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 Fun and inexpensive |
14 Prince Arthur Street West (Near St-Laurent) Montreal, QC H2X 1S3 Canada +1 514 842 3512 |
This easily overlooked hideaway is unprepossessing in nearly every way, except of course for its food. The younger crowd enjoys enormous bowls of Tonkinoise soups: beef, chicken or duck with various vegetables are an astounding bargain at around CAD6. The menu, printed on rolls of Popsicle sticks, also offers slightly higher-priced Chinese and Vietnamese standards. The small-town Chinese restaurant décor and a chatty crowd complement the quick, efficient service. An added bonus is the hilarious store-bought cocktail menu, which tempts diners with a Tequila Sunrise or a Harvey Wallbanger. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Staying power |
1454 Peel Street (Near Ste-Catherine) Montreal, QC H3A 1S8 Canada +1 514 288 5105 |
Located in the heart of downtown, across from Les Cours Mont Royal shopping plaza, this lively bistro has been a local favourite since it opened during the 1976 Summer Olympics. Ideal both for lunch and dinner, the menu offers a tour of French bistro standards along with various other pan-European specialties. The ground level is fun for people watching, especially when the terrace is open during summer. Upstairs is appealing for more intimate gatherings, where the bar offers beers from around the world. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Souvlaki specials |
256 St-Viateur Avenue West (Near Jeanne-Mance) Montreal, QC H9R 4Y2 Canada |
This legendary souvlaki joint is consistently voted the best in the city. The greasy-spoon atmosphere of the early days is gone, however, replaced by a more modern look and feel, and prices, of course. The menu is extensive, with lots of appetizers and even dishes such as steak and hamburger. But what patrons really come for, at any time of the day or night, is the souvlaki on pita, an incredibly tasty, sloppy mess. Other locations at 301 Brunswick Blvd, near St-Jean, Pointe Claire, +1 514 695 1100; and 480 St-Laurent Blvd, near Notre-Dame, +1 514 282 9717. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Working-class Quebecois cuisine |
367 Mont-Royal Avenue East (Near Drolet) Montreal, QC H2T 1R1 Canada +1 514 285 9078 |
This is one of a rare breed of establishments where one can find true Canadian food, or more accurately Quebec food. Haute cuisine it isn't, but well prepared it certainly is. The extremely reasonable menu features Tourtière (a traditional Quebecois meat pie), Fèves-au-Lard (baked beans), pea soup and other wholesome comfort foods; a complete meal featuring any of these will be extremely easy on the pocket. For a fast, cheap bite in friendly but by no means opulent surroundings, this is a great choice. Credit cards will be laughed out the door, towards the cash machine. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: juuun |
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Affecting little café |
24 des Pins Ave East (Near St-Dominique) Montreal, QC H2W 1N3 Canada +1 514 288 0853 |
This charming little coffee shop is a great place to stop in for a quick weekday lunch, or to linger over a coffee and a good book. The menu offers grilled Italian sandwiches, called panini but in fact consisting of thick homemade bread piled with freshly-sliced meats, topped with cheese and put under the broiler. Salads feature a nice assortment of greens, and there are periodically other lunch specials. The whole package is roughly the size of a small bedroom, but it is wonderfully cozy on cold winter days. Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Italian bistro |
1244 Stanley Street (Near Ste-Catherine) Montreal, QC H3B 2S7 Canada +1 514 879 5877 |
For downtown coziness, it is hard to beat this tiny Italian bistro, where the food is home-style and the atmosphere, with less than a dozen tables, is as intimate as your mother's kitchen. Décor is art deco, with prints of old-time movie stars on the walls. Penne Arrabbiata, spicy Italian Sausage and Presto (house) salad are typical dishes; none add up to more than CAD10 per person. The final treat is the ringing of a cowbell when you pay your bill. This is a real star on the business lunch scene. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Fair trade coffee shop |
969 Rachel Street East (Near Boyer) Montreal, QC H2J 2J4 Canada +1 514 529 1321 http://www.caferico.qc.ca/ |
This simply decorated fair trade coffee shop promotes sustainable development and better returns for coffee bean pickers by buying its beans directly from cooperatives. The shop serves only coffee, in all its various incarnations from regular to cappuccino. The owner does the roasting right on the premises. You can also buy ground or whole bean coffee by the kilo. If you have a sweet tooth, you are invited to bring your own pastries. Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alexandre Enkerli  |
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Terrace at its best |
3990 St-Urbain Street (At Duluth) Montreal, QC H2W 1T7 Canada +1 514 842 3110 http://www.santropol.com/ |
Amid a ramshackle décor of mismatched furnishings and 25 years of knick-knacks, this western-Plateau institution serves gargantuan gourmet sandwiches to a crowd of students, bohemian types and a few tourists. The backyard terrace is perhaps its most delightful feature. Vegetarian sandwiches dominate (the Killer Tomato, with fresh and sundried tomatoes, garlic, cream and cottage cheese), but carnivores can try to wrap their mouths around the towering St-Urbain Corner (chicken, cream and cottage cheese, honey, nuts and olives, CAD8.25). No alcohol is served; try the fruit drinks and herbal teas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sameer Vasta |
 Photo: lucy and her dent |
 Photo: 13angelo |
 Photo: Ara Jane Olufson |
 Photo: Tyler Greenleaf |
 Photo: Herb Theriault |
 Photo: Jacelyn Hart |
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Breakfast theme |
1425 Stanley Street (Near Ste-Catherine) Montreal, QC H3A 1P4 Canada +1 514 286 6171 http://www.chezcora.com/ |
This extremely popular breakfast chain has more than 20 locations on the island. Offering well-above-average quality and huge portions, the menu includes choices for both the health-conscious and for those who eat as if they are heading to the woods. Dishes include the usual bacon and eggs, crepes, waffles and maple syrup on each table. Specials start at around CAD5 for a basic two-egg platter and go up to CAD12 for the lumberjacks. The bright color scheme and friendly service make it a perfect place for kids. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mary Higonnet |
 Photo: Aaron Martlage |
 Photo: Grace Lin |
 Photo: Arber Y. Xu |
 Photo: Thomas Clark |
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Popular Portuguese chicken |
3907 St-Laurent Boulevard (At Napoléon) Montreal, QC H2W 1X9 Canada +1 514 849 5554 |
Montreal's strong Portuguese community has exerted its influence over traditional Quebecois barbecued chicken and the result is this incredibly reasonable take-out or stand-up establishment. The chicken, sold either whole (a great value or in quarters, is covered in sauce and spice after cooking. Roast pork is another specialty and a great bargain for a huge portion with the trimmings. Side dishes include salads and roasted potatoes. Don't expect an elegant feast but don't expect to pay much either. Bring cash. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laura Watts |
 Photo: Darcy Andrews |
 Photo: Stephane Curzi |
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Well-known local chain |
5041 Sherbrooke Street West (Near Victoria) Montreal, QC H4R 1S8 Canada +1 514 369 4840 http://www.dagwoods.ca/ |
This local chain takes the submarine sandwich to new heights of quality, freshness and variety. Slightly higher prices cover the cut-to-order meats and fresh vegetables, not to mention friendly service and pleasant, wood-trimmed décor. This Westmount location is the original. All the usual varieties (various cold cuts, tuna, etc.) are available in two sizes, on fresh-baked white or whole wheat bread, and with a huge variety of toppings and sauces. Expect to pay between CAD5-9 for a sandwich with drinks and chips. Cash only. Numerous other outlets include 1627 Ste-Catherine Street West (+1 514 932 1570). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Azzaelea |
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Sizzling fried stuff |
5235A Parc Avenue (Near Fairmount) Montreal, QC H2V 4G9 Canada +1 514 948 2219 http://www.fritealors.com/ |
Voted the best fries in the city on numerous occasions, this Belgian snack bar and bistro offers top-notch fried goodies at exceptional prices. You can eat in or get take-out if you are in a hurry. From burgers and fries to deep-fried mussels washed down with a nice cold beer, it doesn't get much better than this. The bright and breezy features Tintin cartoons. This location also sports a terrace for that summer afternoon or evening snack. Cash only. Other locations include 345 Emery St, on the terrace at Le Saint-Sulpice, +1 514 842 5566. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mariliscardinal |
 Photo: Kevin Chan |
 Photo: nelses |
 Photo: Silly Robin |
 Photo: amber gauley |
 Photo: Michelle Zhou |
 Photo: André Barrette |
 Photo: jared cohen |
 Photo: tretick |
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Ultra-cheap noodle house |
3711 St-Laurent Boulevard (Near des Pins) Montreal, QC H2X 2V7 Canada +1 514 288 9593 |
With a huge menu of Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese specialties, this bare-bones noodle house has quickly become a neighbourhood standby. The most expensive item runs only CAD8 ("Stir fried shrimps or squids with garlic sauce"), while the enormous Tonkinoise soups (noodles, broth, beef or chicken and vegetables) are a boon to the budget-conscious. The decor is non-existent and the music is treacly Asian pop, but you'll be in and out so fast that you won't have much time to look around. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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New dining concept |
1 Place Ville Marie (At University and Cathcart) Montreal, QC H3B 4R7 Canada +1 514 861 8181 |
This restaurant and market covers 30,000 square feet on the lower level of Place Ville Marie. Food is prepared to order at various stations, and it is the perfect spot for children as the choice is all but unlimited. Though the concept is originally Swiss, the foods of the world are literally at your feet: seafood, grilled meats, pasta, pizza, Indonesian and Chinese specialties and sushi, to name but a few. The Caveau offers an extensive selection of wines from around the world by the glass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tops for hamburger |
1198 St. Catherine Street West Montreal, QC H3B 1K1 Canada +1 514 866 3233 |
Selected in a taster's contest as the best hamburger joint in Montreal, this St. Catherine Street diner has been pleasing fast food palates for more than 40 years. The food's the thing here, with ambience and décor a distant second. House specialty is the "Supreme Mr. Steer" burger with bacon and cheese, and the "Suzie Q" curly fries. Other dishes include a grilled chicken breast sandwich. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Stylish neighbourhood restaurant |
5555 Monkland Avenue (At Old Orchard) Montreal, QC H4A 1E1 Canada +1 514 486 5768 |
This bright, friendly Italian/Californian bistro specializes in pasta: the butternut squash-stuffed ravioli is a typically imaginative, surprisingly decadent option. Appetizers include a delightful goat cheese salad and a delicious fried calamari, and those in search of a more substantial main course can choose from the steak-frites and other rotating meat and seafood dishes. Wines are predominantly Californian and include the Woodbridge Sauvignon Blanc. The friendly, unflappable waiters deftly wade their way through the throngs at the bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Venerable establishment |
1812 Ste-Catherine Street West (Near St-Marc) Montreal, QC H3H 1M1 Canada +1 514 937 4898 |
Some 45 years and counting: that is how long this venerable establishment has served as a culinary beacon for thousands of Montrealers looking for authentic French specialties in a homey, laid-back atmosphere. The décor is train-station efficient, knocking on kitsch's door: tile floors, sturdy chairs and tiny tables. The dishes are similarly sturdy and simple: Beef bourguignon, calves sweetbreads and their classic brandade de morue, which combines mashed potatoes with shreds of cod. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Montreal's best burgers |
302 Ontario Street East (Near St-Denis) Montreal, QC H2X 1H6 Canada +1 514 842 2040 |
Known primarily for its mouth-watering hamburgers, which are huge affairs piled with all the trimmings, this Latin Quarter diner is a perfect preamble to a night out on St-Denis Street. The service is quick and friendly, and the décor, something like a friend's kitchen, contributes to a warm and comfortable experience. The menu features all your typical greasy spoon standards, prepared with far more care and expertise than you would expect. Burgers run CAD5.50-8, while the heroic club sandwich will only set you back CAD8.95. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephane Wirtel |
 Photo: Christophe Simonis |
 Photo: Amy Rose |
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Tiny diner with no attitude |
4177 St-Laurent Boulevard (At Rachel) Montreal, QC H1W 2Y7 Canada +1 514 844 0216 |
This tiny diner on the corner of St-Laurent and Rachel serves immaculately prepared greasy spoon standards. Breakfasts, which are served all day long, offer heaping portions of the trademark home fries and a good selection of fruit to balance things out. Lunch and dinner feature huge burgers and sandwiches. The décor is kitschy but not obnoxious, and the vinyl stools at the counter are definitely the place to be. The upbeat staff knows the regulars, most of whom wish it was slightly closer to home. Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: lucy and her dent |
 Photo: Oliver Kuo |
 Photo: Kiley Goyette |
 Photo: Julie Lavoie |
 Photo: jonathanward85 |
 Photo: Mary Reilly |
 Photo: natasha roy |
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Student-oriented diner |
224 Milton Street (At Durocher) Montreal, QC H2X 1V6 Canada +1 514 285 0011 |
Packed with students from nearby McGill University, this legendary greasy spoon serves up hundreds of totally uniform breakfasts all day, every day. CAD5 will get you any number of standard choices, while daily lunch specials run only a little more. The menu holds few if any surprises. The pleasant, pastel-coloured décor, which often features student artwork, is a far cry from the original, five booth hole-in-the-wall that is now just the kitchen. In summer, try the tasteful, breezy patio in back. Only cash is accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Unique concept |
3801 St-Denis Street (At Roy) Montreal, QC H2W 2M4 Canada +1 514 982 1717 |
With its motto of "pâtes universelles" (universal pastas), this unique concept restaurant invites you to match many different pasta choices with dozens of available sauces. From the humble napolitaine to the extravagant Stroganoff (filet mignon, onions, mushrooms, lemon, white wine and fresh cream, it is hard to go wrong. Ceramic tables, chalkboard menus and helpful, talkative staff highlight the pleasant, pastel-coloured décor. The terrace, slightly recessed from the bustle of St Denis Street, is a perfect place for a summer evening meal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Henry Faber |
 Photo: Antoine Rouleau |
