Chez José Café comes across in reviews as a small, cozy, colorful neighborhood spot on Duluth where a warm, family run vibe and lively atmosphere make guests feel instantly at home. The menu blends brunch favourites with Portuguese specialties, delivering pastéis de nata praised as among the best, hearty Portuguese breakfasts and chouriço dishes, tasty crepes, and a seafood soup that many describe as outstanding, with vegan and vegetarian options noted as well. Guests repeatedly highlight the friendly, attentive service and the welcoming vibe, while acknowledging that the space is compact and can get crowded, with occasional waits or slower service during busy weekends and a few hiccups like dishes arriving a touch cold or heavy on salt for some. Prices are often described as reasonable for the quality but a bit higher than casual spots, and the overall sentiment remains that the atmosphere, decor, and consistent quality create a memorable Montreal brunch and lunch destination worth returning to for drinks, pastries, and more.
I had the pleasure of eating here during a trip to Montreal & when I come here again I will be sure to visit again. The food was delicious & the atmosphere was extremely cozy & the staff were very friendly as well. Chez José Café shows love in the food & wears its heart on the walls.
Delicious, authentic food with a cozy, charming atmosphere. The service is friendly & inviting. Whether you're looking for a good meal or just a cup of coffee & a pastel de nata Chez José Café will not disappoint!
Feb 19, 2026
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la serveuse raphaelle est super charmante & nous a bien servie. Les quesadillas aux légumes sont délicieux & l'ambiance du café est chaleureuse & colorée.
Wow ,What a great place!
The first time we came here, it was for coffee ☕, the second time was today for lunch. My love 💕 & I , are return customers. I believe it's places like Chez José Café that keep Montréal alive.
If you think 🤔 about it. Please stop by here & enjoy something delicious 😋.
Nov 18, 2025
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I eat out a lot, I also am not a vegetarian, I love meat. That being said the vegetarian lentil burrito at café José is arguably the best burrito in Montreal. It's so well constructed, it's so crunchy & soft. I come here all the time & eat this every time. Sometimes I sit at home & think about it & wish I was eating it. Their hot sauce really makes it mouth watering. I love this place. 10/10 a real Montreal staple.
This is a amazing cute cafe with really good cozy interior & absolutely delicious food!! We loved everything we tried here & the service was good too, it was the simply the absolute best...♥?
Prendre la déjeunette au café Chez José. La pensée née d'une promenade sur la rue Duluth avec mon grand frère il y a deux semaines s'est épanouie en plan en bonne & due forme. C'est un petit restaurant portugais aux airs rustiques & sans prétention sur le coin d'une rue que l'on remarquerait à peine si ce n'était pas pour la terrasse d'une vingtaine de mètres bondée de gens allègres précédés de sandwichs appétissants. & mon frère de m'expliquer que la présence de tant de convives bonifie l'impression que nous cause le repas & que l'absence de personnes renforce les sensations négatives, tandis que je piquais, par principe de finir tout ce qu'il a à manger, les quelques dernières feuilles de laitue d'une salade dans sa plus simple expression.
- « C'est de la laitue. Oh, du chou ! », fit mon frère, en en soulignant la modestie. (En effet. C'est à peine si on percevait la vinaigrette)
Bref, non, la salade de base n'avait pas meilleur goût parce que j'étais entouré de 40 joyeuses personnes. Le sandwich au poulet churrasco non plus, d'ailleurs. À 15,50 $, on peut avoir plus tendre & plus consistant à meilleur marché. Ou bien le frappé « psychadelic blast » (sic) (8,75 $ avec le sandwich) dont le nom laissait entendre un tout autre effet en bouche. Tout ça pour dire que je ne suis pas d'accord avec lui. Moi, personnellement, je pense que je n'ai jamais été du genre à me laisser influencer trop trop…
Mais à la fin de tout ça, j'en suis sorti très satisfait. Je pense que l'expérience du José se situe moins dans le « quoi » que dans le « comment », le « où » & le « avec qui ».
Le comment, c'est le chaleureux, c'est l'accueillant, c'est le se sentir chez soi, sans dépaysement, & l'être traité dignement, avec attention.
Le où, c'est le cadre coloré, surchargé sans être accablant, ce sont les petits détails, l'attachement de son propriétaire envers son restaurant, sa famille, ses amis… Je ne connais pas José, mais je sais que c'est l'amour qui l'anime & qu'il doit être très fier de ce qu'il a produit.
Le avec qui, c'est ce moment avec mon frère à se partager l'assiette de patates, chouriços & oeufs (déjeuner portugais, 21 $) & à s'attaquer à la soupe aux fruits de mer (14,75 $), en y trempant la cuillère & en la portant à nos lèvres, en retirant les moules du bol & en essuyant nos doigts de leur enduit tomaté. Il a trouvé ça mémorable, & moi aussi je vais m'en rappeler, précisément puisqu'il m'a dit ça. Il était content d'être là, & donc moi aussi. Le « avec qui », ce sont aussi les sympathiques serveurs, les cuisiniers qui se font des accolades, les autres clients qui sont presque collés sur nous, qui nous passent derrière le dos pour aller aux toilettes… On est en famille.
En un mot, le café Chez José met de la joie sur ce petit coin de rue là.
When you visit Montreal, Make sure to hit Cafe Jose for the most delicious Crepe!
Tried their Mexican Crepe & was the best one!
Their Kung Fu was very refreshing!
Great service, Friendly Staff!
Sep 1, 2025
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Je viens de manger chez Chez José Café à Montréal, & franchement… quelle belle découverte !
Un service chaleureux, une équipe super agréable, toujours souriante, & une ambiance qui met tout de suite à l'aise.
La nourriture ? Un délice du début à la fin. Fraîche, savoureuse, généreuse - on sent l'amour dans chaque assiette.
Un endroit qui donne envie de revenir encore & encore. Merci à toute l'équipe
Tucked away on Duluth, Café Chez José feels like a little oasis of joy. The vibe is eclectic & cozy, filled with character & color. The food? Humble, honest, & surprisingly delightful. It's the kind of place where every bite feels like it was made with care. Even though the hostess was running around non-stop, she never lost her grace. A beautiful place to slow down, eat well, & feel the soul of avenue Duluth.
We loved this cafe. We had a wonderful breakfast: espresso, omelet sandwiches, & delicious pasteis de natas (just like Lisbon). Service was excellent. Really love the warm colors & eclectic vibe. Can't wait to return.
I was greeted really warmly as soon as I entered, which matched the homey vibe of the cafe. I only got the pasteis de nata, which they warm up on the spot for you, even for takeout! I appreciate them serving things in their best state 🥹 & the extra effort paid off. Their pasteis de nata is one that'll come to mind when I reminisce about great desserts I've had. The crust was unbelievably flaky & crispy, & the custard was super silky & had such great flavor, it was like flan. Get it with cinnamon on top!
One of the best cafes I've ever been to! It was quiet at night & the owner was letting us choose some music to play with the few others there. He was incredibly welcoming & then also gave us our teas on the house! Will 100% be back & highly recommend for anyone looking for a cute cafe to eat, drink or chill at :)
I had a wonderful experience at Chez Jose Cafe! The cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, & fresh, delicious food made it a perfect spot to unwind. Their menu offers a great variety of options, including vegetarian & healthy choices, which was exactly what I was looking for. The coffee was also on point, rich & flavorful. Plus, the service was fast despite it being a busy time. Overall, Chez Jose is a gem! Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a relaxed brunch, or just a good cup of coffee, this place won't disappoint.
