16 BEST Montreal Foods and UNFORGETTABLE Restaurants

SO MUCH GOOD FOOD. If travel brings you to Montreal, Canada, prepare yourself for a food lover’s paradise. Read through this detailed guide for the best Montreal foods and the best restaurants in Montreal.

Montreal Is A Hidden Gem For The Best Foods

Who would have thought that? Montreal, just a short flight away for most in the United States, features world class food that rivals the most popular destinations. I didn’t eat a bad meal. Not one. Not a single terrible thing. 

How has Montreal stayed hidden all this time, and why am I learning about this now? Maybe my macho America born self sees Canada’s food culture as too similar to my own or even inferior.

Montreal’s unique history created a French speaking city that followed its own culinary road. With many French inspired dishes, Montreal still welcomed innovation creating unique items like smoked meats and sesame bagels.

Alongside its own creations, Montreal embraces foreign fare giving other cuisines, such as Chinese and Caribbean, their equal time in the spotlight. 

I list for you the best Montreal foods, and I seriously recommend any of these during your next visit. I would argue, that Montreal should take high priority as your next vacation getaway. 

Famous Montreal Restaurants and Dishes

Although these famous restaurants in Montreal find themselves on every food guide, tourist pamphlet, and tv show, their wide exposure means delicious meals for every food obsessed traveler. 

From my experiences around the world, famous restaurants are a hit or miss, but all these are undoubtedly worth the time and stomach space. Truly, the best Montreal foods are here with no disappointing food, and only desires to return. 

1. Joe Beef – Steak au Poivre and Bone Marrow Mashed Potatoes

Adress: 2491 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1N6, Canada

My experience at Joe beef surprised me so much that I wrote a whole separate post about my experience, and why everyone should eat at Joe Beef in Montreal. My wife and I both agree that Joe Beef made our list of best meals of all time, and definitely one of the best restaurants in Montreal. Yes, it was that good.

The main highlight of the meal was the Steak au Poivre, a seared steak covered in rich brown peppercorn gravy. What a perfect steak. The correct searing lead to a rich crust with a perfect medium rare pink center. Seriously one of the best foods in Montreal. 

You read that correctly, Bone Marrow Mashed Potatoes. A solid bone sat in a bowl of whipped mashed potatoes and red wine gravy. I scooped out the bone marrow and mixed it in with the mash to make a flavor combination unheard of to my palate. 

2. Schwartz’s Deli – Best Restaurant In Montreal For Smoked Meat

Address: 3895 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1X9, Canada

For smoked meat sandwiches, no better place exists than Schwartz’s Deli. A Montreal institution, Schwartz’s is the oldest deli in Canada, slinging their famous smoked meat sandwiches since 1928. 

For a classic meal, I decided on the smoked meat sandwich, house made French fries, and sour pickles. 

The meat resembles pastrami that is slowly smoked instead of steamed or baked, resulting in super tender slices of beef with a hint of smoke. Delicious. The fat and smoke are subtle leaving me to enjoy the beefy goodness in its entirety. 

The sturdy rye bread stands up to the generous portion of meat with a healthy smear of mustard adding a touch of acid to offset the fattiness. Beautiful in every sense of the word. 

The fries had a superb crunch and the deli staple, sour pickles, rounded out the meal to perfection. 

3. Au Pied de Cochon – Foie Gras and Pig’s Foot

Address: 536 Duluth Ave E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 1A9, Canada

Come hungry to Au Pied de Cochon, for the portions are huge and the food is decadent. As one of the best restaurants in Montreal, I was expecting greatness and I was served that and much, much more.

I sat at the bar area overlooking the kitchen and watched the cooks work their Montreal magic cooking off oversized helpings of pig, French fries, and heaps of foie gras. 

One of the best foods in Montreal is foie gras and no trip to the city is complete without a proper serving. 

We decided on the Foie Gras Poutine. Delicious, fatty, and super rich. 

I LOVED it. 

Next, the Pig’s Foot For Two landed on the table with an ominous thud. 

Enormous. 

A braised pig foot was deboned, wrapped in caul fat, and baked until all the fat and spices mingled together. It sat on a bed of buttery mashed potatoes swimming in a pool of white wine mushroom gravy and topped with a fried pork nugget made from the tendons and delicious bits of the foot. 

What a masterpiece of flavors, and expertly executed. The crispy outside easily gave way to my fork with hunks of tender pork falling out into the gravy. 

Better than any roasted pork imaginable, especially with the white wine gravy. Delicious, but immensely heavy. Enough for a family of 6, expect to take home leftovers, which tasted even better the next day. 

We also ordered the Pork Chop which sat in an au jus, sautéed mushrooms and topped with a delightful slight of herb butter. Cooked to a perfect medium, I think this pork chop couldn’t get any better. Succulent, flavorful, and tasty this pork chop sets a new standard. 

Too full for dessert, we hobbled out of the restaurant ready to hibernate for the next three days. 

4. Wilensky’s Light Lunch – The Wilensky Special

Address: 34 Av. Fairmount O, Montréal, QC H2T 2M1, Canada

A humble establishment, Wilensky’s Light Lunch is a historical spot with a no frills menu, counter seating, and no plates. 

Oh, I forgot about the rules: No tipping and pay when served. 

I came for the Wilensky Special because that’s what you get. An all beef bologna and salami sandwich grilled in a panini style press until the edges of the meat brown with the cornmeal coated bun toasted until crispy. 

The Wilensky Special is served only one way, with mustard, on a piece of parchment paper and never cut in half. 

Don’t ask why, it’s just the way it is.

Cheese is optional, but I’d opt for the cheddar which melts nicely and tastes like American cheese. 

The six layers of bologna and salami appear a bit much, but somehow, it works. A clean, salty, and delicious taste comes through with every bite, and a nice crunch from the bread makes it perfect. 

Not your average bologna sandwich! 

Because the Wilensky Special is one of the best Montreal foods, I couldn’t help but go back and get another later during the trip.

Oh yes, do not forget the old fashioned sodas and egg creams. The classic beverages make the whole experience unforgettable. 

5. St-Viateur Bagel – Best Bakery In Montreal For Sesame Bagels

Address: 263 Rue Saint- Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2V 1Y1, Canada

Wood fried bagels. Yes… wood fire. 

Old school in every sense of the words, St-Viateur Bagel makes their bagels fresh every day, rolled by hand and baked in their wood fire oven. 

The Sesame Bagel, by far, is my favorite bagel of all time. These bagels hold a character of their own, differing from the ones sold in supermarkets or the famous bagels of New York. 

The famous sesame bagels are thinner with a crispy exterior and a soft fluffy interior. Each bite is distinct with the toasted sesame seeds packed into the crust. More than just breakfast, these bagels make the perfect anytime snack. 

6. La Banquise – Best Restaurant In Montreal For Poutine

Address: 994 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2J 2J3, Canada

Canadians love their poutine and few places remain reliable all hours of the day or night than La Banquise, a 24 hour poutine joint with a long list of unique variations. 

We opted for the La Couvre-Feu, a poutine topped with ground beef, onions, cheese sauce, hot peppers, and mac’ n cheese bites. These “Franken fries” created the perfect conditions for complete satiation. 

Protein from the ground beef, gooey cheese sauce, and the oh-so-perfect crispy crunchy mac and cheese bites. We considered opting for the classic poutine, but we’ve already tried that elsewhere. Time to dive into new horizons of what poutine can be.

Want something more classic? Poutine is one of the best foods in Montreal and a Canadian staple, so get a normal poutine or pick from their other 20 variations to fit your hunger level. 

7. Arthurs Nosh Bar – The BEST Syrniki (Pancakes) In The World!

Address: 4621 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H4C 1S5, Canada

The best breakfast I’ve ever had. That’s right. I said it. Montreal has the best breakfast in the world… Don’t hate me. 

Arthurs Nosh Bar serves Jewish classics with a twist, creating lifelong patrons with a single bite. 

I decided on The Classic, a bagel stuffed with house smoked salmon, cream cheese, pickled onions, tomatoes, capers, and dill. Salmon bagels don’t get better than this. A melody of textures and flavors created a Ratatouille like reaction with the tender smokiness of the salmon with decadent cream cheese.

Tiarra tried the McArthur, a fried chicken schnitzel with iceberg slaw, mayo, and pickles served on a challah bun. Super crispy and just plain delicious. The chicken was tender with the challah adding a slight sweetness. An unforgettable chicken sandwich and one of the best I’ve tried anywhere. 

The show stopper was the Syrniki, a cottage cheese pancake served with maple syrup. BEST PANCAKES EVER. I am far from eating every pancake in the world, but I don’t need to. These pancakes are so perfect, it leaves you wanting nothing more. Well, except for more pancakes.

Mind blowingly delicious. 

The inside was tender and fluffy with the outside caramelized to a perfect crust with small chunks of batter turning extra brown and crunchy. These Syrniki were an unexpected addition to this list of best foods in Montreal 

Everything was perfect. Arthurs Nosh Bar will be the first place I eat when I return to Montreal.

Best Asian Restaurants In Montreal

I am always on the hunt for authentic Asian dishes in every city I visit. Montreal showcases the best representations of Asian dishes I tried abroad than any other city. Trying all the best Montreal foods must include a visit to at least one of these notable restaurants. 

8. Yum Yum Soupe Dumpling – Best Soup Dumplings In Montreal

Address: 3887 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2W 2M4, Canada

Soup dumplings in the middle of Montreal? Yes, eat Taiwanese soup dumplings just like the ones at the corner stalls of a Taipei night market. 

We picked the Pork and Beef Soup Dumplings, and each satisfying bite was paired with warm soupy slurps, finished with generous portions of meat. 

Each order received ten dumplings, enough for at least one person, and since this was on a hungrier night, we opted for pork pot stickers as well. Crispy and packed full of flavor, these potstickers are worth traveling for.

9. Nouilles de Lan Zhou – Spicy Beef and Tendon Soup

Address: 1006 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2Z 9Y9, Canada

Hand pulled noodles anyone? Looking through the front window, a dedicated cook is slapping, pulling, and tugging at the dough to create a noodle experience I would never forget.

…EHEM…

One of the best Montreal foods is the Spicy Beef and Tendon Soup, which turned out superb. When visiting Taipei, I discovered the artistry and deliciousness of the Taiwanese beef noodle soup with tendon and fell in love with the complexity of spices and rich beefy savoriness. 

This beef tendon soup instantly revived my tastebud memories. The beef tendon was soft and fatty giving every bite extra umami. The noodles were, of course, perfect with the right amount of texture and chew. 

Does tendon freak you out? TOO BAD! Eat it anyway, and you will see why tendon is an essential part of the dish. 

Tiarra ordered the Veggie and Voodle Soup with a miso broth, which contrasted drastically from my beef soup. The broth was light, yet flavorful and everything one could want from a miso broth. The veggies remained tender and slowly soaked up the wonderful broth making each bite better than the last. 

10. Restaurant Impérial – Best Dim Sum In Montreal

Address: 8245 Taschereau Blvd Local A15 & A16, Brossard, Quebec J4Y 1A4, Canada

Newly located just outside of the downtown area, Restaurant Imperial is a classic Chinese restaurant serving essentials such as Peking Duck and Pork in Xo Sauce. 

I went, however, for the dim sum which is only served only for lunch, and enjoyed every dumpling imaginable. The highlights were the Shrimp Dumplings, the Chicken Feet, and the Crispy Pork. 

The Shrimp Dumplings were tender, flavorful, and just plain delicious. Shrimpy goodness so wonderful, I got a second serving. 

The Chicken Feet were delicate and tender to suck the meat right off the bones. If eating chicken feet intimidates you, imagine eating the cartilage end of chicken wings where it meets the bone. Yes, it’s like that but better!

The Crispy Pork was roasted to perfection with the crunchy skin giving way to layers of uber moist meat. Heavenly indeed. 

For a classic Chinese dim sum experience, look no further than Restaurant Imperial.

Cheap Eats In Montreal

I can’t spend all my money on places like Joe Beef. Some of the best Montreal foods are budget friendly and shouldn’t be overlooked. These best restaurants in Montreal demonstrate expertise while keeping the costs low.

11. Ma Poule Mouillée – Portuguese Roasted Chicken

Address: 969 Rachel St E, Montreal, Quebec H2J 2J2, Canada

Portuguese chicken anyone? This chicken cooked over wood coals is the epitome of rotisserie chicken everywhere. Ma Poule Mouillée created one of the most amazing chicken experiences of my life, landing it on this list as one of the best restaurants in Montreal.

Two words describe this food experience: super juicy. Like biting into ripe summer watermelon juicy. 

Chicken juices and fat soak into the crispy fries underneath, soaking up the glorious sauce, enhancing the flavors without compromising the crunch. For less than $20 CAD, this meal was budget friendly and should be on every traveler’s radar. 

12. Else’s – Butter Chicken

Address: 156 Rue Roy E, Montréal, QC H2W 1M2, Canada

This local’s spot situated on the plateau is not your average bar but is a bonafide gastropub with an excessively friendly staff. 

After ordering a pint of a local craft lager, my wife and I ordered the butter chicken, pork sliders, and pot stickers. Already a unique and eclectic menu. 

The Butter Chicken shined with a spicy flair mixed with a good amount of dairy to smooth out the flavors. Yes, you should order butter chicken at a pub in Montreal. The tender chicken cooked in that creamy butter sauce is worth the trip to Else’s. 

The pork sliders came dressed with a tangy bbq sauce, a garlic aioli and a house made slaw. Tender, scrumptious, and easy to eat, these sliders paired perfectly with my blonde ale. 

The pot stickers were undoubtedly prepackaged and frozen but were still delicious. Growing up eating these sorts of dumplings, I have fond feelings towards them and recommend them all the way.

13. Lloydie’s Caribbean – Jamaican Beef Patties

Address: 4601 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H4C 1S5, Canada

Just a stone’s throw away from Arthurs Nosh Bar, Lloydie’s Caribbean sits on a corner in St-Henri dishing out one of my favorite food items: Spicy Jamaican Beef Patties. 

What’s not to love about spicy minced beef wrapped in a flaky crust?

Lloydie’s makes an excellent spicy beef patty that satisfies all the senses. The spice combinations are on point and every bite is beautifully crafted.

Paired with their house made sweet ginger beer, this is a treat that’s tough to beat!

14. Slice and Soda – Best Cheap Pizza In Montreal

Address: 3845 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1X6, Canada

For cheap eats head to Slice and Soda for your large slice fix. With a variety of options in the pizza case, pick your favorite and they will toss it in the oven to reheat to toasted perfection.

I went with a Classic Cheese Slice while my wife opted for the fun dip! The eclectic, street art interior creates a fun vibe for everyone looking to hang out, especially after a night around the bars. 

**Also note that Wilensky’s Light Lunch, Schwartz’s and La Banquise mentioned earlier in this Montreal food guide are all super budget friendly too**

Other Must Try Foods In Montreal

These last two restaurants were both astounding and memorable in their own right. The best Montreal foods include innovation and unique dishes that only expert chefs can create. 

15. Foxy – Foods Cooked With Wood Fire

Address: 1638 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1M1, Canada

Without a doubt, Foxy is not only of the best restaurants in Montreal but probably in all of North America. EVERYTHING was beyond delicious and extremely memorable.

A wood fire grill and stove dominate the kitchen with delicious Mediterranean style fare at the forefront of the menu.

Oysters and Caviar

The oysters held a distinct refreshing brine with the caviar adding texture to the fishy delight. 

Homemade Feta and Pita

The pita came puffed and freshly baked coated in a sticky sauce topped with flaky sea salt. We ripped into that pita and dipped it in the amazingly delicious homemade feta dressed with cooked beets, sliced fennel with chunks of hazelnut. 

Creamy, sweet and salty, this feta shouted flavor in the best possible ways. The server mentioned that this dish sells out overnight with the recipe changing every few months. 

Flatbread with Artichokes Homemade Pancetta and Smoked Cheddar Sauce

Like the world’s best personal sized pizza, the Foxy flatbread had a crispy crust, with the essential charring around the edges, a distinguished house cured pancetta, and an impressive smoked cheddar sauce. The artichokes added a unique tang that I particularly enjoyed. 

Duck breast with Carrots, Pine Nuts and Tarragon

The duck breast was cooked to a perfect medium rare and paired with carrots, pine nuts, and tarragon. The perfectly rendered fat left the skin crispy and the meat wonderfully moist. Duck and carrots? Yes, please. 

Hangar Steak with Celery Root and Onions 

The grilled hangar steak tasted amazing with a nice char from the wood fire grill. The grilled celery root was a nice change up from the usual steak and potato combos. The only thing missing from the dish was more steak. 

16. Bar Pamplemousse – Oysters and Jerk Chicken Sandwich

Address: 1579 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2S9, Canada

I guess Bar Pamplemousse can be categorized as a hip bar which I am usually not a fan of, but I was undeterred because the wood fire oven kept my taste buds intrigued. If you listen to my podcast or read any restaurant reviews, I chase after wood fire cooked foods like there is no tomorrow. 

The Caribbean influenced gastropub throws out an awesome Oyster Happy Hour which I was excited to try. A dozen oysters for $20. That’s twenty Canadian dollars. Oh yeah. I rarely see an oyster special that cheap without a healthy skepticism. 

The oysters hit home with a salty sweet brine and are large enough for a few fantastic chews. I think every dinner should start with a dozen beautiful oysters. 

Then came the Feta Cheese Salad with pumpkin seeds and pickled onions. Well dressed, simple and delicious. A great pairing with the Yuca fries, which had a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. 

The Caribbean Jerk Chicken Sandwich surprised me with a bold profile without overbearing the palate. Flavor balance at its finest. A jerk chicken sandwich is now one of my favorite bar meals ever. 

The unique spices and grilled chicken create a power punch to the mouth that pairs perfectly with beer and most cocktails. Bar food that isn’t heavy, and may even be a little healthy. 

Conclusion: Montreal Is a Must Eat Destination

With the variety and caliber of food, any foodist hungry for a new destination should keep Montreal on their list. 

I am impressed and invigorated that the best restaurants in Montreal could embody more than their own regional cuisine but encourage new and different foods to emerge with the locals embracing it with raving popularity. 

The best Montreal foods involve every type of budget and every kind of eater. I hope you use this Montreal food guide as more than a reference and casual reading, but make a few of the unforgettable restaurants a priority on your next trip to Montreal.