What are your best foodie spots in Montreal? (page 1 of 2)

Hi everyone,

I’m heading back to Montreal in early November after several years away. I’m so excited! I won’t be staying long, but I’ll have time to wander and explore.

I’d love to get your recommendations for great things to eat—restaurants, bakeries, all kinds of food. I’m open to all your suggestions and addresses. I’ll definitely hit up the market. And eat bagels, of course.

I’ll probably stay in the Quartier des Spectacles, but I’ll definitely be getting around the city.

Thanks in advance!

I’m definitely going to the market. Gonna eat some bagels too.

Hi, For markets in Montreal, there’s Atwater Market on the west side of the city and Jean Talon Market—I’d recommend the latter. Otherwise, there are definitely some spots in Old Montreal, but it’s probably touristy. Both places are accessible by metro. Also consider Chinatown for affordable meals.

Hi there,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, Jean-Talon Market is definitely on my list of places to visit. Chinatown too—I’ll make the most of it this time. I only passed through quickly last time.

Thanks again for your reply.

Best regards,

Hi there,

To help us give you suggestions, could you let us know what kind of restaurant you're looking for?

Just so you know, some restaurants have earned Michelin mentions, while others are known for their fine dining.

Is budget a big factor for you?

Are you looking for a lively atmosphere (hockey season with the Canadiens will be underway)?

Or maybe a French vibe, like Barouf, etc.?

Looking forward to more details—happy planning! 😊👍👋

Hi there,

I’m looking for more traditional and local comfort food spots.

Thanks for helping me with my search!

Hi Laetitia,

As you know, good restaurant recommendations are always up for debate. But I’ll take a chance and suggest a few, hoping they’ll delight your palate! 😁

First off, your visit coincides with a major culinary event in Montreal: MTLaTable. I’m attaching an image of the event’s webpage along with this year’s dates. You’ll need to check the site to see which restaurants are participating this year—it’s a true gastronomic delight! 😃

For breakfast (or *petit déjeuner* for you), I highly recommend at least one visit to BAGEL ETC, at 4320 Saint Laurent Blvd., right across from Parc du Portugal. Not only does this spot serve excellent breakfasts, but it was also Leonard Cohen’s favorite restaurant—his home was just across the street (ask the server to tell you about him! 😁). Many French singers used to go there too; their names are written on little plaques.

For lunch (or *déjeuner* for you), I suggest trying Brit and Chips at least once, located at 433 McGill Street, right next to Old Montreal. You’ll find the best fish and chips in Montreal there. Afterward, you can walk it off in Old Montreal all the way to Place des Montréalaises 🚺🚹🚻.

For dinner, I recommend an eccentric restaurant in Montreal’s east end: Cabotins in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood, at 4821 Sainte-Catherine Street East. You can bring your own wine, which helps cut down on the bill. If it’s on the menu, I highly recommend their homemade blood sausage—delicious, in my opinion! 😃

One last suggestion: since you seem familiar with Montreal, check out Poutineville Beaubien at 1348 Beaubien Street East. When I was younger, my friends and I loved going there to end the night. As the name suggests, poutine is the star, with all kinds of variations. You’ll definitely leave with a full belly and sleep well! 🤰🤰

Here are just a few ideas. I encourage you to check out the photos and reviews on Google Maps.

If you need more suggestions, just let me know. I’m sure other VF members will have plenty of additional recommendations!

Happy planning! 👋👋

Hi Bauhaus,

Thanks for these addresses! I’m jotting them all down. I’d already spotted the bagel place, so I’ll definitely be heading there 👍🏽

I can tell I’m gonna eat really well and find the perfect spots to digest.

Thanks again.

Made my day! 😊

If you ever need it and would like, I could be your guide for a tour of any Montreal neighborhood you choose (as long as it works for me too 😅🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️).

I already do this for free and with pleasure for the Facebook group: *Les retraités sportifs du Québec*. You can check it out yourself if you have time! 😊

By the way, on Saint Denis Street at the bar *Le Barouf*, there are often French people who meet up there. Especially during soccer or rugby matches involving France. Many of your fellow citizens living in Montreal—usually on the Plateau—hang out there. Might be a good spot to exchange info that could interest you.

Happy planning and enjoy your stay in *la Belle Province*! 😊😊👋

Hi there,

Thanks again, Bauhaus, for this lovely suggestion. I’ll check out the Facebook group.

Can’t wait to return to your beautiful Province.

Best regards,

Hi, I second Bauhaus for Brit and Chips, just a couple of steps from Old Montreal but not a tourist trap like some restaurants in the area!! I’d also add a place I really love: Le Club Espagnol on St Laurent between Marie Anne and Mont Royal. The food is great, authentically Spanish, and their back patio is amazing 😛 Inicio | Club Espagnol de Quebec – Cultural Events, Flamenco and Activities for Spanish Speakers

I can’t wait to return to your beautiful Province.

Hi, my message isn’t important: don’t forget beaver tails either—they’re delicious, but very high in calories. There used to be a little shop on Sainte-Catherine Street, but I don’t know if it’s still there.

Oh yeah, the beaver tail!! I have such a great memory of it, with chocolate all over my mouth. I’ll definitely have one again!

Thanks a bunch

Hello,

I’ve added fish and chips to my list. Plus, I love it!!

Thanks again 😊👍🏾

hey again—don’t forget that in QC we say *déjeuner* for breakfast, *dîner* for lunch, and *souper* for dinner 😛 So in the morning, ask for *pannequekes* with maple syrup—obviously *sirop d’érable* in proper French

Hello again,

Oh yes, those delicious pancakes with maple syrup (I say maple syrup, no problem for me 😊👼🏽) and they’re so good. And no worries about the names of the different meals (even if I can’t guarantee I won’t mix them up). Breakfast will be at the hotel, but I’ll still go out for some good pancakes 👍🏽—I’ll make room, and it’ll double as dinner 😄

Thanks again

Okay, I’ll add a little spot in the Mile End area—a really nice Mexican place: Mezcaleros Tapas & Cocktails - Restaurant Cuisine Mexicaine Mile-End, Montréal

Montreal’s such a cosmopolitan city, and it really shows in the restaurants! 😛

Enjoy your stay in Montreal

I’ll quickly throw out two suggestions—two "bring-your-own-wine" restaurants: French-inspired cuisine with a Québécois twist: Au Thym and Les Infidèles... There’s also Le Quartier Général, L'État-Major, and more.

PS: I know it’s not very original to send a French person to a French-cuisine restaurant... but I’ll get back to you—or better yet, reach out to me here on VF—and I’ll suggest some ethnic cuisines instead.

The best baguette in Montreal: Joe la Croûte, next to the Jean-Talon Market, in a strip surrounding the market. By the way, we go to Jean-Talon on Saturday mornings and grab our espresso or latte at Café Italia on Saint-Laurent Street, right next to the Milano grocery store.

I could go on and on...

Hi there,

Thanks again—got it noted down!

And thanks to @pierroro too. I’ve taken note of that.

Looks like I’ll have plenty of options!

I just realized I didn’t ask you all for your must-visit spots for bagels and donuts.

Thanks everyone.

Hi there! For bagels: St-Viateur Bagel, on the street of the same name, and Fairmount Bagel, on Fairmount Street. You can buy just the bagel—they don’t have a restaurant, but you can get everything you need there (cream cheese and smoked salmon) to make your own. Donuts: no idea. Another Montreal specialty: a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s, on St-Laurent Boulevard... with a black cherry cola. Pizza: of course, everyone has "their" spot for the best pizza. I really like Napoletana (you can bring your own bottle of wine) and other Italian dishes—relaxed vibe—near the Jean-Talon Market, and Pizzaiolle (a few locations).

Hello again,

Thanks for these recommendations. I’m jotting everything down 😊👍🏽

Best regards