Plaza Saint-Hubert has a fresh new look
Bordered by Bellechasse Street to the south and Jean-Talon Street to the north, Plaza St-Hubert is home to some 400 dynamic shops and businesses. Along this effervescent and evolving street, sparkly wedding and prom dress shops sit next to ultra-modern bistros, natural wine bars and collections by trendy young designers. In fact, ever since this artery was revamped, places have been popping up faster than you can say “boutique”. Which is why we’re sharing this guide of our top picks and the must-visits of this ebullient but very down-to-earth street. Whether exploring it on foot or aboard a self-driving shuttle bus, let the treasure hunt begin!
A hotspot for global food
The Plaza’s very global and eclectic profile continues to wow a wide range of palates. One of its highly-popular culinary spots is Montréal Plaza, a wonderfully creative and local brasserie brought to you by Charles-Antoine Crête, Cheryl Johnson and Sébastien Blanchette. Be sure to stop by Juliette Plaza, its little sister just next door, where nods to the chef’s childhood are evident on the menu and in the décor. The Brouillon café-buvette is another excellent eatery that features seasonal market-fresh cuisine paired with delicious natural wines.
In the mood for Asian comfort food? Munch on delicious dumplings made right before your very eyes at La Maison de Mademoiselle Dumplings, discover Vietnamese street food at the brand-new canteen, An Choi Plaza, sink your teeth into a crispy banh mi from Sandwicherie Saming or slurp a scrumptious steamy soup at restaurant Phở Đô thị. Love fusion cuisine? Try the brunch at Bistro Yumē, a feast that rocks the palate and the eyes!
For a taste of the Caribbean, try the delicious cuisine at Comptoir Plaza Créole, which serves island classics such as pork griot, plantains or beef tasso.
For Latin and Central American delicacies, La Toxica or Place Juárez will delight you with their plump and tasty tacos and chilaquiles, while the Peruvian and Colombian restaurant Tenorio’s promises to surprise you with its grilled meats and ceviches.
Hungry after a night out on the town? Le Roi du Smoked Meat, a street staple, opens its doors at 3 in the morning, so you can sit down to poutine, smoked meat sandwich or plate of spaghetti in a cozy bench, post-revelry.
Lastly, slightly below Bellechasse, dig into delicious Thai dishes at Pichai and authentic grilled Portuguese grilled meats at Restaurant Casa Alentejo.
Discovery-worthy bars and terrasses
If you’re looking for a place to meet for drinks, the Plaza’s many bars welcome you with arms open wide.
A restaurant, bar and nightclub all in one, the brand new Le Système is the perfect spot to grab a bite and a drink before getting your dance on, just like restaurant/bar Marci. And there’s always enthusiastic applause for the diverse artists and dynamic events on the program at the Ausgang Plaza.
Sip on a nice cold microbrewery beer from the bar at Le Vestiaire, order a classic 1920s-inspired cocktail at the festive Nestor tavern, or snuggle into a seat at the Snowbird Tiki Bar (and be sure to check out hidden rooftop terrace in warmer weather). Belt out your favourite country songs at the Spaghetti Western bar, show your vegan love at the zero-waste pub La Cale, play pétanque and sip cocktails at Double Menton et Saucisson, and be sure to check out café-cabaret-bar Chez Ernest, a self-billed “cabinet of curiosities” where you can enjoy a weekly program filled with a variety of activities (live music, DJ sets, swing dancing evenings, improv and much more).
A flavour fest at the grocery stores
Whether you’re picking up a gift for someone special, packing the ultimate picnic basket or just grocery shopping, the Plaza’s grocery stores have a bounty of yummy eats.
Go to La queue de cochon butcher shop for sausages, blood sausage, pâtés and delicious locally-made and traditional dishes free of additives.
The Épicerie Conserva not only treats you to its lovely minimalist design, but an abundance of local products, gourmet sandwiches to go and an excellent counter for cheeses, meats and charcuteries.
For catering and fine foods, Panier Gourmand features faves like viennoiseries and pastries, prepared dishes, cheeses and charcuteries.
Lastly, a little further north, you can immerse yourself in the scrumptious flavours of Latin America at the Sabor Latino supermarket and delish meals to go from its take-out counter.
Snack time for young and old alike
Fear not, sweet tooths, there’s lots for you too!
Treat yourself to sublime Portuguese specialties at Pâtisserie du Rosaire, traditional Colombian products from the Produits Calientitos bakery, custom chocolates from the Atelier Fraise chocolate shop, or perhaps even delectable French petits fours from Les P’tits plaisirs pastry shop.
Kids and adults alike will feel the sugar rush the instant they step inside the candy kaleidoscope known as Biscuiterie Oscar.
Fashion forays and more
On the Plaza, boutiques selling wedding dresses or kitsch ball gowns rub shoulders with edgy creations by Montreal designers or ultra-chic multibrands. This mix of genres is at the core of the street’s identity and is what makes it so unique.
In a very eclectic decor, browse the beautiful items in Belle et Rebelle or Arloca, which showcase Quebec and Canadian designs. Shop for hoodies and stylish streetwear pieces at Pony or Beurd. Or stop by La Kishta & C'est Beau, both a barbershop and an exhibition space for works by local artists that you can buy. Lay your hands on a colourful African bomber or fun, one-of-a-kind jewelry at Boutique Espace Urbain, find an excellent vinyl record at Le Vacarme and craft your own soy candles at Les Mauvaises Herbes.
If you keep company with bookworms, be sure to check out what’s on the shelves at Librairie Racines, which highlights works of BIPOC authors and creators. Also, be sure to check out the Librairie Parenthèse, which stocks books, CDs and board games, the independent bookstore Librairie Raffin or Librairie Westcott, owned by an expert in anglophone literature, or pop into the ever-inspiring Renaud Bray.
Happy discoveries!
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.