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$$ | The Plateau |
The Schkolnick family has been serving brunch at this Montréal landmark since 1942 and very little here has changed, including the menu. On weekends, the line out front can be daunting. The Beautys Special—bagel, lox, and cream cheese—is the ultimate classic. Standard picks also include the Mish Mash omelet, with sliced frankfurters, salami, green peppers, and fried onions; and the Superbeautys 2 with two eggs, pancakes, bacon and sausage, and a toasted bagel. Until he passed away in 2017 at the age of 96, Hyman, the original owner, still sat at the counter and directed patrons to their seats.
93 av. du Mont-Royal Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2T 2S5, Canada
Known For
- Historic venue
- Bagel with lox
- Long lines on the weekend
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$$ | Little Italy |
Instagram-famous for its dusty pink chairs and pleasing, contemporary space, this seriously cool brasserie is home to 41 home-brews—sold by the bottle at the boutique upstairs—and a solid menu that includes monkfish burgers, beer-can roast chicken, and a hearty rib eye. In 2021, a new, larger brewhouse was opened. Waiters are masters at their craft; don’t hesitate to ask for beer pairings with your meal.
95 rue Jean-Talon Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2R 2W8, Canada
Known For
- Beer pairings
- Architectural space
- Beer-can roast chicken
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch Sat.
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$ | Old Montréal |
Undoubtedly the most strikingly beautiful coffee shop in Montréal, perhaps even in North America, Crew Collective & Café is housed inside a former 1920s-era bank that's fitted with 50-foot-high vaulted ceilings, intricate tiling, and bronze chandeliers. It's no wonder Forbes named it of the five most beautiful co-working spaces in the world. The café doubles as a co-working space for Web start-ups, so it’s only fitting that patrons be able to order their coffee and nibbles directly online, in real-time, without ever having to queue. Expect barista-approved brews, gourmet sandwiches, and an appetizing range of baked goods, including vegan, soy- and nut-free options. Be sure to go before 4 pm, as the cafe closes at 4 on weekdays, and 5 on weekends.
360 rue Saint-Jacques, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 1P5, Canada
Known For
- Architectural, lavish space
- Curated coffee beans
- Cold brew
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$$ | Little Italy |
Dinette Triple Crown is relatively small (a counter with just eight stools), but the real draw here is not indoor dining but taking the comfort food to go. Locals know to ask for a picnic basket (fully equipped with cutlery, dishes, and a tablecloth) that will be enjoyed in Little Italy Park across the street. Have it filled with fried chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes and gravy, braised greens, and biscuits, or pulled pork sandwiches and brisket.
6704 rue Clark, Montréal, Québec, H2S 3E9, Canada
Known For
- Large selection of bourbon
- Weekly menus
- Fried chicken and other Southern fare
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed., Reservations not accepted
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$$$ | Downtown |
Antique chairs and a 40-foot brass bar, along with the original terrazzo flooring, ceiling lamps, aged mirrors, and ceramic walls from 1927, set the tone at this atmospheric British tavern. Everything on the menu is made from scratch. Classics include bangers and mash, ploughman's meat (or fish) plate, and the bacon and cider mussels. End your evening on a high note with the sticky toffee pudding or a perfectly executed Canadian Old Fashioned, arguably one of the best in the city. Minors are not allowed on the premises.
1243 rue Metcalfe, Montréal, Québec, H3B 2V5, Canada
Known For
- Bangers and mash
- Atmospheric British tavern
- Prix-fixe dish of the day
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch on weekends, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
A far cry from the cliché-clad tavernas found elsewhere in the city, Ikanos serves refined Aegean gastronomy in an elegant and sleek environment. No blue-and-white checkered tablecloths in sight; the muted neutral palette puts the spotlight on the food. The menu includes the ever-so-popular grilled octopus and the equally enticing grilled rack of lamb (both courtesy of a state-of-the-art wood burning oven), complemented by a curated selection of Greek wines.
112 rue McGill, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2E5, Canada
Known For
- Mezzes (Greek tapas)
- Greek wines
- Loukoumades (Greek donuts)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues. No lunch, Book online via website
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$$$ | The Plateau |
This iconic Montréal bistro hasn’t changed much since its opening in 1980, and it’s just as well—regulars would throw a fit if it did. Quintessential French fare is fairly priced and appetizing, outstanding even, with dishes like steak tartare with fries, salmon with sorrel, and calf's liver with tarragon. Tiny tables sometimes struggle to accommodate the ever-present crowds (including local chefs, who congregate here for dinner after hours and breakfast before hours), but the lively atmosphere is part of the charm. Kids are warmly welcomed.
3927 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2W 2M4, Canada
Known For
- Steak tartare
- Lively atmosphere
- Late-night dining
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$ | The Plateau |
Québec is notorious for poutine—French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy—and La Banquise has been the place for an authentic experience since 1968 with an extensive menu featuring 31 varieties. Neophytes might want to stick with La Classique, but mouthwatering novelties like La Taquise (guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes), L'Obélix (smoked meat), La Veggie Reggie (pickles, tomatoes, creamy coleslaw, and Banquise sauce), and La Véganomane (vegan sauce and cheese) are quite alluring. On the odd sunny day, have your poutine to go and enjoy it alfresco in nearby Parc Lafontaine.
994 rue Rachel Est, Montréal, Québec, H2J 2J3, Canada
Known For
- Open 24 hours
- Cash only
- Smoked-meat poutine
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$$ | Outremont |
The self-proclaimed "un coin perdu de Paris" is famous for its wraparound patio, Parisian vibe, an 100-year-old corner building featuring stained glass and woodwork, an art deco chandelier, and an art nouveau bar. Although this is a full bistro serving three meals every day of the week, it shines brightest in the morning. Order the croissant with almond paste (increasingly hard to find in Montréal as most local patisseries and cafés make croissants with almond cream only) while nursing a large bowl of café au lait.
5200 rue Hutchison, Montréal, Québec, H2V 4B3, Canada
Known For
- Charming setting
- Croissant with almond paste
- Opens early and closes late
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$$$ | Mile End |
There are lines outside this hip and trendy establishment before the restaurant even opens. The chef's British background means that the homemade scones and clotted cream here are required eating. Other options include, of course, a typical English breakfast, as well as gourmet doughnuts and pig's trotters for the more adventurous eaters. The dinner menu, on the other hand, changes regularly. If the aged pork sirloin with seasonal sides or the arctic char and sea urchin are available for dinner, you're in luck.
9 ave. Fairmount E., Montréal, Québec, H2T 2L9, Canada
Known For
- British-inspired fare
- Arctic char and sea urchin
- Butcher shop, Boucherie Lawrence
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch
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$ | Old Montréal |
You'll want to keep coming back again and again to this adorable little gourmet convenience store and café with its mint-green facade and single origin coffee. Le Petit Dep proudly stocks local products, including prêt-à-manger soups, salads, and comfort foods such as chili, pasta, and vegan shepherd's pie. There are also mouthwatering home-baked goods and candy in bulk. There is a second Old Montréal location at 461 rue St-Sulpice.
179 rue St-Paul Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 1Z5, Canada
Known For
- Prêt-à-manger meals
- Delightful setting
- Delicious sweets
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$$$$ | Outremont |
Open since 2001, this sophisticated French bistro pleases Montrealers with its flawless classics and its heated wraparound outdoor terrace. Regulars gravitate toward dishes such as the beef or salmon tartare, grilled Cornish hen, asparagus and wild mushroom risotto, mushroom ravioli, and hanger steak—all served with ceremonial aplomb on white linen tablecloths. Leave room for dessert: Pain Perdu, a thick slice of brioche with caramel and maple, is an indulgent specialty and can feed two people (if you can bear to share).
1045 av. Laurier Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2V 2L1, Canada
Known For
- Being busy
- Salmon tartare
- Pain perdu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$$ | Old Montréal |
Influential types arrive at lunchtime en masse for a table at this bustling bakery and sandwich shop where vegetables are organically grown in a nearby garden and fresh crab is flown in for salads. Crowd pleasers include Le Cubain panini (pancetta, roasted pork, Gruyère with lime, cilantro, and chipotle) and the vegan sandwich with chickpea and harissa spread, pickled beets, creamy sauce, and minty slaw. Baked goods are also consistent winners.
351 rue St-Paul Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2A7, Canada
Known For
- Organic produce
- Affordable sandwiches
- Popular brunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner
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$$$$ | Downtown |
Sustainable, organic, and fresh every day is the philosophy of this high-end sushi restaurant. The menu is eclectic, with excellent sashimi—some specimens flown in directly from Japan—noodles, and some vegetarian-friendly Japanese dishes mixed with a variety of influences from chef Antonio Park's multiple backgrounds—Korean, Argentinian, and Canadian. You can leave the inspiration to him and opt for a omakase menu (chef's choice) for C$115. And don't forget to leave room for dessert! Park partnered with the pâtissier a few doors down to serve exceptional confections like the sorbert maison; the "Tout Chocolat," a chocolate brownie with milk chocolate mousse and roasted pecan caramel; or the Lemon Yuzu Crémeux, a Greek yogurt gel with poppyseed, meringue, and a pain de gênes biscuit.
378 av. Victoria, Montréal, Québec, H3Z 2N4, Canada
Known For
- Creative menu
- Omakase
- Exquisite desserts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
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$$ | Outremont |
No one does pizza quite like these pizzaiolos; they are, after all, legally certified by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napolitana in Italy. Using all-natural and non-processed ingredients, and adhering to traditional pizza-making methods (like using a 900-degree oven), Pizzeria 900 on Bernard is one of the most sought-after pizza spots in town with one of the most popular patios. Classics include an unfussy mozzarella di bufala and fleur de sel appetizer as well as delectable mains, like the spicy pancetta and figs, or the humble but sturdy margherita blanca pizzas. They now also offer the option of vegan cheese for an extra $2. In the probable event that the tiny 20-seat restaurant is full, look out for the Pizzeria 900 food truck, or head to one of the other locations around town.
1248 rue Bernard Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2V 1V6, Canada
Known For
- 900 degree oven
- Neapolitan-style pizza
- Stylish space
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$$ | The Plateau |
You simply haven't really eaten in Montréal if you haven't eaten at Schwartz's, Canada’s oldest deli. This Montréal classic has zero frills décor-wise, yet crowds have been coming since 1928 for a thick and legendary smoked-meat sandwich on rye with mustard. The cooks do such an excellent job at curing, smoking, and slicing beef brisket that even when it's 20 below zero, locals (and celebrity visitors) endure the consistently long lines. Try to avoid lunch and dinner hours, as the wait is particularly long. If you're in a rush, use the takeout counter next door.
3895 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2W 1X9, Canada
Known For
- Local institution
- Sandwiches with smoked meat marinated in herbs and spices
- Long wait for a table
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | The Plateau |
Even New Yorkers have been known to (collective gasp!) prefer Montréal's light and crispy bagel to its bulkier Manhattan cousin, due to the dough of the Montreal version being boiled in honey-sweetened water before baking in a wood-burning oven. St-Viateur Bagel & Café is a great place to get them, especially with smoked salmon. For a novel experience, try the rosemary and sea salt version. Be sure to check out St-Viateur's original location at 263 St-Viateur Ouest, where the bagel-magic has been happening since 1957. That venue does not have a dining area, but you can pick up bagels fresh out of the oven until midnight.
1127 av. Mont-Royal Est, Montréal, Québec, H2G 1X9, Canada
Known For
- Delicious bagels
- Classic and creative options
- Local favorite
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$$ | Westmount |
A favorite among vegans, celiacs, and vegetarians—and even omnivores—Montréal's first vegan restaurant serves comfort food dishes and beverages that are creative and delicious—not to mention packed with vitamins. A large chalkboard holds specials of the day. Try the gigantic sandwiches, such as the Sirocco (grilled eggplant and hummus), which comes on chapati bread, or for something a little earthier, go with the Dragon bowl, a crowd favorite of steamed bok choy, organic rice, tempeh, marinated veggies, and tamari sauce. Don't forget to order the "uncheesecake" for dessert.
4896 rue Sherbrooke O., Montréal, Québec, H3Z 1H1, Canada
Known For
- Dragon bowl
- Vegan cheesecake (gâteau fauxmage)
- Vegan- and celiac-friendly
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$$ | Little Italy |
Nobody questions the authenticity of the Neapolitan-style pizza here, seeing as there's a nearly four-ton wood-burning pizza oven made from Vesuvian rock in the kitchen which cooks pizza in 90 seconds flat, at 500 degrees Celsius (932 °F). There are just a few toppings available, but all are fabulously flavorsome, like fresh tomatoes, vegetables, and top-quality salumi.
65 rue St-Zotique Est, Montréal, Québec, H2S 1K6, Canada
Known For
- Excellent gelato to-go
- Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza
- Panozzi, calzoni, and tronchetti
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sat.–Wed., Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Downtown |
The decor at this restaurant reflects its philosophy: fresh, thoughtful, and simplified (yet not simple). The market-based menu changes often and includes dishes that are just as beautiful to look at as they are delicious. House specialties feature local and seasonal products such as juniper, fiddleheads, asparagus, pears, and maple syrup; game like deer and duck; fish such as oysters, lobster and crab; and an assortment of Québec cheeses.. The wine selection includes private-import wines.
1595 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2X 2S9, Canada
Known For
- Private-import wines
- Market cuisine
- Sleek, modern decor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential, No lunch on weekends
