Discover Montreal's gastronomy through 5 neighbourhoods

There are 77 neighbourhoods spread over 19 boroughs in Montreal. It was therefore imperative to make a selection among all the neighbourhoods. So I chose a few that are easy to visit during a stay in the city. You can easily walk to Downtown and Old Montreal. The Plateau Mont-Royal requires a bit more walking, but between April and November, you can get there quickly by BIXI. As for the South West and Verdun, I suggest combining your visit to both areas, as they are adjacent. 


 

DOWNTOWN

Downtown Montreal is one of the most vibrant places in the city. No matter how you get there, you're bound to pass through the downtown area during your stay. It is one of the main areas for short-term accommodation in the city. If you stay in this area, you will need to eat. Of course, as in all major cities, you will have all the chain restaurants you would expect. But, in my opinion, the real fun begins when you venture off the beaten track a bit and discover unique places. 


 

Labo culinaire 

1201 Saint-Laurent Blvd. | Website

I love this place for their local cuisine and their beautiful terrace in summer. 

Tbsp.

901 Square-Victoria Street | Website

Be it for a full meal, lunch or cocktails, you will be served by the gastronomic offer of the W Montreal. I particularly loved their cocktail menu inspired by other W hotels around the world. 

Restaurant Kamúy 

1485 Jeanne-Mance Street | Website

Chef Paul Toussaint's cuisine is simply bursting with flavour. Let yourself be transported by the delectable flavours of the Caribbean. Special mention to the griot, it's the best I've ever eaten in my life! 

Café Parvis 

433 Mayor Street | Website

The perfect place to meet your friends in the city centre. You can have a coffee or a bite to eat in a very warm atmosphere. 

La Finca café et marché local 

1607 de Bleury Street | Website

The place to come for a good specialty coffee in the city centre. You will also find a range of fine products to enhance your picnic under the sun or a happy hour in your hotel room! 

 

OLD MONTRÉAL

After your downtown adventures, it's time to head to Old Montréal. A historic and very touristy neighbourhood known mainly for its very European appearance, "le Vieux" as the locals call it, is full of good spots. A stroll through this area is a perfect combination of history, culture and gastronomy. 

 

Jellyfish

625 Marguerite d'Youville | Website

If you like fish and seafood, this is a restaurant you must visit. 

Structure Coffee Roasters 

460 McGilll Street | Website

Structure is a local roaster right in the centre of Old Montréal. It's the perfect place to grab a specialty coffee as you stroll through Old Montréal. 

Restaurant Hà 

600 William Street | Website

If you're craving Vietnamese food and you find yourself in Old Montréal, this is the place for you. 

Crew Collective & Café 

360 Saint-Jacques Street | Website

Are you visiting Montréal and want to settle down for the day? Look no further, the Crew is both a coworking space and a café. As a bonus, the architecture of the place is mind-blowing. 

49th Parallel 

488 McGill Street | Website

This coffee shop originally from Vancouver, British Columbia has just opened its first Quebec location in Old Montréal. Sure, the coffee is excellent, but I personally go there for their donuts which are so delicious. 

 

PLATEAU-MONT-ROYAL

You've probably already heard of the famous Plateau Mont-Royal. It's known for its many crowded bike paths and its very human scale — it's very easy to walk everywhere and you don't need a car. The neighbourhood is still very large and you may need to take the 55 bus or a bike to get to the ends of it. Although it is a residential area, you will notice that there are several commercial arteries. There is also a phenomenal amount of restaurants, cafes, bakeries, etc. Every Montrealer has their own favourite addresses, but here are mine. 

Yokato Yokabai 

4185 Drolet Street | Website

This is my go-to place when I want ramen. The homemade broth is so tasty and the karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is some of the best I've had. 

Café Olimpico 

Various locations | Website

A true institution of Italian coffee in Montréal, Olimpico's reputation is well established. No matter what time of the week it is, make sure you allow time for it, as there is a queue most of the time. I always have a double shot with a little sugar and in the summer I'm always tempted by the caffe freddo. 

Restaurant Noren 

77 Rachel Street West | Website

Find yourself in the heart of Japan during a meal at Noren. I highly recommend the okonomiyaki which is a classic on their menu. 

Noble Café 

430 Laurier Street West | Website

If you're more into third wave coffee, I highly recommend a visit to Noble Café. I especially love going there in the summer for their cold brew ice cream float. 

Le Butterblume 

5836 Saint-Laurent Blvd. | Website

Chef Jens Ruoff's unique cuisine alone is worth the trip to the north of the Plateau. Their menu changes frequently depending on the season, but freshness and creativity are always the order of the day. 

 

SOUTH-WEST

I have a small bias for this borough. First, because it's where I've lived for the past several years. Secondly, a vast majority of the area is crossed by the Lachine Canal. I find that walking along the canal to a gourmet destination is extremely charming and romantic. Once again, there are many good addresses in the area, but I went with my real favourites. 

 

Atwater Market

138 Atwater Avenue | Website

When you go to the Sud Ouest, it is unthinkable to miss the Atwater Market. This mythical place along the Lachine Canal allows you to meet local market producers, do your shopping and during the summer enjoy a meal at the gourmet fair. 

Café Dreamy 

3780 Saint-Patrick Street | Website

This coffee shop located inside the Canadian Roasting Society has quickly become a favourite. Open only on weekends, you'll find several local roasters selling their coffee. The real star of the place is their biscuits. These pastries are frequently found in the southern United States so it's a real treat to have access to them in Montréal. Don't forget to get the jam for your biscuit! 

Messorem Bracitorium 

2233 Pitt Street | Website

On my first visit, I fell in love with the place immediately. Whether you want to have a beer on the spot or take your favourite cans of beer home with you, you'll find something to suit you. If you come in the summer, you must try their slush smoothie. 

Yo & Co Espresso Bar 

5590 Laurendeau Street | Website

This neighbourhood coffee shop is very charming. On the menu, you will find all the classics of a third wave café. All the pastries are local and on the premises you will find several Quebec roasters who deserve to be known. Over the past year, they have even added a boutique area to the café to showcase local products. Recently, they started selling local beers and wines, which is very much appreciated by the residents of the neighbourhood. 

 

VERDUN

This area is served by three metro stations and is very easy to get to. For me, Verdun has become a real highlight when I introduce my adopted city to friends and family. On Wellington, the main street, there is a wide variety of shops. During the summer, the street becomes almost entirely pedestrianised and you can wander freely and visit the terraces. Interesting fact: until 2012, it was not allowed to obtain a liquor license for a bar or pub in the area. Since the last decade, we have seen a real revival thanks to the elimination of this law. It was the Benelux microbrewery that succeeded in putting an end to this long period of prohibition. While you are in the area, you absolutely must visit the magnificent park along the St. Lawrence River. 

 

BOSSA Prêt-à-manger 

4354 Wellington Street | Website

Sandwich lovers, this is THE place to go in Verdun. Both a sandwich shop and an Italian grocery store, this place will make your mouth water with its culinary offerings. On a hot summer day, stop by BOSSA for their fabulous crema di caffe. 

Les Street Monkeys 

3625 Wellington Street | Website

This Cambodian restaurant is one of my favorites in Montréal. Their menu changes from time to time, but two staples of the place for me remain the fried papaya and the wasabi shrimp ceviche.  

Fromagerie Copette & Compagnie 

4650 Wellington | Website

Planning a picnic at the waterfront park? This is the place to go to stock up on good food. You'll find a great selection of Quebec cheeses, bread and cold cuts. I usually leave with 3-4 cheeses, white ham and a good sourdough baguette. 

Comon 

3969 LaSalle Boulevard | Website

Korean food heaven is in Verdun. To get there, you'll have to venture a bit into the residential streets of Verdun, but it's totally worth the trip. Whether it's for their fried chicken, tteokbokki or ramyun, I love going back again and again. 

Le Verdun Beach Bar À Vin 

4816 Wellington Street | Website

If you are a lover of good wine and good food, I highly recommend a little trip to Verdun Beach. Both a restaurant and a wine importer, this place always seduces me with its excellent wines and dishes to share. 



I hope I've made your mouth water with all these gourmet places and enjoy your discovery!