Food itinerary: Chinatown
Indulge in Chinatown’s cafés, bakeries, restaurants and other gourmet hot spots. Have fun being a tourist in your own city!
Ville-Marie (Chinatown and adjacent)
Starting point: Saint-Laurent métro station
Distance: 2.5 km
Where to eat: Place des Festivals, Place de la Paix, Le Balconier at Place des Arts
Café Pista
1587 Saint-Laurent Boulevard | Website
Head to Café Pista to kick start your morning with a delicious cup of java. Its “third wave coffee” is characterized by a curated selection of coffee beans and lighter roasting, for a more fuller-bodied, aromatic flavour. Enjoy the bold tastes of “farm-to-cup” coffee (à la farm-to-table in restaurant parlance).
What to order: Your favourite kind of coffee.
Le Central
30 Sainte-Catherine Street West | Website
With so many options to choose from here, it may be hard settling on just one. Montréal’s new trend-setting gourmet food hall, Le Central features a very affordable menu that’s paired with a festive and eclectic ambiance. Treat yourself to taste buds to an array of dishes that will keep you coming back for more.
What to order: Everything is delicious here. Just follow your cravings.
G&D Supermarché
1006 Saint-Laurent Boulevard | Website
Watch the noodle maker at work through the window of the very popular Nouilles de Lan Zhou, then go in and head downstairs to Chinatown’s biggest Asian grocery store. If you’re a foodie driven by curiosity, nothing beats browsing these aisles for some very palate-popping products. Be sure to fill up your grocery basket.
What to buy: A definite must? The chip aisle – those freewheeling flavours are taste bud bliss.
Pâtisserie Harmonie — Baobao Diu Sum
85 De La Gauchetière Ouest Street | Website
Pâtisserie Harmonie is one of my favourite food stops in the Quartier Chinois. I always head off on this adventure with my eyes wide open and my senses alert. Sweet and savoury pastries, cakes, mochi, bao… such amazing delicacies to explore!
What to buy: A chicken/cabbage or chicken/mushroom bao and steamed cakes.
Dobe & Andy
1071 Saint-Urbain Street, R-12 | Website
Soon after opening its doors, the family restaurant Dobe & Andy became a gourmet go-to for its delicious, traditional fare, not just in Chinatown, but across the entire city. These brothers have mastered the art of the Hong Kong BBQ, serving up roast duck, barbecue pork (char siu) and their expertly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth, juicy roast pork. So sinfully rich and satisfying!
What to order: Char siu BBQ pork, roast pork, roast duck and the fried chicken sandwich.
La Finca
1067 De Bleury Street | Website
At La Finca, you’ll find a sweet neighbourhood café in the heart of the big city. The staff is friendly, the coffee and viennoiseries are sublime, and if you’re feeling peckish, you can always order from the daily menu. It also features a local market where you can pick up fresh produce, local beers, natural wines and other local, artisan-made products.
What to order: A coffee and some special home-made goodies.
Other restaurant suggestions for take-out or a drink: Poincarré, Tiradito, Chifa, Le Club Pelicano, Fleurs et Cadeaux, H3 Restaurant
Tommy Dion
Tommy is the founder of the blog and gourmet guide Le Cuisinomane, whose mission is to showcase Québec’s local products and gastronomy. With an in-depth knowledge of Montréal’s food scene, his expertise and professionalism make him a trusted source for all the best food spots and experiences in Montréal. In addition to tasting and writing about food, Tommy also creates content for brand, always related to food and gastronomy.