The Arts Café is a very hip and cozy restaurant on Fairmount Avenue in Montréal, Canada. We came across the café on a rainy morning when I spotted rows of books and strings of rustic light bulbs in the windows. I have what we call a “Kass-radar” for bookshops, and when I first saw the books and lights, I was intrigued. However, when I saw that there was a cappuccino machine, I saw myself making a beeline for the shop.

When I opened the door, I was not disappointed. I was greeted with a rush of warm, sweet air filled with the smell of coffee and pastries. It reminded me of a real-life replica of Professor Trelawney’s classroom!

Feeling serendipitous, my husband and I sat down and ordered our drinks and looked at the menu. The menu had a variety of choices from a classic breakfast of eggs, toast, russet potato, salad and a choice of meat to Eggs Benedict and french toast. We went for the breakfast sandwich and classic breakfast.

The food was excellent, and the staff were very kind and attentive. What I liked the most about Arts Café was the atmosphere. Inside, there were tables to sit at, but also bars with stools. And, the books. There were books around the café from Jane Eyre to a biography on Salvador Dali. Along with bookshelves, the café had beautiful hanging plants and intriguing wall art. The café felt homey, and there were a few people reading books, doing work, or writing on their laptops with coffee and tea mugs at their tables. The entire café was very relaxed, and it seems as if there are guests who stay there most of the day. We never felt rushed to leave.

If you ever visit Montréal, take time to stop at the Arts Café for a warm beverage and delicious breakfast that won’t disappoint!