Olive et Gourmando — Restaurant in Montreal

When I stepped into Olive & Gourmando, the first thing I noticed was how cute and cozy it felt. The interior was bursting with colour and the room was full of energy. There was music, friendly chatter, and nearly every table was taken. It was around lunchtime, and the place had that perfect mix of warmth and liveliness. I instantly enjoyed the atmosphere.

When my friend and I got a table, she told me—yet again—how incredible the mac and cheese here was. Apparently, she’d been dreaming of it since her last trip to Montreal. I was curious, but honestly didn’t expect much. I’ve never been the biggest mac and cheese fan. (Also, I loved that the bottom of the menu said, “Eat real food.”)

Then our order arrived—and let me tell you, I get it now. I, too, will be dreaming of this mac and cheese. It had such a unique twist: made with gnocchi sardi, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, and a rich truffle tapenade. The pasta had the perfect bite, the breadcrumbs added a special texture, and the truffle flavor took everything to a new level. It was creamy, savory, and completely unforgettable—definitely a one-of-a-kind.

We also shared a smashed potato salad, which was fresh, vibrant, and seasoned beautifully with a variety of herbs and spices. Every bite felt thoughtful.

I walked out a new woman—seriously, it was that good. What I loved most is that they took simple dishes and elevated them into something extraordinary. As a vegetarian, I often see the same types of dishes repeated at restaurants, but Olive & Gourmando really transforms classics into something magical.

I hope to come back the next time I visit Montreal.

Merci beaucoup, Olive...

Swoon this place is delicious... Although the prices were almost a turnoff (20 CAD for a chicken sandwich with no sides and 26 CAD for a salad), when the food is THIS delicious, take my money... just take it! Course reviews below:

1. Smashed Potato Salad (5/5) - It's almost comical that on a menu with lots of high priced brunch-y options, the best thing is a wee little side potato salad at a humble cost of 5.25 CAD. To be clear, this is the best potato salad I HAVE EVER HAD. And I love potato salad! The fresh herbs, spice mix, and creamy dressing take this to another level. I would go back to O&G simply to eat this.
2. Salty Ricotta Salad (4.5/5) - Big portions of cheese (whether ricotta or mozzarella) just don't do it for me, and this wasn't really an exception. What makes this dish a winner though is the salad itself. Similar to the potato salad, O&G is just bomb dot com in terms of ingredients (rapini, currants, pine nuts, parmesan). One of the better salads out there.
3. Chicken Melt (4/5) - A really solid chicken sandwich. I like me all the sauce, and this was dripping with mayo, hot sauce, ketchup, cole slaw, and vinaigrette. YUM. I wish O&G would add a side with this, or reduce the price (because 20 CAD is really pushing it), but hey, at least you will leave with a happy belly to make up for the dent in...

If you're a fan of brunch spots in Montreal, Olive + Gourmando is the place you should definitely check out. I've been visiting Montreal every year, and this spot has become a personal favorite for a reason! The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with an inviting atmosphere that’s as warm and charming as their service. The customer service is outstanding, truly top-tier. The staff is not only friendly but also super efficient—there's never a long wait, and everything flows so smoothly. It's clear they care about giving you a great experience.

As for the food? Absolutely amazing. The menu is a dream come true for brunch lovers. Whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet, they’ve got you covered with dishes that are both fresh and delicious. I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich and their almond croissant. They’ve mastered the art of balancing flavors while making each dish feel comforting and indulgent without being overwhelming.

I haven’t had the chance to visit this year, but as soon as I’m back in Montreal, Olive + Gourmando will be my first stop. It's more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Can’t wait to dive into their mouthwatering dishes again, sip on a freshly brewed coffee, and enjoy that cozy, bustling vibe. Every visit feels like a treat, and I know the next one will be...