In a quiet corner of Old Montreal, Dispensa has been serving Italian coffee, sandwiches, and pantry staples since 2014. Founded by brothers Antony and Aldo Molinaro with their longtime friend Daniel Guerrera, the café blends the spirit of an old-country alimentari with the rhythm of a neighbourhood lunch counter. The space is compact—part espresso bar, part grocery—but it punches above its weight when it comes to flavour. There’s always a rush at lunch for warm focaccia piled with porchetta or breaded chicken, finished with house sauces like basil mayo or marinated eggplant. Mornings start with a caffè and a bombolone, and the shelves are stocked with imported olive oil, panettone, and prepared dishes. Antony usually works the front, greeting customers like family, while Daniel handles the grill and Aldo pours one of the area’s most reliable espressos. There’s seating inside, and a bench out front when the weather plays nice.
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