Montreal is a bit of America, but it’s also one of the most versatile cities on North America’s East Coast. A little Nordic-Scandinavian, a little European, a little regional Quebec, with its pick-up trucks and frontier atmosphere of the far north.
To explore the city, a new neighborhood (for students and finance bros arriving in the fall) or just to romanticize autumn, its icy wind, warm sun and colors, we’ve got 5 cozy cafés to visit…
1 Colorful socks, hochija and pumpkin spice in Downtown: Nous Sommes Café x Votta
In addition to the truly exceptional coffee (black, hochija, simple or not-too-sweet pumpkin spice ), the café sells socks by Korean brand Votta in soft cotton and designs to match our most beautiful wadded cottons of autumn…
All socks are $22 and it’s a well-kept secret, so shhhhhhhhh!
Where? 333 de la Gauchetière West
When? Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends, 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2 Italian espresso, summer nostalgia and a European-style terrace in Griffintown: Baristello
The Outremont Italian café, which has just opened a second location in Montreal where the much-loved Bodega once stood, has one of the best terraces in the city, overlooking a small park with tall trees that will be blushing very quickly this autumn.
The espresso is the best in town – according to the Europeans, and according to me!
Where? 248 rue de la Montagne
When? Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3Celebrity spot, the sweetest latte and chicest bench on rue Saint-Paul in Montreal’s Old Port: Olive + Gourmando
Apparently, this is one of the best cafés in Montreal for celebrity sightings… In addition to coffee and classic but rather fancy breakfasts, there are cardamom brioches and the city’s most decadent cinnamon rolls .
Be warned, there’s almost always a bit of a wait – as with all Montreal hotspots , of course…
Where? 351 Saint-Paul Street West
When? daily, 8am to 6pm
4. witchy store , sage latte and tarot reading on the Plateau: Moonbrew Magic
The café-boutique is perfect for autumn, for stocking up on oils with magical properties, getting your tarot cards read by the real-life-witch who opened the café (by appointment only) or drinking an enchanted chai …
Where? 271 Avenue Duluth
When? open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday
5 Pink milk foam, the best-dressed Montrealers in town and a terrace with fresh basil in Rosemont: Café Alphabet
Café Alphabet is completely viral, because of its pink freddo foam on coffees and matchas and because of its incredibly cool atmosphere. Perfect for a cup of coffee wrapped in a thick scarf before a vintage shopping spree in Mile End…
Where? 5765 rue Clark
When? open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Beautiful autumn in Montreal!