Café Chez Teta

Located on one of Montreal’s most vibrant commercial streets, Café Chez Teta is an architectural celebration of Lebanese culinary heritage and third-wave coffee culture. The design masterfully intertwines the warmth of a grandmother’s home (Teta translates to grandmother in Arabic) with the lively energy of a contemporary Montreal café.

GALLERY

Natural light floods the space through expansive windows spanning two facades, enhancing the inviting ambiance. A large sliding window behind the counter blurs the boundary between the café and the bustling street, allowing for direct street-side service and creating a dynamic connection with passersby.

Upon entering through a spacious glazed vestibule, visitors are welcomed by a material palette that speaks to tradition and simplicity. Walnut veneer and hand-finished plaster walls evoke timeless craftsmanship, while locally produced terracotta light fixtures and horizontal mirror bands add contemporary flair. Bistro-style furniture, including classic Thonet chairs and burgundy velvet banquettes, complements the minimalist aesthetic, offering comfort with a nod to Lebanese design.

At the heart of the dining room is a communal table with a hand-carved walnut base and a sand-hued marble top—a centrepiece that draws people together. Matching burgundy steel tables and a high window-side counter offer varied seating options, encouraging guests to linger over their coffee or meal while soaking in views of Rachel Street.

The dual-purpose service counter is a standout feature. A monolithic marble block serves as the order counter, with deep red, beige, and black hues, while a curved walnut-veneer pick-up bar adds visual warmth. Above, a burgundy steel storage unit with a laser-cut cane pattern integrates seamlessly into the design, echoing the texture of the window counters and coffee displays. Wooden shelves set into squared arches display Teta’s signature ceramics, enhancing the artisanal character of the space.

In the kitchen, the fusion of tradition and innovation continues. A Marzocco espresso machine sits alongside a Turkish sand coffee maker, while a Lebanese oven imported specifically for the café ensures authentic preparation of traditional Manoush’eh flatbread pies. This meticulous attention to detail underscores Café Chez Teta’s commitment to culinary and cultural excellence, making it a must-visit destination for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Images by Alex Lesage via ArchDaily