The Best New Cafés in Montreal [June 2025]

Montreal’s café scene isn’t slowing down—it’s expanding, diversifying, and doubling down on quality. Over the past few months, a new crop of coffee shops has opened across the city, each with its own take on what a modern café can be. Some are second acts from familiar names, others are passion projects turned brick-and-mortar, and a few have already drawn lines out the door.

This list runs the gamut: specialty espresso bars, Seoul-inspired dessert cafés, all-day brunch spots, and hybrid spaces that blur the lines between coffee counter and cultural hub. Whether you’re after rare single origins, a quiet place to plug in, or just a really good pastry, these are the new cafés worth knowing now, and who may reach the distinction of being counted among the best cafés and coffee shops in Montreal overall:

50 best cafés in Montreal for great coffee and vibes

Discover the best cafés and coffee shops in Montreal, from cozy corners to standout espresso bars worth crossing the city for.

The MainThe Main

Normally, we always keep this list fresh, with no opening more than six months old; as this is the inaugural issue of our list, we wanted to celebrate some of the more distant openings from 2024 as well to celebrate the wealth of options right now.

Take a deeper dive into our picks with our resident restaurant and bar critic Bottomless Pete.

Pas de probleme

4754 Notre-Dame St West

There’s no shortage of new cafés in Montreal, but few come with the flavour and presence of Pas de problème. Opened in St-Henri, it’s already earned a reputation for top-tier Jamaican patties, standout chai, and a laid-back vibe driven by vinyl spins and unfussy hospitality. The coffee’s on point, the breakfast sandwiches are actually satisfying, and the pastries—especially the guava tart—are worth the trip alone. Bonus points for the calm, plant-lined terrasse out back.

Les Madeleines d’Émilie⁠

129 Mont-Royal Ave West

Les Madeleines d’Émilie has carved out a niche no one saw coming: a dedicated madeleine bar at the foot of Mont-Royal. Every one of these fluffy, golden shells is made in-house, stuffed with everything from dark chocolate and pistachio to blue cheese and walnut. Yes, there are gluten-free and vegan options, and yes, they’re just as good. Pair one with a smooth espresso, a tea, or even a house-made smoothie, and take it all in while sitting across from Parc Jeanne-Mance.

With friendly staff and flavours you won’t find anywhere else, this spot proves that small cakes can make a big impression.

Victor Victor Victor

6658 Av. Papineau

Victor is what happens when a coffee shop is built by someone who really knows their records. Tucked into Rosemont and open only on weekends, this new café-boutique is part espresso bar, part cultural archive. Vinyl, graphic novels, Blu-rays, and a small but thoughtful pastry selection share the floor, creating a space that feels like a secret club for Montreal’s caffeine-fuelled cinephiles and music heads. Go for the cappuccino, stay for the Criterion section.

maison aïdo

4325 Rue Saint-Jacques

Maison Aïdo is one of the most original café openings Montreal has seen in a while. A Saint-Henri pastry shop blending Beninese flavours with classic French technique, it’s the work of Andrea, who left finance to follow her calling. The menu is full of clever twists—croissants filled with egusi cream, cashew-laced pastries, and savoury sandwiches built around grilled West African spiced beef or mackerel with sautéed vegetables. Even the drinks are different (try the moringa latte). It’s not just a new café—it’s a new culinary language for the city.

Foil Gallery

6560 Waverly Street

Foil Gallery isn’t just serving coffee—it’s curating experiences. This new Mile-Ex hybrid space from digital art heavyweights FVCKRENDER and Jo-Anie Charland offers espresso, mocktails, and a cocktail menu that riffs on the artworks themselves. The gallery avoids white-cube stiffness in favour of sound, scent, and visuals that actually invite you in. Between exhibitions, a full AV lab, and community-driven events like Foil Sessions, it’s become one of the most dynamic places to caffeinate—and create—in the city.

Café PB & Joy

900 Rue Saint-Philippe

PB&Joy’s permanent spot in Saint-Henri is the natural next step for one of the city’s most beloved mobile cafés. Known for pulling espresso at pop-ups and events across Quebec, they now serve from a cozy, softly opened café that matches their energy: warm, unpretentious, and fun. On the menu? Solid coffee and original grilled sandwiches like PB&J with fresh raspberries and chocolate chips, or brie and guava on hot bread. It’s early days, but the vibes are dialled in—and the card machine works now, too.

Royale Ginette

5800 Rue de Normanville

Royale Ginette is the kind of café that opens on International Women’s Day and means it. Tucked into Petite-Patrie, this pastry-driven spot is the latest from the duo behind Baluchon, and it leans into its values with substance and style. The star? Brioche—pillowy, rich, and reimagined monthly with flavours like cookie dough or caramel cream. Coffee is dialled-in, the vibe is inclusive, and the food—especially the sausage breakfast sandwich—is serious comfort. Add in a mural honouring feminine strength and a side of raspberry matcha, and you’ve got one of the most thoughtful new cafés in town.

Comète

4484 Rue Fabre

Comète is what happens when a dream survives translation—across languages, cities, and ovens. After closing their Tokyo bakery, Sayaka and Kenji brought their vision to the Plateau, landing softly on Rue Fabre with a minimalist space that fuses Tokyo calm and Montreal charm. The menu leans deeply into Japanese-French technique: cardamom-miso viennoiseries, chocolate-yuzu croissants, curry pan, and the standout melon pan—its crackled top filled here with homemade cranberry jam. There’s matcha syrup made in-house, affordable prices, and an open kitchen where you can watch it all come together.

Aube Café⁠

1384 Sherbrooke St W

Downtown just got a serious upgrade: Aube Café has landed inside the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. This new outpost of the beloved Hochelaga bakery delivers the same polished hits—flaky pastries, sharp coffee, and one of the best capicollo sandwiches in the city—now with more sunlight and sculpture in your periphery. A collaboration between veterans of Hélicoptère and Café Hélico, the space balances clean lines with warm touches, and service is as kind as it is efficient.

mmmmagasin

1875 Rue Payette

mmmmagasin is a slow-burn love letter to intentional living. Designed and run by Jessica and Matt McNeilly, it’s part café, part showroom, and fully a reflection of its creators’ values: meticulous coffee and tea service, warm community vibes, and visual clarity that lands somewhere between Scandinavian restraint and ‘70s retro-futurism. You’ll find house specials served on striking marble-patterned trays, hand-thrown ceramics, and curated playlists spun on vinyl—all details that elevate without overwhelming. The drinks lean thoughtful: foam-forward floats, pour-overs, high-grade matcha, and a mysterious “special sauce” you’ll be tempted to take home. It’s a space that invites pause, connection, and conversation—exactly as intended.

café capybara

1849 Saint-Catherine St West

Bright, sweet, and unapologetically extra, this Korean-style drink bar serves iced banana lattes, taro coconut refreshers, and pistachio café viennois under a ceiling of capybara plushies and pastel merch. Drinks come topped with fresh bonbon foam and taste better than they have any right to. If you’re into aesthetic café culture—think Seoul meets Concordia—this one’s a must. Go for the vibes, stay for the pistachio latte, and leave with a sticker or three.

Café Tere

156 Rue Prince-Arthur Est

There’s something quietly special about Café Tere. Opened by the team behind Innocere Yoga, this Plateau newcomer is more than just a café—it’s a restorative pause. With natural light, soft design, and a menu that blends third-wave coffee with fresh, vibrant smoothie bowls, it’s built for both post-yoga chill and midday catchups. The espresso’s bright, the croissants are baked in-house, and the Orange Halfmoon bowl hits the spot every time.

BrewLab

5125 Sherbrooke St West

Some of the best cafés sneak up on you—like BrewLab, quietly operating inside Mama’s Boy Barbershop in NDG. It’s a smart, offbeat addition to the neighbourhood: great coffee, flaky viennoiseries, and an evolving art wall that doubles as a platform for local creatives. The vibe is unfussy but intentional, equal parts gallery and hangout. Whether you’re waiting for a fade or just wandering by, this one’s worth stepping into. Bonus: the terrasse is now open and already a low-key favourite.

Cafe le 9e

1500 Blvd Robert-Bourassa

The team behind Melk has officially raised the bar for mall cafés with Café le 9e, a sleek newcomer tucked inside the Eaton Centre that feels anything but corporate. Built on the bones of Art Deco elegance, this second act combines signature Melk pastries with upgraded savouries—think gourmet jambon-beurre, curated by heavy hitters Derek Dammann and Liam Hopkins. It’s fast without feeling rushed, elegant without being showy, and maybe the most unexpectedly chill corner in downtown Montreal. Even if you’re just passing through, this one deserves a detour.

Moon Brew Magic

271 Duluth Ave E

Moon Brew Magic isn’t your typical café—and that’s exactly the point. This newcomer in the Plateau doubles as a metaphysical shop, serving up strong brews alongside spell jars, conjure oils, and tarot readings. Every product is made in-house by the owners team behind the counter, and their passion for ritual and folklore is woven into everything from the incense to the lattes. Come for the vibe, stay for the clarity. If you’re into spiritual tools, seasonal magic, or just want your coffee with a side of witchcraft, this place casts the right kind of spell.

Phin Café

804 Rue Roy Est

Phin Café stands out not with flash, but with heart. A Vietnamese-inspired café by way of the Plateau, it’s run by Đan, whose shift from biotech to barista brings both curiosity and rigour to every drink. Her take on traditional egg coffee is already getting buzz, and her carefully selected roasters—like Ethica and Traffic—push the envelope without shouting about it. Add in a bánh mì, a corner bathed in natural light, and you’ve got one of the most thoughtful new spots in town.

Café Mina Mina

3027 Notre-Dame St West

In a city flooded with cafés, Mina Mina makes its mark with focus and heart. This Saint-Henri newcomer is the first brick-and-mortar from Amina, the barista-turned-founder who brought warmth and specialty coffee to events across Québec with her mobile espresso bar. Now grounded just minutes from Lionel-Groulx, the café continues her mission: precision-brewed espresso, handmade pastries, and a commitment to spotlighting women in coffee. The vibe is intimate but never exclusive—just the right balance of quality and care, served in a space that welcomes everyone.

Café Beardlington

6200 Boulevard Monk

Beardlington is less a barbershop or a café than it is a complete ecosystem. Since 2017, the team has built something that goes beyond haircuts and lattes, creating a shared space where sharp fades and espresso shots coexist without fuss. On one side: the barbershop, known for its consistency, attention to detail, and loyal local following. On the other: Café Beardlington, a natural extension that brings the same philosophy to specialty coffee. The atmosphere bridges clean design with casual warmth, offering everything from a post-cut chill zone to a midday caffeine fix. Whether you’re coming for the fresh pastry or the fresh lineup, you’ll leave feeling like you got exactly what you came for.

Even Café

267 Rue Saint-Zotique Ouest

Even Café is built on a foundation of precision, passion, and a deep respect for the craft. Combining a roastery and café under one roof, the Mile-Ex space brings Montrealers closer to the process, ensuring a seamless journey from green bean to final cup. Founded by a team of seasoned professionals, Even prioritizes quality without pretension, creating an environment where customers can engage with coffee in a meaningful way.

The design, developed with Future Simple Studio, strikes a balance between raw and refined, mirroring the care that goes into every roast. With a curated selection of pour-overs, espresso drinks, and a rotating food menu, Even embodies a new chapter in Montreal’s café culture—one that’s as much about connection as it is about coffee.

Sora Café

1 Pl. Ville-Marie

Not exactly a new opening, but Sora 45—known for its sleek cocktail scene high above Montreal—is now shifting gears by day to Sora Café, a specialty coffee bar perched on the 45th floor. By morning, the space trades late-night drinks for expertly crafted espresso and tea, offering a refined caffeine fix with a panoramic city backdrop. The baristas focus on precision, bringing the same attention to detail found in the evening cocktail program. Enjoy a quick espresso or a slow sip while taking in the skyline, whatever the weather.

Fame Café

5201 Clark Street

FAME Café brings a new rhythm to Clark Street, where coffee, music, and design intersect in a space that feels as much a creative studio as it does a café. It channels Italian influences through its espresso bar and evolving menu, with a side of DJ sets that shift the café experience into something more immersive.

The design leans retro-chic—wood, leather, and metal warmed by a collection of vinyl records—setting the stage for a space that balances refinement with an easy energy. Coffee is the anchor, with a tight menu of well-executed classics alongside house specialties like caffè zabaglione. A backroom promises pop-ups and coworking sessions.

Nawat Café

1334 Rue Fleury Est

Nawat Café aims to cultivate a space where simplicity and nature take centre stage, reflected in both its name—rooted in indigenous traditions—and its commitment to sustainability. The focus here is on hand-harvested coffee, organic ingredients, and a serene atmosphere that invites slow mornings and quiet afternoons. The decor leans warm and natural, with thoughtful details that complement the café’s ethos.

The ambiance gets high marks, and the layout's designed for relaxation, not work. Nawat has promise—its strengths lie in its inviting service, well-chosen coffee, and a clear vision.

Paper Hill

1030 Rue St-Alexandre

Café Paper Hill is a blend of café culture and bistro charm in Old Montréal that's located in a historic building with roots in the city’s printmaking past. Paying homage to its neighbourhood’s heritage, it features a wall dedicated to printed works for browsing or inspiration.

By day, the café serves up expertly crafted espresso drinks alongside a menu of sweet and savoury breakfast and lunch options—think creamy frittatas, salads, and indulgent mac and cheese. By evening, the atmosphere shifts into apéro mode, offering a curated selection of wines, cocktails, and small plates like vegan spreads, charcuterie, and artisanal cheese boards.

Kaizen Manga Café

1433c Bishop Street

Kaizen Manga Café is a two-storey experience just steps from Concordia’s downtown campus. Upstairs, the K-mart serves a lineup of Asian-inspired snacks, drinks, and light meals, from matcha lattes to onigiri and onirigirazu.

The lounge is a cozy escape, designed for unwinding, studying, or diving into manga. For $12.99 per hour, guests enjoy unlimited manga access, free WiFi, and an all-you-can-eat snack bar with tea and coffee refills. The space is student-friendly and stays open late, making it ideal for night owls and study marathons.

William Henry Café

150 Prom. des Lanternes #10 (Brossard)

William Henry makes multitasking look elegant. Opened in DIX30, it’s a daytime café with serious kitchen chops—think pork grilled cheese, salmon tartare, and turmeric-loaded smoothies—but it also moonlights as a refined wine bar Thursday through Sunday. The drinks are clean, the design is intentional, and the coffee program keeps things classic with espresso, filter, and seasonal specials. If you’re the type to order matcha in the morning and Merlot after work, this might just be your new favourite crossover spot.

Gabé Café

8 Rue Rachel Est

Gabé Café has cracked the code on what Montreal didn’t know it needed: Korean milk cream donuts, done right. Handmade daily and generously filled, these chewy-soft pastries have quickly become a local obsession. But the menu doesn’t stop there—there’s brunch, croffles, and espresso made with beans flown in from one of Korea’s top independent roasters. The space is small but styled with care, giving just enough Seoul café energy without feeling like a copy. If you’re after dessert that’s creamy, not cloying, and still somehow light? Gabé’s the spot.

Onna Café

425 Blvd. De Maisonneuve Ouest, Suite #030

Downtown’s café game just levelled up with Onna, a new all-day brunch and coffee spot that’s quickly earning its place on the radar. Run by a French team with a soft spot for Mediterranean flavours and top-notch espresso, the café blends clean design with comfort. There’s house-baked bread, generous plates, and a light-filled space perfect for catching up or plugging in. With daily brunch and a kitchen that doesn’t cut corners, Onna proves that convenience and quality don’t have to be opposites.

Bah! Café

857 Marie-Anne St Est

Bah! Café isn’t just serving coffee—it’s serving home. This new Plateau spot has become a cultural anchor for Montreal’s Brazilian community and a culinary curiosity for everyone else. Come for the pão de queijo, stay for the farroupilha sandwich, and don’t skip the quindim if it’s on deck. The coffee’s strong, the energy’s warmer than it has any right to be, and the team behind the counter makes everyone feel like family. If you’ve never had Brazilian comfort food before, start here.