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92 reviews for Olive et Gourmando
Review Highlights
"Their almond croissant is definitely denser than most."
(in 11 reviews)
"...in love with the apricot coconut & white chocolate brioche."
(in 5 reviews)
"The baked goods are good to à porter."
(in 8 reviews)
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88 reviews in English
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Review from Helena K.
12/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am absolutely in lurve with Olive et Gourmando. I am still dreaming about the Viva Las Vegan, drooling as I gaze at a picture of it on Foodspotting: http://www.foodspottin... . Tofu, pickles, veggies, hummus, the most perfect bread I've ever tasted; you get the picture.
I think everyone else in Montréal feels the same way, because this joint is always packed. But don't let the ridiculous crowd at the front door deter you from getting your lunch. Getting a seat may take some patience, but if you're placing a to-go order, you'll be in and out in a jiff. The line is split into two portions: the folks clogging the front door are all waiting for specialty drink orders or maybe an entire cake or something. Dunno. I just know it didn't have anything to do with me, so, shrug. Squeeze through them and make your way to the second line, near the menu board. Place your order there, then turn around and join the other line---you'll see it; it's still not the mob at the door).
If you're ordering a salad or a sandwich to go, they'll usually have it ready-made, so all you have to do is stand with your order in the line to pay. At the register, do yourself a favor and add a croissant aux amandes to your order. Holy freaking hell.
I can also recommend the chai tea. You also place your coffee and tea orders separately from your sandwich / salad order: you'll see the barista person in between the two lines. Yeah, it's a weird setup, but for the most part it works.
I love the super-cute hipster staff. Even when they're stressed and busy, they're still very sweet.
So, yes, like I said, the Viva Las Vegan will knock your socks off, as will the croissant aux amandes. If I'm being honest here, I ate two of each on this most recent business trip to Montréal. After which I promptly hit the gym for two hours. Worth it! -
Review from Lily C.
North York, ON
12/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Cheese Croissant - addictive!
Almond Croissant - dense and flavourful (though a bit heavy for my tastes).
Latte - the coffee was fragrant and the milk was smooth..the best latte I've had in Montreal!
Going back to try their poached egg breakfast sandwich...may upgrade to 5 stars! -
Review from Candace C.
12/5/2011
The Skinny: really great pastries including the almond croissants and the chocolate brioches (4) The service, if dining in, can be confusing because you have to order everything at the back counter. Unfortunately, the restaurant is claustrophobic, and noisy. They also don't take credit cards unless you have over a $10 purchase (3) Overall, this is a great little breakfast/brunch/lunch spot. If you can't take the crowd, get your stuff to go (4).
After discovering this place on Yelp, I ventured to this cafe at least 3 times during my short stay. I ate in once but after experiencing the crowd decided to do take-out afterwards.
This place is definitely hopping. Primarily a breakfast/lunch place, every time I went here, it was literally brimming with people. At 2:30 pm, you had to wait 10-15 minutes to get a table for three.
Service is confusing so I'll give you the low-down. If you decide to eat in, your waitress will hand you a meal ticket which you are supposed to bring to the back sandwich counter. Order all your drinks, pastries and sandwiches there and they will bring out your order to you afterwards. If you want to add anything to your meal, you just go to the back counter and let the server know what you want and they will add it to your tab. When you are done, you line up at the pastry/to-go line and pay there.
All I can say is pastries are king here. I had three different types of brioche and almond croissant here. Everything was pretty good here. Personally I think the best of the bunch was the chocolate brioche. The lovely pastry was brimming with Valharona chocolate encased with a flaky, buttery bread. Chocoholic porn. 'Nuff said.
Almond croissants were also delicious however were a little on the thinner side. The maple/nut and banana/chocolate brioches was a little too moist for my taste which was detrimental to the pastry itself. The flavours however were very good despite this which was why this place gets a 4 for food.
On the down side, this place is very crazy. Literally, there is no space in this cafe. So don't expect to have a quiet little snack around here. Noise is at a premium while you'll probably be able to overhear your neighbours conversations. Another con is the credit card policy (no credit card over $10). I also wished they made chai lattes too.
Overall, a great little breakfast/lunch spot in downtown Montreal (4). -
Review from Emmett M.
2/18/2012
This is a great cafe and bakery in Old Montreal. The coffee is very good and the food is super fresh and well made. The servers all are very friendly and welcoming. My server highly recommended the "morning glory" muffin and it was probably the best muffin I have ever had. I will definitely come back the next time I am in Montreal.
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Review from Huntting B.
11/29/2011
Hey...you looking for a good bakery? You want a good pastry or two? You want a cinnamon bun, or a garlicy corn bread muffin, or a yummy cookie? This is the place for you!
Oh hell yeah! I would come here again in a heart beat. here is the thing, though. They don't have bread here. So don't come looking for a baguette! -
Review from Stephen W.
Montréal, QC
1/8/2012
Great sandwiches, pastries, soups.
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Review from Sara R.
9/30/2011
Croissants! Croissants!
You really can't go wrong with any croissant in Montreal, but I have a new soft spot for the cheese croissants from Olive et Gourmando.
It's a little, yet spacious-enough-to-allow-a-decent-sized-crowd type of a place, and it's located sort of in between downtown and Old Port - if I recall correctly. I *think* it was near the Square Victoria metro station.
I love the street it's on, as it's a narrow path with tall buildings lining it, and this shop is right on the corner. The first thing you can do is get in line. Then, you can drool over the display of breads and sweets they have behind the short glass in front of you. Seriously, I was a bit peeved that I had to actually make a decision! I saw "croissant de frommage" and if I learned any French while in Quebec it was the word for cheese. I asked if I could get a breakfast sandwich made with that croissant and she said no. Shucks! Anyway, I figured the cheese croissant would have a center-fill of cheese. I also got an almond croissant.
Once you order, they tell you they'll bring everything to your seat. You will pay afterward. It didn't take long and the croissants arrived, with a latte (that I also had ordered, but this was just ok... a bit lukewarm). I tore into the cheese croissant and noticed nothing inside. Hm. Oh well, it's still a croissant and there ain't nuthin' wrong with that. But wait, it tastes like cheese. Ok, get this: They seem to have baked the croissant with the cheese having been kneaded *into* the dough. So, there was cheesy goodness in every bite! Because of that, the croissant was not overly flaky, but chewy and soft and buttery and complete perfection. I didn't want it to end. Oh, and they cover it with sesame seeds. Yum. The almond croissant is also incredible and truly almondy! It just depends on if you want something sweet or savory. Neither is wrong.
I sat against the "bar table" by the window, with stools. It's probably where most of my seating was during this trip. Loved looking outside while simultaneously relishing in delicious culinary experiences. Once you're done, you get back in line to pay - and tell them where you sat. I'm not sure how the heck they keep track of all this, but they know. For a couple of croissants and a latte, it wasn't even $10. I believe the croissants were $2.50 or $2.75. I ended up getting back in line to buy some more to take back home with me. My dad ate them all for breakfast, and didn't leave any for my mom. By the way: They keep well in the paper package, and even when accidentally put in the fridge, they still are fine once you bring back to room temp. Well, my dad said they were not only fine, but outrageously awesome.
Service is nice, but the cashier got confused by me a time or two. It's ok, it's not the first time I'm not understood. :-D
I'll be back to try lunch here. Next trip back.. Can't wait. -
Review from Whitney J.
10/3/2011
Primarily a lunch spot, it also has gained some fame for their pastries and breads. Understandably so. The wait to eat in, even at 1:30 on a Friday was nearly half an hour, but it's totally worth it. They have a daily soup (Roasted pepper the day I was there. Drat) and a selection of both hot and cold sandwiches. There are also daily salad selections to choose from. I went pretty simply and got the Smoked Trout sandwich, consisting of hot-smoked trout, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and herbed cream cheese. It was really quite good. The smokiness of the trout blended so well with the rest of the ingredients and oh man, the bread. This is a great example of what a sandwich should be. Together in this way, the ingredients offer a taste palate you wouldn't get from any other incarnation.
The man next to me was determinedly devouring their Cuban sandwich, a favorite apparently. He sure looked pleased. On my way out I grabbed what turned out to be the best latte I've had in recent memory and a palmier pastry to nibble on later. I would go out of my way to grab a pastry here in the mornings. Did I mention to can get everything à porter (take away)?
I wish I was closer! -
Review from Ruth R.
2/5/2012
We happened to stumble upon this little gem while walking on a brisk day in old Montreal. The space was packed which we thought was a good sign. When we wet to order our food it became apparent why- this casual bakery and cafe had wonderful food and desserts to die for- the double chocolate and pecan cookie was amazing! If you want a quaint space to have lunch with fresh ingredients or a delicious pastry and coffee then you should go here.
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Review from Caleb A.
9/6/2011
Really packed- like touching asses back to back, but the service was pretty quick for it being that busy.
The CHEEZY biscuits were sick. Had big fat cheese crusts with dill and chili powder. It was so good.
It was hard choosing - so much looked delish.
Iced coffee was boring. -
Review from Anabel L.
Toronto, ON
8/31/2011
This place reminds me of Paul Maison - a cafe I found in South Beach Miami. Both are little Parisian-esque cafeterias that showcase delightful bakeries and serve gourmet sandwiches made-to-order in a casual semi self-serve style. Coincidentally, Olive et Gourmando is on Rue Saint-Paul Ouest...huh, look at that.
Cubain...zesty!
Roll crevettes + crabe
Chevre Chaud with homemade ketchup
Olive et Gourmando is a smaller, less polite version - I found one server scary, and I'm pretty scary myself. You are directed to a seat and then given a sheet of paper. You take it and head to the back to order. My sister and I got there late, what with our stop at Jeans Jeans Jeans! By the time we arrived, they were sold out of the sandwich I wanted - egg on your face - booyah! I feel like it needs to be followed with a booyah and two-finger gun shot motion?!?
I opted for the Chevre Chaud aka grilled goat cheese while my sister ordered the Cuban. Then we decided to share the shrimp and crab roll. A little well-known fact for you: the average sister duo would share two sandwiches...but we above-average oinkers share three plus dessert. All in all, the sandwiches-paninis-whatever you want to call them were very good, although the shrimp roll did not hold a candle to our mom's. Our mother makes the BEST sandwiches in the world - her homemade chicken salad and shrimp sandwiches kick ass.
For dessert I got the turtle bar which my sister could only nibble at because it had nuts. Whoops, I'm still getting used to the fact she's avoiding nuts. Poor sister recently discovered she may be allergic to them and it's still under investigation. It's really sad. Like, really sad. Our family is like animal kingdom, when you tell a pig she can't eat something, the jungle cries.
All in all, I liked Olive et Gourmando; it may have been good-er if it wasn't so pricey.
We finished off our plates and walked off the calories around Old Montreal. I want to go back to try the Apple turnover and egg on your face...but this time I will be sure not to be trop tard...
Olive et Gourmando is trendy and fashionable, but a little high maintenance, huh, sounds a little like me *wink*. -
Review from Julia B.
Toronto, ON
7/18/2011
The only thing that disappointed me about this restaurant was the fact that I didn't find it till the last day I was in Montreal. I probably would have eaten there multiple times had I known.
Love the atmosphere, it's loud with talking/laughing and the ages of the crowd are mixed. Seemed to have been packed with locals (always a good sign)... Had a glass of rosé and a hot panini: The Goat Cheese - Carmelized onions, goat cheese and homemade ketchup... Finished off with a latte and an apple turnover with cinnamon sugar.
Yum, will go back daily when in Montreal next. -
Review from Chloe C.
8/7/2011
SO GOOD! My boyfriend and I stopped in here for lunch a couple days ago after spending an hour or so at the Biosphere (we actually meant to go to the Biodome but we mixed them up, ended up there, and were very disappointed to realize that we were in the wrong place and there were no penguins). We got off the Metro at Square-Victoria and walked just a few blocks to get to O + G. They don't have a big sign out front, so for a second we thought we had gone to the wrong place....again. :) But alas, we were in the right place!
There was a line and we did have to wait about 15-20 minutes, but it was well worth it. The atmosphere was lovely despite the general hubbub. You order at the counter and they bring you the food. The menu is posted on a chalkboard and is written solely in French, so I had to do a little translating for my boyfriend before we could decide. As long as you have a basic knowledge of food-related French words, you'll be okay - Oh, and they do have some handy little chalk drawings surrounding each entree so you can get some clues that way.
We got the goat cheese panini and it was deeeeeeeee-lish! I'm usually not a big fan of caramelized onions, but this sandwich was seriously good. The homemade ketchup was really yummy and added a lot of flavor. We also got a bag of kettle style dill pickle chips, which they bring to you in a basket. I also ordered a raspberry limeade, which they make themselves, and it was simply divine! Both of us were very impressed with the food and absolutely loved the sandwiches. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Montreal. -
Review from Laura P.
6/16/2011
The first time we walked by Olive et Gourmando, you could hear the din walking down the street. I thought that we were happening upon an uber-cool bar, but it was a Saturday afternoon when we stumbled by. We made a mental note to try Olive et Gourmando for breakfast instead, since sometimes busy restaurants don't work with our active toddler. The second time we went by, my high school French failed me as I was wondering why they weren't open, though the sign said 8 to 6. Well, just don't go on a Monday! We ended up at Titanic instead. In the end, I sent my husband and brother to pick up many things to nosh on the way the flight home. Apparently I was spared the crowd, surprising for a week day!
The goods were quite decent and my favourite was the rhubarb and ginger muffin. They had no morning glory muffins, sadly. The chocolate brioche wasn't as sweet as a chocoholic would hope for, but it was Valhrona so high quality chocolate at least. The almond croissant was much sweeter. My brother apparently didn't like his egg sandwich, but my husband did. I think they spent about $50 on a variety of items that I lugged to the airport. Everything was individually placed in a bag, which sported huge butter stains. :) Just the sort of thing you need on vacation. I'd do it again if I had the chance. -
Review from Nik B.
6/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Olive et Gourmando is part of the hip renessaince in Old Montreal. There is a set of new stores and new culinary destinations making names for themselves. Olive et Gourmand is an affordable gourmet sandwich spot amongst this revival.
Upon entering, a place to sit and eat is picked for you and you move to the back to order your sandwich. There are several options daily, using fresh ingredients until they run out. I chose the Chevre Chaud, which was an answer to the American grilled cheese. It was a pain blanc bun with chevre and caramelized onions, and then grilled on a panini. The bread was perfectly white and fluffy with a good panini formed crust on the outside. The cheese on the edges also became toasted and caramelized. It was served with a homemade ketchup dipping sauce, analogous to tomato soup but served cold, a bit thicker, and a bit sweeter. It was the perfect counter balance to the chevre and the caramelized onions in the sandwich. The delightful sauce sunk into the sandwich like a glorious edible sponge. Each bite is a treat for the palette.
I loved Olive et Gourmando so much that I returned the following day. -
Review from Tanya N.
4/30/2011 6 photos
Just so happened to stumble into this place because it started to rain. I'm enamoured with this place. Cute, welcoming, unique decor that has a homey feel to it. We were first seated, then advised that all the coffee/baked goods were to be ordered in the front while the back counter had all the lunch items. We placed our order and then waited for server to bring it over to us.
I got a cafe latte, my fiance ordered bancha green and shared a raison scone. Their small latte is about 8 ounces which is smaller than most places so it was stronger than I was expecting it to be but still enjoyed it. The bancha tea was served in a teapot with a cup both served on a wooden platter - cute. It was paired perfectly with the raison scone which was sweet and had a light lemon flavour to it. I'm usually not a fan of raisons but this was good.
From the brief look at the lunch items (mostly sandwiches), they were all just under $10.
I wish I had a bigger stomach.
Note: ALL the baked goods are made in house - yummeh! -
Review from Chris F.
6/10/2011
The food here is fresh and delicious, I never thought I would enjoy a veggie sandwich so much. The trout sandwich I had here was also pretty good, and the soups and bakery items looked and smelled incredible.
The worst thing about this place is how incredibly busy it is. It's always packed, with people waiting outside on the street since it's pretty tiny. They also have a weird semi-table-service method where you get seated, but then order at the counter with a ticket, then a server comes out to deliver the food (eventually). Then, you get up and pay the cashier. I guess they don't want to shout out order numbers.
As a lunch option, it's one of the best light meals in the Old Town. I personally liked Le Cartet better, but this place is good. -
Review from patrick t.
7/24/2011
This place is expensive.
we had half a smoked trout sandwich that was awesomeness smashed between two burnt pieces of bread. if they bread wasnt so burnt by the fool who grilled it the sandwich would have been much more satisfying as i do not enjoy eating charred carbon that causes GI cancer.
we also got the bell pepper soup which was cold, and refreshing.
the almond croissant was alright, not too heavy with mild almond flavors, the plain croissant was also nothing extra-special
the couscous salad was rather interesting and something i would recommend trying, as it was fresh and the feta cheese and gave it a sharp edge like ow !
only problem i had with this place was that its quite expensive for what you get. all i ordered above, if i were to eat myself id still be hungry. -
Review from Jason F.
7/7/2011
The line sucks but this place - from the sandwiches to the sweets to the beverages - is freakin awesome. Good luck picking out just one dessert; I don't think any of your choices could be anything but amazing.
If you're willing to take your food to-go, you can be out in 20 minutes rather than waiting 30 for a table. And the food makes an awesome sitting on a bench in the park meal. -
Review from Jennifer C.
6/1/2011
By Day 3 of my recent trip to Montreal, I was beginning to doubt the city's culinary ability. After reading all the hype on Yelp, I had pretty high expectations...being a food snob, I still went in with a critical mouth. I wish I could give a 4.5, but only because I want to challenge myself to find something even better than this on my next visit.
At 10 on a Monday morning, this place was full - I can only imagine weekends. We were instantly sat, though, and our "waitress" took extra time explaining the process of ordering pastries/coffee at the front, and sandwiches in the back. Not wanting to completely overdo it, my friend and I split a sandwich which had THE BEST oven-roasted tomatoes, making the $10 worth it. I had a latte and almond croissant and would easily have devoured twice as much. It took all my will power not to order a cheese croissant to go. -
Review from Yvonne T.
3/27/2011 11 photos
Walked over to Olive et Gourmando for breakfast as I had read several Yelp reviews about it.
While I won't agree with it being "the country's greatest" almond croissant... Their croissant was quite tasty and unique from other croissants I've tasted. Their almond croissant is definitely denser than most. Very buttery and it is a very oblong shape... Almost not resembling the familiar crescent moon shape. The best way to describe it's distinct taste is that the butter appears to be churned from "raw" cow's milk as there is a sharp dairy taste to it. But it was a very creamy, almost creme-fraiche-like type of dairy freshness. It is not a flaky croissant, but rather a buttery type.
I also tried the pecan and raisin brioche. It was not teeth-wrenchingly sweet, and had just a tinge of tartness which I would guess comes from a raisin-y syrup or glaze. The brioche was very buttery, flaky on the outer "rings" and dense an buttery in the center.
I got a cup of cappuccino to wake me up. The foam was creamy without being too heavy. It wad a great cappuccino!
I also thought I should mention their fruit bowl as its not the ol' boring one you'd see in Toronto. Olive et Gourmando's fruit bowl comes with fresh figs, julienned apples, passion fruit, mandarin orange - just to name a few.
You get assigned a table. Are given an order form with your table number scribbled down which you bring to the counter, and they will bring you your food after you order. Then at the end you pay at the counter. Only negative is that its cash only.
A great place to grab brekkie. Wish we had more places like this in Toronto!Listed in: Sate a Date, Mont Royal - Montreal - Des…, Les croissants, les…
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Review from Laura T.
4/24/2011
Everyone I know that's been to Montreal, raves about Olive + Gourmando. For the sake of Yelp, and my appetite, I had to go. And yes, it's amazing.
O & G has a charming, Paris-like cafe feel. Wood tables, freshly baked goods on display, delicious smells and classic but funky decor. The place was packed (so be prepared for a bit of a wait), but you're assigned a table number when one becomes available and then go stand in line to place a food order. If you're looking for take-out, that's also an option and you stand in the same line to place an order.
They have about 9 sandwiches written on chalkboards above the food displays - my memory is failing me, but they were all classic with a twist. Chicken with pesto and roasted red peppers, caramelized onions with some sort of meat....something spicy. My apologies for the vague descriptions, but I guarantee they were delicious and fresh. They also have an array of fresh salads, fruit salads, and REALLY good fresh breads & spreads. I had the ricotta cheese with a yummy olive oil and parsley, cherry tomatoes and warm bread with a garlic-y glaze. It was delicious, and great to share.
We also tried the baked goods (how could we not), and tried a butter croissant, banana loaf, and a mixed fruit and nut muffin. All fresh, all delish.
The lattes were just another bonus, and added a nice touch to our lovely brunch.
Located in the heart of old Montreal, this is a must-visit restaurant! All the rave reviews, are accurate! -
Review from Sinful S.
Montréal, QC
9/5/2011
What? Cuban sandwich? Drools... I'm speechless.
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Review from Kim K.
12/16/2010
An adorable place in Old Montreal get a great breakfast/brunch!
The space is quaint, cozy, and FULL of people. Don't let that deter you, the food is worth the wait. The poached egg sandwich was completely delicious - perfectly cooked egg, a roasted tomato that was the star of the sandwich, and some smoky prosciutto that added another great layer of flavor.
Service is great considering how busy they are. The folks that work there are friendly and very helpful.
Don't leave without a sweet treat for the road. The salted caramel turtle bar was seriously the yummiest thing I ate in all of Montreal.Listed in: Restaurants Worth Traveling To…
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Review from Kari F.
4/2/2011
What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said?? Easily the best food I've had in Montreal. I had the mac & cheese, which was perfect. The mushrooms gave it a wonderful savory taste and the texture was something I didn't know I wanted until I had it. The accompanying salad was light enough on the dressing and very, very fresh. Well worth the trip downtown for me and I will be back.
The only issue was price. My lunch for one of the mac and cheese, a small soda, and an almond croissant came to about $21. There was a lunch rush but as a single, I didn't have to wait at all for a seat at the counter. -
Review from Mary P.
10/4/2011
The food here is outstanding and the coffee is pretty good, too. I would have given it 5 stars except it is pretty expensive, even for the quality. When back in Montreal, I would go again, though once per trip is the splurge limit. The brioche is quite good. We also had a fruit cup which was good, though way too much. Between my husband and me, we ordered two brioche and one fruit cup, which was too much for the two of us (and my husband has a pretty good appetite). The coffees are good but order the large size. It is about twice as much as the petite for just slightly more money. Fresh orange juice was a nice treat.
The only downside is the cost - 2 lattes, 2 OJ, 2 brioche, and 1 fruit cup came to over $50. -
Review from Yvonne Y.
8/22/2011
Had the raspberry muffin and it was delicious and fresh. Well, it better be for $3.50. The chocolate croissant was crispy but I've had much better in Montreal and in other cities.
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Review from Mymy L.
Olive et Gourmando is just oh-so-quaint and charming that it's hard not to fall in instant crush with it... or at least for me. I came here on my last morning in Montreal during labor day weekend. I absolutely adore the small decorative details and the cozy atmosphere which was perfect for enjoying a scrumptious breakfast and some hot chocolate before my flight home. Service was helpful and pleasant.
Since we had arrived too early for lunch, we were limited to their breakfast menu and opted for the following:
Poached egg on your face panini
A delicious panini filled with poached egg salad, comte cheese, prosciutto, and roasted tomatoes. The egg salad was light and fluffy and perfectly complemented by the sweet and saltyness of the prosciutto and roasted tomatoes. My favorite breakfast panini by far.
Almond Croissant
My fellow yelpers don't lie. This is a must have at O+G. I particularly liked that this pastry was fluffy throughout even though it appears that it wouldn't be upon first glance.
Olive et Gourmando makes me sigh with a smile. It will definitely remain on my bookmarked lists of eateries to visit again the next time I'm in Montreal. -
Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
10/25/2010
Arrived at ~1:30 on a Friday to a 20 minute wait. TOTALLY worth it. The leek and potato soup was delicious, my grilled sandwich excellent and my wife's soba salad amazing.
This is the type of place we would have returned to 2 or 3 times during a short visit to a new city, but there are just too many other Montreal institutions to try.Listed in: 5-star Reviews, Montreal
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Review from Lulu T.
9/16/2010
This place is very cute. It's small with limited seating. The menu takes typical sandwiches and salads and kicks it up a notch with their own unique twist to add flavor. We enjoyed everything we ordered.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with guacamole, mango, tomato on flat bread.
Caesar Salad with chicken, bacon, croutons.
They also have a take out section where you can get everything to go including everything on the menu, coffee, and trail mixes. They have a very good vegetarian selection on their menu Tofu sandwiches as well as soba noodle salad with peanut dressing.
This place takes CASH ONLY. -
Review from Aditi G.
3/26/2011
This place is awesome. They also have a great idea. You go up to the counter and order your food, sit down, eat, then pay right before you leave. I think that this definitely speeds things up a lot.
I got the trout sandwich with kapers, herb cream cheese, spinach, and onions and it was delicious. I could tell that the bread was fresh and homemade.
Loved it! -
Review from Molly G.
8/15/2010
Arrived on a Friday early afternoon for brunch and ran into quite a crowd here. Tables are small and they refused to combine two 2-people tables for a party of three. Instead, they insisted on squeezing in the third person on the side. Since the tables are small to begin with, and quite cozily spaced, this was a problem because we kept getting bumped by people passing to look at the offering on the counters. Table service was cold but the people behind the counters were very helpful and pleasant. Everyone spoke English.
The food was good but not mind-blowing. Also, it was overpriced for the quantity, especially things like salad. The sandwiches, however, were very delicious and were carefully constructed using exotic and fresh ingredients.
I also really liked the focacia du jour, which they panini press and call "pizza-style." It was warm, gooey and delicious.
As a tip, order the glass of coffee instead of the cup. It's only $.50 more but more than double the quantity. -
Review from Dennis Y.
9/16/2010 4 photos
Oh my, this place. I don't even know how to begin.
At least 3 friends recommended O+G to us when we mentioned about our trip to Montreal. One of them even went back 3 times on their last visit. We had to go, right? We were completed shocked by how good the food was. That includes the sandwiches, salads, pastries and drinks.
So what happened? In a short few days trip to Montreal, we went back the second time just to have other food on the menu. It was one of the best restaurant experiences we'd had in Montreal, or in fact, the world. Sounds exaggerated? I know but we do feel that way. Get used to it.
We tried a bunch of sandwiches: Le Cubaine, Cajun chicken, vegan and pomodoro. We also ordered the extravagant tomato plate with this crazily addictive crouton bits drenched in sun-dried tomato infused olive oil. They are beyond good, the flavour of the dishes screamed extravagant. They have a full spectrum of tastes and flavours.
The special drinks: sweet lemon tea and vanilla strawberry lemonade, were both excellent companion to the off-the-chart flavourful sandwiches.
Be sure to go before 2-2:30 on a weekday because some sandwiches will be sold out around that time.
I would not mind taking a 7-hour drive to Montreal just to eat a panini at O+G, like, today. -
Review from Bermie H.
8/5/2010 1 photo
This was my favorite lunch spot in Montreal. My wife and I were there on a busy Saturday and only waited 5 minutes to be seated. The system is very simple. You order your food at the counter in the back then sit down and wait about 15 minutes for it.
I had Le Cubain (ham, braised pork, homemade mayo, and gruyere cheese in a panini) and a bite of my wife's Poulet de Grain Cajun (chicken, guacamole, tomatoes, mango fraiche and cajun spices). Both were delicious with lots flavors going on and a little kick from the spices. We each had a glass of their vanilla lemonade too. I'd never had vanilla lemonade so I didn't know what to expect but I liked it.
When you're done you pay at the register while getting an almond croissant to go. You must not leave without one! Especially if it's Saturday because they're closed on Sundays. Their croissant flat out embarrasses the Almost Twist bread at Taipan Bakery in Flushing. -
Review from Jen C.
6/29/2011
Extremely popular lunch spot; but didn't quite get the hype aside from the excellent pastries and lattes (this is where the 3 stars comes from). Went here for an espresso and a chocolate brioche, both of which were awesome but then came for lunch and had the Cuban sandwich....not so awesome. It was just really greasy with a little meat and cheese and the other sandwiches looked so much better. The ginger tea was excellent though, and the salads looked pretty good. It's also really pricey -- $35 for 2 sandwiches and 2 teas. Next time I will pass on this place for lunch (or the Cuban at least) and only go here for the pastries and espresso.
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Review from Jenn K.
10/29/2010
Lovely, lovely little lunch spot!
The wait can be long (or they will tell you it's long and turns out to be quick!). Order in the back and food/drink is brought to your table. Very interesting lunch menu . . . good selection . . . nice wine/beer. Very delectable little treats at the front where you pay your bill.
Staff are nice, hip, and available! -
Review from jaimie k.
7/19/2010
Boulangerie Chari in Brussels, Belgium has the second best almond croissants the world over; the best can be found herein. Hands down. And I'm a connoisseur of this particular food, as it's my dietary Achilles heel.
Also of note are: all their other pastries. I asked, and they can't ship to the united states. BUT, they're worth bribing your friends to bring em home for you. Oh yes they are! -
Review from mike t.
8/5/2011
The food here lived up to the hype. Great neighborhood vibe. Walkup and order and then they serve you. Not a place for dinner but any other time the place would be great. Good music going also. Highly recommend it as a stop.
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Review from Alexandra G.
Montréal, QC
5/30/2011
Olive et Gourmando is a cozy little cafe that is on the outskirts of the Old Town. It is decorated in a very inviting yet casual way that makes you want to sit there for hours. It is old-fashioned in a way that it has gourmet food on display everywhere, but there is something rustic yet modern that instills trust in me - so I don't have to order something safe on the menu (like the other old town restos).
It is sorta split into two with a coffee station and a sandwich station. You sit down at a table which has a little flag with a number, and then when you order, you tell them what number you have. I have had the Cubain there which I think is a Cuban sandwich and has nothing to do with Kurt Cobain. The sandwich here is a pressed sandwich or hot panini with ham, braised pork and gruyere. Very tasty. It is not the biggest sandwich and doesn't come with a side. It makes up for it small size in flavor. My friend ordered a Cesar Salad with chicken which she said was good, although there were only two pieces of chicken in the salad.
The food is visually appealing to the point you could have a photo session with it, and so did a man sitting behind my friend. He staggered his bread pieces around his soup (I think it was), and then spent half and hour shooting it.
We tried going today at around 4pm on a sunday and it was closed. So you might want to check the opening hours before heading here! -
Review from Morgan L.
7/17/2011
Simply divine! Picturesque flower pots open window seat looking out to Old Montreal on Rue St. Paul made it five star highlight. The entire menu delights me! By far my favorite breakfast/brunch hot spot in Old Montreal!
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French (4)
