Chez José Café

173 Duluth Ave E, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1H4, Canada
+1 514-663-2381
$$$ Brunch restaurant
(1394 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of Montreal, make a beeline for Chez José Café, a hidden gem located at 173 Duluth Ave E. This delightful brunch spot is not just a café; it’s an experience steeped in warmth and charisma. From the moment you walk through the door, you're greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sweet scent of baked pastries, promising a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Chez José specializes in a fusion of quintessential brunch offerings, spotlighting both Portuguese and Mexican cuisines. Their menu features mouthwatering dishes like the Déjeuner Portugais—a hearty plate of two fried eggs, Portuguese chorizo, sautéed potatoes, and peppers, served alongside a refreshing salad and golden butter toast, all for just CA$18.75. For those seeking a lighter touch, the Petite Salade Avec Tofu Mariné Et Sauté offers a delightful mix of marinated tofu and seasonal vegetables, artfully arranged to satisfy your hunger and your health (CA$14.75).

And let's not forget the sweets! Dessert enthusiasts won't want to miss the Pasteis De Natas (CA$3.75)—these Portuguese tarts boast a flaky crust and a creamy custard that is simply irresistible. One customer, brenfmartinez, described them as a “great pairing” with a latte, noting the cozy, artsy vibes that filled the café. The ambiance is intimate and eclectic, reminiscent of vintage seaside cafés—think colorful decor and charming knick-knacks that tell a story of their own.

Review after review extols the virtues of this cozy eatery. Rami Battika describes it as “a little oasis of joy,” a place where each bite feels crafted with love and care. Meanwhile, Sam Greene and his friends felt welcomed as they enjoyed a mid-afternoon hangout, where the staff made sure they felt at ease despite their large party. He even hailed their pastel de nata as equal to or better than those found in Lisbon. If that doesn’t entice you, I don’t know what will!

What truly sets Chez José apart is the palpable community spirit. As you savor your meal, you’ll find the staff hustling gracefully, ensuring everyone feels at home—even during the busiest rushes. The owner, Sarah, has been praised for her attentive service; her kindness adds a sprinkle of joy that complements the delicious food perfectly.

So, whether you're in the mood for a fulfilling brunch, a casual afternoon coffee, or a sweet indulgence, Chez José Café is a must-visit destination. Come for the delectable dishes, stay for the charming atmosphere, and leave with a full heart and a happy belly!

Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible seating
No wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

1394 Reviews
brenfmartinez

27 Aug 2025

I truly enjoyed my experience here. Had a small bite late in the afternoon and was craving for some sweet treat. I had their pastel de nata and a cup of latte, which were s great pairing. I find the place very artsy and cozy, and the staff is very friendly. Overall, it's a wonderful place to be.

Sam Greene

12 Aug 2025

We had a great mid-afternoon hang at Chez José. They were gracious to accommodate our large party of 6, but it is a very small place and we felt bad. They assured us all was well and treated very kindly with loving vibes. The food was excellent. Crepes, Portuguese stew, full Portuguese breakfast, pastel de nata (as good or better than Lisbon's ...). All excellent! Highly recommend!

Kanishk Bansal

09 Aug 2025

So, we biked around the super pretty Ave Duluth and stumbled upon this place. It's got cool graffiti outside, but inside it's all vintage vibes with stuff from like, 50 years ago. We got a Mexican crepe, an egg sandwich, and a lentil burrito. I even told the server it was the best brunch we've had in Montreal! The owner was super nice and told us all about the cafe's history. Seriously, you gotta check it out next time you're on Duluth street.

fierfrancophone

26 Jul 2025

We went solely on the high reviews, knowing nothing of the menu/venue. First impressions was that place was rather small and the decor reminded us of seaside bars in the Caribbean or South America. I ordered the Portuguese Breakfast and my wife had the Mexican Crêpe. We were absolutely blown away by the food - it's truly fantastic and the servings were plentiful. We still managed to clean off our plates. We would absolutely recommend this restaurant and will definitely return to try other items. It's also worth noting that my meal was served with what I think was homemade chipotle sauce - whatever it was, it was dang good!

Rami Battika

02 Jul 2025

Tucked away on Duluth, Café Chez José feels like a little oasis of joy. The vibe is eclectic and cozy, filled with character and color. The food? Humble, honest, and surprisingly delightful. It’s the kind of place where every bite feels like it was made with care. Even though the hostess was running around non-stop, she never lost her grace. A beautiful place to slow down, eat well, and feel the soul of avenue Duluth.

Jeremy Brown

15 Jun 2025

I really thought brunch here was amazing. I had coffee, a fresh juice, and egg tart and the vegetarian crepe. Everything was awesome. It’s the best egg tart I’ve had outside of Portugal. The waiter told me they have them brought in from a bakery in Ontario. It was warm inside in August as there is no AC but outside seating is cute.

Liliane Nguyen

04 Jun 2025

We came for brunch. The wait was not long at all. The food was delicious and the service was impeccable. The weekend seafood soup is a must try. Sarah, the owner, was so sweet and efficient. I highly recommend!

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