Best Restaurants in Montreal to Suit Every Craving

Montreal, the largest city in Quebec, is a vibrant cultural hub where French charm meets North American energy. With its cobblestone streets in Old Montreal, iconic Mount Royal, and buzzing festivals, the city offers both historical depth and modern flair.

This article explores the best places to eat in Montreal, whether you’re craving affordable comfort food, high-end fine dining, or a cozy vegetarian brunch. From hole-in-the-wall classics to romantic rooftop views, Montreal’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its neighborhoods.

To help you enjoy your culinary adventure without any extra baggage, use Qeepl, a convenient luggage storage service available across the city. Just drop off your bags and set off to discover Montreal’s flavors completely hands-free.

What Should You Know About Food in Montreal?

The food scene in Montreal is famously eclectic, shaped by its French heritage, multicultural population, and a flair for innovation. Whether it’s classic bagels, smoked meat sandwiches, or fresh-from-the-farm vegetables turned into avant-garde dishes, Montreal serves up a rich culinary experience.

The best food in Montreal is often a balance of the old and the new. You’ll find age-old recipes from Jewish delis next to plant-based cafés and restaurants pushing the boundaries of molecular gastronomy. Local staples include poutine, tourtière (a savory meat pie), and maple syrup-drizzled everything — but this is also a city where pho, Haitian griot, and Tunisian couscous are just as accessible and celebrated.

Best Affordable Restaurants in Montreal

Montreal’s affordability is one of its culinary perks. You don’t need a thick wallet to enjoy a satisfying meal — some of the city’s most delicious food comes from humble diners, local institutions, and street-level gems.

1. La Banquise

Ask any local where to find the best poutine, and chances are they’ll send you to La Banquise. Open 24 hours and located in the Plateau, this colorful and casual eatery serves over 30 varieties of poutine.

From the classic cheese curds and gravy combo to versions topped with bacon, pulled pork, or vegan ingredients, there’s something for every craving. Prices range from $10 to $16 CAD. It’s lively, informal, and a rite of passage for first-time visitors.

2. Boustan

A go-to for late-night eats and quick lunches, Boustan is a Lebanese fast-food spot that has gained cult status in Montreal. Their shawarma, falafel wraps, garlic potatoes, and fresh tabbouleh are consistent favorites.

Meals typically cost $8 to $14 CAD, and the speed of service makes it ideal for on-the-go dining. The original location on Crescent Street has expanded across the city, a testament to its popularity.

3. Romados

For a taste of Portuguese-style rotisserie chicken, Romados in the Plateau delivers both flavor and value. Their flame-grilled chicken, seasoned with peri-peri spice, comes with a mountain of golden fries and salad.

A full combo meal costs about $10 to $13 CAD, making it a local favorite for lunch or takeout. It’s no-frills, often busy, but worth the wait every time.

4. Patati Patata

This tiny, cheerful diner on Boulevard Saint-Laurent specializes in mini-burgers, fresh-cut fries, and breakfasts served all day. Patati Patata has a retro, artsy vibe with just a few counter stools and tables.

You can easily get a meal for under $10 CAD, and the quality is always top-notch. Locals love the homey feel and the veggie burger, which is among the best in the city.

5. Damas Express

For high-quality Syrian food on a budget, Damas Express offers an excellent condensed version of the more upscale Damas restaurant. Think beef kebabs, muhammara, tabbouleh, and fluffy pita, all packed in takeaway containers.

Meals range from $12 to $20 CAD, and flavors are rich and deeply satisfying. It’s one of the best ways to experience refined Middle Eastern cuisine without the white tablecloth setting.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Montreal

Montreal’s plant-based scene has blossomed in recent years, with creative vegetarian and vegan restaurants popping up all over the city. These spots deliver on taste, innovation, and style.

1. LOV

With several locations in the city, LOV (Local, Organic, Vegetarian) is as beautiful as it is delicious. The interior design feels like a chic greenhouse, and the menu is full of vibrant, health-forward options.

Highlights include cauliflower wings, kimchi burgers, and truffle risotto. Dishes are priced between $12 and $22 CAD, and the restaurant also features an extensive organic wine and mocktail list. It’s the ideal place for a stylish yet relaxed plant-based meal.

2. Aux Vivres

One of the pioneers of the vegan scene in Montreal, Aux Vivres has been serving hearty and flavorful dishes since the early 2000s. The focus is on fresh ingredients and globally inspired recipes.

Try their BLT with coconut bacon, dragon bowls, and vegan cheesecake. Prices range from $10 to $18 CAD, and they also offer an impressive selection of smoothies and juices. It’s casual, family-friendly, and great for dine-in or takeout.

3. ChuChai

For Thai food lovers, ChuChai in the Plateau offers a completely vegetarian menu with dishes that replicate meat using soy and seitan in shockingly realistic ways. Their red curry duck and crispy beef stir-fry are local legends.

Mains cost around $14 to $24 CAD, and the ambiance is sleek and upscale — perfect for a date night or small group dinner. They also offer several gluten-free options.

4. Lola Rosa

This cozy, bohemian-style restaurant is a hit with students and creatives, especially at its McGill-adjacent location. Lola Rosa offers a wide variety of comfort foods with a vegetarian twist, including quiches, burritos, and macaroni and cheese.

The average meal costs between $12 and $20 CAD, and the eclectic decor adds to the charm — check the drawers at your table for notes and doodles from past guests.

5. Restaurant Radis

Located in the Villeray neighborhood, Radis is a small, chef-driven vegan bistro that puts seasonal ingredients front and center. With a menu that rotates regularly, you might find dishes like charred corn tacos, fennel salads, or mushroom tartines on offer.

Prices range from $14 to $25 CAD, and the quality of both food and service makes it feel like a hidden gem worth seeking out.

Romantic Restaurants in Montreal

Montreal oozes romance — from cobblestone alleyways to rooftop terraces. These restaurants create the perfect setting for a dreamy evening, with exceptional food to match the mood.

1. Toqué!

A pillar of Montreal’s fine dining scene, Toqué! offers refined Quebecois cuisine crafted by chef Normand Laprise. The tasting menus highlight local produce, wild game, and seafood with French precision.

The space is sleek and modern, with soft lighting and impeccable service. Expect to pay $150 to $200 CAD per person for the full experience, which is ideal for anniversaries or special occasions.

2. Le Club Chasse et Pêche

Tucked into a stone-walled room in Old Montreal, Le Club Chasse et Pêche delivers on atmosphere and culinary sophistication. The name, which translates to “The Hunting and Fishing Club,” reflects the rich, seasonal menu featuring braised meats, foie gras, and seafood.

Mains cost around $40 to $60 CAD, with tasting menus available. The setting is quiet and intimate, with candlelit tables perfect for whispering sweet nothings over a glass of red.

3. L’Express

A taste of Paris in the heart of Montreal, L’Express on Saint-Denis Street is a classic French bistro with a timeless atmosphere. The black-and-white tile floor, mirrored walls, and tuxedo-clad waiters create a truly romantic scene.

The menu includes staples like steak frites, duck confit, and crème caramel, with prices ranging from $20 to $40 CAD per entrée. It’s open late, making it a favorite for late-night rendezvous.

4. Bar George

Set in a grand 19th-century mansion, Bar George combines historic architecture with British-inspired cuisine and cocktails. The wood-paneled dining room and moody lighting make it a favorite among those seeking romance with a hint of drama.

Dishes like beef Wellington, roast chicken, and sticky toffee pudding add to the indulgence. Expect to spend about $100 to $150 CAD for two, with the extensive cocktail list adding to the allure.

5. Terrasse Nelligan

If you’re visiting in spring or summer, Terrasse Nelligan offers one of the city’s most beautiful rooftop dining experiences. Located in Old Montreal, it provides sweeping views of the city and the river.

The menu features Mediterranean fare and fresh seafood, with entrees ranging from $18 to $36 CAD. Come at sunset for golden-hour magic and sip a sparkling rosé while the lights of the city come alive below you.

Are There Michelin Star Restaurants in Montreal?

As of now, Montreal does not have any restaurants officially rated by the Michelin Guide, since the guide has yet to launch a selection for Canada. However, several Montreal restaurants are often referred to as Michelin-worthy due to their exceptional quality, innovation, and critical acclaim.

Here are three standout restaurants frequently mentioned as contenders:

• Toqué!: Helmed by chef Normand Laprise, Toqué! has long been considered one of Canada’s premier restaurants. The cuisine is rooted in Quebecois traditions with a strong emphasis on local, sustainable ingredients. Menus feature dishes like scallop crudo with apple and sorrel, or venison with juniper sauce. The dining room is elegant yet approachable, and the service is polished to perfection.
• Maison Boulud: Located in the Ritz-Carlton, Maison Boulud brings chef Daniel Boulud’s signature French cuisine to Montreal. The menu is sophisticated and seasonal, with favorites like duck breast with fig glaze and butter-poached lobster. Dining here costs around $120 to $180 CAD per person, and it offers one of the most luxurious restaurant settings in the city, complete with a garden terrace in summer. It’s a short stroll from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
• Candide: Located inside a converted church rectory in Little Burgundy, Candide offers a tasting menu inspired by Quebec’s ingredients and culinary heritage. Chef John Winter Russell focuses on sustainability and simple, clean flavors. The atmosphere is intimate and rustic, with dishes that may include charred leeks with romesco or trout with spruce butter. A meal costs around $80 to $100 CAD, and nearby you’ll find the Lachine Canal, perfect for a romantic post-dinner walk.