The second longest street in Montreal, Sherbrooke, is also one of its most diverse in terms of style and feel. It may just be me, but there’s something about the section of Sherbrooke running through the NDG neighborhood (that’s Notre-Dame-de-Grâce for you visitors) that gives me a Manhattan neighborhood vibe; the wide sidewalks, the older brick apartment buildings with curb appeal and fire escapes peppered in between the random collection of street-level shops selling everything you can think of. Case in point, Café Toranj, is an eye-catching place I promise to visit each time I pass by. While out and about, I finally stopped in. 

Located just up the street from Munchiz Exotique, Toranj is a Persian café with eclectic decor. There are mismatching upholstered chairs, and a wall full of jewelry next to ones with hanging greenery or macrame. Piles of old books on side tables in front jars full of spices, and food served on copper plates with intricate designs. While I can’t vouch for their meals (I’ll have to go back for lunch and try their most ordered dish – Chelo khoresht ghorme sabzi – beef and fresh herb stew), I can definitely say that their saffron cake is as tasty as it is fragrant and for latte lovers there are some uncommon types for you to try including peanut butter, Nutella, and pistachio.