Caffè Italia — Restaurant in Montreal

I used to visit this place occasionally without any issues. In the past, they’d always take your order or at least acknowledge you if you were waiting or seated inside.

I walked in, said "Hi" to the tall buff guy with glasses (don’t know his name), and was seated at a table. I waited over 10 minutes, yet he walked by me several times without acknowledging us. He didn’t seem very friendly or welcoming.

Meanwhile, I noticed a table of four older gentlemen nearby me who were able to place their order directly from their table without any problem.

It’s one thing to work in the service industry, but another to act dismissively. Which is exactly how we felt. And just so you know, I’m half Italian, so I’m well aware of service expectations.

After waiting so long, we got up and moved to the bar to wait. The other barista, who was making coffee, completely ignored us and served others who had just walked in, even though we’d been there first. (He didn’t seem very observant either.)

The place wasn’t even busy, there were fewer than 10 people inside.

If they don’t know you, does poor service seem to be the result? Or is it just favoritism? A bad day? I honestly can’t tell.

They could definitely improve when it comes to service and...

Step into Caffè Italia and you’ll swear you’ve landed in the heart of Rome—without ever leaving Montreal! 🇮🇹☕ This legendary spot on St-Laurent has been serving up authentic Italian charm and the city’s best coffee since 1956, and it’s still the real deal.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the warm buzz of locals chatting in Italian, the aroma of rich espresso, and the sight of regulars debating soccer or catching up over cappuccinos. The old-school vibe is unbeatable—think vintage photos on the walls, friendly staff, and a crowd that feels like family.

The cappuccino here is a must-try: perfectly creamy, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and as close to Italy as you’ll get in Montreal. Pair it with a fresh cannoli or a classic panini and you’re set for a true Little Italy experience. Outdoor seating lets you soak up the neighborhood’s energy, making it the perfect spot for people-watching or a relaxing break before hitting Jean-Talon Market.

If you love authentic flavors, genuine hospitality, and a slice of Montreal history, don’t miss Caffè Italia. This is more than a café—it’s a local institution, and every coffee lover should experience it...

I had a lot of expectations to find finally a spot to fill my italian needs as in talking in italian and have a nice cappuccino and cornetto, as the reviews were positive about em. Was very highly disappointed with the barman that had a very broken italian and couldn't hold a conversation. The cappuccino was so badly made, too much coffee and the milk was all bubbly, I would recommend for the barman to learn on how to prepare the milk for the cappuccino as many other italians might get baited from the name of the place. The cornetto (crossaint) was supposed to be 'ripieno' but clearly the staff needs also a vocabulary, as the crossaint gives only had some bits of chocolate inside. We also had "cheese toast". The ingredients were: toasted bread and cheese. Just no.

Per tutti gli italiani evitate se cercate un cappuccino dove può farvi ricordare del bel paese. Senza contare ai prezzi esorbitanti. Una vergogna, quasi al livello dell'Italia che non arriva ai mondiali per due volte di fila. Alla ricerca di un altro bar per avere la mia necessità di italiano...