Coffee fanatics will tell you: to test the talent of a barista (or "master of the coffee machine"), nothing beats an espresso. So, prepare your small cups, because the following establishments will give you quite a caffeine boost!
Leaders of the third wave movement, the folks at Le Nektar (St. Joseph Street and 3rd Avenue) are true coffee experts. Not only will they serve you a perfect espresso, but they’ll also share the basics of the art, so that you can make it at home.
Even though the opening of this location on Saint-Vallier Street East has caused a stir for its cold brew coffee, we must not neglect its excellent espresso and latte. The boho-chic decor adds charm to the place, which quickly becomes crowded with creative young hipster types.
This friendly Maguire Street cafe is the perfect place to slowly sip a quality espresso (especially the one roasted by Castelo), while reading the newspaper, for example, in the plush chairs, in a private, intimate setting. In season, you can enjoy the beautiful terrace, always with a cup in hand!
This micro coffee roaster, formerly known as the Brûlerie de Québec, works to make the origin of coffee known, similar to the way we discuss wine or chocolate. Seating is limited, but you can take your short espresso to go, and enjoy it while walking along rue Saint-Jean outside the walls.
This beautiful spot in Saint-Sauveur is a destination of choice for coffee enthusiasts. Good cups of barista micro-roasted coffees flow here all day long, and you can try a 100% cafe sweet and salty menu, including a giant waffle to share … or not.
One of the leaders of the Quebec caffeine scene, Café Castelo will celebrate 20 years of business on Cartier Avenue in 2016. This micro roaster offers blends taking inspiration from around the world, including Greek, Turkish, Italian and Swiss recipes, enough to travel through your cup.
The Les Brûleries empire extends throughout the city (Saint-Roch, Old-Limoilou, Saint-Jean, Sainte-Foy, Vanier and Limoilou) and, at each location, you'll find the same quality in each cup. When the crema is very red, you know that it's done!
Although basically a tea room, this newcomer on 3rd Avenue in Limoilou also serves coffee. But not just any coffee – they bring in their beans from Cantook. You can savour it while knitting, with a scone, in its very cocoon-like atmosphere.