Muru Crêpes is a nostalgic Studio Ghibli themed café in Montreal

Going to Muru Crêpes reminded me that there’s something about Studio Ghibli that feels like home. Seeing the iconic Totoro figure on anything instantly fills me with peace, as if I’ve been transported into a Ghibli film. A world where life is slow, simple, and beautiful. Sometimes, I feel like we’re always rushing—to the next task, the next feeling, the next big thing. But the best moments happen when we slow down. That’s something I try to embrace.

Writing is one of the ways I centre myself. It grounds me in the present and reminds me to savour life. Because if we’re always flustered, what’s the point? If our routines don’t spark joy, why force them? And sometimes, joy is found in the most unexpected places—like a little café in Montreal with Totoro in the window.

Discovering Muru Crêpes: A hidden Ghibli gem

It was a Saturday morning during our trip to Montreal when we finally made our way to Muru Crêpes. My husband had first spotted it long before we were married. He was walking through the city and saw a giant Totoro on the window. Knowing my love for Studio Ghibli, he snapped a photo and sent it to me. That moment stuck with us, and now, we were finally here in person.

Walking up to the storefront was surreal. Part of me wondered how they got the licensing rights to use Totoro so openly. The other part? Just pure excitement for a Studio Ghibli café experience.

First impressions: A cozy, Totoro-filled space

Stepping inside, we were instantly surrounded by Ghibli magic. Studio Ghibli merchandise lined the shelves, Totoro drawings decorated the walls, and stained-glass window clings added a whimsical touch.

It was a small, intimate café—so small that our big bags felt a little cumbersome at our window-side table.

One thing I noticed about Montreal in winter: the slush. Toronto has its fair share of messy winter sidewalks, but in Montreal, restaurants seem to take the brunt of it. Slush and mud get tracked inside, leaving the floors perpetually wet. Thankfully, Muru Crêpes wasn’t too bad, but it was something I noticed at other spots, like Le Petit Poisson, where it was downright messy.

What we ordered: Matcha and crepes

With the mild slush forgotten, we turned our attention to the menu. It was filled with tempting crepes and lattes, making it hard to choose. I ordered a hot matcha latte and a sweet crepe, while my husband opted for a classic breakfast plate.

Pricing here is fairly standard—not cheap, but not outrageous. Expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $20 per person, depending on whether you get just a drink or a full meal. They had several latte options, but by this point in our trip, I was craving matcha. I can usually go one or two days without one before the craving kicks in.

Taste test: Worth the visit?

The crepe was delicious—light, slightly crispy, and filled just right. My matcha latte, on the other hand, was a bit more on the bitter side. It wasn’t sweet at all, but it had that deep, earthy taste of authentic matcha, which I appreciated.

My husband’s breakfast plate was solid, though the home fries could have been better.

Muru Crêpes’ specialty is crepes, and it shows. While I wouldn’t call this the best crepe and matcha spot in Montreal, it’s a solid 7/10 experience. But if you’re a huge Totoro or Studio Ghibli fan, the cozy, nostalgic atmosphere makes it well worth a visit.

Final thoughts: A must-visit for Ghibli lovers

If you love Studio Ghibli, visiting Muru Crêpes is a must. It’s more than just a café—it’s a chance to step into a world that feels like a scene straight out of My Neighbor Totoro. The food is good, the ambiance is charming, and the experience? A little slice of Ghibli magic in the heart of Montreal.