Café Paper Hill is a café-bistro offering a selection of certified coffees, local seasonal dishes you can eat in or take away, evening aperitifs, alongside books and newspapers so you can unplug and refuel. Located in a heritage building, this place has a storied past. The story we choose to celebrate is its early days as home to the first print houses and publishers of Montreal. It is only fitting that we’ve dedicated an entire wall to our curated collection of books and magazines. Come in to savour an espresso and get lost in a novel, or simply pop-in for a change of pace.
Reviews of Café Paper Hill describe a bright, airy and stylish cafe that many visit for studying, working or meeting friends, thanks to ample seating, a distinct front and back terrace, calm ambiance, books and art, and friendly service. Coffee quality is a frequent strength with well balanced espresso, cappuccino and a notably good matcha, while some patrons report that certain iced drinks or the pink latte can be disappointing and note that it is beetroot with milk. Food options like mushroom toast, bagels, croissants, soups and salads are often praised, with some standouts such as egg salad and tuna melt, though a few reviews call pastries or some bites average. Service is generally described as warm and helpful, though a minority mention inconsistent or cold service and higher prices. The space is popular for working, with a clear split between work and laptop free areas, and some frustration around laptop restrictions or crowded times. Overall Café Paper Hill is seen as a gem for coffee lovers and a versatile neighborhood hub offering good drinks and solid bites in a thoughtfully designed setting that encourages focus or socializing.
I tried the pink latte, & I thought it was quite interesting. It is just beetroot with milk, but the thick syrup at the bottom gave me a hint of a strawberry, fruity taste. It was quite nice. I didn't particularly enjoy the vibe when I stayed in, though; beautiful decor & space, just wasn't very comfortable for sitting alone.
Very cute co-working space/café that has a very extensive brunch/lunch menu, although a little on the pricier side. I appreciate the the range of vegetarian & vegan options. The vibe is very pleasant with books & board games available & lots of seating! The co-working & non co-working space are clearly demarcated. The coffee quality is very good as well. I tried the pistachio croissant & the mushroom toast. The latter is very tasty & highly recommended. The pistachio croissant filling was excellent but wish the croissant was more fluffy & flaky. Would recommend this café whenever you're in Old Montréal!
The space looks well curated & has a great vibe. I went in to try their iced blueberry matcha & banana bread latte. First, I had to repeat my request a few times to the girl behind the counter. I'm a pretty loud person & the music wasn't loud at all for her not to hear me. Then when I got my order & walked out, I realized even though I ordered it iced, it was not. So I went back in to get that fixed. Left & walked down the block. I should've tried a sip of both the drinks before this point but one would imagine they would get their order. The specialty latte was just a regular latte with no added flavor & the iced matcha was just that. An iced matcha. No blueberry, no banana bread syrup. Honestly disappointed because I was very much looking forward to trying this space from a recent video I saw on tiktok. I think the owner stood for something great, the space looks amazing but the execution on the drinks, poor.
Checked out Café Paper Hill this afternoon & it was a solid pick. Went for the seasonal pumpkin spice latte (because fall mood) & it was really nice, warm, flavorful, not overly sweet. Since I was feeling a bit peckish, I grabbed a bagel with cream cheese & jam. Simple but spot-on. Both hit the mark, & the size/price balance is fair, which is always a win in Montreal.
The atmosphere is great! bright, cozy, & the kind of spot you could actually sit down with a laptop & study. Music's at a chill volume (thank you, not blasting), & the back terrace is a sweet bonus when the weather's nice.
Service was friendly & laid-back, & the place has that calm neighborhood café vibe without being pretentious. Overall, a good place to grab a quality coffee, snack, & maybe hang out for a bit. Definitely worth a visit.
The vibe is immaculate
The coffee/ drinks are stellar
Best espresso martini I've ever had ( think delicious ice cap)
The staff are extremely nice & helpful
10/10
A true gem in the city
Jul 24, 2025
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Love this spot, I come here all the time to unwind. It's always calm, super clean, & just has a really chill vibe. They've got both a front & back terrasse, & the back one is honestly perfect when you just want some peace & quiet with your coffee.
Paperhill Café (Montreal) is a unique, wonderful & welcoming place with a great vibe, delicious food, alcohol offerings, great coffees, & lots of care & attention by the owner & staff. The owner is very dynamic, creative, & responsive which translates beautifully to providing a memorable cafe experience. Varied indoor & outdoor seating options & cool activities. A very special location - just what the neighborhood & city needed. We go daily. Highly recommended.
