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.
i had the remix coffee & it was definitely worth the hype. i didn't expect it to be as good as everyone was saying but it for sure exceeded my expectations. i had it in the bottled option cause im a bit late to the trend cause im having it in the winter & they mentioned that the clear cups weren't available rn. but i think it made my pictures look better tbh. but yeah it was a perfect mix of creamy sweet & bitter & if i had this cafe near me id come here almost everyday but i think its a good thing its not so i get to save money.😅🤣i will say its a bit overpriced i think i paid about 10 ish dollars? maybe 11 if i round it up. its not exactly worth it for the price but its definitely worth trying if you haven't. if you can afford it than i wouldn't recommend getting anything else if you like drinking your coffee cold. it's different from the regular iced coffee & most blended drinks are usually wayyyyyyyy too sweet but this one is just right. i was planning on sitting in the shop a bit but there werent any spots. it was too crowded & there was a funky vibe but the barista who took my order was pretty nice & fast too so i didn't have to wait too long in there thankfully.
This is the cutest cafe & the vibes are absolutely perfect. We went during the Winter Olympics while Canada's women's hockey team was playing which was really cool. The staff is really friendly & enthusiastic & they made the best mocha I've ever had. Definitely worth a visit.
Mar 21, 2026
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Worth the hype! You can tell this is a local spot with the cozy vibe & everyone hanging out here during the day. Latte was delish & definitely recommend their tiramisu!!!
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.
This is hands down my favorite coffee shop. The coffee is consistently excellent-rich, smooth, & made with care. You can really tell they take pride in what they serve.
The atmosphere is cozy & welcoming, whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or sitting down to relax. The staff are always friendly, attentive, & make you feel right at home.
It's one of those places you keep coming back to-not just for the coffee, but for the overall vibe. Highly recommended to anyone who appreciates great coffee & great service.
The vibe at Cafe Olimpico is always buzzing, always busy, always friendly & fast. Came highly recommended, & would highly recommend! They have oat milk & were very accommodating with a'half-caf' request. The perfect pick me up for two New Yorkers visiting Montreal's Mile End: Cafe Olimpico for an oat milk latte then down the street for St Viateur Bagels ('all dressed' for everything bagel lovers).
Sep 27, 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.
Cute, vibey coffee shop with a super friendly staff & the perfect ambiance for reading, writing, or enjoying a relaxed afternoon. I ducked into Cafe Olimpico to hide from the rain, & it was such a pleasant surprise of a spot; the barista was super friendly & clearly knew all of the locals / regulars. The line moves pretty slowly, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend this spot if you're in a rush, but it's a great spot if you're okay with a more relaxed pace & want to spend a few minutes chatting with the barista.
The cafe tends to be rather crowded, but if you manage to snag a spot at a table, it's a super cozy spot to hang out. I love the stone walls & dark wooden furniture, which gives the whole shop a very homey vibe. I ended up staying there for well over two hours (even though the rain had long since passed), & it was delightful.
The coffee is solid, but not the highlight of this cafe. I also love that they're open late, so it's a great spot for evening / night hang-outs.
Jul 3, 2025
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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!
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
