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.
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.
Jul 27, 2025
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Excellent coffee options & italian sweets. Very popular & trendy place! I've been here a few times & there's usually quite the lineup for service. No table service, you have to line up, order & pay at the counter & then find a inside table or outdoor seating. A good spot to watch european sports & have a coffee. Street parking can be challenging depending on when you go.
Very nice atmosphere at this café. The coffee & donut were both delicious. There are indoor tables & outdoor benches where you can sit & enjoy your drink. It was especially nice in the summer.
L'affogato noisettes… mon addiction ! La succursale du Mile End, clairement ma préférée, ils sont vraiment généreux, & pour un affogato à 10 $, c'est clairement apprécié. On voit la différence (cf. photo : affogato bien rempli au Mile-End vs version plus classique au centre-ville). L'ambiance à l'italienne est toujours au rendez-vous, le service est top. La terrasse est grande ! Bref, une valeur sûre & un passage obligé, quitte à faire un détour !
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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