Olive et Gourmando comes across as a beloved, busy café in Old Montreal with a reputation for fresh pastries, coffee, and comforting sandwiches. Reviews highlight standout items like the Cuban and the chicken melt, the grilled cheese, and the mac and cheese, while many note a lively atmosphere and friendly service when not overwhelmed. The place is popular and operates on a first-come basis, with lines that can be long, and some value perceptions are mixed with prices described as high for certain dishes. Despite occasional glitches and crowded moments, the overall quality, creative twists on classics, and welcoming vibe keep people returning for brunch or lunch.
Came in Monday morning for a quick breakfast when the restaurant was half-empty. With at least 5 empty tables the 4 of us were offered to sit at the bar table on hard wooden stools with no back support so we asked for regular tables & initially were offered 2 small tables pushed together which would have been great but then our hostess decided to sit all 4 of us at a table for 2. No explanation & no consideration. That's just part 1. Add to this a very slow services with 3 staff members wondering aimlessly & not getting the last sconewitch that we ordered & were told was available & you understand that staff don't know what they are doing or just don't care. Food was ok but not exciting with sweet ricotta sprinkled with salt & iced coffee that couldn't be made with cream for some strange reason. In other words I would not come here to eat & not recommend it. We ordered takeout the day before & that was quick so that's what I would recommend if at all.
Do yourself a favour, if you are in Montreal make the journey to this place.
We were lucky enough to be staying a short walk away & thought we would try it out when we first arrived. It was really busy, which is always a good sign & we had to wait a while for a table. It was certainly worth the wait. The food was top quality, fresh & bursting with flavour. The staff were all friendly, bilingual & attentive. That is quite something when a place is so busy.
There is a good selection of food & drinks so everyone should find something. The pastries & coffee were also great.
This place has a reputation for a reason. It was so good we ended up having brunch here four times!
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Olive & Gourmando, & it was an exceptional experience. The restaurant offers a cozy & inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal. I ordered the Chicken & Bok Choy sandwich, which was absolutely delicious. The combination of flavors was exquisite, & the bread was fresh & perfectly baked.
The highlight of my dining experience was undoubtedly the friendly & attentive service. The staff made sure we were well taken care of, making the meal even more enjoyable. The vibrant & lively ambiance added to the overall positive vibe of the restaurant.
I would highly recommend Olive & Gourmando for anyone looking for a delightful culinary experience in a charming setting. I rate my visit a solid 5 out of 5 stars.
Feb 7, 2025
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Charming place in Old Montreal with delicious cuisine, good coffee, friendly staff & excellent service. Definitely a place worth to come back again & again.
Olive & Gourmando is an absolute gem in Montreal! The variety of pastries is impressive, & everything we tried was incredibly fresh & flavorful. From buttery croissants to unique sweet & savory options, each bite was a delight.
The ambiance is warm & cozy, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or coffee break. The staff is friendly & welcoming, adding to the overall charm of the café.
It's definitely a busy place, & for good reason-the food & atmosphere are worth the wait. If you're in Montreal & looking for a top-notch café experience, Olive & Gourmando is a must-visit!
Warm & welcoming! The moment you enter the good aromas & friendly staff greet you. It's clean & well lit without being overly bright. Service was excellent. The food was excellent. I had the housemade ricotta with marmalade & delightfully light, perfectly toasted local bread. I spooned up every last bit. My friend had the Tex Mex Chili Frittata came with slided avocado, which was also incredible, & filling. Topped with fresh watercress & a side of soft warm bread. The barista was skilled. I enjoyed one of the best cups of hot chocolate ever! We have found our favourite Old Montreal breakfast haunt.
Stopped in for a Latte & some of their famous food. We happened upon a special for their French Toast. It was Fabulous. We originally saw the restaurant on "Somebody Feed Phil" & literally stumbled into the restaurant by accident. Best accident ever!!! We will be back!
Jan 11, 2025
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The prices makes no sense!!! I ordered a soup which cost 20$ when you factor in the tip. To add insult to robbery, the bowl was only filled a little over half way. When I mentioned this to the waitress, she said it's always this way & just walked away with no empathy. If you go be ready to pay! 2 soups, a tea, a juice & one mac & cheese cost us $85!!! For lunch! Should have cost us with tax & tip included: Soup $15 Soup $15 Tea $7.50 Juice $7.50 Mac $25 Total: $70 At least 20% overpriced. Lucky my friend paid. I would not go there again.
There was an excellent selection of pastries, & they were wonderful. I believe Olive & Gourmando may be the best French-style/Parisian pastry you can get in Canada. With that said, get ready to wait in line!!!
