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.
5/5 Eggo Fuego: I recommend getting the avocado on the side it is seasoned & I loved it with the sandwiche. The egg is perfect spongy & adds to the sauce for a nice savory crunch.
I loved the cozy atmosphere within old Montreal's European style section of the city.
Seeing no line outside at this renowned café, we jumped right in. The Parisian-style décor was unpretentious & inviting. The service was friendly & helpful. The famous sandwich'Le Cuban' with spicy mayo was delicious. The Canadiano coffee was rich & bold. Many options of viennoiseries available for grab-&-go.
My partner & I always visit Olive & Gourmando when we visit Montreal! The French toast is world class & always hits the spot. This season, we tried the blueberry & white chocolate version. It was delicious & the buckwheat added a nice crunch. I'd definitely recommend it for brunch. There was no wait for us but we did go at 2:00pm on a Friday 🙂
No wait for me as a single party on a weekday, although it was extremely crowded & busy. Loved the window seat in the sun. Fast & friendly service! It was a bit overpriced though. I got the'salty ricotta' & I feel like it was definitely not the most impressive item on the menu, but it was good enough I might want to come back to try other items (on my company's dime :P) not sure if I would come here if it was my own money.
J'ai pris le sandwich cubain & c'était bourré de sel … la salade verte etait bonne, mais pour un repas à 50$ avec tips pour un sandwich & une salade partagée je m'attendais à mieux!
Olive & Gourmando lives up to the hype with its welcoming atmosphere & top-notch service. From the moment you step in, the cozy ambiance & friendly staff make you feel right at home. The menu offers a great mix of creative & well-executed dishes, making it hard to choose just one.
After our first visit, we knew we had to come back, the experience was just as fantastic. It's no surprise this place is a local favorite!
When I stepped into Olive & Gourmando, the first thing I noticed was how cute & cozy it felt. The interior was bursting with colour & the room was full of energy. There was music, friendly chatter, & nearly every table was taken. It was around lunchtime, & the place had that perfect mix of warmth & liveliness. I instantly enjoyed the atmosphere.
When my friend & I got a table, she told me-yet again-how incredible the mac & cheese here was. Apparently, she'd been dreaming of it since her last trip to Montreal. I was curious, but honestly didn't expect much. I've never been the biggest mac & cheese fan. (Also, I loved that the bottom of the menu said,'Eat real food.')
Then our order arrived-& let me tell you, I get it now. I, too, will be dreaming of this mac & cheese. It had such a unique twist: made with gnocchi sardi, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, & a rich truffle tapenade. The pasta had the perfect bite, the breadcrumbs added a special texture, & the truffle flavor took everything to a new level. It was creamy, savory, & completely unforgettable-definitely a one-of-a-kind.
We also shared a smashed potato salad, which was fresh, vibrant, & seasoned beautifully with a variety of herbs & spices. Every bite felt thoughtful.
I walked out a new woman-seriously, it was that good. What I loved most is that they took simple dishes & elevated them into something extraordinary. As a vegetarian, I often see the same types of dishes repeated at restaurants, but Olive & Gourmando really transforms classics into something magical.
I hope to come back the next time I visit Montreal.
We went back for breakfast after having one of the best lunches we've ever had. Ingredients are so fresh & flavorful. Creative dishes without being so avant garde as to not be comforting. Very good service & ambience.
Mar 12, 2025
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Olive & Gourmando came highly recommended by locals, & it did not disappoint. From the moment we arrived, the check-in process was smooth, & the service was both friendly & attentive. The restaurant has a special charm that makes you feel instantly comfortable. The coffee, freshly brewed from quality beans, was excellent. The menu is creative & full of interesting options. We enjoyed it so much that we returned several times, & every visit was just as delightful. It's easy to see why this place is so popular.
El sitio es perfecto para merendar y probar su bolleria o pedir los riquísimos bocadillos. La persona que nos atendió fue muy agradable e hizo el esfuerzo de atendernos en espanol.
