Louisa: A Neighbourhood Café in Bois-des-Filion

Just before the pandemic hit, Virginie and Charles opened their very first café: Louisa, a charming neighbourhood spot in Bois-des-Filion. When they first began dreaming up the project, their goal was to create a welcoming, peaceful gathering place for the local community. “There’s sometimes a colder sense of community in the suburbs,” says Virginie, who’s originally from nearby Lorraine. After several years in Montreal, the couple wanted to bring the warm, communal spirit of small Montreal cafés to the North Shore. And they’ve succeeded beautifully: Louisa is a true local gem.

Behind the name Louisa — fictional but evocative — lies a nod to Virginie and Charles’s grandmothers. It’s a tender tribute to their comforting, generous, home-cooked meals. At Louisa, everything is homemade in that same spirit of love and care.

The café offers high-quality specialty coffee, house-made pastries, and a fresh, healthy lunch menu that includes salads, soups, sandwiches, smoothies, and a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

You might stop by in the morning for a great cup of coffee or swing by at lunch for one of their delicious sandwiches (special mention to the Italian!). Their matcha — whether served as a latte or in lemonade — is reason enough for a visit. And if you happen to catch their affogato, especially the matcha version with strawberry coulis, don’t pass it up. In addition to their house-made items, they also offer a selection of goodies like natural wines and local Quebec products.

Another bit of good news: the prices are easy on the wallet. Perfect for anyone looking to grab a croissant and an espresso without breaking the bank.

Beyond the menu, it’s the warm welcome that keeps people coming back. The service is friendly, the atmosphere inviting, and the café radiates a special kind of energy that’s rare in the area. The space is simple and serene — ideal for a solo coffee, a lunch break with coworkers, or a quiet moment with family.

Once you’ve visited Louisa, it’s easy to see why everyone loves it. Enjoy the discovery!