Cafés near UQAM
Around UQAM, cafés are much more than simple spots to grab a drink — they are essential landmarks for students, professors, and anyone passing through the neighborhood in need of a break. Between two classes, during a long study session, or simply to catch your breath, there are countless reasons to stop by one of the many cafés near UQAM. Here, you can enjoy a strong espresso to spark your ideas, a cozy latte to warm your hands in winter, or a small bite to keep you energized until your next meal.
Some cafés near UQAM are bright, minimalist, and perfect for concentration, quickly becoming precious allies during exam prep. Others are vibrant and lively, offering the ideal setting to recharge, laugh with friends, or share a moment with colleagues. Each café has its own personality: from small hidden counters that feel instantly like home to spacious, sunlit rooms that invite you to linger, every spot has that charm that keeps you coming back again and again.
What makes the cafés near UQAM unique is their mix of downtown buzz and the comforting atmosphere of a personal retreat. Whether you’re looking for calm or creativity, these cafés offer the perfect excuse to slow down and savor the moment.
Here is our selection of the best cafés near UQAM, where you’ll love to settle in — to work for hours, relax between classes, or simply enjoy a perfectly prepared coffee. Happy exploring, and have a wonderful semester!
For even more suggestions, check out our lists of the best cafés to work from and the most beautiful cafés in Montreal.
café léo
Léo is without a doubt one of the nicest cafés to study at near the UQAM pavilions. Located less than a five-minute walk from the School of Management (ESG), the space is filled with natural light thanks to its large windows — a welcome boost when your nose is buried in books. The décor is clean and minimalist with industrial touches, softened by the warmth of the paintings on the walls. Drink prices are quite reasonable, and the menu has something for everyone: latte, mocha, matcha, hojicha, chai latte, cold brew, lavender lemonade, and much more. They also offer a variety of syrups to customize your coffee just the way you like it. On the food side, there’s a wide selection of pastries available — perfect for a quick snack.
Montréal
La graine brûlée
Open since 2016 on Sainte-Catherine Street East, La Graine Brûlée is one of the most original cafés in Montreal. Its colorful and playful décor — inspired by a carnival, complete with small cabins, a miniature carousel, and retro games — makes it as joyful as it is welcoming. The menu is entirely vegetarian, with plenty of vegan options: sandwiches, wraps, quiches, soups, chili, and homemade pastries, not to mention a great variety of coffees and teas. Spacious, lively, and equipped with Wi-Fi, it’s the perfect spot to study in a fun, unconventional atmosphere or simply to enjoy a friendly break with classmates or colleagues.
Montréal
Le Parva
Located in the heart of the Grande Bibliothèque, Le Parva is a discreet spot where students and readers alike enjoy taking a break between classes or chapters. The space charms with its simplicity, making it ideal for working in peace or unwinding over a good coffee. Here, you’ll find quality coffee roasted by Kittel, paired with homemade pastries and viennoiseries. At lunchtime, the menu also features salads, quiches, and sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients. What we especially love is its unique setting: a small gourmet haven tucked inside one of Montreal’s most important cultural institutions.
Montréal
Café SAT
Opened in 2018, Café SAT is a bright and welcoming spot in the Quartier des spectacles, created by the Société des arts technologiques. Its spacious, minimalist design — enhanced with local artworks and a striking original counter — invites both relaxation and productivity. In the kitchen, you’ll find the signature touch of the Labo culinaire with a simple, fresh, and affordable menu: homemade granola, tartines, and refined salads that showcase local ingredients. It’s easily one of the cafés where you can eat best in Montreal. On the coffee side, the space stands out with a rotating selection of roasters and creative drinks like lavender matcha. The relaxed, inclusive atmosphere makes it an ideal place to study, meet friends, or simply grab a bite before class.
Montréal
COMMODORE café Montréal
About a fifteen-minute walk from ESG, Commodore Café welcomes you inside the elegant Honeyrose Hotel, right in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles. Despite the luxurious Art Deco décor, the atmosphere is surprisingly accessible, thanks to the quality of the products and the attentive, refined service. The menu features a fine selection of specialty coffees, teas, and pastries, along with plant-based milk options (almond, oat, soy, lactose-free) to suit every taste. At lunchtime, you can also choose from soups, sandwiches, or salads — to take away or to enjoy on the sunny terrace.
Montreal
Café Parvis
Located about a 15-minute walk from UQAM’s pavilions, Café Parvis quickly became a favorite hangout for Montrealers thanks to its prime location, just steps from the Place-des-Festivals. Run by a team of passionate talents, the café has transformed the former space of the St. James United Church Parvis into a must-visit spot where you’ll want to settle in for the whole day. The décor is luminous and inspiring — with majestic bay windows, high ceilings, wooden floors, and lush greenery — creating an atmosphere that is both warm and uplifting. It’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful cafés in the city. The menu emphasizes finesse and freshness, with light pizzas and creative salads. In the morning, it’s the perfect place to stop for a coffee with a Hof Kelsten pastry; at lunchtime, it becomes ideal for a business meeting or study session. By evening, the space comes alive with brunches or dinners before heading out to a show.
Montréal
OSMO X MARUSAN Café-Terrasse
Osmo × Marusan is a bright, modern café about a fifteen-minute walk from UQAM, blending Japanese elegance with Montreal’s creative spirit. The brutalist décor — concrete and wood softened by lush plants — along with a discreet terrace, makes it a unique and welcoming place to settle in. Here, you can enjoy excellent coffee paired with original pastries like matcha babka or sesame cheesecake, as well as house-made sandos and curries that have earned the spot its reputation. In our view, Osmo × Marusan is one of the best Japanese-inspired addresses in Montreal. Whether it’s for studying during the day, sharing a comforting lunch, or stretching the evening in a lively atmosphere, this café perfectly balances conviviality and originality. With its inspiring ambiance and creative menu, Osmo × Marusan has quickly become a neighborhood favorite.
Montréal
