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.
We went solely on the high reviews, knowing nothing of the menu/venue. First impressions was that place was rather small & the decor reminded us of seaside bars in the Caribbean or South America. I ordered the Portuguese Breakfast & my wife had the Mexican Crêpe. We were absolutely blown away by the food - it's truly fantastic & the servings were plentiful. We still managed to clean off our plates. We would absolutely recommend this restaurant & will definitely return to try other items. It's also worth noting that my meal was served with what I think was homemade chipotle sauce - whatever it was, it was dang good!
Aug 3, 2025
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We came for brunch. The wait was not long at all. The food was delicious & the service was impeccable. The weekend seafood soup is a must try. Sarah, the owner, was so sweet & efficient. I highly recommend!
Not worth visiting past 9pm, they close before advertised hours. I come here regularly & Chez Jose is an amazing place with super cozy & homey ambiance which has an incredible amount of charm & character. Most of the time the staff & service is absolutely excellent & I recommend this spot as a must visit Montreal gem.
I did however visit this Monday for a coffee & was directly & coldly told I should leave at 9:30 (30 mins before closing time). Not that I should stop ordering at 9:30, but that I should leave. I get that the staff wanted to close early & go home after a long day but the way this was done made it feel wrong even being there (bear in mind I got there around 8:45, over an hour before closing). There were also still plenty of customers there. Quite a shame & a shock to get this very tense unwelcoming vibe in a place where it's usually the complete opposite.
I will continue coming here because like I said, it's a Montreal gem. Just won't be visiting later in the evening anymore.
The food melts in your mouth with every bite. The sandwiches are fresh & pleasing to bite down on. The staff is super friendly & makes sure you feel cozy in your seat.
The music throws you back to old Caribbean times. Even if you have never lived it. The area in which this place is located is friendly to walk about. You can tell by the worn out murals & colorful pastels on every wall that this Avenue has a rich history that remains unknown to outsiders. Nevertheless, you feel right at home. These elements combined will give you a lovely morning to remember. I definitely recommend this place. I would visit again if I lived in Montreal . Ingredients are locally sourced as well, It's good to support local businesses by default. I'd say more. But I don't want to leave an essay. Easy 10/10 place.
We had a great mid-afternoon hang at Chez José. They were gracious to accommodate our large party of 6, but it is a very small place & we felt bad. They assured us all was well & treated very kindly with loving vibes. The food was excellent. Crepes, Portuguese stew, full Portuguese breakfast, pastel de nata (as good or better than Lisbon's ...). All excellent! Highly recommend!
Mega slow service but food was good. Better tasting than other touristy places. Not a lot of options. Mainly sandwich & crepe. Not worth a detour but good if you're in the area.
Sitting under a black tented patio was extra HOT!
Jul 27, 2025
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I had the Déjeuner Portugais Avec Viande for breakfast & it was absolutely delicious-so flavorful! The waitress who recommended it was super friendly, & the freshly squeezed orange juice was a perfect touch. Highly recommend this spot for a great breakfast!
We received exceptional service from Noah, came in for a couple of drinks & a snack, had an amazing experience. Warm welcome, great food, great attention… will come back & spread the word
Un petit endroit qui vaut vraiment le détour.
La nourriture est savoureuse grâce aux produits frais & locaux. Les serveurs sont de bons conseils & très très gentils.
Je vous le conseille sans hésiter.
Jul 8, 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.
Jul 5, 2025
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Great brunch spot! Friendly staff & just what I fancied, a lovely veggie omelette with spinach, courgette, & feta, with salad. Simple old school. I liked it.
