Food itinerary : Old Montréal East
Indulge in Old Montréal East’s cafés, bakeries, restaurants and other gourmet hot spots. Have fun being a tourist in your own city!
Ville-Marie (Old Montréal East)
Starting point: Champ-de-Mars métro station
Distance: 3 kilometres
Where to eat: Near the Hôtel de ville de Montréal (City Hall), Parc du Champ-de-Mars, Place Jacques-Cartier, Old Port.
Café Chez Mère Grand
800 Berri Street | website
This tucked-away little café will steal your heart. You know the kind of spot: one that you’ll visit the minute you’re back in the neighbourhood. Go here to sip on a delicious cup of coffee, enjoy homemade treats or order from the simple but utterly delectable take-out menu. People keep coming back because everything – from the sweet potato burger buns to the porchetta and ketchup – is made in house!
What to order: The breakfast sandwich, the special of the day or the carrot cake – if you’re lucky enough to get there before it’s all gone. If not, the cake of the day!
Bar à Beurre or Café De Mercanti
348-350 Notre-Dame East | website | website
The toothsome fare at these adjacent locations will definitely thrill your taste buds. The hard is deciding among the many decadent options. While foodies flock to the Bar à Beurre for its butter cookies, cake pops and cupcakes, the Café De Mercanti is my go-to for a frothy Italian-style cappuccino and a Don Luigi, a gourmet cookie or a gelato.
What to order: If you love butter cream, be sure to pick up a butter ball (two cookies with frosting in the middle). Their cupcakes, pop cakes and scones are equally yummy. At Café de Mercanti, order an Italian-style cappuccino, a della nonna cookie, the Don Luigi or a gelato.
Pub BreWskey and La Cave à Manger
385 De la Commune Street East | website
For now, you have to order from the Taproom on De la Commune Street to enjoy its many beers brewed in-house or delicious menu served its stylish terrasse. While you’re there check out La Cave à Manger, the brand-new bakery opened by the same owners.
What to order : A few beers to-go (I recommend trying their “brew juice” and enjoying it with a little snack.
Café Olimpico
419 Saint-Vincent Street | website
Café Olimpico is a true Montréal icon. The original café on Saint-Viateur Street, which first opened in 1970, was one of the first neighbourhood “headquarters” for Italian immigrants. Founder Rocco Furfaro has passed the torch on to his daughters and grandchildren, who have explanded the family business with a new Café Olimpico in Old Montréal and downtown.
What to order: Le Remix, or a nice strong espresso to really savour the same blend they’ve been serving for over 50 years.
Caffe Un Po Di Piu
3 De la Commune Street East | website
A new venture from the owners of Olive et Gourmando and Foxy restaurant – where open-fire cooking reigns supreme - Un Po Di Piu pays homage to the Italian aperitivo. Go there for its abundance of local produce, fresh homemade pasta and wide range of olive oils. In the mood for a drink? Choose from sparkling and still reds, whites and rosés most of which are natural. Definitely one of my top Old Montréal food spots.
What to order: The menu changes regularly. I love their vegetarian dishes, but everything is delicious!
Café Paquebot
520 Saint-Laurent Boulevard | Site web
Café Paquebot is another third wave café that really gets things right – from its selection of coffee beans to its brand image to its excellent service. Chatting with the baristas as music from the turntable fills the room is just one of its many charming experiences. But don’t dive too deep into your discussion because there will quickly be a line-up of patrons waiting (im)patiently to sate their caffeine fix behind you!
What to order: If you already have enough caffeine in your system, try their homemade kombucha or other summery drinks.
Other restaurant suggestions for take-out or drinks: Auberge Saint-Gabriel, William Gray (superb terrasse), Terrasse sur l’Auberge, Jardin Nelson.
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.