Dion C.
Yelp
I'm Portuguese, and I love Portuguese food, and I know what good Portuguese food tastes like. Most of the poor reviews of Cafe Smile don't make sense, because most of these yelpers don't understand the Portuguese palate nor the practicality of Portuguese cuisine like I do.
First off, Café Smile is a very clean restaurant. The ambiance is bright, looks fresh, and pleasing to the eye.
Secondly, if you are to go in, I recommend you CALL FIRST and ask for Victor (the manager), mention you found them on YELP, and Victor will make sure you are well treated, well served, and in good hands, because he certainly did for us!!!!
Thirdly, as with any restaurant, IF you go in with a good appetite, and go in without high RITZ HOTEL expectations, Café Smile will NOT disappoint!!!! This isn't your typical high dollar expensive Portuguese restaurant near or around Old Montreal!!!! Prices here are very reasonable and the food tastes great!!!
I recommend you try the traditional Portuguese Tapas. Granted although the tapas are small sized, the four Café smile portions I had (which is what tapas are) were very savory and did fill me up. I ordered a cold Sagres beer, squid tapas, pasteis de bacalhau, Portuguese sausage, and sardines, and I loved it. I also recommend their flan for dessert, which is also very delicious.
In conclusion, I recommend you try Café Smile, and to ask for Victor!!!!!, I will definitely plan on going back again when I'm back in Montreal. Both Victor and Café smile did deliver on bringing a smile to my stomach.