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.
Fantastic service & delicious sandwiches! Ordered their Cuban sandwich & Chicken Melt & for once, my partner & I didn't swap sandwiches because we each loved ours so much. Store manager was especially kind & understanding when there was a minor hiccup with my order, I really appreciate it. Will definitely be back to try more of their breakfast/lunch menu & pastries!
Recommended to all my friends, some of whom ordered sandwiches for lunch too. Happy bellies all around :)
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.
Mar 21, 2026
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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!
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.
This is a great place for breakfast or lunch. The staff is friendly & helpful & the food they serve is excellent. However, the menu is limited & you may want to check online if it is to your taste before going.
I went for an early morning walk in Old Montreal before the sun reached the streets. On my way, I watched people rushing to the metro & a girl quietly photographing the empty city with frozen fingers. It made me slow down, breathe, & be in the present.
When I arrived at Olive & Gourmando, I ordered breakfast & sat by the window, watching the sunlight climb the stone buildings. The warmth of the food, the smell of fresh bread, & the gentle café sounds reminded me that every day is a gift-
& this café is a place where time truly stops for a few moments while you're there.
Good bakery, good service, positive experience.
A take away breakfast.
The bread & pastries were so inviting, it was hard to choose. So we doubled our order.
Everything was great.
The baked eggs were very flavorful, my friend loved the peach french toast (a weekend special), the sconewich was so good I ended up coming here the next day to grab 2 to go. The blueberry muffin was fluffy, moist, & not too sweet.
They nailed the flavors & everything was cooked to perfection, it's no wonder it's one of the top breakfast/brunch spots in Montreal.
Our first breakfast in Montreal on our recent trip. The Cappuccinos were delicious & the breakfast sandwiches as well. I loved the Croissants as well. Cute atmosphere & great service.
We stopped by for breakfast, hoping to try their croissants & pains au chocolat. However, there was a long line, & we ended up waiting about 30 minutes. By the time we got a table, all the croissants & pains aux chocolat were sold out 😭😭 So, I ordered a fresh orange juice & a « croissant aux amandes » which was delicious. I absolutely loved it! 😋 The « house » also offered me a free cookie, & it was very yummy. A lovely experience!
Aug 4, 2025
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Excellent place for breakfast. It is a bit of a hole in the wall as there are no other restaurants nearby. The atmosphere is very authentic with cute decor throughout.
We had the egg & salami burger, which is pretty good, & the kids grilled cheese sandwich, along with a croissant. The fresh baked pastries are very tasty. Note that these don't come with sides so you might need to order a bit more.
Make sure to go early as it gets later in the morning & you'll have to wait.
We asked our local friends for the best bakery & breakfast place & they immediately suggested Olive & Gourmando. The service was fast & friendly, & the food was incredible. I had the breakfast panini (not as spicy as they claim), & it was amazing. The pastries were delicate, sweet (but not overly sweet), & fresh. The coffee had quite a punch, I'm not sure what bean they use but it was stronger than neighboring shops, but that was very welcome. If we're ever back in Montréal, this will be our first stop.
A classic & picturesque cafe! This is a must stop for breakfast or a baked good snack. I recommend the chocolate croissant, & cinnamon brioche, which is similar to a cinnamon roll. If you're looking for savory, they have plenty of menu options, but the sconewich was a delicious option for a smaller meal. The drinks are just as good & an easy stop for a to-go order.
Beautiful walk thru old Montreal to restaurant/cafe. Coffee is wonderful & breakfast delicious. Friendly staff. English & French speaking. Lots of seating. Takeout.
