Hangzhou’s Monta Coffee: A Cozy Café Run by Two Best Friends

In the middle of a quiet street in Hangzhou’s west-side residential area sits a small doorway that leads to something unexpected: a hidden forest-themed café tucked above the neighborhood. Stepping through the narrow entrance, past a dim hallway and up a flight of stairs, you’re transported into a space that feels like a curated escape—where color, texture, and light come together to form a welcoming café retreat.

Monta Coffee is the creation of two best friends, Fiona and Seven Seven. This two-woman team transformed a rundown attic into a warm, stylish café offering expertly brewed coffee, homemade desserts, and a unique atmosphere—without ever compromising comfort or authenticity.

How Two Friends Built a Coffee Sanctuary in Hangzhou

Fiona and Seven Seven are the heart and soul of Monta. Fiona, once an office worker, left her corporate life to pursue coffee full-time. Though highly skilled in brewing techniques, she keeps her coffee descriptions grounded and approachable. Seven Seven, an avid traveler who has journeyed to Tibet, the Antarctic, Buenos Aires, and London, returned to Hangzhou in her early 30s and turned an unassuming attic into Monta with her own design vision. While Fiona manages the day-to-day café operations, Seven Seven continues exploring global coffee regions to source exceptional beans.

A Cozy, Nostalgic Interior Inspired by Wood and Leather

Monta’s décor is a carefully constructed blend of rustic wood, soft leather, and vintage accents. The space features bold color contrasts: green walls, dark wine-red ceilings, aged brown wainscoting, and solid wooden stairs. Large windows bathe the interior in natural light, especially during winter when sunlight spills onto vintage sofas. Festive décor—like reindeer window stickers for Christmas—adds a seasonal touch. The café is furnished with charming knick-knacks and dried floral arrangements that enhance its cozy, slightly nostalgic British-inspired vibe.

Coffee & Seasonal Bites: From Geisha to Holiday Cake

Monta serves a thoughtfully selected lineup of coffee beans, including highly sought-after varieties like Geisha (also known as Gesha), prized for its delicate floral aroma and natural sweetness reminiscent of fresh flowers. Fiona often prepares the Geisha as a pour-over, letting its nuanced profile shine through. Alongside coffee, the café offers homemade dishes such as braised pork rice, pasta, and a rotating selection of cookies and sweets. For the holidays, Monta crafts a special Christmas Red Apple Cake. The menu reflects the café’s attention to both quality and comfort.

Community Events & Easy Access

Monta regularly hosts events such as movie nights, book readings, and film screenings, creating a hub for the local community. The café also gears up for special activities during the Christmas season. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable; the four baristas are described as warm and welcoming, with Fiona often recommending coffees based on individual taste preferences. Getting there is simple via multiple bus lines—including routes 17, 74, 89, and 211—with a short walk from the Zhengxin Garden station down Xingyi Street.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the owners of Monta Coffee in Hangzhou?

Monta Coffee is owned and run by two best friends: Fiona, a former office worker who became a skilled coffee brewer, and Seven Seven, an avid traveler who has journeyed across Tibet, the Antarctic, and cities like Buenos Aires and London before returning to Hangzhou to design and launch the café.

What is the most popular coffee bean at Monta?

The most popular coffee bean mentioned in the article is Geisha (also spelled Gesha), known for its beautiful name, floral aroma, and sweet flavor profile reminiscent of fresh flowers. Fiona prepares it as a pour-over to highlight its delicate characteristics.

Does Monta Coffee serve food besides coffee?

Yes, Monta serves homemade food including braised pork rice, pasta, and a variety of cookies and small desserts. For the holiday season, they offer a special Christmas Red Apple Cake alongside their regular coffee offerings.

What is the interior design style of Monta Coffee?

Monta features a cozy interior with a British-inspired aesthetic combining wood and leather. The décor includes green walls, a dark wine-red ceiling, aged brown wainscoting, large windows, and vintage furnishings. Seasonal decorations like reindeer stickers and dried flowers enhance the warm, nostalgic atmosphere.

How can I get to Monta Coffee in Hangzhou?

Monta Coffee is accessible via multiple bus lines, including routes 17, 74, 89, 91, 211, 278, 349, 860, 900, B2, and 267. Get off at Zhengxin Garden station, turn left into Xingyi Street, and walk about 200 meters to reach the café.

Does Monta host any community or seasonal events?

Yes, Monta regularly holds movie nights, book readings, and film screenings. During the Christmas season, the café organizes special events and activities for the holiday.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Geisha Lovers

For fans of the Geisha profile enjoyed at Monta, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—renowned for its jasmine, tropical fruit, and bergamot notes—or our Panama Humbera, which highlights stone fruit, citrus, and honey-like sweetness. Both beans showcase the complex, floral qualities that make Geisha so special. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.