Café le 9e: Melk Café Moves into the Eaton Centre

Montreal’s beloved Melk Café makes a bold move with the opening of its brand-new location inside the Eaton Centre: Café le 9e.
This new space, which carries Melk’s DNA while introducing the sophisticated touch of le 9e, is the brainchild of a passionate team that includes Gabrielle Deschamps (Director of Operations), Soazig Mahé (Manager), Myriam Asselin and Dominique Jacques (co-owners), along with chefs Derek Dammann and Liam Hopkins. Together, they’ve recreated the unique experience we love about Melk, while adding something fresh and exciting.

The goal behind this project was clear: to deliver the Melk experience in a café that’s fast, accessible, and uncompromising in quality. “It’s exciting to be part of this project,” says Dominique Jacques. Derek Dammann (McKiernan, Maison Publique) and his partner Liam Hopkins (Hopkins, McKiernan, Park) oversee the culinary offerings at le 9e and have brought their expertise to the table, crafting a refined yet simple menu that reflects the spirit of Melk, adapted for a smaller, more efficient space.

Café le 9e is stunning. Despite being located in the Eaton Centre, the space—designed by Alex Baldwin—feels worlds apart. With its refined design, including a stainless-steel canopy and 1930s marble columns, it evokes a warm, vintage charm. The hand-painted walls nod to the building’s storied past. The result is relaxed, stylish, and full of character.

“It’s not just the same owners—it is a Melk,” Dominique explains. “We wanted to keep that essence while adapting it to this space.” The menu features simple but refined dishes, like the jambon-beurre (on a custom bread by Hof Kelsten), and their signature croissant-baguette version of the jambon-beurre—surprisingly light and delicious. Most of the food is prepared by Abierto, their exclusive supplier, which makes 90% of what’s served at the café. “Everything is fresh, made in-house, but served in a format that allows for speed and efficiency,” the owner adds.

The lobby has been completely reimagined to welcome guests into a cozy oasis, a calm retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Eaton Centre. With this new location, Melk expands its reach without ever compromising the quality that made it a favorite.

If you’re passing through the Eaton Centre, stop by—Café le 9e is absolutely worth the visit!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: May 21, 2025

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