Café Alphabet — Restaurant in Montreal

The BEST Café in Montreal, point blank period.

Cafe Alphabet is an absolute gem tucked away in the Mile End neighborhood of Montreal, which is such a cozy and vibrant area filled with cafés and character. I came here while visiting Montreal from Toronto this summer, and I can honestly say if I lived in Mile End I would come here every single day. This café had been on my list for a long time after I kept seeing it all over social media, especially because of their viral pink freddo. The barista was kind enough to explain that the drink is seasonal and will be brought back around Valentine’s Day and again in October, which makes me even more excited to return in the future.

Getting here is simple and convenient. From downtown Montreal you can take the STM Orange Line to Laurier Station and it is just a short walk from there. Once you arrive, you step into a beautiful space that feels modern yet cozy. There is plenty of seating both inside and outside on benches, which makes it a welcoming place whether you want to relax with friends, enjoy some quiet time, or even bring your family along. I took a look and I believe there may have been a kids’ menu if I was not mistaken, but I definitely noticed kids’ drinks. I think this is such a thoughtful and considerate detail because many cafés I have been to do not prioritize children and are not very family friendly, so shout out to Cafe Alphabet for including that.

The staff truly made the experience even more memorable. The female barista who prepared my freddo was incredibly kind and even let me film her pouring it, which was such a special moment for me. The freddo itself was light, creamy, and delicious. This was also my very first time trying Greek coffee, and it was wonderful to learn more about its origins. The café is run by a family with Greek heritage, and I really appreciated being able to support a business that carries such a rich cultural background. As someone who loves matcha and makes a point of trying it everywhere I go, I can say with confidence that the matcha here is outstanding. It was high quality, earthy, smooth, and absolutely delicious.

Another thing that stood out to me was how affordable it was compared to many other places that sell specialty drinks. I ordered two matcha freddos for $14.95, which I felt was very reasonable and honestly quite normal these days. It was refreshing to enjoy such high quality drinks in a beautiful setting without feeling like I was overspending.

One of the highlights of my visit was meeting Steve, the father of the owners. He was incredibly warm, welcoming, and gracious. He took the time to chat with both my dad and me, and you could feel his pride in the café and in his sons who have built something so wonderful. Cafe Alphabet is also a generational family business that began with their uncles, and now the next generation is carrying it forward with passion and care. Seeing that family history and pride reflected in the space makes the café feel even more meaningful. Meeting Steve was such a kind and memorable experience that added so much to our visit, and I truly hope I get to meet his sons next time.

Cafe Alphabet is so much more than just a café. It is a place that radiates warmth, hospitality, and community. The drinks are not only delicious but thoughtfully prepared, the space is beautiful and comfortable, and the people are genuine and welcoming. I am very grateful that I had the chance to experience it during my time in Montreal, and I know I will miss it dearly when I am back home in Toronto. I look forward to coming back on my next trip, and I cannot recommend this place enough. Thank you to Cafe Alphabet for such a memorable and wonderful...

🥰 Cafe Alphabet will forever hold a special place in my heart. 🥰

We are leaving Montréal tomorrow and before we go I just wanted to say thank you again on behalf of my dad and myself for the beautiful experience we had this afternoon at Café Alphabet. This café will not only hold a special place in my heart but I truly believe it deserves global recognition. It is the kind of place that should be a designated stop for anyone visiting Montréal, the kind of café you circle on the map and make sure you never miss. Café Alphabet is so special that it feels worthy of being included in the Michelin Guide.

It was such a joy to meet you Steve and to share a kind and genuine conversation. You welcomed us with so much warmth and gratitude and it meant so much. You are not only the heart of this café but also such a wonderful father figure. I can see how proud you are of your sons and how much pride you take in Café Alphabet. That love and devotion shines through in every detail. Café Alphabet is a multigenerational family business with history, tradition, and care, and you can feel that legacy the moment you walk in.

I know I left a review on my other account already but you have no idea how much I miss Café Alphabet even now only a few hours later. I am already craving another freddo and I know that back home in Toronto it will never be the same. I have told my family and friends all about this café and I promise that whenever I have the opportunity to return to Montréal I will come back here and order even more drinks from the menu. This café has truly become one of my favourite cafés of all time. It is so much better than going to chain coffee houses. I honestly dislike chains and I would much rather support small businesses like this one because they have heart, soul, and history that no chain can ever replace.

The drinks here are outstanding, especially the matcha freddo. I would give it a full 10 out of 10. It was creamy, smooth, and refreshing, with that perfect balance of richness and lightness. The matcha itself tasted earthy and high quality, not bitter at all, but instead mellow and deep in flavor. The cold creamy foam on top made it feel indulgent, almost like sipping a cloud. I may not know exactly what a traditional freddo is supposed to taste like, but I know this one was exceptional. As someone who drinks matcha every day, I can confidently say this is one of the best matcha drinks I have ever had.

Another thing that makes Café Alphabet stand out is how affordable it is compared to many other cafés. I paid $6.50 plus Quebec tax, which came out to about $7.50, for my matcha freddo. For a drink of this quality, that is incredibly fair. In Toronto you often pay the same or even more for something mediocre with service that feels rushed or impersonal. At Café Alphabet, every detail is done with care, and the hospitality is sincere. This was the best service we experienced during our entire stay in Montréal, even compared to our hotel. Thank you as well to the male and female baristas who were working this afternoon. You were both so kind and professional. Everyone here is talented, welcoming, and carries a stylish charm that makes the café feel even more special.

If there were any way to nominate Café Alphabet for the Michelin Star guide I would do it without hesitation. This café is so deserving. It is authentic, heartfelt, and one of the best cafés I have ever been to.

Steve, thank you again for your kindness. You and your family have built something extraordinary and you should be so proud. May God bless you and your family with continued success, recognition, and joy. Montréal is lucky to have Café Alphabet and I cannot wait until the day I...

Firstly I didn’t plan to visit this cafe. As I’m walking out of the Bernie Beigne donut store across the street I noticed this lovely cafe packed to the gills so much so that there was steam on the windows. Thanks to having fresh donuts in my possession I thought that I should check this place out as it seems “cool” and if I’m inspired, why not marry a good cup of “Joe” to my donuts - right?? So we got in line and we were served by Tony (an owner) and he was really cool. Also very patient. Why you ask? Because I don’t know all the “cafe lingo” and basically asked for a decaf cappuccino and a decaf cup of coffee with two cream and a sweetener. This had to be explained to me how a simple cup of decaf coffee would be prepared - I’m like “as long as it’s coffee in a cup I do t care how are what you do” and with a friend warm smile it was done. As we waiting to be served our coffees to the right where the other partner manages the outbound side of the business - he too was super friendly and warm and also speaks Greek too!

Interior is clean, cosy, intimate, chic, and smells divine. All you want to do is find a cosy spot and drink you coffee and and drink more coffees and just relax in this busy happening little gem of a place to relax and enjoy an amazing selection brand they use to make super premium coffee.

Yes, the quality of their beans have to be at the level of a European cafe. The nose was clean and crisp with perfect balance. Just smelling the coffee puts a smile on my face. But drinking this coffee is something special. I highly recommend your first sip to be a calm mindful one. Why? You need to give a little respect to the craft. You deserve the pleasure enjoy all aspects of their high quality coffee and just relax. Don’t rush this. Savour the experience as this is not Tim Horton, Starbucks, second cup etc - this is what coffee should be in this city.

This is also a great place for a first or any date for that matter. And don’t be shy, the owners are young and outgoing friendly down to earth people who love to hear (good or bad - not that this happens lol) feedback from their clients as their focus is that the customer experience is...