Cardynal - Bar à Espresso feels cozy with warm, attentive staff and consistently excellent coffee and tea, plus tasty pastries and gluten free options; the seasonal soups, especially a creamy sweet potato and squash variety with croutons, are a standout that visitors keep returning for. The atmosphere suits relaxed chats, reading, or working, with a calm vibe and a pleasant outdoor seating area shared with nearby restaurants, and the matcha latte and drip coffee receive praise for balance and smoothness.
A cortado: equal parts espresso & warm milk, perfectly balanced, no foam overload, just smooth, rich coffee with a silky finish.
Small, strong, & precise. One sip & it's all depth, warmth, & quiet intensity, the kind of coffee that doesn't need to shout to be unforgettable. #CafeCardynal #Montreal
One of the best places in the area for coffee & tea. My espresso was excellent. I liked their outdoor seating area, which they seem to share with neighboring restaurants.
Stopped by on a road trip around the Plateau Mont-Royal neighbourhood. The baristas were friendly & efficient, & the place overall is very cozy on a Sunday.
Honestly I still think about the matcha latte - it's a little sweet & a little bitter, with a non-overwhelming earthy aftertaste. The drip coffee also had a smooth taste.
It was exactly what I needed. I was just coming from the doctor's office & after that visit needed some comfort. I needed an internal hug so I thought coffee & googled near by coffee shop. I found Cardynal & saw awesome reviews & thought why not.
The ambiance was perfect. Cozy, warm & just a great place to sit, eat & enjoy a moka latte like I did. I also got this amazing raisin & cinnamon foccacia with melted Brie cheese. Although there was just one person here kindness & professionalism brighten my day. This small moment that I got to spend with myself at the cafe definitely changed the trajectory of my day.
May 2, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
(updating review from a few months ago) Ordered an single shot Americano, they gave me a big cup with the same amount of water as a double shot Americano. Obviously, the "coffee" looked like dirty water! What kind of a coffee shop, on Mont-Royal Ave. no less, doesn't know how to keep the correct proportions on a cup of coffee! When I challenged them, i found out that they made a double espresso, then throw out half the coffee & filled the big cup with water! &, then charged me for two shots! Their excuse, their machine doesn't make single espressos! Lol. I got a replacement cup that was better proportioned, but the coffee was actually not very good, especially when you pay 5 freaking dollars for an espresso with hot water. Definitely not coming back!!!
Cozy cafe with a good vibe & good coffee. I just ordered a spicy decaf latte & it was really good. Staff is chill & yeah just a good experience. Wifi & indior & outdoor tables to work. It's a bit small so will fill up quick.
Cute little place for a date, work or just chill. Great staff, good recommendations with a variety of great coffee for Costa Rica, Bresil, Haiti & more. Love th-em
