Café Kujira

Café Kujira (kujira is Japanese for "whale") is a small Montreal torréfacteur founded by Gabriel Comtois. He learned his trade in cafes in Wellington, Melbourne and Bordeaux, and his time in New Zealand and Australia is what sparked his interest in roasting. Back in Montreal, he began Kujira as a home-roasting business. He later roasted on Café Balance's five-kilo roaster in Verdun and then on rented equipment at Torréfaction Québec, and Maxime Verreault joined as a partner and roaster.

Kujira describes itself as a small, crafty roaster for people who want specialty coffee roasted with passion and attention to detail. Its cafes include a friendly neighbourhood spot on Avenue De Lorimier and a location in the Technopôle Angus redevelopment in Rosemont, both well reviewed by local guide Tastet. It's a good pick for a US visitor who wants to try Montreal's newer roasters.