Beyond the Bagels: Montreal's Must-Eats

Montreal is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in North America — and the food scene is no exception! I lived in Montreal for a number of years and the food is what I miss the most. Below I've highlighted some of my favorite food spots in the city, from the classic Montreal staples to the more elevated eats and tasting menus.

THE MONTREAL STAPLES

Ok, let's get it out of the way... bagels.

It's true: you can't go to Montreal and not try a Montreal bagel. It's like visiting Rome and skipping the pizza. But in Montreal, the choice isn't between pepperoni or Margherita, it's between St-Viateur and Fairmount, two legendary bagel makers.

Montreal bagels are handmade, dipped in honey water, and cooked in a wood-fire oven. The classic version is a plain sesame.

So, Fairmount or St-Viateur?

The answer is both! The shops are separated only by a 10-minute walk in the bustling Mile End neighborhood. Bring cash!

*I’m Team Fairmount, if anyone’s asking…*

Poutine

What's more appetizing than "hot brown gravy and cheese curds over soggy fries?"

It sounds pretty gross but poutine is actually quite delicious, especially after a blisteringly cold winter day. You can find poutine all over the city, but for the classic option:

La Banquise: 24/7 diner and Montreal institution, famous for its classic poutine and over 30 variations.

Is regular poutine just not decadent enough for you? Try these:

Au Pied de Cochon: renowned Montreal restaurant that offers "Duck in a Can Poutine," with duck confit, foie gras gravy, and cheese curds.
Joe Beef: another Montreal institution, offering a foie gras poutine with duck fat fries.

The Sandwiches

You probably know that smoked meat sandwiches are a Montreal classic but how about grilled bologna? To try the two iconic Montreal sandwiches, you need to go here:

Wilensky's Light Lunch: a kosher-style lunch counter open since 1932 in the Mile End. Famous for the Special: a grilled, flat-pressed salami and bologna sandwich with mustard on a kaiser roll — and the mustard is NOT optional.
Schwartz's Deli: world famous delicatessen open since 1928. Schwartz's signature is the smoked meat sandwich on rye bread with yellow mustard. Plan ahead — there will be a line!

Sweets and Treats

Delicious pastries can be found at patisseries and cafés all over the city. Croissants on every corner! But for sweet treats that also check boxes off your "Montreal institutions" list, try these:

Au Kouign Amann: stop here for a classic cake from Brittany, the Kouign amann. Bring cash!
Olive et Gourmando: an Old Montreal brunch hot spot. This bakery, café, and restaurant was started by two pastry chefs from Toqué, a pillar of Montreal's fine-dining scene.
Orange Julep: the wildcard of the group is this roadside attraction and fast food joint. Try the signature "Orange Julep," a creamy sweet orange drink.

THE ELEVATED EATS

A collection of some of my personal favorite restaurants Montreal. For tasting menus, fancy meals, decadent brunches — this is your list! Plan these spots in advance — reservations fill up fast.

Foxy

Fresh, highly seasonal, and often-rotating menu. Innovative twists on classic dishes and fantastic cocktails, frm oysters to delicious wood-fire cooked food. Located in the hip industrial Griffintown.

Montreal Plaza

On many top restaurants in Canada / North America lists and featured on shows such as Somebody Feed Phil, Montreal Plaza is elegant and quirky. Offering a vibrant and unexpected twist on the classic French bistro experience, chef Charles-Antoine Crête and Cheryl Johnson deliver inventive French fare with a modern flair.

Damas

Authentic Syrian food with an incredible tasting menu. Another one on all the lists, this is definitely a spot to splurge. Go for the tasting menu and book well in advance. Can’t get a spot or on a budget? Check out folfol, Damas’ sister takeout counter across the street.

Bouillon Bilk

Another favorite tasting menu and a great spot to hit if you’re checking out a show or festival at Place-des-Arts. The vibe is casual-stylish and minimalist-chic and their menu features seasonal, eclectic dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Park

Another “Somebody Feed Phil” feature, Park is a reflection of Chef Antonio Park's unique culinary journey. Think Korean roots mingling with South American influences and Japanese precision, all rolled into innovative and delicious sushi creations.

Le Club Chasse et Pêche

A great Old Montreal spot serving a re-imagining of Quebec classics with a touch of elegance. Fresh fish, game meats, and foraged finds in a charming exposed-brick, dimly-lit lodge.

L’Express

This is probably what you think of when you think “French bistro.” Black-and-white checkered tile, white table cloths, cornichons to your heart’s desire. L’Express is another Montreal institution you should not skip!

Le Passé Composé

A hot brunch spot in the Gay Village! The eggs benedicts, pancakes, and French toast are very popular. Be sure to reserve in advance!

Timeout Market

This is the place to go in the middle of a busy shopping day downtown. Nestled inside the Eaton Centre, the market features stalls from many Montreal culinary hotspots. Each stall is a local champion, handpicked by experts for their unique flavors and innovative spirit.