Montreal Food Scene: Must-Try Restaurants

Montreal is widely recognized as one of the best food destinations in North America. The city blends French, British, Indigenous and immigrant influences to create a culinary scene unlike any other in the world. If you're landing at YUL, get ready for a feast. Here's our guide to Montreal's must-try food, neighborhood by neighborhood.

Essential Montreal Classics

Poutine: Much More Than Fast Food

Poutine is Quebec's signature dish: fries, squeaky cheese curds and brown gravy. But in Montreal, poutine is an art form. La Banquise, open 24/7 on the Plateau, offers over 30 varieties of poutine. At Ma Poule Mouillée, the Portuguese poutine with grilled chicken is divine. For a gourmet version, head to Au Pied de Cochon, where chef Martin Picard serves a legendary foie gras poutine.

Smoked Meat: A Montreal Tradition

Montreal smoked meat is an institution. Schwartz's, on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, has been serving this smoked delicacy since 1928. The lineup is part of the experience. The local alternative is the Main Deli, just across the street, which offers equally delicious smoked meat with less waiting. Order your sandwich "medium" (not too fatty, not too lean) with a pickle and a Cherry Coke.

Montreal Bagels

Forget New York bagels: Montreal bagels are smaller, denser and baked in a wood-fired oven with honey. The debate between St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel has been going on for decades. Our advice: try both! Both bakeries are open 24/7 and watching the bagels come out of the wood-fired oven is worth the trip alone. The sesame seed bagel with cream cheese is a must.

Restaurants by Neighborhood

Old Montreal: Fine Dining

Old Montreal is home to some of the city's finest restaurants. Toqué! by chef Normand Laprise is considered one of the best restaurants in Canada, with a tasting menu showcasing Quebec terroir products. Le Club Chasse et Pêche offers refined cuisine in an intimate setting. For a more casual atmosphere, Olive et Gourmando is the perfect brunch spot.

Plateau Mont-Royal: Neighborhood Restaurants

The Plateau is packed with authentic restaurants. L'Express, a neighborhood institution, has been serving impeccable French bistro cuisine for over 40 years. Bouillon Bilk offers creative cuisine in a minimalist setting. For brunch, Beauty's is a timeless classic with its omelets and pancakes.

Mile End: World Flavors

Mile End is a culinary melting pot. Dépanneur Le Pick Up serves comforting tacos and Mexican dishes. Le Sparrow offers inventive market-driven cuisine. Lawrence serves a British brunch with a Montreal twist. And of course, the bagels from St-Viateur and Fairmount reign supreme in the neighborhood.

Unique Culinary Experiences

• Jean-Talon Market: the largest open-air market in North America, perfect for discovering local products
• Atwater Market: indoor market with cheese shops, butchers and artisan bakeries
• Microbrewery tour: Dieu du Ciel!, Vox Populi, Le Cheval Blanc
• Sugar shack: from March to April, taste fresh maple syrup straight from the farm

Ask Your Driver!

Did you know you can go straight from YUL Airport to a restaurant? If you're traveling light or have your luggage with you, ask your taxi driver to drop you off directly at a restaurant. Our drivers are Montrealers who know the best spots in the city — don't hesitate to ask for their personal recommendations based on your taste and budget!

“My taxi driver recommended a smoked meat restaurant I never would have found on my own. It was the best meal of my trip!”