Overall, the reviews paint Olive et Gourmando as a warm, charming hub in Old Montreal with a vibrant, cozy atmosphere and friendly, attentive service that locals and visitors keep returning for. The menu is described as creative and comforting, with standout items including sweet ricotta, croissants and other pastries, iconic sandwiches like the Cuban and the grilled cheese, and crowd pleasers such as the mac and cheese with gnocchi, the sconewich, and the chicken melt. Coffee and other drinks are frequently praised and the pastries are often highlighted as exceptional, though some readers note the prices are on the higher side and portions can be small for the cost. Lines and wait times are a common theme, especially at peak hours, and a few experiences mention slow or imperfect service or occasional billing mistakes. Nevertheless, the consensus is that Olive et Gourmando delivers strong quality, a lively yet welcoming vibe, and is a must try for a brunch or casual lunch in the city, with many readers stating they would return and recommend it to others.
Quaint & charming atmosphere.
We had the chicken melt sandwiches, way overpriced for a simple sandwich on a brioche with no side.
We paid $67 plus tip for two chicken sandwiches & a drink. Not worth it at all.
Bathroom right next to dining tables is quite unpleasant.
Overall probably best for a coffee & pastry to enjoy the charming atmosphere.
Mar 21, 2026
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This place had been recommended by several people, so naturally it became one of the top spots on a visitor's must-visit list. After finally trying it, I can definitely see why it's so popular.
The atmosphere is warm, busy, & full of energy, which makes it a fun place to start the day. The staff were friendly, welcoming, & attentive without being overbearing. Everything felt well organized even though the restaurant was quite lively. As for the food, it was genuinely delicious. Tex-Mex ( Texan+mexican inspired) breakfast option, & it turned out to be a fantastic choice. You can also have vegetarian option for it.
The flavors were great, the portions were satisfying, & it was exactly the kind of hearty breakfast I was hoping for. Would add extra slides of bread.
One thing to know before going is that they don't take reservations-it's strictly first come, first served. We visited on a Saturday morning with a group of four & ended up waiting around 15 minutes for a table, which honestly wasn't too bad considering how busy it was. There's also a really cute little shop next door, so you can wander around there while waiting & the time passed quickly.
Overall, it's easy to understand why this place is so popular with visitors. If you're in Montreal & looking for a lively breakfast spot, it's definitely worth checking out. Service was quick & efficient, though nothing particularly extraordinary. Still, the great food, friendly staff, & enjoyable atmosphere made the experience very worthwhile.
Super cute to grab a bite or work with a laptop. Great food, small menu but diverse enough, I prefer not being overwhelmed with choice & having good options.
Had the cubain which was delicious. Truly a gem, only upsetting thing is it's not open later so if you're in the area for breakfast or lunch, you can't go wrong here!
Malheureusement, malgré l'achalandage la qualité de la préparation & la cuisson des aliments, étaient tiède. Service acceptable. On vise plus le profit,
le rendement & les gains que l'engagement personnel & l'écoute qui relève de la rétroaction.
Délicieux ! J'ai pris le Mac N Cheese à la truffe, mon amie la soupe du jour, & on s'est partagé à deux le grilled cheese : on s'est régalé. On sent que les ingrédients sont qualitatifs, c'était parfaitement assaisonné & les quantités sont pile poil comme il faut.
Le seul petit bémol c'est qu'il y a généralement beaucoup d'attente pour avoir une table (on a eu de la chance, on est arrivée juste avant qu'il y ait une file) car c'est bondé, & il y a donc pas mal de bruit. Sinon c'est vraiment un chouette endroit, je reviendrai à l'avenir !
Mar 6, 2026
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Bonjour, j'adore cet endroit, mais je dois dire que de ne pas offrir l'option de 15% pour le pourboire me paraît malhonnête. Ça commence à 18%. J'imagine que c'est pratique pour les touristes qui ne connaissent pas trop les standards ici... Je sais qu'on peut choisir manuellement de mettre 15%, mais ne pas l'offrir d'emblée devrait être interdit. Dommage..
A lunch well spent at Olive & Gourmando in downtown Montreal on Wednesday; July 1, 2025; which happened to be CANADA DAY. It was a planned school friend's reunion, & it turned out absolutely perfect.
It's easily one of the best brunch/lunch spots in the city. Even when it's busy, the line moves quickly, & the atmosphere is bright, cozy, & full of energy with a lively open-kitchen vibe. The staff are warm, attentive, & efficient, which made our gathering even more enjoyable.
The food was outstanding across the board. The sweet ricotta was a standout, & everything else-from the fresh, well-balanced plates to the ultra-flaky pastries-was packed with flavor. The coffee is top-notch & pairs perfectly with their baked goods. Prices are on the higher side, but fair for the quality & central location. Overall, truly worth the visit & a place I'd happily return to again.
Absolutely spectacular lunch here! I had the chicken melt with a dull potato salad on the side & a raspberry lemonade. All of it was incredible, & I would visit again next time I'm in Montreal!
Loved the vibe here, cute & with a sense of humor. Great to catch up with friends or for a solo person grabbing food or getting work done. Will need to come back for their sandwiches but the chia pudding with their house granola was amazing
Feb 8, 2026
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Really lovely little spot that felt very welcoming with a friendly team. I ordered the banoffee French toast & it was really, really good! The ricotta so perfectly balanced the intense sweetness of the caramel & banana, & the crunch bits of seeds & nuts made the whole thing a textural joy. The coffee was pretty good as well, although not quite in the same league as the food ⭐?⭐?⭐?
This cafe is a must try if you are in Old Montreal. The staff were attentive & very kind, the decor was full of character & the food was phenomenal. I highly recommend trying the smashed potato salad. It was very fresh & full of flavour, great choice for anyone who is gluten-free or vegan!
Feb 3, 2026
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This is was one of the best breakfast/brunch experiences I've had in Montréal or anywhere else. I had a really superior matcha latte & the eggo fuego sandwich minus the meat, which was hands down the best breakfast sandwich I've ever had. In addition to using tasty basic ingredients, the combination of the buttery brioche with the piquant sauce & the rich egg & cheese were an absolute win. Friendly service topped it off nicely.
