Montreal: Where We Ate & Drank
Sometimes the biggest challenge when traveling can be finding decent restaurants/bars, especially if it’s somewhere you’ve never been. Yeah, Yelp is cool but I don’t always trust it (it’s a story that my girls now know). That being said we had amazing luck on our girls trip! Here’s a rundown of everywhere we ate and drank in Montreal. We were fortunate to stumble across several places that happened to be gems. Also I have to give credit where it’s due – we were lucky that we had a local pal give some off the charts recommendations (like Le Darling) so THANKS DUDE!
Kinton Ramen
1211 Rue Bishop
This is a chain (I know, I know) out of Tokyo but also a guilty pleasure favorite of mine. I just ate there in Tokyo this spring so I really, really wanted to grab some veggie ramen and beers. The menu is pretty straight forward, with pork, chicken or veggie ramen and standard apps (edamame, gyoza, etc.). Sapporo was the obvious beer choice and overall it was relatively cheap and had outdoor seating.
ramen always calls for beer
The Cold Room
Rue Saint Vincent
If you’re lucky enough to both find this place and be able to get in you should try it! We were there late night on a Thursday and, while it was pretty crowded, it was quiet enough to have a conversation and enjoy the drinks. The drink list is constantly changing but ask your server if you need a recommendation – ours was super helpful and had some excellent suggestions.
hint: it’s around here somewhere……….
Dépanneur Le Pick-Up
7032 Waverly
This place is half counter restaurant and half corner store (and reminds me of a place in Providence that I used to live around the corner from so I had to shelve my hipster nostalgia). They had some breakfast sandwich offerings along with burgers (meat & veggie), sandwiches and pulled pork (again, meat and faux pork). There were a bunch of tables outside and some seating inside, the food was no frills but yummy and was served quickly.
Pizzeria Magpie
16 Rue Maguire
Craving pizza? Check out Magpie! We went to the Village location, however our server told us they were closing at the end of the month *sad face* but would still have their Mile End location. I loved how accommodating they were for me, making me a vegan pizza with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic and dill (interesting combo but really good!). The other ladies also had a pizza (with legit cheese) and a salad and everyone was pretty happy. Pizza and beer is always a good call.
dill on pizza is pretty good
Unibar
404 St Sulpice St
Totally stumbled on this one by accident. They were playing Destiny’s Child while we were walking around looking for a bar so we went downstairs. It was cozy, mish-mashed and slightly loud but we were pretty happy with our corner table. Try the Mai Tai! Seriously, it was incredible. We also got some French fries (yuuuum) to go with the drinks.
got drawn in by Destiny’s Child, stayed for the Mai Tais and French fries
Gokudo
630 Rue Cathcart
Just up the hill from our hotel, Gokudo looks like a tiny Japanese restaurant until you’re led behind the curtains. I loved how dark it was and their drink list was pretty interesting. We also got a really good glass of Japanese whiskey – I was impressed with their list of offerings, even if they were out of Nikka at the time.
the entrance to Gokudo reminds me of a couple places I’ve been in Tokyo
Lola Rosa Parc
4581 Park Ave
Want a vegetarian (or vegan) brunch? We basically stumbled on this spot when we got to Mile End but it was a wonderful surprise! I really liked the creativity in some of the vegan offerings (sunflower seed “cheese” and black bean based gravy were both interesting and tasty) and the sangria was delicious. The rest of the gang was pretty happy, too, especially because they serve actual cheese. The outdoor seating was a plus.
Le Darling
4328 St Laurent Blvd
Please, please eat here. If you only eat at one restaurant in Montreal make it this one! It was unanimous love from the gang and for good reason. The inside of this place is eclectic, charming and really pretty. The menu is best shared by ordering lots of small dishes and the cider sangria (what?!) was perfect. We split just about every veggie dish on the menu and some of the squad got some pate as well. Everything was superb and the atmosphere was perfect.
small plates at Le Darling
Terrasse Nelligan
106 Saint-Paul St W
I found this rooftop bar on a list of “top rooftop bars in Montreal” from a website that shall remain unnamed at this time. Can I be honest? It wasn’t what we thought it would be. They don’t take reservations for the evenings, which makes sense….but also means you can end up waiting a long time. We showed up, went to the 5th floor and were greeted by a line of people in front of us, winding up the stairs to the terrace and backed by a security guard (the entrance to the bar is on a floor that has actual guest rooms – we even saw an unfortunate couple who’s room was at the bottom of the stairs where everyone was waiting). Worst part of the wait? The whole hallway smelled like vomit. Seriously. At 6pm on a Saturday. Anyways, we got a table after about 40 minutes and a mix up but we were lucky enough to get a table on the perimeter. Our drinks were quite good and we were able to catch the sunset as a bonus. When it came time to order food we were told that they pre-make everything so substitutions or changes to menu items can’t be accommodated………ugh. To me this meant that I couldn’t eat anything they had and was also a pretty clear sign that they are slightly more interested in rotating guests out ASAP, at least on the weekends. Long story short, if you’re able to snag a perimeter table it’s worth a drink or two (provided you’re not directly across from the entrance stairs, like we were – catching death glares from people waiting) but skip the food.
best part of Terrasse Nelligan – the sunset
LOV
464 McGill St
The final accidental discovery of our trip! We wanted an easy brunch before we checked out on our last day and I happened to find this spot. It’s all plant based (yayyyyy for me!) but despite that I think everyone enjoyed their food. Just a tip: the hashbrown is actually a serving of multiple hashbrowns that can easily feed 2-4 people as a side (we accidentally ordered multiple orders of these but will never apologize for it). Great brunch in a bright and airy space.
interior of LOV
Markets
Can’t forget about the markets! Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market are both great places for a quick, light bite or snacks (fruits, pastries, coffee, smoothies, etc.). I will also readily admit to grabbing drinks at the hotel bar at Hotel Bonaventure – the cocktails were good, it was a standard hotel bar but for the singing bartender……ask me if you have any questions about that one.
If you’re planning a trip to Montreal check out my 3 Nights in Montreal post! The city is amazing and totally worth a stop. Traveling with your gals (which I highly recommend)? Check out my essentials for traveling with your squad here.
Where’s your favorite spot to eat in Montreal? I’d love to know, I’ll add it to the list of spots to check out the next time I’m there!
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Lina
August 15, 2019 at 4:29 pmMontreal is one of my favourite cities in the world! There is to much to do there. Also, I love all the kind of food that this city offers!
Morgan
August 15, 2019 at 4:32 pmI can see why it’s one of your favorites! I joked that I would move there….until I found out how cold the winters get.
Stephanie
August 16, 2019 at 8:53 amIt’s awesome to know the best (and not so great) spots to visit for food in Montreal. I’m sooo hungry just reading through all this – and it’s only 9am!
Morgan
August 16, 2019 at 9:28 amI always appreciate honesty when I’m reading about people’s travel experiences so I try my best to do the same when I write. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Becky
August 16, 2019 at 9:47 amWow, so many things sound great! I don’t blame you for going for the ramen, I love a good ramen place. And I’ll add Le Darling to my list if I ever get the chance to go. That’s a bummer that one place wouldn’t make any changes or substitutions though! With how many dietary restrictions and allergies people have these days that seems like it could really backfire.
Morgan
August 16, 2019 at 6:12 pmYes, please go to Le Darling! You won’t be sorry! While it was a bummer that the other spot wouldn’t make changes to the menu (due to the food being pre-made) I think it’s a good indication of the quality of food when places do stuff like this. I took the sunset and the drinks as a win, though!
Jiawun
August 16, 2019 at 10:58 amMy boyfriend’s from Quebec City and we’re planning to go down to Montreal when I visit, so this will come in really handy, we’ll know what to check out and what to skip. Thanks for sharing!
Morgan
August 16, 2019 at 6:13 pmI hope that you and your boyfriend have a great trip! Montreal is super fun so I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Thanks for reading!
Ashley
August 16, 2019 at 10:03 pmHubby and I are hoping to visit Montreal in 2020. Thanks for putting this together!
Morgan
August 18, 2019 at 3:23 pmGlad you enjoyed the post! Hope that the two of you enjoy Montreal as much as I did!
Amberly
August 16, 2019 at 11:35 pmI love the food you get when you travel!! I may go more for the food than the sights 😉
Morgan
August 18, 2019 at 3:24 pmHonestly I think that sometimes the food experiences stick with you more than the sights!
Christa
August 17, 2019 at 1:27 amI haven’t been to Montreal in years but judging by this post, I should change that soon. I love exploring a city through food. It’s my favorite way to travel!
Morgan
August 19, 2019 at 12:44 pmAgreed! Thanks for reading!
Indya | The Small Adventurer
August 17, 2019 at 7:35 amWow, it looks like you went to some really cool and unique places! I love that you found some of them completely by accident – it’s those kind of memories that often stay with you more than thoroughly planned out activities!
Melissa
August 19, 2019 at 12:37 pmI can’t wait to go to Montreal, it looks amazing!
Morgan
August 19, 2019 at 12:46 pmIt’s really a great city! I hope you’re able to visit soon.
Marette F
August 19, 2019 at 1:12 pmI love ramen and pizza so I think I would like to try these places! I hope to visit Montreal someday.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
August 19, 2019 at 4:28 pmI have never been to Montreal!
Kelsie
August 19, 2019 at 10:48 pmFun! Looks so delicious and amazing! My parents were here a few weeks ago!
Morgan
August 21, 2019 at 11:00 amIt really was all fun & food (and drinks!). Hope that your parents enjoyed it!
Henrietta
August 21, 2019 at 6:46 amMontreal is on my bucket list and though the sunset at Terrasse Nelligan sounds like a great idea, I doubt if I’ll go there. Thanks for these honest insights.
Morgan
August 21, 2019 at 11:00 amI would highly recommend Montreal! There are several other rooftop bars that look like they’re worth visiting, unfortunately I didn’t get the chance while I was there. You’ll have to let me know if you go to one!
Katie
August 24, 2019 at 11:09 amI want to visit Montreal! All of this food looks incredible!! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Jenn
August 26, 2019 at 5:21 amI definitely want to visit Montreal at some point! Always been very high on my bucket list! This is a great place!
Crickette, The Things I Have to Say
August 26, 2019 at 8:39 amThis is what I absolutely love about travelling, the food. The pizza looks amazing! That would be perfect with ice cold beer. Hihi!
Morgan
August 26, 2019 at 1:44 pmI won’t lie, I got a cold beer to go with it (and it was delicious!).
Cassandra Rose
August 26, 2019 at 7:07 pmI haven’t been to Montreal since I was a baby and have been itching to take a proper trip there. There’s something really niche and homey about the restaurants that you stopped at. I feel like rooftop bars can go either way. I mainly like going to watch the sunset, but hate that it sometimes takes so much effort to get in. Do you think planning out which places to drop by made your foodie experience better or more pressed?
Morgan
August 26, 2019 at 7:23 pmWe only 1/2 planned the places to stop (and had a local friend making the recommendations) so it flowed pretty well. The other half we just kind of stumbled upon, which was amazing! I agree on the rooftop bar situation – it was pretty but also a Saturday night in the summer and super crowded. You never know until you go, I guess! Hopefully you’ll be able to take a proper trip to Montreal soon!
Kemi
August 26, 2019 at 8:29 pmI did Montreal Thanksgiving 2016 and it was snowing! We stayed underground all through which is a separate city all on its own. very interesting.
Morgan
August 27, 2019 at 12:40 pmI’m actually embarrassed to say that I didn’t get a chance to check out the underground city (but it’s on the list for next time!).
Dalene
August 27, 2019 at 4:50 amIf I visited Montreal, I’d love to drop by Dépanneur Le Pick-Up! I’m always enjoying some good burgers so the spot would be great for me. And also, their decor looks very inviting- i have a thing for restaurants with outdoor spaces!
Liz Bayardelle
August 27, 2019 at 10:16 amThis is such a great list! If I ever get there I would want to work my way down every single item!
Laura
August 27, 2019 at 10:55 amSuch a fab post and round up of places to eat in Montreal, I have a friend who is visiting soon so shall send her a link to this post 🙂
Autumn
August 27, 2019 at 10:57 amI absolutely love Montreal, Canada! Looks like you went to some pretty cool spots!