With so many great places to eat while in Montreal, how do you decide where to dine? Montreal is known for its rich culture and history, and it’s no surprise that the city is also home to some of the best restaurants in Canada. Here is our list of the 7 best places to eat in Montreal. Whether you’re looking for classic French cuisine or a fusion of different flavors, Montreal has something to offer every palate.
Schwartz Deli
Schwartz is the oldest deli in Canada and has been serving its famously delicious smoked meat since 1928. Located on Saint Laurent Boulevard for over 90 years Schwartz is a true Montreal landmark. Steady streams of patrons visit this deli daily to enjoy their original recipe smoked meat made onsite with both dine-in or take out options available. When you taste the tender spiced smoked meat on fresh rye bread with a pickle spear on the side you will crave enjoying these unique flavours again and again. This institution consistently takes the number one spot on our list of the top 7 best places to eat in Montreal. It’s a “can’t miss” destination.
Modavie in Old Montreal
Modavie restaurant is a charming and cozy eatery located in the heart of Old Montreal. The restaurant features live jazz music performances every night, adding to the already lively and vibrant atmosphere.
The menu at Modavie is a fusion of French and Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients. Some of the standout dishes include the duck confit, the grilled octopus, and the lamb chops.
The service at Modavie is exceptional, with friendly and attentive staff who are happy to make recommendations and accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences. The wine list is also impressive, with a wide selection of local and international wines to choose from.
But perhaps the highlight of Modavie is the live jazz music. The restaurant’s intimate setting and the talented musicians create a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The music is not too loud, allowing for easy conversation, but still adds to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.
In addition to its delicious food and live music, Modavie also offers a beautiful view of the Old Port of Montreal. The restaurant’s large windows allow for stunning views of the historic buildings and cobblestone streets, adding to the overall charm of the restaurant.
Overall, Modavie is a must-visit restaurant in Montreal for anyone looking for a delicious meal, exceptional service, and a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Deville Dinerbar
The Deville Dinerbar serves up a hybrid of trendy comfort food and playful contemporary cocktails in downtown Montreal. The Deville Macho salad and the Maple Rotisserie chicken dinners are both terrific meals. You can’t go wrong with any selection from their gourmet burger menu with fried pickles. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are also available. Be advised that their portions are quite generous. Deville’s beverage menu offers an array of drinks from beer, wine, craft shakes to classic and signature cocktails. The ‘Sweet Craig’ is a recommended house classic. Mocktails and regular milkshakes are also available to order.
Stash Café
Stash Café is a Polish restaurant located in Old Montreal which has served traditional Eastern European cuisine for 30 years. Their food is wonderful and the portions are generous with a fixed menu option “Table D’Hote”.
We had the “Barszcz” Polish beet consommé and the “Zurek” sour rye malt and sausage soup as starters. I had the “Roti de Sanglier” roast of wild boar with cabbage and potatoes. The pork was very tender and the red wine prune sauce was delicious. My husband ordered the “Menu du Debutant” the mixed platter of pierogis and meats. For dessert, we had their delectable peach cobbler.
The ambiance of this restaurant is charming and there is a great piano player for entertainment. Reservations are required as this restaurant is very popular amongst both locals and tourists. Stash Café is a top dining pick when visiting Montreal.
Joe Beef
Joe Beef is a world-renowned restaurant located in the Little Burgundy neighborhood of Montreal. Known for its inventive and creative cuisine, Joe Beef has been named one of the top restaurants in the world.
The menu at Joe Beef is constantly changing, with a focus on using local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s signature dish is the lobster spaghetti, which is a must-try for any first-time visitor. Other standout dishes include the foie gras parfait, the steak tartare, and the bone marrow.
The ambiance at Joe Beef is cozy and intimate, with an old-world charm that adds to the overall dining experience. The restaurant is located in a historic building, with exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and vintage decor.
The service at Joe Beef is top-notch, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who are happy to make recommendations and provide detailed explanations of each dish. The wine list is extensive, with a focus on natural and organic wines, and the sommelier is happy to offer pairing suggestions.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Joe Beef is the attention to detail and the commitment to quality. Every dish is meticulously prepared and presented, with a focus on both taste and visual appeal. The restaurant also takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Joe Beef is a must-visit restaurant in Montreal for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience. While the prices are on the higher end, the quality of the food, service, and ambiance are well worth it.
Reubens
We always plan to go to Reubens for a steak dinner while in Montreal. Both their food and service is always terrific. Top menu picks for steak are the peppercorn strip loin and the Sullivan rib steak. The meat is delicious and cooked to perfection. Be sure to save room for dessert as Reuben’s famous strawberry cheesecake is baked in house daily. There is also a great lunch menu with a selection of smoked meat sandwiches, coleslaw, and French fries. This restaurant is centrally located on St. Catherines Street close to many of the downtown hotels. Reubens is a great dining choice when visiting Montreal.
Au Pied de Cochon
Au Pied de Cochon is a renowned restaurant located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood of Montreal. The restaurant is known for its decadent and hearty cuisine, with a focus on classic Quebecois dishes.
The menu at Au Pied de Cochon features rich and indulgent dishes such as foie gras poutine, duck in a can, and the restaurant’s signature dish, the pied de cochon, which is a slow-cooked pork foot served with mashed potatoes and bacon. The portions are generous, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion or a celebratory meal.
The ambiance at Au Pied de Cochon is rustic and cozy, with an emphasis on wood accents and warm lighting. The atmosphere is lively, with a bustling open kitchen and a bar area that is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.
The service at Au Pied de Cochon is attentive and friendly, with knowledgeable staff who are happy to make recommendations and answer any questions about the menu. The wine list is extensive, with a focus on natural and organic wines, and the sommelier is happy to offer pairing suggestions.
Au Pied de Cochon is a must-visit restaurant in Montreal for anyone looking for an indulgent and unforgettable dining experience. The prices are on the higher end, but the quality of the food, service, and ambiance are well worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking to indulge in some classic Quebecois cuisine, Au Pied de Cochon is a restaurant not to be missed.
St. Viateur Bagel
Montreal bagels are another local delicacy that must be enjoyed during your visit. These bagels are made to be smaller and thinner with a large hole however the dough is denser with a sweet flavour as they are boiled in honey water before baked in wood fired ovens. The classic bagel is covered in sesame seeds but they also cover them in poppy seeds and make an ‘all dressed’ bagel with seeds, garlic, and onion flavouring. At St. Viateur you can watch the bagels being made and buy them fresh out of the oven.
The city of Montreal continues to be one of our favourite destinations to visit in Canada. Check out our 3 Day Montreal Itinerary for more ideas of how to enjoy this great city. We hope you enjoyed our top 7 best places to eat in Montreal. Please leave any comments you have below.
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