Brume Cantine: indulgent brunches and sandwiches on the Plateau

Brume Cantine has settled into a tiny 12-seat space, full of life and charm, right in the heart of the Plateau.

This café-counter and micro-grocery is the result of a story of friendship, passion, and well-seized opportunities. The idea had been taking shape in Steve’s mind—a food enthusiast since he was 18. Starting out as a busboy at St-Hubert, he had no idea he would one day build his career in the restaurant industry. Over the years, he worked his way up—from the kitchen to management—and contributed to several well-known establishments, including Tendresse, Waverly, and Minéral.

Two years ago, he joined his friend Luc, owner of Brume Café and Brume Comptoir, to help rebrand their image. That project sparked his love for the café world and ignited his desire to open a place of his own. The opportunity came when a friend closed her shop at 4482 Fabre Street: Steve jumped on it, and Brume Cantine was born.

But more than anything, Brume Cantine is a story of friendship. Steve teamed up with Laura, a talented chef with whom he had developed a strong professional bond during their time at Tendresse. When the project started to take shape, it was clear to Steve that Laura had to be the one leading the kitchen. Their complementary strengths gave rise to a comforting and creative menu, true to their shared vision.

An atypical cantine

Despite what the name might suggest, this is not your typical snack bar. Instead, it’s the kind of place you go in the morning for a gourmet brunch, at lunch for a sandwich, or simply to study while sipping on a chai latte. The brunch menu features dishes with well-balanced flavors: poutine bravas, brioché érable (brioche with maple butter, orange caramel, and sumac), toast omelette (sourdough, egg, extra sharp cheddar, and spiced brown butter), Basque cheesecake, pain doré salé (savory French toast with brioche, smoked salmon, and goat cheese cream), and our personal favorite—the cornbread: a duo of corn pancakes with herb sauce, green olives, and pumpkin seeds.

Several sandwiches are also available on the menu. The two standouts are undoubtedly the petit marin (smoked salmon, goat cheese, and pesto mayo) and the rôti à Janette—slow-cooked beef shoulder with onions, tender and juicy, paired perfectly with sharp cheddar, roasted garlic mayo, and arugula.

The micro-grocery section showcases local artisanal treasures: coffee from Montreal roaster 94 Celsius, chocolates by Choco de Léa, and scones from Le Monde est Scone.

Designed by Steve, the décor blends minimalism with warmth. Soft green walls, blonde wood, and plenty of plants create a natural and calming atmosphere. Generous light makes the space feel bright, intimate, and cozy.

To Steve, a cantine is a comforting, warm, and welcoming place. That’s why he chose the name: a place where people would feel at home. After years working in the lively world of bars and restaurants, he was craving something gentler. “No one’s ever angry when they’re getting their morning coffee. Customers are always happy and smiling,” he says.

And this is just the beginning: with his head full of ideas, Steve is already planning what’s next. Among the projects to watch for: an “anti-buvette” concept—a space free from the pressure of alcohol consumption, designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all.

What makes Brume Cantine so endearing is the sense of community you feel as soon as you walk through the door. A true family spirit reigns here—and that makes all the difference.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: June 02, 2025

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