Where to eat with kids in Montréal
Travelling to Montréal with your kids but still want to experience the city's unique culinary delights? From breakfasts to baked goods, sandwiches, ice creams, brunches, pizzas and multicourse tasting menus, the city is packed with good restaurants, cafes and other family-friendly establishments. We’ve compiled our selection, by age group and neighbourhood. Bon appétit!
For 0-5 years old: dedicated and stimulating spaces
The younger the child, the more equipment you need to lug around. These spots have exactly what parents are looking for: space for strollers, room for little ones to move around, a bathroom equipped with a changing table, high chairs or booster seats, even toys and creative workshops designed for little ones. Here are some family-friendly places little kids will love.
Café La Chouette – Plateau Mont-Royal
Here's a chef-inspired activity to enjoy with your little sweethearts. At cookie and coffee shop Café La Chouette, you can decorate delicious, fresh, homemade cookies with a tasty and crunchy royal icing. Accompany it with a delicious hot chocolate, and you're all set! Make your reservations early; the café is particularly popular on weekends.
3864 Saint-Denis Street
Le Céramic Café-Studio – Plateau Mont-Royal
Another creative activity to do as a family: with your budding artists, come and paint original, personalized and practical ceramics that you'll love using at home later on. Complete the experience with a selection of gourmet paninis, delicious smoothies and comforting hot drinks. A kids' menu is also available for $6.99.
4338 Saint-Denis Street
Café Sfouf – Village
This adorable Lebanese café has welcomed young children ever since it opened in a small, convenient space for families with a few games and toys. The sandwiches on the menu will be a hit with the kiddies and awaken their taste buds.
1250 Ontario Street East
La Cabane - Petite Patrie
La Cabane is a creative family space that combines a picnic station, a dance floor, indoor games, a cool reading corner, creative kits for family fun and kid-friendly cooking classes. Choose from organic, local and vegetarian dishes concocted by Montréal restaurant duo Sophie Duchastel de Montrouge (co-founder of La Cabane) and her partner, Chef Jérémy Daniel-Six. Free for children under one and under; daily entry fee of $8 or annual subscription of $30 (per person).
1695 Bélanger Street
Café les Oubliettes – Petite Patrie
What we love here is the café’s spacious and sunny location and fun family weekend vibes. There’s a small table devoted to games for little ones, and it’s a popular meeting spot for stroller-pushing moms.
6201 de Saint-Vallier Street
Café des Habitudes – Petite Patrie
This zero-waste, family-friendly, vegan café loved by the locals regularly welcomes kids of all ages. The atmosphere is friendly and warm.
1104, Saint-Zotique Street East Montréal
Bouge Petit – Petite Patrie
Once toddlers get the hang of walking, they quickly become unstoppable! Their curiosity leads their little legs to everything, everywhere. This tot-centric space will become your refuge, especially during the winter months. Safe and literally packed with games, it's a fantastic place for little guys who need to move and explore.
6546, Papineau Avenue
Patati Patata (Jean-Talon Market) – Petite Patrie
For a family pit stop to grab a bite, this restaurant serves breakfast, sliders starting at $5 and hearty lunches, in addition to being equipped with a space dedicated to children, with games and pint-sized furniture. Bring your colouring books and other small games to keep them busy, then stroll around the market to walk off the meal.
170, Jean-Talon Street East
Shack Attakk – Petite – Patrie
This large restaurant, located in front of Molson Park, lends small baskets of markers to colour on the paper placemats and provides high chairs. Even if there is no children's menu, fruit is served while you wait and, if requested, the service prioritizes kids so that they can eat as quickly as possible.
2500 Beaubien Street East
Café Chato
This vegetarian café invites you into its large space to enjoy a coffee, breakfast sandwich, salad, chili or soup in the company of adorable cats that you can adopt through Refuge Animex. Little (and big) kids love it!
4833 Wellington Street
Café Jardin – Verdun
Take a break and recharge your batteries at this inviting vegan, zero-waste café, complete with a space set up just for kids in the basement.
4437 Wellington Street
Komma Rosta – Verdun
Here, you can sip locally roasted specialty coffee and enjoy delicious authentic Japanese cuisine accompanied by typical Quebecois desserts. The owners, new parents themselves, have created a bright children's area with a pretty wooden playhouse, rocking chairs and games. A sweet little paradise!
5300 Wellington Street
Brûlerie Urbaine – Côte-des-Neiges
For a great brunch, head over to this roomy, welcoming café-restaurant in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood. Enjoy a reasonably-priced kids menu and a dedicated play area complete with puzzles, superhero figurines and Lego. Four-legged friends are also welcome!
5252 de la Côte-des-Neiges Road
For 5-7 year olds: menus just for them
When the child starts school, they leave the world of daycare and thus the world of 'babies.' At the restaurant, they will be delighted to act like grown-ups and have their own little menu that they can order with pride.
Café maman – Griffintown
The famous New York-based chain has set up shop in the heart of the industrial Griffintown neighbourhood, offering a well-crafted children's menu in a decor of brick walls, green plants, and wooden beams. The menu includes scrambled eggs, cheese sandwiches, and almond butter and fruit compote toast. A champion's breakfast!
1542 Notre-Dame Street West
Maggie Oakes – Old Montréal
If you're visiting Old Montréal, stop for lunch at the sublime Maggie Oakes restaurant, which offers a $25 three-course menu for kids 12 and under.
426 Place Jacques-Cartier
The Keg – Downtown and Old Montréal
Mini Keg burger, sirloin, chicken strips or mac and cheese are featured on the children's menu of this iconic MTL steakhouse.
5 Place Ville Marie
25 Saint-Paul Street East
Rosélys – Downtown
Located in the prestigious Fairmont Le Reine Elizabeth hotel, Rosélys offers a refined bistro menu in a sophisticated decor with art deco accents. Good to know: if you are staying at the hotel, children 5 and under eat for free (children's menu and buffet breakfast).
900 René-Lévesque Boulevard West
Universel Déjeuners et Grillades – Downtown
This family-friendly downtown restaurant offers menus for children 12 and under for $8 to $13. Get it while it's hot! Two great locations to take your mini on weekends after a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts or a show at the Place des Arts.
359 Sainte-Catherine Street West
2055 Peel Street
Billy J’ai Faim – Plateau Mont-Royal
A newcomer to the Plateau, Chef Billy excels at creating healthy and delicious seasonal dishes. The lunch menu on weekdays and brunch on Saturdays is suitable for children and Billy is sure offer very reasonably priced specials. A great deal!
4269 Saint-Denis Street
La Banquise – Plateau Mont-Royal
This iconic Montréal poutine spot in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal offers several small dishes for children 12 and under starting at $8.50. Once you've chowed down on your poutine, why not go for walk La Fontaine Park nearby?
994 Rachel Street East
Stella Pizzeria – Petite-Patrie and Plateau Mont-Royal
This excellent pizzeria, with two Montréal locations, has four small dishes suitable for children for $10 and $12. Little ones will love choosing meals made for their tummies, whether it’s pizza or macaroni.
1100 Bélanger Street
1327 Laurier Avenue East
Burger de ville – Mile End
This Mile End classic, known for its juicy burgers, offers a $9.50 meal for children 10 and under that consists of a small hamburger or grilled cheese sandwich, fries and a drink.
5282 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Fabergé – Mile End
Kids and adults will love this very popular brunch restaurant, where you can watch, retro cartoons or colour on placemats as you wait for your meal. It's also a good starting point for a stroll through the Mile End to burn off some of that food.
25 Fairmount Avenue West
Régine – Petite – Patrie
Two Montréal brunch hotspots where everyone's patience will be rewarded (yes, there will be a line) with the excellent dishes of “Aunt” Régine and “the irresistible” Janine. A $12 “p'tits guidous” menu offers several gourmet options for children.
1840 Beaubien Street East
Janine – Verdun
3900 Wellington Street
For 7 year olds and over: expanding culinary horizons
At seven years old, the famous "age of reason", they're ready to discover "grownup" restaurants. Of course, some children develop a great culinary curiosity earlier and this list of addresses may very well appeal to younger children. Your teens will also love these trendy or very traditional restaurants and cafes.
Olive and Gourmando – Old Montréal
This popular Old Montréal restaurant, open only during the day, is known for its laid-back vibe and decadent sandwiches. To be enjoyed on the quays of the Old Port!
351 Saint-Paul Street West
Brit & Chips – Old Montréal
Opt for delicious fish and chips, enhanced with Québec flavours. Mmmmm!
433 McGill Street
Europea – Downtown
High gastronomy for kids? Totally possible thanks to Jérôme Ferrer, who introduces young gourmets to a seven-course “discovery” menu for $30 (five to 10 years old) and $60 (10 to 15 years old). An excellent idea for celebrating a special occasion!
1065 de la Montagne Street
Time Out Market – Downtown
Located in the Eaton Centre, this is the perfect stop after a good shopping session. Choose from 16 culinary concepts and enjoy your feast at large shared tables.
705 Sainte-Catherine Street West
Café SAT – Quartier des spectacles
Enjoy snacks and drinks prepared with local products at the SAT. In summer, the whole family can sit on the terrace.
6 Place du Marché
Le Central – Quartier des spectacles
Big names on Montréal’s food scene and excellent up-and-coming small restaurants rub shoulders in this beautiful space that features 25 gourmet stands. An abundance of choice!
30 Sainte-Catherine Street West
Schwartz's – Plateau Mont-Royal
One of the best and most famous spots in town for smoked meat, to discover on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. If you go during peak periods, consider grabbing something from the takeout counter next door to avoid waiting in line.
3895 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
La Binerie – Plateau Mont-Royal
Located on the Plateau, this small, unpretentious spot has been serving traditional Québec cuisine since 1938: breakfast, shepherd’s pie, homemade pâté and the must-try tourtière.
4167 Saint-Denis Street
L’Express – Plateau Mont - Royal
The very accommodating L’Express is well known for welcoming children. Small colouring pencils are on loan, and it's a great place to introduce your little ones to succulent and simple French gastronomy.
3927 Saint-Denis Street
Beautys Luncheonette – Plateau Mont-Royal
Open since 1942, this mythical place on the Plateau serves lunches and comforting dishes that children love. Simple, delicious and just hits the spot.
93 Mont-Royal Avenue West
Café Chez Téta – Plateau Mont-Royal
The speciality of this Lebanese coffee shop is man'oushe, a typical Lebanese dish that is easy to eat and very tasty. The menu also includes dips, salads and desserts, including a delicious chocolate brownie.
227 Rachel Street East
Byblos Le Petit Café – Plateau Mont - Royal
Located near Laurier Park, this Persian restaurant offers a range of small typical dishes to share, not to mention the famous feta omelette. There won't be a crumb left!
1499 Laurier Avenue East
Ma Poule Mouillé – Plateau Mont-Royal
A Portuguese chicken institution in Montréal, located a stone's throw from La Fontaine Park. Enjoy a roast chicken sandwich, a whole chicken to share with fries, salad and rice, and finish with pasteis de nata for dessert. Drool!
969 Rachel Street East
La Panthère Verte – Mile End
This restaurant offers one of the best vegan menus in town. Tasty, hearty and very fresh, the Mediterranean dishes of this small Montréal chain feature organic, local produce and promote maximum zero waste with a Mason jar exchange system and compostable packaging.
160 St-Viateur Street East
Fairmount Bagel Bakery// St-Viateur Bagel – Mile End
Get hot Montréal bagels from these two famous institutions. It's up to you to decide which one is your favourite!
74 Fairmount Avenue West
263 Saint-Viateur Street West
Cardinal Tea Room – Mile End
Weekends starting at 11 a.m. in an enchanting Victorian setting, this hidden but well-known teahouse in the Mile End offers lemon squares, cucumber sandwiches, mimosa eggs, macaroons and small scones with cream and jam. Little hands will love digging into it!
5326 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Le Elsdale – Petite – Patrie
Open for lunch, dinner, dinner and weekend brunch, Le Elsdale is located a stone's throw from Molson Park and Beaubien Cinema.
2381 Beaubien Street East
La Boulette – Petite-Patrie
Grab a good classic or more creative burger, accompanied by a delicious poutine.
2223, Beaubien Street East
Comptoir Sainte-Cécile – Villeray
Close to Jean-Talon Market and Jarry Park, this warm space welcomes small families to its counter with a simple and comforting menu including homemade soups, fresh salads and delicious small sandwiches.
232 de Castelnau Street East
Le Petit Alep – Villeray
This popular little bistro in front of Jean Talon Market serves kebabs and an array of delicious Syrian dishes, including spicy fries that should be a hit with the whole family.
199 Jean-Talon Street East
Greenspot – Saint-Henri
This famous retro diner in the Saint-Henri district has been serving typical Québec lunches and a good poutine since 1947.
3041 Notre-Dame Street West
Gibeau Orange Julep – The Triangle
With its giant orange and car service just like back in the day, this place is sure to impress your kids. Be sure to try the orange Julep, the restaurant's signature drink, accompanied by a burger, a poutine, a pogo or a grilled cheese sandwich.
7700 Décarie Boulevard
All over Montréal
You’ll have guaranteed success with pizza or little tacos, snacks that are affordable and shareable, and easily held by little hands. The public markets' beautiful common areas are also excellent places to grab a bite thanks to a wide selection of gourmet counters where everyone can find something they like. To help your youngsters discover more exotic flavours, check out our guides to the best Korean,Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern and Caribbean restaurants. Montréal is also full of vegan and healthy options for a little more green on your plate. Kids love maple syrup, so if you're in Montréal during sugar time, here's a list of our favourite sugar shacks. Of course, cafés where you can drink a steaming cup of hot chocolate, bakeries and ice cream counters, churros, donuts abound all over the city and are always a huge hit with children. And, you can never go wrong with some yummy mac and cheese! On sunny days, improvise a picnic in Montréal's parks and green spaces. Another option? Check out restaurants directly located in parks: greenery and gourmandise guaranteed.
Enjoy Montréal’s culinary discoveries with the kids!
Original article in French by Laure Juilliard, adapted into English by Rebecca Sellers.
Laure Juilliard
Originally from Paris, Laure Juilliard made Montréal her home over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Won over by her new city's unique energy, cultural vibrancy and gastronomic effervescence, she loves exploring all the coolest spots. A writer and blogger specialising in lifestyle, culture, travel and gastronomy, she has lent her pen to Tourisme Montréal for more than 10 years, in addition to magazines such as ELLE Québec and Clin d'œil, as well as a variety of well-known companies and agencies. Always on the lookout for innovative concepts and the best addresses wherever she is in the world, she is also always planning her next trip.