At this contemporary Montreal import, light is as valued as the quality of products served. The impressive space features incredibly high ceilings, long refectory tables, minimalistic design, and a touch of greenery. Even better: doughnut store Sumo Beignerie Artisanal has set up shop inside Café Saint-Henri, offering a colourful, finger-licking array of seasonal, circular creations. 

OK, it’s not coffee, but it’s good: Camellia Sinensis specializes in high-quality teas from countries like China, India, Sri Lanka and Japan, served by incredibly knowledgeable staff. Have a seat in the tasting room, a calm and relaxing atmosphere that allows customers to witness ceremonial tea preparations. Camellia Sinensis also tells traditional accessories including a selection from local ceramic artists. 

Located in trendy Saint-Roch, Café Pekoe is a place where you’ll go for coffee, but come back for the delectable poke bowls, the incredibly satisfying banh mis with fermented veggies, sweet and savoury bubble teas, as well as finger-licking-good homemade ice cream. Expect free wifi, indoor picnic table seating, and very clean restrooms. 

Third-wave café Nektar Caféologue now has three locations across the region: St-Roch, Limoilou, and St-Nicolas, where the company has recently embarked upon roasting its own coffee. Offering a wide range of hot and cold drinks including fudge brews and fusion infusions, Nektar is a popular hangout among young professionals and students. Also, there’s free wifi and clean restrooms. 

Direct trade with coffee producers is what drives Quebec City’s Cantook, which roasts all its coffees in the heart of Faubourg Saint-Jean Baptiste. With vintage London pub inspired furniture, Cantook is a popular hangout for locals and merchants alike. Seating is somewhat limited inside, but there’s colourful outdoor furniture ,and the best quality-to-price ratio on coffee that you’ll find in Québec City.

Located in a heritage jewel in the heart of picturesque Deschambault (a little outside Quebec City), Mélanie Gagné’s P’tite Brûlerie is an exclusively organic coffee roasting house. Have a seat on the luxurious outdoor terrace. Pair your drink with a delectable chocolate chip cookie made by the village chocolatier Julie Vachon, or pastries from neighbouring bakery Le Soleil Levain.