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
Restaurants
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.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Taverne Square Dominion
Restaurants
11
1
Hidden just off of Sainte-Catherine street, this isn’t your grandfather’s tavern. Keeping with its old school vibe, its name comes from nearby Dorchester Square, which was called Dominion Square back in the day. Reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties, its ambiance is great for after work drinks or a hearty dinner. They also make a mean Sunday Roast.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Local Experience
Montreal City Brew Tours
Prices from
87
CAD
Duration
3.5 h
Languages
French, English
Joe Beef
Restaurants
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!
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
La Banquise
Budget Meals
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.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Olive et Gourmando
Fun & Active
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.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Fabergé
Restaurants
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.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Local Experience
Montreal City Brew Tours
Prices from
87
CAD
Duration
3.5 h
Languages
French, English
Le Cartet
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.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
La Panthère Verte
Restaurants
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.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Imadake
Fun & Active
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.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
L’Avenue
Restaurants
11
4
With a lineup that begins to form fairly early on, you know this place is worth the wait. Once inside, it is bursting with energy due to the hip staff, graffiti murals, a motorcycle hanging from the ceiling, and outrageous portions. For those who can’t bear the thought of waking up before noon on weekends, breakfast is served until 4pm.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Icehouse
Restaurants
6
2
Opened by Texas native Nick Hodge and Montreal-born Nathalie Doucet, Icehouse is just that: A marriage between Texas and Montreal. The tiny, shack-like Tex-Mex eatery made up of picnic tables and a terrace for summer serves up tacos, burritos, fried chicken, and homemade sauces. There are no plates here – so don’t be afraid to dig in and get messy.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Lawrence
Restaurants
9
3
If Lawrence was a Montrealer, they’d be a mix of the Mile End hipster and an Englishman with plenty of charm. Owned by a passionate crew, it isn’t uncommon to spot them working alongside wait staff. From weekend brunch (with a lineup that spills onto the sidewalk) to dinner, the menu is always filled with ingredients that stem from local producers.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Pizzeria Magpie
Restaurants
8
1
You may have heard of Pizzeria Magpie thanks to its good reputation among hipsters in the trendy Mile End, but chances are, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled when looking for it. Tucked on Maguire street right near the Main, this hole-in-the-wall is bustling with local foodies – even on weeknights.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
Café Santropol
Budget Meals
10
5
Considered an underground institution, Santropol is the ideal hideaway brimming with students and families alike. Once a small business opened over 30 years ago, its owners can still be seen greeting patrons at the door. Their spacious, eclectic decor (including a small library at the front) and artsy, bohemian vibe will surely win you over.
Read more ›
Save to list
Love it
Save to list:
El Rey del Taco
Restaurants
7
0
The food is truly authentic mexican, it's always fresh, and really good value. People travel across town to eat here! The staff is good.
Although is is away from the downtown area, it is located right on Jean Talon Market. In the summer, there is an outdoor patio that gives on the market.
Read more ›
