Food itinerary: Old Montréal West
Indulge in Old Montréal’s cafés, bakeries, restaurants and other gourmet hot spots. Have fun being a tourist in your own city!
Ville-Marie (Old Montréal West)
Starting point: Place d’Armes métro station
Distance: 3.2 kilometres
Where to eat: In the Old Port near the water, Parc des Frères-Charon, in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica.
Beta bar (Ssense)
418 Saint-Sulpice Street | website
Just so you know, not just anyone gets into Béta Bar. While it’s open to the public, very few people even know of its existence, or how to access it. Located on the top floor of the very chic designer (and family-owned) boutique Ssense, which showcases a treasure trove of coveted fashion brands, this “herbal concoction” bar is fast becoming a trend-setter. Go there to sample its unique non-caffeinated menu of drinks made of “medicinal”, plant-based ingredients.
What to order: Peruse the menu and go with the flavour that grabs you!
Le Petit Dep
179 Saint-Paul Street West | website
Le Petit Dep is the kind of depanneur I adore, and I’m pretty sure you will too. This tiny spot stocks everything you’d find in a larger dépanneur, but offers local ingredients and oodles of charm to boot. Ready-to-go meals, counters overflowing with local products ranging from drinks to soaps, plus a soft ice cream counter with an ever-rotating choice of yummy flavours. And, last but not least, this place serves the best dep coffee in Québec!
What to order: A soft ice cream cone and a few local products to go.
Slice + Soda
201 Saint-Paul Street West | website
It’s prolific on Montréal’s food scene now—and by that I mean New York-style pizza enjoyed by the slice, sitting on a street bench or in the park, or even as you’re walking. But I’m also talking about the Slice and Soda franchise that has popped up all over Montréal. The key to its success? A winning combination of a (gigantic) slice of ultra-thin pizza, piping hot on the inside, crisp and crackly on the outside, and a funky brand image à la Big Apple.
What to order: A delicious slice of pizza. I recommend the cheese, vegetarian or meat options.
Olive et Gourmando
351 Saint-Paul Street West | website
Long ago, when Old Montréal was sorely in need of some love, Olive & Gourmando was there already, quietly selling bread, sandwiches, salads and pastries, and adapting to its growing fan base. Fast forward 20 years, and chef and owner Dyan Solomon has accomplished her mission of building her eatery’s excellent reputation while staying true to her values and convictions. Today, everything is still homemade – from the sauces to the roast pork you’ll find in their famous Cuban sandwich. And no, you won’t be getting lunch for $10. But if you ask me, here every penny you spend is absolutely worth it.
What to order: The Cuban sandwich, seasonal salad, salty ricotta, brownies and scones are among my many faves.
Microespresso Café
417 Saint-Pierre Street Suite 102 | website
Head to Microespresso Café to savour one of the finest coffees in Old Montréal. Owner and barista Simon will expertly concoct whatever your taste buds crave using the best coffee beans around. There are nearly 10 different coffees on the menu, so listen carefully to the recommendations of the coffee experts – they’re like sommeliers in a restaurant.
What to order: While I have a hard time resisting the AeroPress (brewing method), all of the choices are good. Be sure to try the Marocchino!
Chez Potier
630 Wellington Street | website
If you’re in the mood for some mind-blowing cupcakes and viennoiseries, you need to check out Chez Potier, Old Montréal’s new gourmet grocery store. Its superb cake counter is a total jaw dropper and filled with a dozen different delicious cakes, not something you find often in this city. You can also feast your eyes on its famed croissants, chocolatines, croissants des rois, vanilla flans, kouign-amann, canelés and other sweet treats of the day. The coffee here is also delicious!
What to order: For your first visit, be sure to try a croissant, chocolatine, chocolate éclair, Paris-Brest or millefeuille. But between you and me, everything here is simply scrumptious.
Épicerie Marinelli
759 De la Commune Street West | website
Not only will you discover a number of fine Italian products at Épicerie Marinelli, but an al taglio Roman-style pizza counter, a bakery display case overflowing with delicacies from Montréal’s Italian pastry shops, a gelato counter and, of course, a café. Nothing beats hanging outside here, chatting on the street corner in between sips of coffee or bites of pizza!
What to order: A few specialty products from the grocery store, plus a gelato (or espresso) to devour right away.
Marché des Éclusiers
400 De la Commune Street West | website
In warmer weather, the outdoor tables at the Marché des Éclusiers are the perfect spot for sipping a smoothie, cocktail or a glass of wine, and sharing tapas-style dishes. With its festive summery ambiance and decor, this riverside market has just the perfect ingredients for a relaxing and rejuvenating break.
What to order: A cocktail or a smoothie, plus some small plates to share.
Crew Collective & Café
360 Saint-Jacques Street | website
On your way back home, stopping at Crew Café, repeatedly ranked one of Canada’s most beautiful cafés, is something you’ll be able to cross off your bucket list. Located in the former Royal Bank of Canada building (constructed in 1928), its unique cachet lies in its sumptuous, soaring-ceilinged interior. Whether you’re going there for a coffee or to see its breathtaking architecture, Crew Café is definitely an Old Montréal must-see.
What to order: The coffee is delicious!
Other restaurant suggestions for take-out or drinks: Pastel, Ikanos, Graziella, Helena, Terrasse Nelligan, Terrasse sur l’Auberge, Auberge Saint-Gabriel.
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.