Olive + Gourmando: A Vibrant Montreal Cafe with Delectable Breakfast & Brunch Options

Met up with a friend to have breakfast here on my second day visiting Montreal. Sunday morning was packed with a line up out the door. Luckily the 2 of us sat at the bar as we were instantly ushered inside. Service was friendly and efficient. The vibe though! Such a lively atmosphere with a nice view of the open kitchen area. Food was super tasty and the coffee was gourmet. The price was on the higher end but it was smack in the middle of downtown so I get it. Highly recommended!

Such a lovely brunch spot in a perfect location in Old Montreal. The menu is simple but still offers plenty of options for different tastes. The sweet ricotta was amazing and definitely a highlight. They also make excellent coffee and pastries, which makes it hard to go wrong with anything you order. The atmosphere is cozy, the service is kind and attentive, and everything felt welcoming. We were very happy with our experience. They do not take reservations, so it can get quite busy depending on the day, but it is well worth the wait.

A lunch well spent at Olive et Gourmando in downtown Montreal on Wednesday; July 1, 2025; which happened to be CANADA DAY. It was a planned school friend’s reunion, and it turned out absolutely perfect. It’s easily one of the best brunch/lunch spots in the city. Even when it’s busy, the line moves quickly, and the atmosphere is bright, cozy, and full of energy with a lively open-kitchen vibe. The staff are warm, attentive, and efficient, which made our gathering even more enjoyable. The food was outstanding across the board. The sweet ricotta was a standout, and everything else—from the fresh, well-balanced plates to the ultra-flaky pastries—was packed with flavor. The coffee is top-notch and pairs perfectly with their baked goods. Prices are on the higher side, but fair for the quality and central location. Overall, truly worth the visit and a place I’d happily return to again.

Loved the vibe here, cute and with a sense of humor. Great to catch up with friends or for a solo person grabbing food or getting work done. Will need to come back for their sandwiches but the chia pudding with their house granola was amazing

Really lovely little spot that felt very welcoming with a friendly team. I ordered the banoffee French toast and it was really, really good! The ricotta so perfectly balanced the intense sweetness of the caramel and banana, and the crunch bits of seeds and nuts made the whole thing a textural joy. The coffee was pretty good as well, although not quite in the same league as the food ⭐⭐⭐

Despite the waiting time, I loved their coffee and sandwich. The almond croissant was delicious too, has got the right amount of sweetness. To avoid the rush hour, it is good to get there around 9.30AM. Ambience is a little noisy but can be ignored for the food they serve. Got a spicy poached egg panini without meat (modified). It was simply perfect.

Olive et Gourmando is one of the best brunch spots in Old Montreal—full stop. The bright, cozy bakery-café vibe, incredible coffee, and ultra-flaky pastries make it an easy favorite. Brunch plates and breakfast sandwiches are fresh, generous, and beautifully balanced (perfect greens, great bread, big flavor). Staff are warm and on the ball even when it’s busy. It’s the place I bring friends when I want guaranteed “wow.” Tip: lines happen, but they move; go a bit early or mid-afternoon for a shorter wait—and don’t skip a pastry for the road.

It really was worth the 30 minute wait. Everything was great. The baked eggs were very flavorful, my friend loved the peach french toast (a weekend special), the sconewich was so good I ended up coming here the next day to grab 2 to go. The blueberry muffin was fluffy, moist, and not too sweet. They nailed the flavors and everything was cooked to perfection, it’s no wonder it’s one of the top breakfast/brunch spots in Montreal.