Food itinerary: Mile-Ex
Indulge in the cafés, bakeries, restaurants and other gourmet hot spots of Mile-Ex. Have fun being a tourist in your own city!
Mile-Ex
Departure point: De Castelnau métro station
Arrival point: 80 Du Parc Sud bus/ NO 6590
Distance: 3.3 kilometres
Where you can stop to enjoy your snack, meal or drink: Parc de la Petite-Italie
Café Saint-Henri
7335 Mile End Street | website
Start your day on the right foot with an excellent third wave coffee from Café Saint-Henri, expertly prepared by a seasoned barista. This place is really nice and spacious, so you can sit and sip your morning fix in total peace.
What to order: Whatever bold brew your taste buds are craving. They are all good.
Dépanneur Le Pick-Up
7032 Waverly Street | website
This very charming little spot is run by equally charming owners that keep it filled with lots of tasty surprises, including possibly the best sandwiches in the neighbourhood. While the team is busy preparing your order, start browsing the fridge for a drink. They stock a wide range of local products beers to ciders and other refreshments.
What to order: The grilled halloumi, the vegetarian “pulled pork” and the Cuban sandwich.
Café Dispatch
267 Saint-Zotique Street West | website
Iced coffee, lemonade, iced or matcha tea are all yours to enjoy at the brand-new Café Dispatch, which opened its doors the same year that their famous (but now retired) street truck. I like that this café is tucked away from Parc Avenue’s hustle and bustle and near the restaurant Manitoba, another great place to wrap up your day.
What to order: An iced drink
Segreta
413 Beaumont Avenue | website
With your iced coffee in hand, start moseying over to Segreta, the new neighbourhood pizza parlour, for a taste of the scrumptious pies from pizzaiolo Richi Ourichian, including his prized Roman al taglio. The secret (get it? “segreta” is Italian for secret) lies in the slow fermentation process (anywhere from 72 to 96 hours) and more water added to the dough, which results in a lighter, airier and crispier crust all at once. Order a couple of slices to snack on as you stroll.
What to order: The margherita and sliced potato pizza.
Bar Cicchetti
6703 Du Parc Avenue | website
Now, for the grand finale to your evening: an aperitivo at Bar Cicchetti. Slide onto a seat at the bar or on the outdoor patio, have a fun chat with Gabriel, the barman and co-owner as you sip a Negroni or a spritz and wait for the kitchen to prepare your cicchetti, or little canapés. Times flies at this sweet spot, as you sit and sip your refreshing drink(s).
What to order: Negroni, spritz or a glass of natural wine with a side of little sandwiches.
Other suggestions for take-out or a drink: Beaumont, Brasserie Harricana, Manitoba, Taverne Atlantic, Denise, Umami Ramen, Le Mile-Ex.
To get where you’re going hassle-free, public transportation is the way to go. The STM has special offers on fares and a handy tool to plan your trip quickly and efficiently. You can also download the Transit and Chrono apps for up-to-the minute bus schedules.
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.