The reviews describe Caffè Italia as a cozy, old school Italian cafe with a real Little Italy vibe, where the coffee is consistently strong and smooth, especially cappuccino and espresso, and where fresh sandwiches, panini and cannoli shine alongside pastries. The atmosphere is repeatedly cited as a key part of the tasting experience, making it a great place to start the day or catch up with friends, and the prices are considered reasonable for the quality. Several mentions praise the welcoming service and the family feel, though a few reviews note that busy times can bring longer waits. Overall the spot is seen as a true Montreal staple that delivers authentic Italian cafe culture with a simple but excellent bite and top notch coffee.
I had a wonderful experience at Italia Café in London! The atmosphere was cozy & inviting, the coffee was rich & perfectly brewed, & the desserts were absolutely delicious. The staff was friendly & attentive. A lovely spot for a relaxing break - highly recommended!
I used to visit this place occasionally without any issues. In the past, they'd always take your order or at least acknowledge you if you were waiting or seated inside.
I walked in, said'Hi' to the tall buff guy with glasses (don't know his name), & was seated at a table. I waited over 10 minutes, yet he walked by me several times without acknowledging us. He didn't seem very friendly or welcoming.
Meanwhile, I noticed a table of four older gentlemen nearby me who were able to place their order directly from their table without any problem.
It's one thing to work in the service industry, but another to act dismissively. Which is exactly how we felt. & just so you know, I'm half Italian, so I'm well aware of service expectations.
After waiting so long, we got up & moved to the bar to wait. The other barista, who was making coffee, completely ignored us & served others who had just walked in, even though we'd been there first. (He didn't seem very observant either.)
The place wasn't even busy, there were fewer than 10 people inside.
If they don't know you, does poor service seem to be the result? Or is it just favoritism? A bad day? I honestly can't tell.
They could definitely improve when it comes to service & hospitality.
Jun 23, 2025
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Step into Caffè Italia & you'll swear you've landed in the heart of Rome-without ever leaving Montreal! 🇮🇹☕ This legendary spot on St-Laurent has been serving up authentic Italian charm & the city's best coffee since 1956, & it's still the real deal.
From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the warm buzz of locals chatting in Italian, the aroma of rich espresso, & the sight of regulars debating soccer or catching up over cappuccinos. The old-school vibe is unbeatable-think vintage photos on the walls, friendly staff, & a crowd that feels like family.
The cappuccino here is a must-try: perfectly creamy, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, & as close to Italy as you'll get in Montreal. Pair it with a fresh cannoli or a classic panini & you're set for a true Little Italy experience. Outdoor seating lets you soak up the neighborhood's energy, making it the perfect spot for people-watching or a relaxing break before hitting Jean-Talon Market.
If you love authentic flavors, genuine hospitality, & a slice of Montreal history, don't miss Caffè Italia. This is more than a café-it's a local institution, & every coffee lover should experience it at least once!
Great place for Italian coffees, excellent choices of sweets & delicious sandwiches. Everything is reasonably priced along with great service. I have been coming here most of my adult life. It's a true gem & landmark in little italy.
We stopped in on a suggestion from a friend who grew up in the area. Absolutely fantastic. We live in NYC & sadly these type of shops no longer exist in NYC little Italy. definitely has it's own vibe & isn't trying to be new or hip, just a delicious old school Italian coffeeshop. I'd drive back to Montreal just to come here again.
Dec 30, 2024
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More family-run, warm, Italian perfection does not exist in Montreal. The owners are ever present & the wonderful gang of people working there are indistinguishable from the owners. They rarely make'em like this anymore! Oh, & the coffee is the best in town.
The vibe here is sort of like an old school, neighborhood diner. Very personal & cozy. Not super decked out nor instagrammable. The coffee is definitely Italian made. It has that extra roast/ burnt flavor to it. I ordered an oat decaf latte. It was strong but not bad.
