17 Best Specialty Coffee Roasters in Montreal (2025)

Hi friends! Coffee Enthusiast, Sammie here, and I’m back in Montreal. I’ve been staying with some friends at the Cirque Du Soleil Headquarters while I train aerial straps nearby. Since I’m not on contract at the moment I have had far too much time on my hands to do my favorite thing; get coffee. 

I’ve rounded up the best local coffee roasters that Montreal has to offer. Each one making a name for itself in this colorful city. We’ve got local shops with plenty of single-origin roasts, great ambiance, friendly staff, and of course, excellent coffee.

List of Best Coffee Roasters Montreal

1. Humble Lion
2. Jungle
3. 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters
4. Cafe Olimpico
5. Paquebot in Partnership with ZAB Café
6. Le Petite Dep (*Not a roaster)
7. Cafe Origine
8. Cafe Pista
9. Cafe Saint-Henri Micro Torrefacteur
10. Melk
11. Canadian Roasting Society
12. Canal Roasters
13. Barista
14. Le Brûloir
15. Dispatch
16. Escape Lab Roasters
17. La Finca Café

What is a Specialty Coffee Roaster?

In technical terms, specialty coffee refers to coffee that has been graded in the mid to high 80s or even up to the 90s for special releases (which simply means it’s the real quality stuff). However, the coined term “specialty” coffee roaster or “craft” coffee shop does not have a distinct definition. 

In the general and accepted sense, this term means that the coffee shop has a deeper connection and respect for the entire coffee supply chain. From the flavors derived from the soil to stocking the shelves, there is distinct appreciation. Specialty Coffee Roasters tend to have a strong moral desire for a fair and equitable supply chain.

Great Montreal Coffe Roasters  for Specialty Coffee

FROM OLD MONTREAL TO LACHINE CANAL, THERE IS SO MUCH GREAT COFFEE TO DISCOVER

1. Humble Lion

This great place has a steady flow of locals, professionals, and the creative folk. Located right in downtown Montreal, Humble Lion has a strong 90s vibe (which I absolutely adore). The music is on point, and the decor is interesting enough to get you in the door but not so distracting it takes away from any work that needs to get done. If you’re coming from out of town and want a sweet hit of Canada, try their maple latte. They also supply a selection of freshly baked sweet and savory scones as well as an assortment of other delicious treats. Their coffee beans are available online or in their coffee shops.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Café Humble Lion (@cafehumblelion)

2. Jungle 

You may be familiar with their beautiful beans from coffee shops such as Pastel Rita in Mile End or My Little Cup in downtown Montreal. Jungle is also offered at multiple other coffee shops if you take a gander at their website or purchase from them directly where they do their roasting, at the Canadian Roasting Society. Let’s get to it, why is Jungle so special? Jungle Roasters is obsessed with coffee. Their master roasters deliver dark blends, single-origin blends, and blended blends for the crazy-hearted out there. If you’re interested in learning more about coffee, their master roasters have got your back and are happy to explain where your cup of coffee has traveled from. What it represents in the process, and how they’re trying to democratize the coffee industry. Give them a follow, and check out their blog for some inside information on how they do their roasting, where their beans, come from and so much more.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JUNGLE (@jungletorrefacteurcafe)

3. 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters

49th Parallel Coffee Roasters have set themselves apart in the Vancouver Coffee Scene so their next step (obviously) was Montreal in 2021. Besides being able to find their coffee at all of the Café Myriad locations, you can find them at their own coffee shop alongside Lucky Donuts. Their coffee beans are handled by the mad scientists of the coffee world. They are a technology-driven roaster that cares deeply about sourcing from sustainable sources while contributing to local and global ecosystems. They know that no two coffee beans are the same and they are committed to showcasing their varieties in the best possible way. Because they are committed to the freshest crop, their bean varieties are constantly changing, keeping up with the seasons. Meaning that each of their batches is limited in their availability. Give their website a check to learn more about how they weave transparency, quality, sustainability, and long-term relationships into their coffee practices.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters (@49th)

4. Cafe Olimpico (Multiple Locations)

A staple of Montreal since the 70s, you can consider them espresso purists. Their menu is short, simple, and done right. Founder Rocco Furfaro wants to keep to his Italian roots so he hasn’t messed with the espresso recipe since day one. “If it ain’t broke, why fix it?” You won’t find baristas bending over backward for milk alternatives or substitutes here, so don’t expect too many coffee alterations. But you can expect people who are committed to Italian traditions of authenticity, generosity and family. It’s the best place for your go-to coffee staples and a nice cozy atmosphere.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Café Olimpico (@cafeolimpico)

5. Paquebot in partnership with ZAB Café

The beautiful partnership between Paquebot and ZAB started in 2017. Paquebot wanted to get into roasting and ZAB’s owner Edwin Chareton wanted the local community to have more options when it came to specialty coffee roasters in Montreal. The partnership has led to something special that has continued to grow. There are now multiple Paquebot locations as well as a roasting workshop in Parc Extension that acts as a coffee laboratory and training center. The owners of Paquebot (often called twopaq by locals) want you to experience all the glorious sides of coffee. This includes traditional recipes to grand experimentation to illustrious coffee cocktails. You’re in for a treat at this beloved cafe. Of course, you can sample their well-known cold brew but maybe you’d rather venture out and try their curry latte. And if you’re wandering the streets with a noncoffee companion, (ditch them, they aren’t good for you) they can enjoy the kombucha on tap.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paquebot Café (@paquebot_cafe)

6. Le Petite Dep (Multiple Locations)

*NOT A ROASTER, but I did want to include them in the list because they WORK with some of the best roasters in Montreal. However, Le Petite Dep does not roast its own coffee beans on-site. 

The brightly colored turquoise door is enough alone to entice you to check out this unique shop. When passing by, you may mistake it for a regular depanneur but it is oh so much more. Besides offering local beers, natural wines, goodies, and candies, this place makes a serious cortado. Perfectly balanced. And to top it off their baked goods are made in-house and the freshness does not go unnoticed. Their freshly baked croissants are a great option, sometimes they get creative with the flavors. The other day I had a mushroom and gruyère one. SO GOOOOOOD. This place is one of my favorite coffee shops in Montreal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Le Petit Dep (@lepetitdep)

7. Cafe Origine

A beautiful cafe in the heart of the arts and entertainment district. Cafe Origine will give you your fix of silky cappuccinos or lattes with latte art so beautiful it will be difficult to drink. They also have built quite a reputation for having some amazing pastries. Try their scones or their fresh croissants to dip in your coffee. The ambiance is relaxed and welcoming so don’t be surprised if you accidentally pass the entire morning here. I know I have.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Café Origine (@cafeorigine)

8. Cafe Pista (Multiple Locations)

Housed on Saint Laurent Boulevard, Cafe Pista is a beautiful cafe. They have amazing third wave coffee roasted personally by one of their owners, Alexandre Séguin. Cafe Pista has quite a charming atmosphere, with lots of wood and brick and distinct brightly-colored decor. If you happen to be thinking “Boy oh boy, this would be a great space for my birthday party”, you are in luck. You can rent out the local coffee shop any day after 5 pm. This is also the only place on the list that turns into an awesome wine bar on Thursdays and Fridays at 5 pm! Sit back and relax while you watch as the staff transform this coffee shop into Vin Public Wine Bar.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Café Pista (@cafepista)

9. Cafe Saint-Henri Micro Torrefacteur (Multiple Locations)

They believe bad coffee needs to be a thing of the past. This specialty coffee roasting company has its door open to patrons in multiple locations across the city. Café Saint Henri Micro-Torrefacteur gained its reputation by purchasing its beans directly from the source. They believe sourcing the best beans and roasting techniques wouldn’t go far without the expertise of baristas to teach consumers at the handoff. That’s why their Montreal roasting center has a mini state-of-the-art laboratory for training purposes. Besides well-roasted beans, this Montreal coffee roaster gives customers the option to pair their cup of love with some ridiculously beautiful and delicious artisanal doughnuts. Did I mention they have a twice-baked croissant? My mouth is already watering. Café Saint Henri Micro-Torrefacteur offers up its beans at its multiple locations around the Montreal area as well as Pikolo Espresso Bar.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Café Saint-Henri (@cafesainthenri)

10. Melk

Since opening its doors in 2013, this company has stopped at nothing to produce specialty organic coffee in a fair and sustainable way. Sourcing organic beans not only protects their farmers from nasty pesticides but also produces a standout product. They fully acknowledge that as a coffee producer, they are makers and sellers of not only coffee beans but also coffee bags. And this is why all of their bags are 100% compostable with their small batch coffee roasted weekly safely inside.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MELK (@melk.cafe)

11. Canadian Roasting Society

A beautiful community co-roasting space that offers super duper new and exciting equipment for Montrealers (Montrealians?) to use for getting started in the coffee business. Before, the Canadian Roasting Society was mostly just that, a roasting company. Now after spending time trial and erroring a small coffee supermarket out of its shop, they have developed something that I have never seen before. The only place that you can find this many different local roasts on a shelf at one time. Whatever does not get sold they send straight to coffee shops around town or ship it directly to people’s homes. And no worries, of course, you can grab a caffeine hit and a biscuit while you shop. 

Dreamy Coffee Supermarket is located inside the Canadian Roasting Society, open 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Société de Torréfaction (@canadianroastingsociety)

12. Canal Roasters

Just along the bank of the Lachine Canal, the team at Canal started this coffee project after being dissatisfied time and time again with the coffee beans from their existing supplier. It was time to take the beans into their own hands, which is exactly what they did. Canal Roasters wants people to appreciate the entire specialty coffee process. From how it is harvested, picked, dried, bagged, shipped, roasted, and served to your hands. It takes a village to create a beautiful cup of specialty coffee and Canal highlights these humans and their skills as much as possible.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CANAL ROASTERS (@canal_roasters)

13. Barista

The first 100% carbon-neutral coffee roaster in Quebec! They do not have their own cafe at the moment but they will deliver their specialty coffee beans by either bike or electric vehicle to you at your leisure. The owner, Iouri, was shocked to find that there was no carbon-neutral coffee fair trade company in Quebec so he decided to do it himself. And alas! He did! The coffee is spectacular and comes in biodegradable bags while being delivered in eco-friendly ways. Have your coffee while reducing your environmental impact. Iouri makes multi-tasking so easy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Café Barista (@baristamtl)

14. Le Brûloir

Serving their coffee beans at their own coffee shop as well as quite a few spots around town, their mission stays the same; coffee and society. They want to add to the environments they inhabit not simply exist within them. Le Brûloir stops at nothing to search for the best flavor profiles that exist. Don’t forget to pay attention to their social media handles for cupping events. I had no idea what this was before but a cupping event is akin to a wine tasting. You’ll be able to decipher the various aromas and flavors of the coffee like the coffee connoisseur you are destined to be.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Le Brûloir (@lebruloir)

15. Dispatch (Multiple Locations)

Oh, the allure of Dispatch! This place has had a following since 2012 when it entered the coffee scene as a food truck. They have now expanded to three separate brick-and-mortar locations. Each one offering its famous, perfectly balanced, cold brew. And if you’re hungry, there are lots of options. Between having the classic breakfast pastries you’ll also find breakfast bowls, yogurt and granola, vegan options, and gluten-free options. I, unfortunately, do not live in Montreal so I’m delighted to hear that they now offer their signature roasts online through a subscription service. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dispatch Coffee (@dispatchcoffee)

16. Escape Lab Coffee Roasters

A pure coffee laboratory. Which for some may sound frightening but I assure you it is where you want to be. They have been using the Canadian Roasting Society since its opening and they are the real deal when it comes to sustainability practices. They only source sustainable beans and ship locally within Quebec and Montréal. The deliveries are on bikes in Montréal! This specialty coffee shop believes that each cup of coffee should be a moment to appreciate and escape into. This specialty coffee company is one to surely try in the city.

17. La Finca Café

This place is so much more than a coffee shop in Montreal. Don’t get me wrong, what gets me excited about La Finca is their ethically sourced beans and sustainable trade with coffee bean farmers. Since 2012 they have been sourcing beans from the Don Eli Farm in Costa Rica, prioritizing ethical stability for the family-run farm. And to give variety to their products they also do business with Semilla Coffee, roasted in Montreal by PS Roasters. Besides coffee, La Finca Cafe offers a whole range of fine and local products, microbrewery beers, and natural wines.

Best Local Coffee Shops in Wichita Kansas

Best Coffee Shops to Work in Portland Oregon