For Your Caffeine Fix
It's not an addiction, it's a daily ritual!
Un Café, S'il-Vous-Plaît
I might anger several Canadians by saying this, but skip the visit to Tim Hortons. I'm not a coffee aficionado but I can tell you with certitude that it is not good. For your hot bean water fix, you could do worse than these places.
Crew Collective & Café
Hey, what do you know? There's good coffee in the very space we'll be spending a lot of time together! I had a great cup while visiting the place and I'm looking forward to my next one.
📍360 Rue Saint-Jacques (Old Port)
Pastel Rita
Sit down, grab a coffee and a croissant and enjoy the cute and decidedly Wes Anderson-ish décor. They also have a nice selection of natural wines and savory sandwiches. Oh, and you can even get a tattoo here! Pastel Rita is also home to the Merci à Vous Tattoo studio!
📍5761 St Laurent Blvd (Mile-End)
Other notable spots
- Café Rico - 1207 Mont-Royal Ave E (Plateau Mont-Royal)
- Café Olimpico - 124 Rue Saint-Viateur O (Mile-End)
- Café Éclair - 12 Maguire St, Montreal (Mile-End)
There are many more micro-roasters and boutique coffee shops around. I have not gone down that rabbit hole (yet!) but I encourage coffee lovers to explore. Let me know if you find a spot that you particularly like.
Two for Tea
I like coffee and wouldn't start the day without one. Tea is what I've been very passionate about lately. Two addresses I strongly recommend.
Camellia Sinensis
This is the tea house that introduced me to the wonderful world of loose leaf tea. Their offering is extensive yet carefully curated. Senchas, Darjeelings, Taiwanese Oolongs, Puerhs; They have something for every palate. You can peruse their loose leaf offerings and their teaware, or sit down for a tea degustation. You'll be served two similar teas side-by side, so you can appreciate the contrasting notes and feel of each. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and loves to share. I learned a lot from them!
📍351 Rue Émery (Quartier des Spectacles)
Cardinal Tearoom
I'm including this one even though it might prove challenging to visit while you're here, as they're only open on weekends. Cardinal Tearoom is the perfect spot for high tea. Old-timey décor, warm lighting and a bit of Jazz in the air. The ideal atmosphere to sip on a cup of Earl Gray while eating scones and cucumber sandwiches with friends. I recommend giving them a call before showing up, to make sure they're open.
📍5326 St Laurent Blvd (Mile-End)