Cafe Cardynal — Restaurant in Montreal

Due to it's location, at least a km from the nearest metro station (Mont-Royal), it's a bit off the beaten path for those who don't live in the area. However, it is on the busy thorough-fare that is rue Mont-Royal, so lots of foot traffic. Currently, there's never-ending construction outside so one can easily miss seeing the cafe. All that aside, Valentine, one of the baristas is a jovial fellow who loves perfecting his coffee. I find the coffee here to be sweeter and less bitter than most brews in Montreal. The price for coffee is higher than most of Montreal though. It's a decent space to get some work done, internet available and all, with the distinctive feature of solid tables to work on (they are flat and smooth and inviting for those who want to read or delve into their work). Not the most spacious of cafes, but during my visit in the late afternoon on a Sunday, I found it easy to post-up for a little while.

Importantly, 3-stars is a "decent/with potential" rating for me; I find that the vast majority of reviewers in Montreal are undiscerning, giving out 5 stars constantly for every venue. This type of reviewing simply dilutes the...

(updating review from a few months ago) Ordered an single shot Americano, they gave me a big cup with the same amount of water as a double shot Americano. Obviously, the "coffee" looked like dirty water! What kind of a coffee shop, on Mont-Royal Ave. no less, doesn't know how to keep the correct proportions on a cup of coffee! When I challenged them, i found out that they made a double espresso, then throw out half the coffee and filled the big cup with water! And, then charged me for two shots! Their excuse, their machine doesn't make single espressos! Lol.

I got a replacement cup that was better proportioned, but the coffee was actually not very good, especially when you pay 5 freaking dollars for an espresso with hot water.

Definitely not...

It was exactly what I needed. I was just coming from the doctor’s office and after that visit needed some comfort. I needed an internal hug so I thought coffee and googled near by coffee shop. I found Cardynal and saw awesome reviews and thought why not.

The ambiance was perfect. Cozy, warm and just a great place to sit, eat and enjoy a moka latte like I did. I also got this amazing raisin & cinnamon foccacia with melted Brie cheese. Although there was just one person here kindness and professionalism brighten my day. This small moment that I got to spend with myself at the cafe definitely changed the...