Osmo X Marusan occupies a distinct underground space defined by an industrial aesthetic and a lively, resonant atmosphere. The menu emphasizes Japanese-inspired snacks such as crispy karaage and savory katsu sandos paired with delicate tamago. Guests encounter a selection of matcha and hojicha lattes prepared with deep, earthy tea profiles that balance the bold textures of the food. The venue integrates an expansive outdoor terrace that contrasts with the enclosed, modern interior design. Vibrant musical selections fill the space, contributing to the energetic environment that defines this unique hangout. These features combine to create a singular experience where minimalist architecture meets traditional flavor profiles in an unconventional setting.
Osmo X Marusan is a highly popular, uniquely designed spot in Montreal that blends an industrial, bunker-like aesthetic with a lively, social atmosphere. Guests frequently praise the high-quality matcha, hojicha lattes, and creative Japanese-inspired menu, particularly the various sandwiches and curry dishes. While many visitors find the environment perfect for working or socializing, others note that the space can become extremely busy and loud, occasionally featuring live DJ sets that may not suit those seeking a quiet retreat. Experiences regarding service and food consistency vary, with some patrons describing the offerings as fresh and delicious while others find certain items bland or the wait times excessive. Overall, the location is widely considered a trendy and memorable destination for those who appreciate a vibrant, artsy, and upbeat cafe experience.
The quality of the foods were overall really nice & fresh. We ordered their famous karaage (fried chicken) sandwhich for 16.10$tx incl, tamago ( boiled egg) sandwich for 13.80tx incl, their chicken curry for 18.14 tx incl & an iced matcha latte for 6.90$tx incl. If you ask me, i ended up preferring the chicken curry over their sandwhiches. I like anything more saucy, so i found it more flavourul. I think the chicken curry was the same meat as found in the karaage sandwhich. Drenched in the sauce, it reminded me of eating a soggy general tao, not in a bad way, this was my favorite out of all dishes. Also the sauce was sweet & light & not spicy at all. It had a homemade taste to it that i liked. Suprisingly i liked the tamago (egg) sandwhich more than the karaage (fried chicken), it had some mayo inside & was rather simpler in ingredients. Whereas the chicken sandwhich had both some yuzu sauce & some fresh spring mix that i personally didnt find paired well. The chicken was also harder to eat in this one as their bigger in pieces, it kept falling apart. Anyway, im certain some people would disagree with me & would like the chicken sandwhich, however it was just not for me. Note: The sandwhiches once u pulled them out of their paper were no bigger & quite deceiving for its price. Lastly, my sister got the iced matcha latte & she called it smooth tasting. Nevertheless, i really the interior design of this cafe & found the place always busy & quite lively. It was well conditonned for those visiting in the summer. It was also quite loud, & i could barely hear myself talking. I was quite overstimulated & this place didnt live up to the hype I was expecting.
Tucked away in what almost feels like a hidden alley, Osmo x Marusan opens up into one of the coolest & most beautifully designed cafés I've visited. The modern interior is stunning, & once the sunlight hits the disco ball & reflects throughout the shared space, the atmosphere becomes something truly special. There's a reason there's always a line. The atmosphere for me is the biggest pull for this cafe.
We came early in the morning & tried the hojicha latte, matcha latte, the matcha with poured-over espresso, croissants, & both the chocolate & matcha cookies. The cookies were the standout from the pastry side-solid, satisfying, & definitely worth ordering. It's not seeet, right chewiness. The drinks were all very good, although I'd say Montreal already has many excellent cafés, so the beverages themselves weren't necessarily unique.
Another standout in this place is the overall experience from the crew, they were all fantastic-kind, welcoming, & genuinely helpful.
Brunch service starts at 11 AM, & we stayed to try the chicken katsu with rice & the pork katsu curry. Both bowls were crispy, tender, & beautifully executed. The biggest surprise was the chicken katsu: despite using breast meat, it was incredibly juicy & tender. They absolutely got it right. Topped it off with Hojicha tiramisu which felt good to seal off the appetite.
Taking everything into account-the food, drinks, service, & especially the atmosphere-this is easily one of the best café experiences I've had out of the hundreds that I've been to.
On m'avait recommandé la place. Super sympa & unique! Les sandwiches sont excellentes & les boissons à la hauteur des attentes. Le service n'est pas le plus rapide avant le gros rush du midi. La terrasse extérieur est un have de paix dans la ville. Je recommande!
C'est génial!!!! I love a place that unapologetically commits to a vibe. Don't get me started on the loud immaculate music, I LOVE IT. In a sea of the cookie cutter coffee shop, Osmo takes you underground...with a suspended disco ball & delicious lattes & food. I dunno why people bother describing food when yall have mouths & tongues. Don't take my word for it, give your mouth & senses a gift.
A couple who I met at a bar tipped us off that this is the spot blowing up on IG. Apparently, there's a pretty cool underground cocktail lounge, but we just stuck around for the cafe.
Not sure why, but I almost always defaulted to iced when it comes to matcha & hojicha lattes. I honestly can't remember the last time I ordered one hot, so it was just nice to switch it up & taste something different. Nothing special but still a really solid cup.
The Tamago Sando was fantastic though. Wished the kitchen hadn't forgotten the smoked salmon I added, but even without, it was great. A perfectly fried jammy egg, cracked pepper, & Mornay sauce. Not the traditional Japanese Kewpie mayo route, but this fusion with French Mornay sauce based on béchamel base loaded with Emmental cheese, gave the whole thing a nice savory boost.
Osmo is definitely a different spot in Montreal & worth trying at least once. I had never seen a coffee shop with Japanese food like this, so the concept alone made it a fun experience.
I really loved the salmon cucumber sandwich, & the miso soup was also very good. Next time I want to try their famous tamago sando. The ambiance is unique & the place feels lively, but it was quite loud & very busy around midday.
The only thing that disappointed me a bit was the drink. I ordered an iced caramel matcha coconut latte with extra sweetener, but I honestly didn't taste much flavor & it didn't taste sweet either. The matcha was just okay for me.
Also good to know: the entrance is a bit hidden, & you can enter from Clark Street.
Overall, it was a nice & different experience, especially for the food & ambient.
Très bon café:) jaime beaucoup le dirth chai latté glacé!!
Bouffe simple mais de bons choix & savoureux.
À noter que c'est un café comptoir donc il n'y a pas de service aux tables.
Très belle place!!
Been wanting to come here for a while & it did not disappoint. It is the perfect place to grab a quick lunch & study while you're at it. However it is a bit noisy so i would not recommend studying here if you get distracted easily.
The food & drinks were amazing! I like their hojicha latte & the curry rice the most but all their other options are amazing as well.
