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$$ | Downtown |
This ambience-driven Cuban restaurant is one of the most colorful spaces in Downtown Montréal and perhaps even one of the most festive. The neon “All you need is love & mojitos” sign, which hangs on a millennial-pink wall among a flock of plastic flamingos, sets the tone, as does the cocktail list. Noteworthy libations include the pinoy mojito and el piñado, La Habanera's own take on piña coladas, with spiced pineapple puree, homemade coconut milk, and orange juice. The menu also fares well, featuring snackables like smoked meat croquettas with shrimp soaked in dulce de leche and rum, as well as crowd-pleasers like the creole tamarind beef skewers.
1216 av. Union, Montréal, Québec, H3B 3C4, Canada
Known For
- Piñados
- Rum and dulce-de-leche-soaked shrimp
- Characterful small space
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$$ | Mile End |
The kitschy-cool décor includes a display of religious icons as well as vibrantly colorful furniture, while the menu is haute Mexican street cuisine at its best. The food here is simple and the menu small, but everything is fresh and delicious. Start by ordering the homemade nachos with chunky and perfectly seasoned guacamole, local and flavorful tomatoes, and pungent onions. Follow with the Baja tacos with shrimp and coleslaw, or the classic tacos al pastor with pork, onions, and chunks of pineapple. On weekends, La Tamalera serves a Mexican-inspired brunch that includes huevos rancheros and molete, an open-faced sandwich with black beans and queso fresco (fresh cheese). La Tamalera's homemade tacos are corn-based.
226 av. Fairmount Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2T 2M7, Canada
Known For
- Corn-based homemade tacos
- Mexican-inspired brunch
- Vibrant decor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner weekends
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$$ | Old Montréal |
As a gourmet grocery shop, takeout counter, and French restaurant rolled into one, this splendid space was quickly adopted by local foodies. Instead of being dejected by the brunch queues on Saturday and Sunday, visitors should take advantage of that time to browse the restaurant’s inviting grocery shop for gourmet souvenirs to take home.
106 rue McGill, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2E5, Canada
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$$ | Rosemont |
This casual Middle Eastern spot is comfortable and homey but still has style, with music, ivy, exposed-stone walls, and a lovely terrace come summer. The menu is perfect for grazing, and excellent sharing options include the mouhamara (pomegranate-and-walnut spread), sabanegh (spinach, coriander, and onion pies), fattouche (a salad with pita chips and mint), and yalandji (vine leaves stuffed with rice, chickpeas, walnuts, and tomatoes). There are Armenian dishes, too, like the salad with cumin and flefle (hot peppers). Delicious kebabs dominate the main courses, with the moderately spiced terbialy a favorite. Le Petit Alep also has an older sibling, Restaurant Alep, at 199 rue Jean-Talon Ouest.
191 rue Jean-Talon Est, Montréal, Québec, H2R 1S8, Canada
Known For
- Syrian and Armenian cuisine
- Atmospheric decor
- Daily specials
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch Wed. and Sat.
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$$ | Downtown |
With its airy, all-white and green, plant-filled decor, dining at LOV (Local, Organic, Vegan) is like sitting in a beautiful greenhouse. This fashionable restaurant is the kind of plant-based establishment that even die-hard carnivores will line up to enter. The restaurant works with local farmers to limit its carbon footprint. Starters here include tempura hearts of palm rings with lemon-truffle aïoli and mushroom and vegetable dumplings with almond butter kimchi sauce. Highlights among the mains are buckwheat sweet potato gnocchi and mushroom risotto with cashew cream. There's another location at 464 McGill St.
1232 rue de la Montagne, Montréal, Québec, H3G 1Z1, Canada
Known For
- LOV poutine
- Biodynamic and natural wines
- Upscale vegan cuisine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.-Thurs.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | Chinatown |
This family-run restaurant for three generations offers more than 60 dishes on rotation on any given day, making this the place for dim sum feasts. Waiters clatter up and down the aisles pushing a parade of trolleys bearing such treats as firm dumplings stuffed with pork and stir-fried squid and shrimp. The best way to order? Halt a cart as it's going by and point to the dim sum dish you desire. You can order from a menu, too, but that's not nearly as much fun.
1111 rue St-Urbain, Montréal, Québec, H2Z 1Y6, Canada
Known For
- Dim sum
- Peking duck
- Cantonese and Szechuan dishes
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$$ | Downtown |
If you're in the mood for a big, nourishing, market-fresh salad served in a colorful ceramic bowl in a pastel setting, Mandy's is the place to go. Choose from among 15 different varieties of salads, such as the Habibi salad with quinoa, parsley, mint, chickpeas, roasted sweet potato, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta, mixed with tahini dressing; the Clean Green with basil, cilantro, mint, broccoli, cucumber, edamame, purple cabbage, green onions, and pumpkin seeds, garnished with tamari dressing; or the Crunchy Sesame with romaine lettuce, mixed greens, avocado, mandarin oranges, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, crunchy noodles, and toasted sesame seeds with the Asian sesame vinaigrette. If you don't believe that a meal can be a meal without meat, there are several options that do include meat. For a business that started out in the back of a women's clothing boutique and now has several locations throughout town, Mandy's has come a long way. There's a second location downtown on McGill College, as well as ones in Westmount, the Old Port, and Mile End.
2067 rue Crescent, Montréal, Québec, H3G 2C1, Canada
Known For
- Nourishing salads
- Attractive setting in soothing colors
- Always fresh ingredients
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$$ | Chinatown |
The dining room is small and not much to look at, but no matter—the food here is the main attraction, and locals come in droves for the homemade noodles and dumplings. If you time your visit right, you might see the staff through the huge kitchen window working on the dough. Noodles with spicy vegetables and pork is popular—either for one, or to share. Traditionalists take note, the General Tao chicken is one of the best in the city (you can also order it with tofu instead).
1018 rue St-Urbain, Montréal, Québec, H2Z 1A1, Canada
Known For
- Cash only
- General Tao chicken
- Homage noodles and dumplings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$ | Mile End |
Hipsters head to this laid-back ’70s diner for one thing: delicious, classic greasy spoon dishes with a modern twist (a close second is the décor; think wood paneling and vinyl seats). The Palace Hamburger (Palais Burger) is gaining a reputation among Montrealers as one of the best in the city, and the sweet-potato pie also has fans.
281 rue Bernard Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2V 1T5, Canada
Known For
- Fish and chips
- House burger (meat and veggie versions)
- 1970s vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
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$$ | Chinatown |
More of a brasserie than a restaurant, Orange Rouge pays tribute to its neighborhood with creative interpretations of traditional dishes that might ruffle the feathers of authenticity sticklers but will please Asian food aficionados. The chef takes liberties by combining familiar flavors with a surprising twist like the unusual, slightly herbaceous chrysanthemum salad or the intriguing foie gras steam buns. The whole roasted duck is an homage to Chinese-style Peking duck and can easily be shared by five people.
106 rue de la Gauchetière Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2Z 1C3, Canada
Known For
- Roasted duck
- Inventive Asian food
- Trendy decor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Sat.
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$$ | Chinatown |
Groups of students and other budget-conscious connoisseurs of hearty chows crowd the tables at this hole-in-the-wall restaurant for traditional Chinese jiaozi, or soup dumplings, just like they make them in northeast China, with a price that's right: just C$12 for 15 dumplings. Demand is high for the lamb-and-coriander dumplings; the boiled shrimp, leek, and egg version; and the fried dumplings with chicken and curry. There are also several varieties of vegetarian dumplings, including tofu and vegetables, zucchini and vegan "salami," cabbage and vegetarian Texas sausage, or pumpkin. Service can be a bit slow, but it's worth the wait. Cash only. There is another location downtown at 1675 boul. de Maisonneuve O.
1019 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2Z 1J4, Canada
Known For
- Soup dumplings
- Cash only
- Affordable eats
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$$ | Mile End |
A beautiful young crowd, tasty cocktails, and delicious tacos are what this dynamic restaurant and bar is all about. The menu is a mix of some of the best Latin fare in Montréal—with toppings like marinated chilis, homemade jalapeño crema, and cumin-roasted walnuts, or the more carnivore-friendly veal tongue with red peanut salsa—as well as other great "Latin-inspired fare." For something festive, order a Paloma (a savvy mix of tequila, lime, hibiscus syrup, and fresh grapefruit juice).
5439 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2T 1S5, Canada
Known For
- Latin and Latin-inspired cuisine
- Vegan-friendly and gluten-free
- Paloma cocktail
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Sat.
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$$ | Downtown |
The salmon and avocado tartare is a must at this surprisingly affordable Japanese tapas restaurant and lounge. Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate plates like the shiitake lettuce cups, avocado tacos, and black truffle mushroom dumplings. Carefully selected wines and classic cocktails combine with sleek lighting (the dragon changes color throughout the night) for a memorable dining experience. There are also locations in Griffintown and Westmount.
1468 rue Peel, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1S8, Canada
Known For
- High-end sushi
- Traditional and contemporary dishes
- Omakase
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$ | Verdun |
Bringing southeast Asia to southwest Montréal, Satay Brothers is operated by two brothers obsessed with the street food found in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia. The eclectic and oddly charming space—think red walls, illuminated Chinese lanterns, a mishmash of Asian patterns and décor—features communal seating and a long bar facing the kitchen, which fires out steamed pork buns, laksa soup, papaya salad and, of course, satays to keep the constant and lively crowd fed. If the restaurant is closed or too busy, try its original stand at nearby Atwater Market.
3721 Notre-Dame rue O., Montréal, Québec, H4C 1P8, Canada
Known For
- Festive ambience
- Papaya salad
- Long lines
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$$ | Mile End |
Part cocktail bar, part British restaurant, this in-vogue spot has welcoming aviary décor motifs. Diners can get a traditional English breakfast in the morning, followed by a Sunday roast and a good old-fashioned basil gimlet. Brunch favorites include buckwheat pancakes, the smoked trout, and the Turkish breakfast plate. Sparrow uses local and sustainable products, the meat is certified organic, hormone- and antibiotic-free, and ground in-house for the famous Sparrow burgers.
5322 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2T 1S5, Canada
Known For
- Organic, hormone-free burgers
- Brunch
- Great cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations for the 10 am brunch service only
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$$ | Villeray |
Bringing tapas uptown, this Spanish-inspired eatery is a chic yet casual place to drink imported wines and share a few small plates. The Tapeo version of the classic patatas bravas served with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli is always a good choice, as are the roasted vine tomatoes and the grilled chorizo. For an unforgettable meal, book the chef's table in the open kitchen, where you can watch the action and get special attention.
511 rue Villeray, Montréal, Québec, H2R 1H5, Canada
Known For
- Patatas bravas
- Chef's table
- House churros
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sat. and Sun., Reservations essential
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$$ | The Village |
This lovely new bistro, with its minimalist interior in coral pink, seafoam green, and golden ochre, attracts locals for its casual yet stylish atmosphere, appetizing vegan cuisine, gourmet cocktails and mocktails, and natural and organic vegan wines. So flavorsome and satisfying are dishes like the seared cauliflower with panisse and green goddess sauce; the cabbage, bok choy, and tofu dumplings served with sesame sauce and cilantro; and the sautéed mushroom waffles sprinkled with dill, mint, cilantro, and maple and truffle mayo, that even hardcore meat advocates will soon forget they're eating plant-based dishes.
1259 rue Ste-Catherine E., Montréal, Québec, H2L 2H3, Canada
Known For
- Sautéed mushroom waffles
- Some gluten free dishes
- Inspired cocktails/mocktails and vegan organic wines
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$$ | Downtown |
Time Out Market, the popular "anti-food courts" gastro halls opening in cities around the globe, unveiled its Montréal location in late 2019. The industrial-chic, dimly lit 40,000 square-foot space features a black ceiling, gray and concrete surfaces, and warm, oil-finished maplewood floors. Low-intensity pin lights illuminate the dark surfaces and the blond wood tables and benches, creating an understated effect. TOM Montréal includes 16 “unique food concepts” (Time Out's description for the stalls), representing 12 of the best restos in the city, in addition to four bars. Currently, gourmets and gourmands will find such epicurean delights as Casa Kaizen (plant-based Japanese-Mexican fusion tacos), Le Red Tiger (Vietnamese), Moleskine (pizzeria), Le Taj (Indian), chef Paul Toussaint's Haitian/Caribbean dishes, and Campo (Portuguese chicken and poutine). A partitioned bar area, demarcated by a custom iron grill to gently separate it from the food hall, boasts the original arched windows from the now-defunct Eaton department store. It consists of the Time Out Bar, Beer Bar, and Wine Bar. There's also a dedicated mocktail bar concocts delicious non-alcoholic libations.
705 rue Ste-Catherine O., Montréal, Québec, H3B 4G5, Canada
Known For
- Curated selection of some of Montréal's best eateries all under one roof
- Great mocktails
- Arts and events space
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$$ | Outremont |
Film producers and poets congregate at this corner café-bistro, sitting on the terrace to sip award-winning espresso. Although there's a hearty lunch and dinner menu of tofu salads and grilled meat, brunch is the big draw. It features soft-boiled eggs with strips of toast for dipping, fruit, and cheese. Regular breakfast is served seven days a week. Try the Baklava Coffee topped with toasted almonds and honey.
244 av. Laurier Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2T 2N8, Canada
Known For
- Single-origin specialty coffees
- Student and artist crowd
- Exclusive blends like baklava coffee
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$$ | The Plateau |
Frequently cited as the best ramen house in Montréal bar none, Yokato Yokabai is indeed a discreet restaurant that deserves to be visited by all noodle lovers—especially when temperatures drop below freezing point here. The décor—dark-wood paneling and minimal knickknacks—immediately transports diners to a Japanese hole-in-the-wall. The ramen broth is incredibly aromatic and equally flavorful. Vegetable broths are available. Service is slow, but worth the inevitable wait.
4185 Drolet, Montréal, Québec, H2W 2L5, Canada
Known For
- Tonkotsu ramen
- Atmospheric décor
- Long waits
