With 30 minutes before they closed, we were told that the kitchen was closed so we couldn’t be served. Quite early to close the kitchen. If you’re open, you’re open. Otherwise change your hours.
Michelle Ricketts
Fantastic! Epic coffee and great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mickael Bourgeois
I stumbled across Melbourne Café on a scorching summer day back in 2019, just walking down Saint-Laurent. Since then, I’ve probably been 30, maybe 40 times, and I’m still not tired of it. That says a lot!!
This place has been around for a while now, and there’s a reason it’s still standing strong. It’s simple, a little funky, and effortlessly relaxed , exactly what I associate with Melbourne, where I lived for a year. The café captures that Australian café culture perfectly: unpretentious, fresh food, great coffee, and a space that just feels good to be in.
I’ve worked my way through pretty much every item they’ve had on the menu over the years, the bagel, the Lebanese plate, the chicken sandwich, and so on. The menu’s not huge, but what they do, they do really well. That said, if I’m being completely honest, I tend to fall back on the same thing almost every time: the avocado toast!
It might sound basic, but theirs is on another level. I’d go so far as to say it’s the best avocado toast I’ve had anywhere in Canada, no exaggeration. The bread is always perfectly toasted, the avocado is ripe and generous, but what really makes it is the homemade tomato chilli jam. It’s incredible. Sweet, tangy, spicy, it hits every note and ties the whole dish together in a way that makes it feel anything but basic. It’s honestly a little addictive.
The service has always been lovely. Sure, like most places, there’s some staff turnover (understandably, in this industry and economy), but what’s consistent is the energy and the welcome you get. And the owners, Sébastien and Lily, are absolute gems. I’ve seen them behind the counter since day one, they’re hands-on, hardworking, and clearly passionate about what they do. It shows. They care, and it makes a difference.
If I could give more than five stars, I would. Melbourne Café is one of those places that just gets everything right, and keeps you coming back without needing to reinvent itself every season. A staple, and for me, a favourite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
yohai rubin
Damn! That's a good latte ;)
Topsy Kretts
Everything is perfect in this little corner of paradise, where we love to come each time we visit Montreal. The food is always delicious and reasonably priced. Very cool neighborhood, with lots of things to do. Very inspiring for photographers ;)
Small space but overall very nice! The owner once opened up shop early so I could purchase some coffee beans. I'll always remember his kindness. I've still yet to be back for brunch, but I had a bite of my girlfriend's sandwich and it was fantastic.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Trang O
Very good coffee and delicious food!
Raphaël Sylvestre Bouchard
Special
In Hong Kong, at the turn of the 2010s, I experienced a friendship which, despite its ephemerality, marked my life. Even today, I consider these brief summer moments to be one of the most beautiful moments of my existence. V., magnificent, delicate, radiant and talented; a friend who guided me through the skyscrapers, invited me to the cinema to see Guardians of the Galaxy, delighted me with the gastronomy of the financial center (dim sum, English tea, etc.), accompanied me to the airport , smiled at me, hugged me and dried my tears. With her, I felt so privileged that I didn't believe in the permanence of my happiness, as if I dreaded waking up suddenly and everything disappearing like a mirage. For one month of September, she was a big sister full of tenderness who made me, a young man unsure of himself and without ambitions, a special being.
V. gave me a lesson in hospitality that I will never forget. My experience also taught me about the depth of feelings that anyone who finds themselves in my situation, in the middle of a city that he or she does not know, can experience, not knowing what to do or where to go. When I began to assemble a very modest list of the best restaurants in Montreal, I was motivated by the desire that one day I could engender such feelings in the heart of a guest visiting the metropolis.
In its current version, the menu has more than 2000 gastronomic landmarks (of which I have only explored a tiny part!) and I intend to share them with you. I have the immense joy of being able to tell you stories about them and make recommendations through this forum. I have an even greater joy in being able to directly benefit my friends who accompany me every Sunday.
Even today, they were very happy to find themselves at the Melbourne Café where I had taken them, especially when they found themselves salivating at the sight of the beautiful plates that had been brought to us. B. hadn't tasted anything yet, but was already certain that she was going to delight in the suggestive power of the presentation, the colors, the familiar textures...
It was our dear B. who was the most satisfied with the meal, praising the avocado toast for its halloumi cheese, the Persian sun for its sweet-tasting scrambled egg, the yum yum waffle for its sweet symmetry -salty which was unanimously appreciated and was a big favorite for A.. K., hungry, devoured everything in its path at high speed, leaving the other guests far behind in a cloud of smoke.
Thus, I affirm that I have achieved my primary goal and that Café Melbourne with its mini terrace where the regulars have a coffee, its colorful paintings painted by the owner, and its waitress with a European accent as cheerful as friendly , its cute collection of figurines and its homemade financial vouchers is the kind of perfect place to put a smile on the majority of people's faces for a very reasonable price (from $16 to $19 for fairly copious dishes).
However, since my role is also to advise you with complete integrity, and at the risk of appearing like a killjoy, I must continue and do my own analysis. I consider that the dishes were honest, with no added value compared to the mass of lunch restaurants. I looked in vain for a spicy flavor, an exquisite texture, an exciting and distinctive taste in the four plates of the day (especially in the chicken toastie which I had not mentioned to you until this line). In addition, “hot” chocolate looked more like “warm” chocolate. Despite its few flaws, Café Melbourne does not lose its charms and remains a perfectly suitable place for a lunch with friends.
Smiles guaranteed.
Vegetarian options: The avocado toast, the Persian sun...
Parking: On this stretch of Saint-Laurent, on Sunday morning, there are plenty of places that remain free until 1 p.m.
Kid-friendliness: Yes, with benches
Wheel
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Jiyoung Kim
The avocado toast brunch was very good! While there wasn't anything particularly special, the café did a solid job with the basics. And the staff were very friendly!
Very disappointed with this second experience! We came on a Sunday lunchtime, 5 adults and a baby, 2 of whom were regulars at this place. Seeing the places available to welcome us, with the majority of tables free, we sat on a table on the terrace, not having seen any particular indication to go inside at first. After 25 minutes, while a table of 3 people was set up next to us and we exchanged warmly to find room for everyone, the waiter came to see us and asked us to leave the table because the 3 people , I quote, “were here before.” Great moment of confusion and embarrassment, no one understanding the situation, given that we apologized to him for having done this and that no one seemed to be bothered, not even the 3 customers with whom we had interacted and who could have access to 2 additional chairs to install. What a conclusion when the waiter haughtily tells us “that’s how it happens in Canada”. Originally from abroad and resident in Quebec for several years with respect for cultures and customs, I had never been received with such disrespect and was made so uncomfortable. We were offered no solution, so we left without even a “goodbye” from the server.
Beautiful presentation of the dishes, simple but good cuisine. On the other hand, I was expecting a much more friendly, neat space (not very clean both for the open kitchen and the common areas...) Not a very friendly welcome... I'm not for leaving bad comments for free but I don't would not recommend this place
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
Weasel Montreal
After walking by this place for years, I thought I'd duck in and have a Flat White. The best cup of coffee I've ever had. Really.
Service: 5
Claire L
Adorable, cozy and delicious brunch spot. The coffee is excellent and their salmon/egg/dill bagel sandwich is sooo tasty!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bagel with Smoked Salmon, Iced Latte, Bagel Au Saumon Fumé
Esther Stuaert
The avocado toast, the coffee, the chai latte, everything is absolutely delicious! Small café with a very pleasant atmosphere. The terrace when there is sunshine is extremely pleasant!Thanks to the team!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Makela MacDougall
This little brunch spot was the highlight of my montreal eating spots! The food was amazing and the vibes were super casual and low-key! Beautiful little street patio perfect for a sunny afternoon, would recommend!
With 30 minutes before they closed, we were told that the kitchen was closed so we couldn’t be served. Quite early to close the kitchen. If you’re open, you’re open. Otherwise change your hours.
Fantastic! Epic coffee and great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I stumbled across Melbourne Café on a scorching summer day back in 2019, just walking down Saint-Laurent. Since then, I’ve probably been 30, maybe 40 times, and I’m still not tired of it. That says a lot!!
This place has been around for a while now, and there’s a reason it’s still standing strong. It’s simple, a little funky, and effortlessly relaxed , exactly what I associate with Melbourne, where I lived for a year. The café captures that Australian café culture perfectly: unpretentious, fresh food, great coffee, and a space that just feels good to be in.
I’ve worked my way through pretty much every item they’ve had on the menu over the years, the bagel, the Lebanese plate, the chicken sandwich, and so on. The menu’s not huge, but what they do, they do really well. That said, if I’m being completely honest, I tend to fall back on the same thing almost every time: the avocado toast!
It might sound basic, but theirs is on another level. I’d go so far as to say it’s the best avocado toast I’ve had anywhere in Canada, no exaggeration. The bread is always perfectly toasted, the avocado is ripe and generous, but what really makes it is the homemade tomato chilli jam. It’s incredible. Sweet, tangy, spicy, it hits every note and ties the whole dish together in a way that makes it feel anything but basic. It’s honestly a little addictive.
The service has always been lovely. Sure, like most places, there’s some staff turnover (understandably, in this industry and economy), but what’s consistent is the energy and the welcome you get. And the owners, Sébastien and Lily, are absolute gems. I’ve seen them behind the counter since day one, they’re hands-on, hardworking, and clearly passionate about what they do. It shows. They care, and it makes a difference.
If I could give more than five stars, I would. Melbourne Café is one of those places that just gets everything right, and keeps you coming back without needing to reinvent itself every season. A staple, and for me, a favourite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Damn! That's a good latte ;)
Everything is perfect in this little corner of paradise, where we love to come each time we visit Montreal. The food is always delicious and reasonably priced. Very cool neighborhood, with lots of things to do. Very inspiring for photographers ;)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Avocado Toast, Bagel Au Saumon Fumé, Chipotle Chicken Sandwich
Small space but overall very nice! The owner once opened up shop early so I could purchase some coffee beans. I'll always remember his kindness. I've still yet to be back for brunch, but I had a bite of my girlfriend's sandwich and it was fantastic.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Very good coffee and delicious food!
Special
In Hong Kong, at the turn of the 2010s, I experienced a friendship which, despite its ephemerality, marked my life. Even today, I consider these brief summer moments to be one of the most beautiful moments of my existence. V., magnificent, delicate, radiant and talented; a friend who guided me through the skyscrapers, invited me to the cinema to see Guardians of the Galaxy, delighted me with the gastronomy of the financial center (dim sum, English tea, etc.), accompanied me to the airport , smiled at me, hugged me and dried my tears. With her, I felt so privileged that I didn't believe in the permanence of my happiness, as if I dreaded waking up suddenly and everything disappearing like a mirage. For one month of September, she was a big sister full of tenderness who made me, a young man unsure of himself and without ambitions, a special being.
V. gave me a lesson in hospitality that I will never forget. My experience also taught me about the depth of feelings that anyone who finds themselves in my situation, in the middle of a city that he or she does not know, can experience, not knowing what to do or where to go. When I began to assemble a very modest list of the best restaurants in Montreal, I was motivated by the desire that one day I could engender such feelings in the heart of a guest visiting the metropolis.
In its current version, the menu has more than 2000 gastronomic landmarks (of which I have only explored a tiny part!) and I intend to share them with you. I have the immense joy of being able to tell you stories about them and make recommendations through this forum. I have an even greater joy in being able to directly benefit my friends who accompany me every Sunday.
Even today, they were very happy to find themselves at the Melbourne Café where I had taken them, especially when they found themselves salivating at the sight of the beautiful plates that had been brought to us. B. hadn't tasted anything yet, but was already certain that she was going to delight in the suggestive power of the presentation, the colors, the familiar textures...
It was our dear B. who was the most satisfied with the meal, praising the avocado toast for its halloumi cheese, the Persian sun for its sweet-tasting scrambled egg, the yum yum waffle for its sweet symmetry -salty which was unanimously appreciated and was a big favorite for A.. K., hungry, devoured everything in its path at high speed, leaving the other guests far behind in a cloud of smoke.
Thus, I affirm that I have achieved my primary goal and that Café Melbourne with its mini terrace where the regulars have a coffee, its colorful paintings painted by the owner, and its waitress with a European accent as cheerful as friendly , its cute collection of figurines and its homemade financial vouchers is the kind of perfect place to put a smile on the majority of people's faces for a very reasonable price (from $16 to $19 for fairly copious dishes).
However, since my role is also to advise you with complete integrity, and at the risk of appearing like a killjoy, I must continue and do my own analysis. I consider that the dishes were honest, with no added value compared to the mass of lunch restaurants. I looked in vain for a spicy flavor, an exquisite texture, an exciting and distinctive taste in the four plates of the day (especially in the chicken toastie which I had not mentioned to you until this line). In addition, “hot” chocolate looked more like “warm” chocolate. Despite its few flaws, Café Melbourne does not lose its charms and remains a perfectly suitable place for a lunch with friends.
Smiles guaranteed.
Vegetarian options: The avocado toast, the Persian sun...
Parking: On this stretch of Saint-Laurent, on Sunday morning, there are plenty of places that remain free until 1 p.m.
Kid-friendliness: Yes, with benches
Wheel
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
The avocado toast brunch was very good! While there wasn't anything particularly special, the café did a solid job with the basics. And the staff were very friendly!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Avocado Toast, Smashed Avocado
Very disappointed with this second experience!
We came on a Sunday lunchtime, 5 adults and a baby, 2 of whom were regulars at this place. Seeing the places available to welcome us, with the majority of tables free, we sat on a table on the terrace, not having seen any particular indication to go inside at first.
After 25 minutes, while a table of 3 people was set up next to us and we exchanged warmly to find room for everyone, the waiter came to see us and asked us to leave the table because the 3 people , I quote, “were here before.” Great moment of confusion and embarrassment, no one understanding the situation, given that we apologized to him for having done this and that no one seemed to be bothered, not even the 3 customers with whom we had interacted and who could have access to 2 additional chairs to install. What a conclusion when the waiter haughtily tells us “that’s how it happens in Canada”. Originally from abroad and resident in Quebec for several years with respect for cultures and customs, I had never been received with such disrespect and was made so uncomfortable. We were offered no solution, so we left without even a “goodbye” from the server.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Beautiful presentation of the dishes, simple but good cuisine. On the other hand, I was expecting a much more friendly, neat space (not very clean both for the open kitchen and the common areas...) Not a very friendly welcome... I'm not for leaving bad comments for free but I don't would not recommend this place
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
After walking by this place for years, I thought I'd duck in and have a Flat White. The best cup of coffee I've ever had. Really.
Service: 5
Adorable, cozy and delicious brunch spot. The coffee is excellent and their salmon/egg/dill bagel sandwich is sooo tasty!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bagel with Smoked Salmon, Iced Latte, Bagel Au Saumon Fumé
The avocado toast, the coffee, the chai latte, everything is absolutely delicious! Small café with a very pleasant atmosphere. The terrace when there is sunshine is extremely pleasant!Thanks to the team!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This little brunch spot was the highlight of my montreal eating spots! The food was amazing and the vibes were super casual and low-key! Beautiful little street patio perfect for a sunny afternoon, would recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smashed Avocado
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