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 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.
Que dire à part wow !
La deco est magnifique, la cuisine est excellente, on a pris la crêpe poivrons, champignons, jambons, crème & c'était vraiment très très bon !
Le service était également très chaleureux, bref on reviendra c'est sûr !
La déco est très originale & de bon goût. Nous avons pris une crêpe repas qui était un 11/10 & un smoothie qui était très bon. Le prix est unpeu plus élevé que la concurrence mais la qualité y est à la hauteur.
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!
I love when I go out to try smt different & this is absolutely one of those dishes where its a twist on smt I eat all the time. Only reason for the 4 stars was the price which I find a bit high for the meal (21$). I personally would have loved it more at 18$ but i guess that's just inflation. Pastels de nata were excellent, best ive had in montreal & better than your average one in portugal. Decor is a perfect 10/10. Such a vibe i love it.
Really cool vibe & cute decor. Great coffee & food. I ordered the Mexican crepe & flavour wise it was delicious but it was far too salty for me that I struggled to finish it. The Portuguese breakfast that my friend got was also good but nothing spectacular. On the weekend there was a short wait for late morning brunch but that was expected so no complaints. Overall it was quite expensive for a casual brunch. Their pastel de natas are to die for tho!
This is the kind of restaurant you go to-to get away from the outside world.
Feels like I was in another country or dimension.
Service & food is so lovely
🧡
Tried burgers, spiced potatoes, & coffee, & everything was absolutely delicious! The atmosphere was vibrant & full of energy-such a great vibe. I loved the experience & would definitely recommend it to my friends!
