Caffe San Simeon was my surprise coffee discovery. I have walked in front of it for many years and never noticed it. I guess that Caffe Italia was my unique destination in Little Italy and never gave two shits about other places.
Since I was heading for the Jean-Talon market area for a second time, I decided to try a new place.
Caffe San Simeon is located since 1979 on rue Dante not too far from the market and St-Laurent street. If you are familiar with the area, it’s right across from the amazing Dante hardware store where you can buy great kitchen wares or a hunting rifle.
San Simeon has a different feel from Caffe Italia. It has a video poker room in the back which is somehow connected to the Italian restaurant next door.
The regulars were chatting with the barista. The barista looks like a prized fighter, he is quite a mountain of a man. The service was precise and friendly.
The cappuccino was everything that I imagine when I drink an italian coffee. I will try the espresso next time I visit.
The granita was strong. I could drink this all the time. Coffee granita when done well is truly addictive and the granita at San Simeon is thing of legend. I drank mine without milk.
The apricot pastry was good.
Caffe San Simeon is a place I will visit the next time I am in Montreal.
I don’t have not a drop of Italian blood in my body, but in a place like San Simeon, I can almost fancy myself as an adopted Italian for the time it takes to drink a perfectly prepared cappuccino.
Caffe San Simeon
39 Dante street, Montreal (corner of St-Dominique)