Olive et Gourmando operates as a cornerstone of the local culinary landscape, focusing on artisanal baked goods and high-quality prepared provisions. The menu prioritizes substantial sandwiches constructed on house-made breads, featuring locally sourced ingredients and classic flavor profiles. Grilled cheese selections serve as a signature highlight, utilizing curated cheeses melted to perfection within crusty, toasted sourdough slices. Patrons encounter an environment defined by rustic aesthetics, exposed brick walls, and a constant, bustling atmosphere generated by the high-volume output of the open kitchen. The selection emphasizes fresh, seasonal produce paired with savory meats and refined condiments. Efficient service manages a steady flow of visitors seeking consistent, hearty fare throughout the day. Every element reflects a rigorous commitment to scratch-made quality, maintaining high standards for every item across the varied and robust menu offerings.
Olive et Gourmando is widely celebrated as a must-visit destination in Old Montreal, consistently praised for its high-quality food, exceptional pastries, and vibrant, cozy atmosphere. Visitors frequently rave about the delicious Cuban sandwich, various breakfast paninis, and the standout ricotta dishes, noting that the ingredients are fresh and expertly prepared. While the restaurant is undeniably popular, leading to frequent queues and a bustling, sometimes noisy environment, many guests find the experience well worth the wait. The staff is often described as friendly and efficient, contributing to an energetic vibe that makes it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike to enjoy a memorable brunch or a high-quality coffee.
Great spot! Pastries are delicious, I got almond croissant & a cappuccino. They have a kitchen , bunch of different options for brunch. Bowls, salads, sandwiches
Vibe is amazing, it reminds me a Williamsburg NYC. Service was nice & fast, everyone is friendly. Recommend
Très bel établissement situé dans le Vieux-Port. Ils sont très populaires & il faut prévoir une attente. Le personnel est incroyable. Le restaurant peut être bruyant. Nous avons beaucoup aimé nos plats. Les prix sont plutôt élevés, mais la qualité est excellente.
Best brunch spot in the city - must visit! The lines are long on the weekend though so be ready to wait a bit. We waited a good 30 minutes for a table for 2.
What a gem! This charming little café offers fantastic food at surprisingly reasonable prices for the location. The menu creatively combines traditional old-country flavors with modern elements, making for a unique & delicious experience. The coffee was exceptional, & their pastries were absolutely wonderful, fresh, flavorful, & the perfect complement to a morning coffee. The staff handled the crowds with impressive poise, professionalism, & a positive attitude. Highly recommended!
Great breakfast spot that was recommended by a friend. Very fresh ingredients & fantastic sandwiches! The Cubain sandwich was delicious, as was the smashed potato salad. Its a bit tight for seating but totally worth the visit. Its a busy spot right from open so it may be a bit of a wait but again, very much worth it. Our server was great & so was the staff. Nice breakfast spot!
We loved the brunch here & came here twice during our stay in Montreal. First time was during weekdays & had to wait for 25min, which was fine as we made a 15min stroll & came back for our table. Second time was on Saturday around 11, & got our table with 20min thanks to others leaving the queue… recommend the cuban melt, the italian baked egg & things from the sweet bakery at the front. Only downside, only 1 toilet for lots of ppl. Service was good, friendly staff & fast.
Olive & Gourmando - Midweek Breakfast & Final Montreal Stop
?We stopped by Olive & Gourmando this past Tuesday for a quiet breakfast on our final day in Montreal, hoping to cap off our trip on a high note. While waiting for a table, we grabbed an almond pastry & an oat milk latte. The pastry was exceptionally good-flaky, rich, & full of flavor.
?Unlike the weekend crowds, which feature notoriously insane lines, the weekday wait was brief. However, the meal itself turned out to be a bit of a disappointment:
?Atmosphere & Hospitality: The space felt uncomfortably crowded. To make matters worse, the host was quite rude to guests, which got things off to a rough start. Thankfully, our waitress was very nice & provided warm, attentive service.
?Food & Drink: We ordered fresh orange juice & the'Poached Egg on Your Face' panini. Expecting something more along the lines of a classic Eggs Benedict breakfast, the panini format was definitely an unexpected surprise.
?Seating: In hindsight, sitting outside on the patio likely would have made for a much better vibe, but for some reason, it's only open on weekends.
?Given the hype, it wasn't the ideal send-off to our time in the city. If you stop by during the week, grabbing coffee & baked goods to go from the bakery counter is likely the best move.
