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Paper Hill : The Café-Buvette Bringing Downtown to Life

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At the heart of downtown, on Saint-Alexandre Street, Paper Hill has quickly become a neighborhood staple. This café-bar, envisioned by Selma Gueddich, brings together everything we love: a warm space and an inviting atmosphere, perfect for a morning coffee, a quick salad, or a glass of wine at the end of the day.

When Selma, a communications account manager, decided to reinvent herself, she stumbled upon an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. A friend, who owned the stunning space that once housed Daylight Factory, offered her the chance to rent it. The idea of creating a spot where locals and workers alike could gather naturally took shape. “We sometimes forget that, yes, there are businesses here, but there are also plenty of residents—like me—who are looking for a go-to place to stop by and connect,” she explains.

A Lively and Welcoming Space

The vibe is relaxed—not meant to be a traditional happy-hour spot, but rather a place to unwind with an aperitif. After 5 p.m., part of the café becomes a screen-free zone, encouraging conversation. In the summer, in addition to a cozy back terrace, a few chairs are placed out front, inviting passersby to stop and stay awhile.

The decor is both modern and rooted in the area’s history, paying homage to Paper Hill—once a hub for printing houses and publishing. As a nod to this literary past, a large bookshelf adorns one wall, inviting guests to flip through its collection.

A Reflection of the City

Paper Hill’s menu is simple, seasonal, and accessible, with salads, sandwiches, and shareable plates, including vegetarian and vegan options. As for coffee, the choice of roaster was obvious—Selma fell in love with Escape Coffee Company, who also helped her select the café’s stunning Victoria Arduino Eagle One espresso machine. For those looking for an alternative to coffee or matcha, Paper Hill currently offers a beet latte: “I wanted to introduce something local and seasonal, and that’s how the idea of the pink latte came about. It’s all about embracing winter and its ingredients,” she says.

More than just a café, Paper Hill is set to become a hub for creative initiatives. Book clubs, pop-up art exhibits, and even DJ-led day parties (very on-trend right now!) are among the experiences Selma hopes to bring to her customers.

We love Paper Hill for its unique energy, warm welcome, and atmosphere that adapts to any moment of the day. This café-bar is undoubtedly a must-visit in downtown Montreal.

Enjoy the discovery!


Photography by Mikael Lebleu





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