Jeff Shoer
Google
There are so many reasons for giving this high rating to such a special neighbourhood cafe which punches well above its weight.
It’s also to give a huge high five for building such an amazing summer terrace spot to chill, fuel up and watch sports (I came several times for UEFA Euro Cup games which was quite social and enjoyable) including the Olympics which is a real treat while sipping a notably excellent cold coffee chilled over night, and available in decaf no less. Also available with non-dairy milks or even lactose free which I discovered while chatting with James - one of their smooth operating baristas. He also helped me select the perfect sweet pairing from a plethora of dangerously enticing treats from several rows of glass jars. The one I ended up choosing (between it and a mean looking frosted lemon cookie) was what I would describe fully as a Quattro Stagione biscotti-style cookie bar or simply put omg not-your-typical-watch-your-dental-work-crunchy-one; topped with vanilla, chocolate, pistachio crumbles, and sliced toasted almonds. Quick shout out to Meabh (pronounced Mave) for her skills in assisting/ coordinating my order.
Shifting gears back to their unique and accessible large corner terrace which has many nice nooks and benches to sit — plus one section is naturally shaded by a tall maple tree. Several large screens are placed strategically around to create various viewing angles. The crowd is a mix of locals and families, plus those who have heard through the grapevine that Cafe Vito is worthy of a trip from other parts of Montreal and even further afar.
All this combines to create a fabulous neighbourly vibe which ebbs and flows throughout the day — allowing for plenty of people and dog watching — all of whom seem to be quite content spooning cafe cremas or gelatos in their mouths, licking soft serve ice cream, slurping slushes/ smoothies or a combination of both with an Affogato.
Regarding the savory side of things they have plenty on offer to fill that craving including breakfast and bagel sandwiches, wraps, Nathan’s hot dogs, grilled cheeses or those on ciabatta bread including veggie options. I almost forgot to mention their handy street-side order window for those on-the-go, with carriages or dogs in tow.
Family owned and operated this cafe checks all of the important boxes for a go-to Italian cafe that isn’t by default located in the Mile End or Little Italy par example. Keep up the good work. Oh, indeed their latte is spot on! Grazie and va bene!