Montreal is known for having a vibrant restaurant scene catering to an array of culturally diverse cuisines. With the most restaurants per capita in North America, it would be impossible to get through them all even if you lived here!…Open the full description
Montreal is known for having a vibrant restaurant scene catering to an array of culturally diverse cuisines. With the most restaurants per capita in North America, it would be impossible to get through them all even if you lived here! In a nutshell, be sure to try poutine, smoked meat, and bagels.
L'Express
Eating
13
5
The checkered floor that spells out the restaurant’s name in front is the sole indication that you have found L’Express. This eatery has been a Montreal staple for over 30 years – even Anthony Bourdain is a fan. Endlessly open and always lively in atmosphere, it’s as if time has frozen and left you in a classic 1920s French bistro.
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Pikolo Espresso Bar
Cafes
16
3
Just off of Sherbrooke street, Pikolo is perfect for working and studying as it has free Wi-Fi. Open for two years now, this independent café is a welcome change from the coffee chains located virtually everywhere in the downtown area. Enjoy a warm ambiance, informed baristas passionate about coffee, and a musical playlist akin to your iPod.
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Local Experience
1 Hour Vintage Tour in a Vintage Convertible
Prices from
40
CAD
Duration
1 h
Languages
French, English
Kem CoBa
Cafes
15
4
You can’t miss it – this Mile End staple attracts attention with its hot pink & neon green façade and a lineup made up of families, couples, and groups of friends. Run by a friendly husband and wife duo on the corner of Fairmount and Clark, Kem CoBa’s name is inspired by the co-owner’s niece and signifies “third auntie’s ice cream” in Vietnamese.
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Olive et Gourmando
Cafes
18
6
Attracting everyone from regulars, to Old Montreal’s numerous visitors, this bakery turned café boasts fresh, local products. Their quirky decor will surely charm you. Always on and animated, Olive gets packed fairly quickly but takeout is an option if you’re on the go. Visit them for brunch, lunch paired with a glass of wine, coffee, and pastries.
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Clock Tower Beach
Pub Food
18
2
Living in a city definitely has its perks – nevertheless, it also has its drawbacks and it’s no secret that Montreal’s lack of beaches is a problem for locals come summertime. Based on the European trend of creating seaside paradise in the midst of a metropolis, Montreal’s Old Port now has its first urban beach.
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Le Cartet
Cafes
13
4
Unbeknownst to most, Le Cartet is one of Montreal’s best brunch spots. It’s also one of the first places locals will direct you to if you want to discover Old Montreal through your stomach. Whether you wish to shop epicurean goods or have a light meal followed by a cup of illy coffee, this spot will satisfy both as it operates as a café & boutique.
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Local Experience
1 Hour Vintage Tour in a Vintage Convertible
Prices from
40
CAD
Duration
1 h
Languages
French, English
Joe Beef
Eating
12
3
Owned by pioneering Quebecois chefs Frédéric Morin & Dave McMillan, Joe Beef is an institution in Montreal. Nestled on Notre-Dame in Little Burgundy, travellers from all over, like Anthony Bourdain, consider it to be one of the leading restaurants in our food scene. Rest assured, locals make up the majority of the clientele here–we know good food!
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La Banquise
Eating
25
12
There’s nothing more “Montreal” than ending a night of partying with a poutine from La Banquise – even Anthony Bourdain recommends it. Open 24/7, it is where you go to satisfy your post-party munchies. The combination of hot fries oozing with gravy and cheese curds – and whatever else your heart (read: stomach) desires – is what you will find.
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La Panthère Verte
Cafes
12
3
Serving up vegan dishes, baked goods, smoothies, and healthy boosters (think wheatgrass shots), La Panthère Verte – or The Green Panther – is a local favourite. Pop into one of their three locations to eat lunch, grab takeout (or delivery), lounge on their outdoor terrace, shop organic finds, or work from your laptop in a relaxing setting.
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Mamie Clafoutis
Cafes
15
3
What do you get when you pair a pastry chef & a baker that left France to open a boulangerie in Montreal? You get Mamie Clafoutis! Creating classic fare with a modern twist, Nicolas & Joseph are the brains behind the successful, expanding brand. Order up front as you would in a French shop or take a seat in their tearoom to enjoy your confections.
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Pullman
Pub Food
12
2
Head over to this unassuming wine bar, which is discreet enough for an intimate date and trendy enough for a 5 à 7. Their innovative space (with an eye-catching chandelier made of crystal champagne flutes and wine glasses) spans three floors and fills up with a local, after work crowd during the week and stylish 20 and 30-somethings on the weekend.
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Imadake
Pub Food
10
4
This typical Japanese pub – or izakaya – is known for its animated atmosphere with staff dressed like anime characters serving up sake bombs and appetizer-style food made for sharing among friends. Their colourful wall murals, large communal wooden table in the centre, and action-packed open kitchen at the far back make up the vibrant decor.
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Big in Japan Bar
Pub Food
11
3
Big in Japan is unlike any other establishment on The Main’s nightlife scene. Confused passer-bys are often spotted staring with curiosity as its nondescript entrance is nothing more than a crimson-coloured door adorned with Japanese letters. Once past the heavy curtains that surround the space, you will find yourself transported to another era.
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Fabergé
Eating
10
2
With its striking purple accents and Montreal-themed painted walls, Fabergé is known among locals for serving up a hearty brunch. Located on one of the most charming avenues in Montreal (if you’re lucky, you’ll get a window seat facing the street), this eatery is where all the Mile End hipsters congregate on weekends – the lineup speaks for itself.
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Café Milano
Cafes
10
2
Established in 1971, this neighbourhood café is reminiscent of a traditional Italian bar. Perpetually busy and always lively, order at the front counter and take a seat as you wait for your food to be delivered in the form of your name being yelled out by the barista. In summer, patrons flock onto the terrace, which remains occupied into the night.
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