40+ places to find the best iconic Montreal food – Updated 2022
Montreal is known worldwide as a city that celebrates its heritage through delicious food, and that has a reputation for being an epicurean wonderland.
In the heart of Montreal, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and eateries, serving everything from traditional cuisine to unique dishes, with plenty of options for all tastes and budgets.
You’re sure to find the perfect match for your next meal, no matter where you’re headed. From the Montreal Food Tour to Eat Like a Local, here is our list of Montreal’s 40+ iconic food stops.
Where to find the most iconic Montreal food
1. Poutine at Chez Claudette / La Banquise
In Montreal, its essential components are reimagined in countless ways, but one thing is for sure: it’s delicious. You’re not eating poutine unless it has crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and brown gravy.
For the greatest poutine in the city, Montrealers would rather die than miss out on Chez Claudette’s (which serves an arguably better version) and stand in line for hours at La Banquise.
2. Pouding Chômeur and Tourtière at La Binerie
La Binerie is one of the few restaurants in Montreal that focuses on Quebecois cuisine, making it even more exclusive.
Pouding chômeur (caramel or maple syrup topped cake) and savory options like tourtière (meat pie), fèves au lard (baked beans with lard), pâté chinois (akin to shepherd’s pie) and cretons are all available at this one-stop store.
3. Beautys Special at Beautys Luncheonette
In spite of the death in 2017 of Hymie Sckolnick, who founded the diner as a place for Jewish Montrealers working in the city’s wartime garment industry to get a snack, the restaurant continues to thrive today.
Everyone has a favorite item on the menu, but the Beautys Special, a thick layer of lox and cream cheese topped with tomato and red onion slices on black Russian rye, is the key to the experience.
4. Hamburger at Dic Ann’s
Since its humble beginnings as a summertime drive-in in 1954, the Burger Flipper has grown into a Quebec institution famed for its unique spin on a basic burger.
They serve their burgers on paper plates with a popsicle stick to assist you pull them off and into your eager mouth, smashing them flat as if they’d been ran over by a car and drizzling on hot beef sauce.
You must at least try one, and we strongly urge that you buy two.
5. Smoked Meat Sandwich at Schwartz’s Deli
Pieces of tender smoked brisket, either fat or lean, are sandwiched between two slices of rye bread brushed with mustard. That’s all there needs to know about the smoked meat sandwiches served at this historic Plateau delicatessen since the late 1920s.
6. Mish-Mash Omelette at Cosmos
Greasy spoon saint of Montreal For over 50 years, Tony Koulakis (RIP) worked diligently to build up his little breakfast cafe in NDG, and his family’s legacy of delivering uncompromisingly oily cuisine has been happily maintained.
Mish mash omelettes with chopped tomato, onion, breakfast sausage, and bacon are a must-order here. They’re served with margarine fried hash and toast made from a variety of breads and spreads.
7. Pizzaghetti at New System BBQ
This delightfully weird combination that you couldn’t get anyplace else in this educated province can take a variety of various shapes.
Unless the name’s a dead giveaway All-dressed pizza (which includes pepperoni, green peppers, and mushrooms) that is split in half and served as the centerpiece of a pile of spaghetti covered with ragù is our particular favorite.
Whether you like it or not, the greatest is at New System.
8. Hot Chicken at Chalet B-B-Q
While the Portuguese population in Montreal is well-established, the slow roasting of birds is a Quebec custom as well. Since 1944, this eatery has stuck to its guns and served its own twist on a quarter- or half-bird since it opened.
If you’re looking for a change from Nashville typical hot chicken served on white bread soaked in brown gravy and garnished with green peas, this is the place to go. Plain and straightforward, it’s a proletarian classic.
9. Chocolate Babka at Cheskie’s
Jewish delis in this city tend to attract the most attention both locally and internationally, but the bakeries here are equally as skilled in the kitchen.
Every day of the week except Saturdays, Cheskie’s makes excellent rugelach, hamantash, and mandelbrot, but the chocolate babka is a must-have.
In an appealing way, the dough and chocolate are wrapped into one other, but our hearts also swoon over the cheese variant.
10. Half-Chicken with Fries at Romados
There has been a lot of debate about whether Ma Poule Mouillée is better than the original Ma Poule Mouillée, but no one can dispute that Romados has been the town’s OG since 1994.
In addition to being one of the most affordable restaurants in town, their rotisserie recipe is unbeatable.
If you don’t order ahead of time, you may have to wait in line and consume a to-go container of chicken, fries, and salad. Extra piri piri on yours is highly recommended.
11. Wilensky Special at Wilensky’s
The pressed sandwiches at this cafe are legendary, although an outsider would be perplexed as to why. On the one hand, Mordecai Richler memorialized this cafe and its name-bearing dish in his novel, but on the other?
They’re simply excellent. Slices of Swiss or American cheese, together with a smear of mustard, are served on a bun created just for the kitchen with slices of baloney and salami.
If you don’t want to seem like a tourist, don’t ask for any adjustments or substitutes, not even to have your sandwich chopped.
12. Bagels at Fairmount and St-Viateur
It’s time to face the facts. Bagels from Montreal are the greatest. Eating them warm, fresh, whole or sliced and toasted is delectable regardless of which of these two bakeries you go to.
Dough is sliced and shaped into thin circles, cooked in honeyed water, then dipped in sesame seeds and baked in a wood-fired oven until golden brown. Symbolic food that helped put Montreal on the map..
13. Maple Taffy at Sucrerie de la Montagne
Sacréries, like this one, hold all-day and all-night dinners filled with music, laughter, and plenty of maple syrup during the syrup season, which typically lasts from the end of February until the beginning of May.
Pouring it over a mound of fresh snow and wrapping it up on a popsicle stick is the only way to truly enjoy this winter treat.
14. Orange Julep at Gibeau Orange Julep
Take a look at this orange-shaped restaurant and don’t mistake it for an Orange Julius franchise.
This is a must-have for any trip to Quebec. During the summer, drive up in your car and get a snack from the menu, accompanied with a milky orange beverage that’s sweet, a bit sour, and has just a taste of vanilla.
15. Steamés at Montreal Pool Room
The steamé (steamed) hot dog is a must-have item on the menus of snack shops in Quebec, and it’s the most popular.
To put it another way, it’s an all-beef hot dog served on a white bread bun topped with mustard and chopped onion and cabbage.
In contrast to the conventional Wilensky’s Special, you may eat them with ketchup or relish without fear of being judged.
16. Toastés at Lester’s Deli
The toasté, an all-beef hot dog cooked on a flattop with its bread and slapped together with a spray of mustard, is an alternative to the steamé (above).
Lester’s in Outremont has a special place in our hearts because we’ve been serving their pets since 1951. As long as they’re crispy, you can never go wrong with their smoked meat, which you may compare to Schwartz.
17. Kouign-amann at Au Kouign Amann
The freshly baked goods from this little pastry store are a must-have in Quebec City since they pay homage to the city’s French heritage while also being a local favorite.
No matter how many times you’ve travelled to Normandy to dine on this delicacy (and the croissants! ), you should still give it a try. At the very least, it’s a good fight.
18. Duck foie gras at L’Express
The duck foie gras is only one of several mouthwatering French delicacies on the menu at this newly opened relocated Parisian cafe. The food is impeccable, and the service is second to none.
The foie gras is certainly delectable, but we’re willing to accept that everything else, from the giant jars of nonstop cornichons that accompany lunch and supper, is just as good.
19. Italian Subs at Momesso’s
NDG’s major street, Sherbrooke, is home to Cosmo’s on Sherbrooke, which receives all the local affection. This isn’t a meal, though. The place to go for lunch and dinner is Momesso’s, though.
Right now, right now, we’ll draw a line. If you’re looking for a place to dine and mingle with the locals, this is the place to go. A location that has stood the test of time for more than 30 years.
20. Doubles and Roti at Caribbean Curry House
There are several great Caribbean restaurants in Côte Des Neiges, but this is one of the most venerable and finest.
Traditions dating back to 1980 have made their meat or veggie-stuffed rotis and finger-lickin’ doubles certain bets for a tummy that’s not only full but content.
21. Gyros at Marven’s
To quench your need for fresh-off-the-grill foods such as steak, quail, seafood, and souvlaki, head to one of the many Greek restaurants in Parc Ex.
Even if most of the population moved to Laval (where you can find more Greek food if you’re like long treks outside the island), the community left its imprint on this neighborhood.
Marven’s Taverna is one of our favorites, especially for a two-gyro plate that we take to Jarry Park for picnics.
22. Michigos at Pierrette Patates
However, we’re more interested in this corner diner’s innovative notion of marrying two exquisite aspects of Quebecois casse croûte culture: the burger and the poutine.
Tossing things in oil with a Bolognese-like sauce from Michigan. Two corn dogs covered with Plattsburgh’s legendary meat sauce go from Michigan to New York via Plattsburgh. The sauce’s origins are debated. Uncomplicated but powerful.
23. Shawarma at Boustan
If you’re looking for a late-night snack, you can’t go wrong with this eatery’s original location on Crescent Street, one of New York City’s most renowned drinking destinations.
A few claim it’s their garlic potatoes, while others say it’s their Creation sandwich (a one of everything). The greatest shawarma in the city is hard to come by, and these guys are cooking some of the best.
24. Spruce Beer at Paul Patates
It’s a bit of an acquired taste, but a sip of this thing is a taste of cuisine history in this town.
Paul Patates has been creating this distinctive drink for a long time, using a recipe he inherited from the now-defunct Émile Bertrand restaurant from 1898.
Cloudy and bittersweet, with a low alcoholic level, it is created from bark, sugar, and yeast and has a forestry flavor. If you’re planning a trip to Montreal, you should try the city’s famous cuisine at least once, whether you like it or not.
25. Sandwiches at Serrano Bar-B-Q
The chicken sandwiches at this Peruvian mom-and-pop rotisserie eatery, bohemians and residents alike, are a staple of the area’s hungry crowds. So, it’s critical. You’re in Montreal, therefore you should eat like a local.
The meat is served with salad in a fluffy Portuguese-style papo secos bread, making it an excellent value in the city. Let us know if you’d like to order some potatoes that have been broiling in the pans below, if they’re still available.
26. Smoked Meat at Snowdon Deli
Address: 5265 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC H3W 3C2, Canada
Phone: (514) 488-9129
Website: Visit Website
Like bagels and poutines, smoked meat is one of those meals that Montrealers get into intense disputes over.
Schwartz may be the more famous alternative, but those who have vowed their devotion to Côte-des-Neiges Snowdon Deli swear by its interpretation on the luscious, marbled beef served on rye.
Add some potato knishes and blintzes to your order for good measure.
27. Roti at Caribbean Curry House
Address: 6892 Avenue Victoria, Montréal, QC H3W 1B8, Canad
Phone: (514) 733-0828
Website: Visit Website
This long-time Côte-des-Neiges hotspot features a wide variety of cross-pollinated gastronomic alternatives from various Caribbean islands, including Haitian cuisine (particularly Trinidad and Jamaica).
The most popular dish is the roti, a flaky bread stuffed with a spicy stew. If at all possible, go for goat, but chicken or chickpea would do just well as well.
28. Schnitzel Sandwich at Arthurs Nosh Bar
Address: 4621 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H4C 1S5, Canada
Phone: (514) 757-5190
Website: Visit Website
Despite its lack of reliance on natural wines or tasting menus, this modern Jewish restaurant has managed to establish itself as a must-visit in Montreal in a short period of time.
Chef Rachel Ray of the Food Network recommends the McArthur schnitzel sandwich, which has crispy-fried chicken schnitzel, mayo, pickles, and lettuce on challah.
29. Pulled Pork Sandwich at Dépanneur Le Pick Up
Address: 7032 Rue Waverly, Montréal
QC H2S 3J2, Canada
Phone: (514) 271-8011
Website: Visit Website
The pulled pork sandwich at Le Pick-Up, a local favorite among the septum-pierced inner-north set, is acidic and saucy, with pickles brightening it up, and served on bread that soaks up all the juice. As well as at its newest site at Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
30. Bagels at St-Viateur Bagel (multiple locations)
Address: 263 Rue Saint Viateur O, Montréal
QC H2V 1Y1, Canada
Phone: (514) 276-8044
Website: Visit Website
Although some New Yorkers may shun our thinner, sweeter, and less doughy version of the bagel, it is one of the city’s most well-known exports along with smoked pork.
St-Viateur is Montreal’s famous bagel success story, but Fairmount, a few streets away and a close second, is preferred by around half of the city’s population.
31. Latte at Café Olimpico
Address: 124 Rue Saint Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2T 2L1, Canada
Phone: (514) 495-0746
Website: Visit Website
Olimpico, an Italian coffee shop in Montreal, is a must-visit because it’s inexpensive, it’s hot, and the ambiance is unbeatable. Alternatively, Caffe Italia in Little Italy is a prominent but less crowded choice.
32. The Special Sandwich at Beautys
Address: 93 Avenue du Mont-Royal O, Montréal, QC H2T 2S5, Canada
Website: Visit Website
The Beautys Special is one of the city’s most enduring morning mainstays, and the newly reopened Jewish cafe is one of the city’s most enduring breakfast staples.
Lox and cream cheese are sandwiched between two fresh St. Viateur bagels at this Montreal institution, which is known for its long lines.
33. Lanzhou Noodles at Nouilles de Lan Zhou
Address: 1006 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2Z 9Y9, Canada
Phone: (514) 800-2959
Website: Visit Website
With noodle-pulling chefs in the front window, this inconspicuous Chinatown eatery catches the eye of passersby, and the restaurant’s content backs it up.
You may get enormous bowls of meaty soup with those springy noodles for a modest price, or try their Dandan noodles topped with spicy beef and crunchy peanuts.
34. Chicken Liver Pâté at L’Express
Address: 3927 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M4, Canada
Phone: (514) 845-5333
Website: Visit Website
For some, pâté isn’t the most apparent sign of Montreal cuisine, but L’Express is undoubtedly the city’s most prominent provider of French cuisine. Its pâté is a classic: creamy and fluffy, with a few pistachios thrown in for good measure.
35. Foie Gras Poutine at Au Pied de Cochon
Address: 536 Avenue Duluth E, Montréal, QC H2L 1A9, Canada
Phone: (514) 281-1114
Website: Visit Website
In terms of Montreal’s best-known meal, poutine takes the cake as the city’s most popular option. Au Pied de Cochon in Montreal is the only place to receive a rendition of this dish that is as luxurious as the one prepared by chef Martin Picard.
36. Griot at Marche Meli Melo
Address: 640 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC H2P 1V7, Canada
Phone: (514) 277-6409
Website: Visit Website
As a result of the large number of Haitian immigrants in Montreal, this grocery store/casse croûte has long been a go-to for the community’s daily needs. Pork shoulder marinated in a sour, spicy, and salty sauce known as griot is a popular dish.
37. Portuguese Chicken at Ma Poule Mouillée
Address: 969 Rachel St E, Montreal, QC H2J 2J2, Canada
Phone: (514) 522-5175
Website: Visit Website
If you’re looking for some of the city’s longest lineups for piri piri chicken, look no further than this Portuguese rotisserie, which serves up a variety of piri piri chicken dishes, including combination plates, sandwiches, and poutines.
One of the most popular dishes in Rio de Janeiro is a huge platter of fried chicken, chorizo, and a spicy, piri-piri/gravy hybrid that is topped off with So Jorge cheese, making it a local classic.
38. Pizzaghetti at Marconi Pizzeria
Address: 2222 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2G 1M7, Canada
Phone: (514) 722-5222
Website: Visit Website
Quebecois diner classics like this one are hard to match if you’re looking for greasy, even disgusting, comfort food Pizza and spaghetti bolognese can either be served separately or cooked into each other in the same dish.
Since 1968, Marconi has been serving up a more complex, layered version of the La Petite-Patrie mainstay. Yes, I’m starting to feel a bit more sensible!
The Montreal all-dressed pizza, which is topped with pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, and cheese, is also available here.
39. Steamé at Chez Ma Tante
Address: 3180 Rue Fleury E, Montréal-Nord, QC H1H 2R3, Canada
Phone: (514) 387-6984
Website: Visit Website
An easy-to-make casse-croûte recipe. Visit Chez Ma Tante for a steamé (a steamed hot dog), which is served with cabbage and relish. There’s no denying that the poutine and the Michigan hot-dog are must-try foods.
40. A Panini at Café Milano Montréal
Address: 5188 Rue Jarry E, Saint-Léonard
QC H1R 1Y4, Canada
Phone: (514) 328-0561
Website: Visit Website
The St. Leonard classic Café Milano, now in its 50th year, is a focal point for Montreal’s East End Italian population and a top sandwich shop in the city.
Paninis packed with beef, sausage, or capicollo are a must-order for diners, as is an espresso and a cannoli for dessert, of course. In addition to the Laval facility, a West Island branch is expected to open soon.
41. Joe Beef
Address: 2491 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, QC H3J 1N6, Canada.
It’s difficult to acquire a table at Frédéric Morin and David McMillan’s Little Burgundy restaurant, Joe Beef, even with a reservation.
Joe Beef, a renowned Montreal restaurant with plenty of attitude, is a relative newcomer, having opened in 2005 and named for a flamboyant 19th-century tavern proprietor.
You’ll get a sense of the vibe as soon as you come in and see the menu written on a chalkboard and turn on the speakers. When you dine at this well-known but cozy spot, you’ll get a sense of the people that run it.
Invite your friends to join you at Joe Beef so that you may split different meals and linger over glasses of red French wine — and by glasses, we mean bottles.
Start with juicy P.E.I. oysters from the raw bar and then select your passion from the daily menu on the wall.
Surf and turf dominate the menu with selections like lobster spaghetti and calf’s liver. Prices skew expensive here, but the pricing is simple to explain considering the quality of the enormous portions and the whole eating experience.
Conclusion
This is the list of 40+ places to find the best iconic Montreal food. Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy to navigate. If you are hungry, and you need some inspiration for new places to eat around Montreal, then you have come to the right place.
This list will give you a good idea of the best restaurants and food spots around town. Montreal has so many great places to eat. If you need help finding them all, here you go!
