Ceviches
In a city full of incredible restaurants, it can sometimes be surprisingly hard finding a great place to eat. So if you're looking for an insider's opinion, here is a collection of my foodie guides to Montreal, or where you can find the best food in Montreal.
Sumac
L'Gros Luxe
Isle de Garde
There is something to be said for feeling like a tourist in your own home. Wandering the streets aimlessly, looking for the next shiny bauble, the next place to eat, the next terrasse where you can pass a few hours relaxing with a cold glass of wine.
This sense of curiosity is something that is sorely missing from most of our lives. People spend their time going to their favourite restaurants, ordering their favourite dish, checking things out on Yelp to avoid disappointment. We've become programmed to seek the familiar and avoid risk.
And that's something I try to battle by discovering the best food in Montreal, just by wandering into it.
Restaurant Manitoba
Le Vieux Velo
So I'd like to challenge you: take these lists and make them your own. Set a goal: check out my picks for the 16 best dishes in Montreal in, let's say, 3 months. Then, go to a few other restuarants you've never been to around your favourite places. Don't check out on Yelp; don't set your expectations. Just go there, order what looks good on the menu, and take a chance.
In a city full of incredible restaurants, chances are good you'll find the best food in Montreal.
The 16 best dishes in Montreal
The best craft coffee shops in Montreal
The 10 most beautiful bars in Montreal
The 50 things you need to eat in Montreal before you die
The 16 best spots for cheap eats in Montreal
The 16 most important restaurants in Montreal
The best lunch spots in 16 Montreal neighbourhoods
The best healthy lunch spots in Downtown Montreal
Where to get the best gluten-loaded things in Montreal
The hottest new restaurants in Montreal
*All content was originally published for Thrillist.
L'Gros Luxe
Ma'tine - now, sadly, closed
Irene Pasnak says
Thank You so much for the wonderful listing! Will pass on to friends also that will be visiting Montreal.
kseniaprints says
Montreal is THE PLACE for great food. Seriously, I've never enjoyed a city's cultural scene quite as much as I enjoy it here.
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says
What a delicious list of good food!
kseniaprints says
Thanks so much Marsha! Hope you'll get to visit Montreal some day soon to try them
Lucy says
I've never been to Montreal, but I've always wanted to go--and eat my way through the city. Thanks so much for these amazing tips! Everything looks delicious!
kseniaprints says
This city is insane for great food options. You can rarely go wrong! I am sure you'll get a chance to come and see for yourself.
Mel | avirtualvegan.com says
Montreal is on my list to visit some time soon. It sound like an amazing place. I am vegan and have heard there are some great vegan options available there. I can't wait to check them out!
kseniaprints says
Mel, Montreal is THE PLACE for vegans. Seriously. There are so many completely-vegan places, you wouldn't know where to begin! If you ever come by, I'll be happy to guide you.
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery says
I loved this about living in DC as well -- so many delicious, authentic ethic restaurants. My favorite was walking in and just asking the server to bring me their favorite dishes. No need to go through a menu; let them decide for you. So good! I'm hopeful we'll make it to Montreal in the next year or two; I'll save this list, but I'm sure a whole host of delicious new restaurants will pop up in that time!
kseniaprints says
That's a brilliant idea! I often ask for recommendations of the server, but I've never just flat out asked them to bring their favourite new dish - I'll have to try it next time on vacation (this would be especially helpful if I don't speak the local language and can't read the menu, lol). And yes, Montreal gets a crop of new restaurants faster than you can imagine, so I'd say that's a safe bet 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I have always wanted to go to Montreal, and I have heard such good things about the food too.
kseniaprints says
There are many great parts to Mtl, but the food is probably the best!
Sean says
I lived in Montreal for two years, and while I enjoyed the food (VERY MUCH), I wish I'd explored a bit more. It seems to have grown and expanded so much even since I left in 2008, and I'm starting to think I might have to figure out some way to get back there one of these days! There's just too much going on NOT to! Thanks for enticing my tastebuds and stirring up memories. 🙂
kseniaprints says
Sean, I do hope you'll come back! The city has grown by leaps and bounds, and not just food-wise. It's definitely my favourite place in Canada!
Cassie | Crumb Kitchen says
This is so helpful! Living in Ottawa, we often drive over to Montreal for the weekend and I'm always impressed by the food options there. I'll have to give some of your 16 recommendations a try. (Oh and wandering around is the best way to find good places. 😉 )
kseniaprints says
Next time you're in town, let me know! It would be a pleasure to meet another FBCer.