Pastel Rita
Cafe · Mile End ·
Third wave coffee, natural wines, creative space, local designers
Third wave coffee, natural wines, creative space, local designers
"From Mile End's Pastel Rita I heard barista and server Lauren Nathan describe feeling 'glad,' 'relieved,' and 'elated' at the announcement; she criticized the government's inconsistency — noting restaurants and venues were allowed to reopen but not bars — and said she would feel at ease returning to work thanks to ongoing mask and vaccine passport mandates, though she recognizes not everyone will feel the same. Money is too tight for her to patronize favourite neighbourhood restaurants yet, but she expects indoor dining to slowly boost morale citywide and says that when she can spend again she will 'probably order more than I should.'" - Valerie Silva
"This was another café where I spent many work hours and counted it among my reliable cafe spots." - Eater Staff
"An Eater Restaurant of the Year award-winner, co-owners Kabir Kapoor and Jason Morris are flying high in Montreal’s dining scene. This Old Montreal restaurant continues to impress for the flair and detail that go into each dish — the ingredients may often be simple, but the execution is sublime beyond reproach. Pastel offers the full “gastronomic experience” for $120, as well as a $59 option on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays." - Carla Bragagnolo
"One of the hottest new arrivals for 2018 was this Old Montreal restaurant from the owners of Griffintown’s Le Fantôme — but as critic Lesley Chesterman noted, it’s not the cheapest, so the $43 MTL à Table option seems a steal. Chef Jason Morris is keeping dishes simple in terms of elements, with a foie gras “mosaic” and halibut with foraged vegetables among the options, and the mysterious “bonfire chocolate” for dessert." - Tim Forster
"On St-Laurent between Bernard and St-Viateur, Pastel Rita is a Mile End café run by Gabriel Malenfant and Véronique Orban that leans fully into the neighbourhood: it serves viennoiseries from nearby bakery Guillaume, light meals from Soupesoup and third-wave coffee. The owners plan to add evening service with oysters, other seafood and natural wines once they secure the appropriate permits." - Tim Forster
