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Are you ready to embark on a delectable culinary journey through Montreal’s diverse and mouth-watering food scene?
As a semi-budget traveler and seasoned travel planner, I’ve spent countless hours exploring various cities and their culinary landscapes.
My adventures have led me to the vibrant and diverse food scene in Montreal, where I’ve discovered numerous hidden gems and must-try dishes.
In this guide, I aim to share my insights on what to eat in Montreal, providing recommendations that cater to both your taste buds and your wallet.
From local favorites (poutine and smoked meat sandwiches) to international delights (shawarma), you can trust my expertise to guide you through an unforgettable gastronomic journey in this amazing city.
SBT Highlights
- Discover a variety of international cuisines in Montreal, from South American empanadas at La Chilenita to Lebanese shawarma at Amir.
- Treat yourself to simple yet delicious meals like gnocchi with handcrafted sauce at Drogheria Fine, followed by ice cream from nearby Kem CoBa.
- Enjoy a food lover’s paradise with an array of local specialties, classic French dishes, and trendy new eateries in Montreal.
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What to Eat in Montreal: The Famous Foods!
Hey there, fellow food lovers and travel enthusiasts! Welcome to your ultimate guide to eating your way through Montreal without busting your budget.
Picture this: You’re strolling down the vibrant streets of this multicultural city, the aroma of freshly baked bagels wafting through the air, the sight of gooey poutine making your mouth water.
Sounds dreamy, right?
Well, get ready to turn that dream into reality.
Whether you’re a lifelong foodie or a newbie explorer, this guide is going to be your trusty companion, showing you the best eats Montreal has to offer.
So, here we go! It’s time to find out what to eat in Montreal!
1) Poutine
Poutine is basically a pile of French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds.
It’s a dish that Canadians love…and for good reason!
It can be a bit messy, and sometimes establishments get a little fancy with their toppings.
For one of the best places that specializes in poutine, try La Banquise.
2) Smoked Meat
What’s the difference between Montreal smoked meat and pastrami, you ask?
Head straight to Schwartz’s Deli, and find out!
Order a smoked meat sandwich, dill pickle, French fries, and black cherry soda, and get ready for a flavor-filled meal!
One of the absolute best Montreal foods, the sandwich is served on rye bread, and if you want less fat on the meat, ask for your sandwich “lean.”
Schwartz’s is a hole-in-the-wall place, and the line is usually out the door, but it’s a Montreal landmark, and the smoked meat is not to miss!
Originally established by a Jewish immigrant, Schwartz’s is a modern Jewish diner that is the deli of all Jewish delis.
3) Bagels
Ah, Montreal bagels. Some say Montreal has the best bagels.
Besides poutine, smoked meat, and all things maple, bagels are a big deal in Montreal.
There are two well-known Montreal bagel shop competitors: Fairmount Bagel & St Viateur Bagel.
I can’t decide which shop has the best bagel, so you’ll have to test them out yourself!
Many people compare and contrast Montreal bagels with those from New York City.
These aren’t your average bagels – Montreal-style bagels are smaller, denser, and sweeter than their New York counterparts.
There really is no comparison!
P.S. Traditional Montreal bagels are topped with sesame seeds. You don’t even need cream cheese!
Quintessentially Canadian
4) Coffee
If you’re needing a Starbucks but want a more Canadian experience, there are two major chain coffee shops in Montreal: Van Houtte & Second Cup.
5) Donuts, Etc.
Canada, including Montreal, has something special: Tim Hortons.
Whereas in the U.S., everything might run on Dunkin, in the country to the north, everything runs on Tim Hortons.
Grab a box of Timbits (donut holes) for a tasty snack.
Quirky, Classic, Sweet, & Global
6) Orange Julep
Look for the giant orange in the suburbs of Montreal.
There you will find Gibeau Orange Julep.
A Montreal institution since 1930, this is not their original location, but having a meal here is a must.
Besides the infamous orange julep itself (kind of like an Orange Julius, but better!), you can choose from various menu items, including hot dog, grilled cheese, spaghetti, and poutine!
They also have a breakfast menu that is served all day.
It’s a Montreal fast-food restaurant with a giant orange!
7) All Things Maple
Les Délices de l’Érable (Maple Delights in English) can satisfy any craving for maple treats.
In the warm summer months, stop in for some ice cream (maple, or one of many other flavors).
8) Crepes
Crepes can be either sweet or savory, and Une Crêpe? can satisfy both flavor cravings.
9) Ice Cream, Sorbet, Etc.
Montreal can be hot and humid in the summer time, and an ice cream shop stop can help.
Stop in at Bilboquet or Havre-aux-Glaces for a scoop or two of cool refreshment.
Kem CoBa (on Avenue Fairmount O) serves inventive flavors of homemade ice cream and sorbet, such as coconut-mango and lime-passionfruit.
10) French Food
Classic French fare can be found all over Montreal, even at reasonable prices. L’Express is a great spot for a lovely French breakfast.
Many people enjoy Joe Beef for its upscale French market cuisine, but it’s definitely a semi-budget travel splurge.
11) Upscale Sandwiches
Olive + Gourmando is a great place to go when you’re hankering for a rustic, artisanal sandwich in Old Montreal.
Pastries, breakfast items, salads, and drinks (including some alcoholic options) round out the menu. It’s a great lunch option!
12) South American Fare
One might not think to eat South American food in Montreal.
La Chilenita, however, will change your mind.
The self-proclaimed “La Maison des Empanadas” (House of Empanadas) offers almost a dozen empanada options, as well as other items on the menu.
For dessert, try the alfajores!
13) Lebanese Food
Being of Greek heritage, I have pretty high standards for Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food.
Would you believe that a chain restaurant serving Lebanese food in Montreal is where I found one of my favorite meals of all time?
It’s true!
Amir has dozens of franchises all over Montreal, but it all comes down to just one word: shawarma.
14) Gnocchi & Sauce
Continuing with the international fare, Drogheria Fine is a small establishment serving one thing: gnocchi with sauce.
You can also purchase jars of their handcrafted sauces, but that’s about it.
(It’s also practically next door to Kem CoBa, so it’s the perfect place to get some ice cream after your gnocchi!)
There’s also a Little Italy neighborhood not too far away, if you’re looking for even more Italian food!
Cheap Eats in Montreal
One thing that sets Montreal’s food scene apart from other cities is its amazing budget eats–places where you can get quality food without paying an arm and a leg.
In this article, I’ve collected some of my favorite budget-friendly restaurants in different neighborhoods across the city. Bon appétit!
Where to Stay in Montreal
Here are some great places to stay in Montreal, without breaking the bank.
📍 Auberge de la Fontaine – If you’re all about that artsy vibe, look no further than Plateau Mont-Royal. Bursting with colorful murals, quirky boutiques, and cozy cafes, it’s got charm in spades.
📍 Hôtel Le Cantlie Suites – For those who love being in the heart of the action, Downtown Montreal is your go-to. It’s just a stone’s throw away from top attractions like the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Saint Catherine Street!
Remember, a great trip doesn’t have to be about splurging on fancy hotels. It’s about the experiences, the food, and the memories you make along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Montreal have good food?
The food in the beautiful French-speaking city of Montreal (Montréal, in French) is some of the best in the world.
It’s a city famous for its diverse and delicious food scene, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
New restaurants are popping up all over the city every day with creative menus and fresh ingredients, so you’ll never get tired of the food in Montreal.
What foods is Montreal famous for?
Some of the most popular dishes in Montreal include:
- Poutine: In this dish, French fries are topped with gravy and cheese curds.
- Smoked meat: Sandwiches are made from corned beef brisket which is brined, salted, and seasoned with various spices (such as pickling spices), then smoked.
- Maple syrup: It’s a world-renowned sweet treat.
- Bagels: Traditional bread boiled in water and then baked. The bagel was brought to North America from Eastern Europe, where it is a staple food. Montreal-style bagels have a larger diameter hole in the middle. Join in the battle of the Montreal bagel shops!
What are the best restaurants in Montreal?
No foodie trip to Montreal would be complete without a visit to Leméac. With its sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, Leméac is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Looking for a hearty breakfast? Look no further than Régine Café. This brunch hotspot is known for its delectable pastries and robust coffee. Just be sure to get there early to avoid the lines!
For a taste of Japan in the heart of Montreal, Kyo Bar Japonais is a must-visit. Renowned for its sushi and sake, this chic eatery offers an authentic Japanese dining experience.
Craving Italian? Elena is your go-to spot. With its wood-fired pizzas and extensive wine list, this trendy joint is a hit with the locals.
And who could forget about Au Pied de Cochon? This iconic Montreal restaurant is famous for its rich, decadent dishes like foie gras and duck in a can.
Does Montreal have a food market?
Montreal has not just one, but a plethora of food markets that are an absolute delight for any food lover!
The crown jewel is undoubtedly the Jean-Talon Market, open since the 1930s.
Its vibrant stalls, packed with fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, and local delicacies, are a feast for the senses.
But don’t stop there!
Markets like Atwater, Maisonneuve, and Lachine each have their unique charm and offer a cornucopia of local foods.
And if you’re in the mood for some Mexican food, head straight to El Rey Del Taco at the Jean-Talon Market.
Is food better in Montreal or Quebec City?
Montreal, with its vibrant multicultural tapestry, offers a food scene that’s an absolute delight to explore.
Its iconic smoked meat sandwiches, bagels, and of course, the legendary poutine, are dishes you simply can’t miss.
On the other hand, Quebec City, steeped in old-world charm, serves up a hearty dose of traditional Québécois cuisine.
Here, you’ll find classics like tourtière (meat pie) and pouding chômeur (poor man’s pudding) that will transport you straight to your French grandma’s kitchen.
Both cities, with their distinct food cultures, offer a gastronomic experience that is undeniably Canadian yet wonderfully unique.
Montreal gets the edge, because there’s just more options to choose from!
SBT Summary: What to Eat in Montreal
Montreal is a foodie paradise, with something for everyone. From classic French cuisine to international fare and trendy new restaurants, there’s no shortage of delicious eats in this city.
To wrap up, let’s recap some of Montreal’s must-try dishes:
- Start your day off right with a chewy, sweet Montreal-style bagel from St-Viateur Bagels or Fairmount Bagel.
- Grab a hearty smoked meat sandwich for lunch at Schwartz’s Deli.
- For dinner, try the amazing shawarma plate at Amir.
- And of course, don’t forget to dig into a plate of poutine, the city’s iconic dish, at La Banquise.
With so many gastronomic delights to discover, Montreal is truly a paradise for food lovers.
So pack your bags, loosen your belts, and get ready to eat your way through this vibrant city, whether you’re in downtown Montreal or the suburbs.
And remember, the best travel experiences aren’t always the priciest.
With a little bit of savvy planning and an adventurous spirit, you can enjoy the best of Montreal without breaking the bank.
I hope you enjoy trying some of the local specialties during your visit! Happy eating!
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