Céramic Café provides a unique fusion of creative artistic expression and casual dining. Patrons select from a vast inventory of unpainted ceramic pieces to personalize while enjoying a selection of handcrafted sandwiches and freshly prepared desserts. The menu focuses on simple, reliable refreshments that accommodate the relaxed nature of the pottery studio environment. Dedicated work tables feature all necessary painting supplies, including brushes, sponges, and an extensive array of colorful glazes. Staff handle the glazing and kiln firing process to finalize each project for future collection by the creator. This concept integrates hands-on activity with a functional café space, creating a versatile environment for both social engagement and focused hobbyist projects. The facility maintains a functional kitchen that prepares sweet treats and savory snacks intended to be consumed conveniently during the painting process.
Céramic Café generally offers a creative and enjoyable environment that is popular for family outings, dates, and gatherings with friends, thanks to its wide selection of ceramics and accessible painting process. Many visitors praise the friendly staff and the ability to enjoy food and drinks on-site while working on their projects. However, the experience can be inconsistent, with several reviews highlighting frustrations regarding peak-time crowding, long wait times for service, and concerns over quality control when retrieving finished pieces. Additionally, some guests find the pricing structures and time limits during busy periods to be stressful, while others note that the music volume and table spacing can occasionally detract from the intended relaxing atmosphere.
I went to Céramique Café Laval with my kids & unfortunately had a very disappointing experience.
My invoice came to 133 $ taxes included, but I was charged 150 $ on my card. Before I tapped, the employee simply told me that the total was 150 $. I paid, & only afterward did I receive the receipt, which showed a 17 $'remise'. I had never been told that there was a mandatory 17 $ charge, nor did I choose to leave a 17 $ tip.
I went back inside to ask about it. The employee told me that it was basically a tip & that it was the'policy of the place.' I explained that a tip should be my choice & that nobody had informed me before I paid that I would be charged an additional 17 $. She became upset & started crying, telling me that it was management's decision & that she couldn't do anything, & that I should come back another day to speak with the manager.
What made the situation even more concerning was that I asked for the POS terminal receipt showing the 150 $ transaction, since my bank account clearly shows that I was charged 150 $. Instead of providing it, she removed the papers from the POS terminal & threw them in the garbage, then told me that the machine didn't have any paper & didn't work.
I understand that employees may simply be following management's instructions, & I don't blame her personally for a policy she says she didn't create. But a mandatory charge should be clearly disclosed before a customer pays, especially when it is presented afterward as something resembling a tip.
I don't live nearby & don't want to make another trip just to discuss a 17 $ charge. I'm leaving this review so management can see what happened & hopefully clarify publicly what this'17 $ remise' actually represents & why customers are not informed about it before payment.
I would appreciate an explanation &, ideally, a refund of the 17 $ if it was not voluntarily authorized.
A wonderful place, especially if you love arts & crafts. Usually, you can stay as long as you need, however during hilidays & school breaks, you're only given 2 hours to finish. Which may not be enough, depending on the project, of course. If you're new to painting, ask for help. The staff are extremely kind & helpful. They will actually walk you through the entire process, & help pick colours etc. I prefer their Laval location because it's easy to park, & the placebis really bright & spacious. A ton of ceramics to choose from. You can find anything from small cups, shot glasses, & figurines, to large salad bowls, serving platters, piggy banks & statuettes. Kids love it too :) The only problem is that once you try it you're hooked.
We visited as a group of six, including three kids. We were informed at the beginning that a 15% gratuity would be automatically added due to our group size.
This policy is not stated anywhere on their website. Their site only mentions that groups of 12 or more are considered large, with no mention of mandatory gratuity or extra charges.
I also did not order any food or drinks, so I did not receive any service personally. I do mind being charged a tip for a service I did not receive.
Tipping should be optional & transparent, not mandatory & undisclosed online. Because of this experience, I will not be returning.
Picture clearly states to my discretion.
Jan 2, 2026
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.
Cute space, nice staff.
However, no child friendly space. No low tables , no chairs for children. So yes, its a nice grown family activity, but with my toddler it was very hard. Need more kid friendly space
I like the generosity of this place , never ask to limit use any paint or charge you if use more , but in same time will charge you the price of staying in . Also charge you 15 % service if you are more than 4 persons which find not logical as we were 4 kids who did painting & two adults who supervised them.
I recently brought my nephews & niece to Ceramic Café Studio, & we all had an amazing time! The experience was so fun & unique - it was a great way for the kids to get creative & make their own pieces. The staff was super helpful & friendly, guiding us through the process. It was a perfect mix of art & relaxation, & the atmosphere was warm & inviting.
I highly recommend this place for a family outing or a creative date. We left with our own painted ceramics, & it felt great to see the kids so proud of what they made!
Though I enjoyed the experience, truthfully, the organization was a bit wild. Spring break - 2 hours max per table, an additional dollar is charged for every ten minutes you go over in time. Some table are fully equipped / stocked with paintbrushes, while others aren't. The length of time it took to pass at the cash was long, that one woman was charged for 15 minutes over, while I had to take her defense that we had literally been standing waiting to pay for easily 15-20 mins. The experience in itself was fun.
Personal point- if you have young, whiny, impatient kids, please consider a different activity. This takes patience & time.
