold, & expertly crafted-perfect for those cold winter days. Whether you're catching up with friends or just people-watching, this Mile End gem brings comfort & character all year round. From the friendly service to the holiday cheer in the air, Café Olimpico feels like a festive hug in the heart of Montreal. It's a local favorite that captures the essence of the season: warm, inviting, & full of good vibes. If you're in Montreal during Christmas, don't miss this cozy corner-where every cup feels like a little celebration.
Café Olimpico est une institution à Montréal, & l'adresse de St-Viateur ne fait pas exception. Dès que l'on entre, on est enveloppé par l'arôme riche du café fraîchement préparé & l'ambiance animée qui fait le charme du lieu. Que ce soit pour un espresso court & puissant ou un cappuccino parfaitement mousseux, c'est ici que les amateurs de café italien trouvent leur bonheur. Le cadre est simple mais authentique, avec une atmosphère conviviale & sans prétention. C'est un endroit où l'on vient aussi bien pour discuter avec des amis que pour savourer un moment en solo. L'énergie du lieu est contagieuse, & on y ressent presque l'esprit d'un café de quartier en Italie, où les habitués se retrouvent & où tout le monde est le bienvenu. Le café y est toujours excellent, à un prix raisonnable, surtout pour la qualité offerte. Les baristas sont rapides & efficaces, même lorsque le café est bondé, ce qui arrive souvent. Que vous soyez un habitué ou de passage à Montréal, Café Olimpico est une halte incontournable pour profiter d'un café mémorable dans un lieu chargé d'histoire.
This place is peak Montreal in the best way possible. Where else can you sip a perfect espresso surrounded by a mix of effortlessly cool hipsters & Mediterranean regulars arguing passionately about God-knows-what? It's got that rare balance of trendy & authentic that makes it feel like a true neighborhood institution. The coffee? Always on point-no frills, just damn good. The vibe? Like your cool friend's living room, if your cool friend was perpetually caffeinated & had a knack for cultivating great people-watching moments. Outdoor seating is prime real estate in warmer weather, & the staff keeps it all running like clockwork, even when the line is out the door. If you're in Montreal & not grabbing a coffee here, are you even doing it right?
Nov 10, 2024
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Espresso was mediocre, affocato was not what I expected, a plastic cup with a cannoli, I told him I was staying in to enjoy it. Gelato was not as creamy as I expected. I will go back maybe it was a bad day...
We went to Quebec on vacation recently (from the US) & absolutely loved the way it felt like we were on a different continent. This place really exemplified that vibe - it felt very European! They only serve espresso, no American-style drip coffee. Delicious espressos & Americanos & best atmosphere of any coffee shop we visited in Quebec!
The espresso was ok but i had to stand in line for 9 or 10 minutes longer than i would have liked. The barista was enjoying an extremely long conversation with the customer in front of me & when it was over pretended like i was not even there.
i used to go to other italian coffee places but this one is gonna be my favorite one for now. the service is so good, their espresso so yummy & the staff, they do a great job. its kinda packed sometimes, depending the day or the time you go there but, it's worth the visit for a single espresso or some tiramisu. the ambience is so nice, as they play old school songs. you feel like back in the 80s, some italian 80s vibes lol.
This place is incredible. Everything they do is phenomenal. If you're looking for American style coffee/pour overs you're out of luck, but you should still go anyway because their espresso & pastries are insane.
