Hotspots

Our staff invites you to discover its favourite Montreal hotspots

Mélanie, Ever Epicurious
Assistant to General and Artistic Director

Epicureans, enjoy the vibrant Plateau Mont Royal neighbourhood! Follow Mélanie as she plunges into the lifestyle of this colourful district, one of the most thriving areas of the city. Experience the dolce vitta, from the mojito on Barraca’s sunny terrace to Plan B’s cocktails or live music at Billy Kun. After venturing up and down The Main, make your way to Gilford Street for dinner at the cosy bistro Chien fumant, or perhaps the Quartier Général, one of the best Bring your own wine restaurants in town.

Having brunch à la montréalaise? Then check out Laïka, a hangout for artists and digital geeks. Or you might want to try the Iranian bistro Byblos on Laurier St., or the Santropol, an alternative café that dates back to the late ‘70s.  

For other gourmet spots, visit the bistro Le Réservoir, La Salle à manger restaurant, the bakery Les Co’Pains d’abord or the coffee house Café Névé.

Olfa, Resident Gourmet 
Communications Assistant and Video Editor

Enjoy gourmet pleasures, unexpected discoveries and olfactory and gustatory delights with Olfa in the Mile End district, Little Italy and the Outremont neighborhood with selections bound to satisfy both the curious and the budget-conscious.  

Start with dessert in Mile End at the charming retro bakery Cocoa Locale. Other musts in Little Italy are Kitchen Galerie, Marché Jean-Talon, Pick-up dépanneur and Pizza Napoletana.

Located in between Mile End and Outremont, the Nouveau Palais welcomes guests in a retro-hype atmosphere. Venture to Van Horne Avenue and discover the exquisite cuisine of the Van Horne restaurant, the Mamie Clafoutis bakery, the bistro Le Paris beurre, the Maison du Cheddar and Le Petit italien on Bernard Street West. Post-show munchies? Try the $25 table d’hôte available from 10pm at Lemeac or artisanal beer at Vice & Versa.

For other gourmet spots, visit Kaza Maza, Le Petit Alep and Rumi restaurant.

Karen, The Scenester
Programming Assistant  

Follow Karen into the famous Montreal hipster neighborhood of Mile-End. For original clothing, check out General 54 or the second-hand shop Local 23, or the Unicorn boutique, where you’ll find plenty of local designer brands.

Get your Montreal bagel fix at the renowned St.Viateur Bagel, and meander along St. Laurent Boulevard to the rhythms of the indie music scene. Rest your feet at Divan Orange, Casa del Popolo (and its hidden terrace) or Sala Rossa, and check out the scene at La Elástica. Next morning, enjoy a bohemian brunch at Cagibi. Bliss!

Don’t miss the tapas at La Buvette chez Simone, the raw and cooked fare of Bistro Lustucru, the retro charm of Beauty’s and the excellent bakery Guillaume, which also sells sandwiches.

For tasty chicken, order the best chicken sandwiches in Montreal at Serrano BBQ. Try the fish and chips at Comptoir 21 or the Jamaican food at Jardin du Cari. If you fancy a salad, choose between the verdant, relaxed ambiences of La Panthère verte or Cagibi. Which place on St. Viateur Street offers the best caffé latte, the Club Social Italien or the Café Olimpico?

Yum yum! La bouche pleine, a local guide to hundreds of gourmet pleasures in Montreal.