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.
Overall, reviews of Café Olimpico celebrate the coffee as rich, balanced, and memorable, with favorites like the crema and the remix, and pastries such as tiramisu and cannoli earning praise. The atmosphere is described as lively, welcoming, and distinctly Italian, with a cozy interior and a buzzing terrace especially in good weather. The cafe is often crowded and seating is limited, leading to long lines, but staff are noted as friendly and fast, keeping service moving. Some comments mention that prices can be a bit high, but many feel the experience is worth a visit and consider it a Montréal institution. Overall, Café Olimpico is viewed as a must visit for coffee lovers, with strong community vibes and consistently excellent coffee across locations.
Stumbled upon Cafe Olimpico last Saturday morning & honestly it's become my new favorite weekend ritual in the city. The espresso they pulled was genuinely one of the best I've had in Montreal - rich & perfectly balanced without being bitter. The space has this old-school Italian coffee bar vibe that feels completely unpretentious, just locals hanging out & reading the paper. If you haven't made it out to Mile End yet, this place alone is worth the trip.
The coffee was not what I was expecting. Not your typical ice coffee shop that carries standard drinks. The ice is crushed so it's more grainy. Kind of mid
May 2, 2026
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Nice place. Line was to the door so it took a few minutes. Got the Remix & it was great, but I probably didn't need the larger size. I like the decoration & the aesthetic that they are going for. I would come back next time I am in the area to try more menu items.
Classic spot that never disappoints. The coffee is rich, smooth, & exactly what you want from a proper Italian-style café.
The real star for me though: the gelato. Pistachio & hazelnut are to die for! Insanely creamy, full of flavor, & not overly sweet. You can actually taste the quality ingredients.
Perfect combo of a great coffee + indulgent dessert. Simple, authentic, & done right.
Apr 20, 2026
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YVR Canadian foodie here. Now this is exactly what I imagine when it comes to an old school Italian cafe, truly capturing the essence of a timeless charm. Simply get an amazing cup of coffee to pair with the cannoli. I think they have one of the best cannoli in Montreal.
They need to improve the layout. It's quite annoying when you're sitting down & there are people all around you queuing to ask something at the counter.
Incredible & flavourful coffee, with quick, excellent customer service. It was a nice spot, with authentic decor. However, you may be waiting a while for a table, as it is a popular spot- especially on a cold day when everyone is indoors. It would be nice if they would limit the amount of laptops/iPad users inside the cafe. Other than that, definitely stop when in Montreal.
Great vibe! Very urban cafe. The espresso is excellent albeit the cup size is quite small. We ordered mocha & cappuccino, both were very good but you finish the drinks fairly quickly. The heavenly taste cookie was excellent too
