The Famous Cosmos

Very sad and disappointed. It was a great place once, but no more. Absolute slop. Sorry. I had to look for the egg; there was only a trace of one; the potatoes were disgusting; tiny pieces of cold toast. Disgusting.

Tiny little hole in the wall. Only about 12 counter seats. Diner style. If you don't like that it's not for you. I love it! The staff were friendly, fun and attentive. The menu seems like it has been the same for a long time, but no need to change. I got the "mish mash" as described it was a little of everything. Main course of the dish was an omelette with everything in it. It was delicious! The regulars come in and out. You're sitting side by side with them. I can't say enough about the place totally worth going to!!

Be prepared to step back in time when you walk into the Cosmos diner. There are eight stools surrounding the grill. Unless you visit during warmer times when the patio tables are set up, these precious stools are your only tickets to an amazing experience!

Their menu is small, but packs a punch. You can choose eggs any style and of course bacon, sausage or ham, toast, and the best home fries in Montreal.

Try their signature "Mish Mash" a collection of eggs, potatoes, red peppers, pepperoni bacon, sausage, ham, salami, tomato, onion, and cheese. It's a Montreal legend. They have also been featured in a documentary called "Man of Grease".

Depending on how early you arrive, expect a line-up of locals waiting for one of the eight seats. Fortunately the service is fast and super-friendly.

What made the experience next level, were the people we met. We were from Toronto and everyone there were lifelong Montrealers, but on this day, it didn't matter. The conversation was fun and unforgettable!

Really small old place with nice burgers etc , informal and gentle service. Just a few spots in winter to sit down but a little terrasse in summer.

Long-standing institute. Run by daughters of the legendary late Greek owner. This place is not the faint of heart or healthy eater, but it totally worth it.

Cosmo's is an institution here in Montreal yet despite being a lifelong Montrealer I only recently tried this famous restaurant. It has been around about 40 years and is known for its cheap, greasy breakfasts. It is really tiny, seating only 11 people and everyone sits at the counter so it is best if you come with one other person max.

The atmosphere is that of your friendly, neighbourhood greasy spoon and it has loads of character to it. Everyone is packed in at the counter and it is quite common for everyone to end up talking to each other at some point or another. This ambiance was what I liked most about Cosmos. It makes it feel so welcoming and just a nice place to sit and enjoy a meal. It seems like they also get quite a few regulars here because the staff seemed to know some of the customers by name.

The menu is what you would expect from a greasy spoon (bacon and eggs, sandwiches, burgers, etc). They are famous for the Mish Mash, which is a special omelet containing eggs, ham, bacon, salami, tomato, onions and cheese, and the Creation. I decided on the Bagellah for $8. This creation consisted of eggs, bacon and cheese served on top of a Montreal-style bagel. This was excellent and the bacon was really crispy. It was served with a generous portion of hash browns which were awesome and well-seasoned. The price was also very reasonable and included coffee. At one point the waitress also offered everyone in the restaurant homemade peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies on the house. This was really appreciated and they were very good!

Any Montrealer should definitely hit up Cosmos when they get the chance. It is easy to see why it has become such an institution here. The unique atmosphere and cheap, greasy food make for an excellent experience.

Hidden little greasy spoon in the heart of NDG serving breakfast food all day. They're known for their famous Creation BLT style sandwich with salami which is known to be the best breakfast sandwich in town, their MishMash plate and their delicious hash browns.

This is in my top 3 favourite breakfast spots in all of Canada.
It's a hole in the wall, it's hidden, it's tiny, it seats approximately 10.5 people inside, the waitress yelled angrily at her husband who was smoking and drinking coffee out on the patio the whole time, and it's some of the best breakfast food I've ever eaten.
Our server was very friendly to her customers, joking and messing with regulars, offering freshly baked cookies to the people eagerly waiting in line.
It felt extremely comforting, like coming home for Christmas.
Eating here made me want to open up a diner of my own just like it.
Can't wait to eat here again!

The only reason I am unable to give it 5 stars is because of the line-up to have a meal and the restrictive opening hours!
This place is the ultimate in a mixture of home cooking and brunch in the Snowdon - NDG area as long as you are NOT fancy!
The BEST brunch in Montreal!!'

Cosmos is one of NDG's most famous restaurants and it is known for being one of the best greasy spoons in the area. Located at 5843 Sherbrooke O, it is right down my street however, it took me five years to FINALLY see why it is such a popular spot.

It is a very small space which seats about 11 people. I was lucky to have my friend save me a spot because about five minutes after I got there, all of the seats were taken and people were standing in a line that went out of the building. You can also sit at the few tables they have set up outside.

The Creation
My friend and I both got "The Creation" sandwich which consists of an egg, salami, lettuce, tomato and cheese. It was absolutely delicious. Cosmos has any type of bread you would like- The Globe and Mail stated " [Cosmos] offered 15 types of bread. It was once estimated that Mr. Koulakis went through 25 loaves of rye, kimmel and black Russian bread a day, and fried 20 dozen eggs and 25 pounds of bacon every day, too." The service is VERY fast. The Creation also comes with a side of hash brown potatoes which are equally as delicious. When I first saw the Creation, I thought it was small and that it was impossible for me to be full from just one but I was wrong. I was happily surprised at how satisfied I felt.

Cosmos is also known for their "MishMash" omelette which is bacon, four eggs, ham, sausage, salami, tomatoes, onions and cheese, all fried in margarine. I will definitely be going back to try it.

Cosmos is so well known, that Ezra Soiferman did a documentary on the late Tony Koulakis called "Man of Grease". To watch the trailer, please watch it on Vimeo.


The famous Epic Meal Time guys even stopped by Cosmos to make a burger! Watch the video on youtube or read The Gazette's article.

June 22 of this year will mark the two year anniversary of Tony's death. The events surrounding his homicide made numerous headlines along with questions about whether or not the restaurant would ever reopen. However, there was no way his family members would allow the restaurant to close after Tony dedicated over 30 years of his life to the business. I wish I had gone to Cosmos when Tony was still around- he seemed like a very happy, friendly and passionate person. According to The Globe and Mail, "Meantime, neighbourhood homeless people, or those just down and out, were often treated to free meals, or were told to come back later. At the end of each day, leftovers were handed out, given to food banks or dumped on the forest floor near his cottage for the animals. "He used to say to me it was a sin to throw away food," Mr. DiMonte said."

I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone in the NDG area. One customer stated on the resto's official Facebook Page "Greatest breakfast food ever. I drive 10hrs 3x a year for it." -Mike Paddon

It is open from 7AM- 5PM every day. To contact them, call (514) 486-3814.