The Main

Montreal's Cultural Directory

Help us improve! Share your thoughts on how we can make your experience better.

Leave feedback

For partnerships and collaborations:

partnerships@themain.com

Content

  • Articles
  • Food & Drink
  • Arts & Culture
  • History Lesson
  • Bulletin
  • Events

Guides

  • All Guides
  • Best Restaurants
  • Best Cafés
  • Best Bars
  • Best Brunch
  • Best Bakeries

Explore Montreal

  • Browse Directory
  • Restaurants
  • Bars
  • Cafés
  • Bookstores

About

  • About us
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Advertise
  • Pitch us
  • RSS Feed
  • Subscribe

Legal

  • Terms of service
  • Membership Terms
  • Privacy Policy
Follow us
InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin

The Main Media Inc. 2026

✦ Built By Field Office
    The Main

    Montreal's Cultural Directory

    Help us improve! Share your thoughts on how we can make your experience better.

    Leave feedback

    For partnerships and collaborations:

    partnerships@themain.com

    Content

    • Articles
    • Food & Drink
    • Arts & Culture
    • History Lesson
    • Bulletin
    • Events

    Guides

    • All Guides
    • Best Restaurants
    • Best Cafés
    • Best Bars
    • Best Brunch
    • Best Bakeries

    Explore Montreal

    • Browse Directory
    • Restaurants
    • Bars
    • Cafés
    • Bookstores

    About

    • About us
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • Advertise
    • Pitch us
    • RSS Feed
    • Subscribe

    Legal

    • Terms of service
    • Membership Terms
    • Privacy Policy
    Follow us
    InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin

    The Main Media Inc. 2026

    ✦ Built By Field Office
      --°C|Sunday, March 15, 2026|
      Subscribe today to get 3 free articles per month.ROYALMOUNT Wants to Be Your Dining Destination for a Whole MonthGet 50% off your first 5 rides with Lyft
      InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin
      |
      Advertise
      The Main Logo
      Magazine
      Categories
      • Arts & Culture

        Creativity, heritage, and expression.

      • Beyond Montreal

        Travel, adventure, and global perspectives.

      • Design

        The best of Montreal design.

      • Food & Drink

        La bonne bouffe.

      • History

        Stories, lessons, and context.

      • Newsletter

        Our weekly newsletter.

      • See all original stories
      Explore Montreal
      Popular Guides
      • The Best Restaurants in Montreal
      • Best new Restaurants
      • Best Cafés
      • Unique Boutiques
      • Romantic Restaurants
      • Best Bookstores
      • See all Guides
      Neighbourhood
      • Downtown
      • Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
      • Mile End
      • Mile-Ex
      • Saint-Henri
      • See All
      Business Type
      • Restaurant
      • Café
      • Boutique / Store
      • Bar
      • Bakery
      • See All
      Near the Metro
      • Peel
      • Mont-Royal
      • Place-Saint-Henri
      • Place-d'Armes
      • Jarry
      • View all
      Shop
      Subscribe
      Subscribe
      --°C|Sunday, March 15, 2026|
      Subscribe today to get 3 free articles per month.ROYALMOUNT Wants to Be Your Dining Destination for a Whole MonthGet 50% off your first 5 rides with Lyft
      InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin
      |
      Advertise
      The Main Logo
      Magazine
      Categories
      • Arts & Culture

        Creativity, heritage, and expression.

      • Beyond Montreal

        Travel, adventure, and global perspectives.

      • Design

        The best of Montreal design.

      • Food & Drink

        La bonne bouffe.

      • History

        Stories, lessons, and context.

      • Newsletter

        Our weekly newsletter.

      • See all original stories
      Explore Montreal
      Popular Guides
      • The Best Restaurants in Montreal
      • Best new Restaurants
      • Best Cafés
      • Unique Boutiques
      • Romantic Restaurants
      • Best Bookstores
      • See all Guides
      Neighbourhood
      • Downtown
      • Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
      • Mile End
      • Mile-Ex
      • Saint-Henri
      • See All
      Business Type
      • Restaurant
      • Café
      • Boutique / Store
      • Bar
      • Bakery
      • See All
      Near the Metro
      • Peel
      • Mont-Royal
      • Place-Saint-Henri
      • Place-d'Armes
      • Jarry
      • View all
      Shop
      Subscribe
      Subscribe

      Related articles

      Chouchou Is the Modern Chinese Bistro Our City's Been Missing
      Food & Drink
      The Main

      Chouchou Is the Modern Chinese Bistro Our City's Been Missing

      Chef Chouchou Jia spent years cooking in French and Italian kitchens before opening their first restaurant, and the result is unlike anything else in town.

      Arthurs Nosh Bar Is Coming to NDG, and This Time, They're Bringing Dinner
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Arthurs Nosh Bar Is Coming to NDG, and This Time, They're Bringing Dinner

      Alex Cohen and Raegan Steinberg are combining dinners with breakfast classics to the 48-seat Arthus Dinette in Monkland Village.

      Peel Pub Is Coming Back
      Food & Drink
      The Main

      Peel Pub Is Coming Back

      Eight months after closing, the downtown institution has new owners, a renovation, and a reopening before St. Patrick's Day.

      How Boom J's Went From a Home Kitchen to a Jamaican Institution
      Food & Drink
      Anick Jasmin

      How Boom J's Went From a Home Kitchen to a Jamaican Institution

      Owner Jermaine learned to cook from his grandmother in Jamaica at six years old. Everything at Boom J's still carries those teachings.

      Bistrot Boisselet Skipped the Hype and Went Straight to Work
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Bistrot Boisselet Skipped the Hype and Went Straight to Work

      A quietly confident Little Italy bistrot from Montreal restaurant alum puts chef Darcy Gervais-Wood front and centre.

      Figata is Saint-Henri's New Italian-American Red Sauce Temple
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Figata is Saint-Henri's New Italian-American Red Sauce Temple

      Meatballs from a family recipe, martinis refreshed before you ask, and a room dressed in heirlooms: eat with your hands and make a mess.

      Hana is Korean fine dining for the steakhouse crowd
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Hana is Korean Fine Dining for the Steakhouse Crowd

      Hanhak Kim and David McMillan's new project brings dry-aged prime cuts, tableside grills, and a nine-course steakhouse omakase to town.

      Bruce brings a fresh take on Scottish tavern culture to Griffintown
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Bruce Brings a Fresh Take on Scottish Tavern Culture to Griffintown

      Honouring a local legacy with a blend of haggis, Scotch, cans of IRN BRU, and Montreal's brand of hospitality.

      What defined Montreal's dining scene in 2025, and what's coming in 2026
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      What Defined Montreal's Dining Scene in 2025, and What's Coming in 2026

      From 2025's defining themes to predictions for 2026, here's what Montreal's food insiders are saying about the city's evolving dining culture (and its next Michelin hopefuls).

      Montreal's best restaurants of 2025 according to local writers, photographers, and influencers
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Montreal's Best Restaurants of 2025 According to Local Writers, Photographers, and Influencers

      These are the spots Montreal's food writers, photographers, and bloggers couldn't stop visiting in 2025, from neighbourhood staples to standout pop-ups.

      Good luck getting a table at Mile End's latest morning-to-midnight spot
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Good Luck Getting a Table at Mile End's Latest Morning-to-midnight Spot

      The neighbourhood's smitten with Au Coin's all-day coffee, natural wine, and sourdough pizza.

      Marchigiani became a Montreal institution by staying old school
      Food & Drink
      Jason Gisoo Kim

      Marchigiani Became a Montreal Institution by Staying Old School

      Three generations and 65 years later, this family business is having its busiest run yet.

      Related articles

      Chouchou Is the Modern Chinese Bistro Our City's Been Missing
      Food & Drink
      The Main

      Chouchou Is the Modern Chinese Bistro Our City's Been Missing

      Chef Chouchou Jia spent years cooking in French and Italian kitchens before opening their first restaurant, and the result is unlike anything else in town.

      Arthurs Nosh Bar Is Coming to NDG, and This Time, They're Bringing Dinner
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Arthurs Nosh Bar Is Coming to NDG, and This Time, They're Bringing Dinner

      Alex Cohen and Raegan Steinberg are combining dinners with breakfast classics to the 48-seat Arthus Dinette in Monkland Village.

      Peel Pub Is Coming Back
      Food & Drink
      The Main

      Peel Pub Is Coming Back

      Eight months after closing, the downtown institution has new owners, a renovation, and a reopening before St. Patrick's Day.

      How Boom J's Went From a Home Kitchen to a Jamaican Institution
      Food & Drink
      Anick Jasmin

      How Boom J's Went From a Home Kitchen to a Jamaican Institution

      Owner Jermaine learned to cook from his grandmother in Jamaica at six years old. Everything at Boom J's still carries those teachings.

      Bistrot Boisselet Skipped the Hype and Went Straight to Work
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Bistrot Boisselet Skipped the Hype and Went Straight to Work

      A quietly confident Little Italy bistrot from Montreal restaurant alum puts chef Darcy Gervais-Wood front and centre.

      Figata is Saint-Henri's New Italian-American Red Sauce Temple
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Figata is Saint-Henri's New Italian-American Red Sauce Temple

      Meatballs from a family recipe, martinis refreshed before you ask, and a room dressed in heirlooms: eat with your hands and make a mess.

      Hana is Korean fine dining for the steakhouse crowd
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Hana is Korean Fine Dining for the Steakhouse Crowd

      Hanhak Kim and David McMillan's new project brings dry-aged prime cuts, tableside grills, and a nine-course steakhouse omakase to town.

      Bruce brings a fresh take on Scottish tavern culture to Griffintown
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Bruce Brings a Fresh Take on Scottish Tavern Culture to Griffintown

      Honouring a local legacy with a blend of haggis, Scotch, cans of IRN BRU, and Montreal's brand of hospitality.

      What defined Montreal's dining scene in 2025, and what's coming in 2026
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      What Defined Montreal's Dining Scene in 2025, and What's Coming in 2026

      From 2025's defining themes to predictions for 2026, here's what Montreal's food insiders are saying about the city's evolving dining culture (and its next Michelin hopefuls).

      Montreal's best restaurants of 2025 according to local writers, photographers, and influencers
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Montreal's Best Restaurants of 2025 According to Local Writers, Photographers, and Influencers

      These are the spots Montreal's food writers, photographers, and bloggers couldn't stop visiting in 2025, from neighbourhood staples to standout pop-ups.

      Good luck getting a table at Mile End's latest morning-to-midnight spot
      Food & Drink
      J.P. Karwacki

      Good Luck Getting a Table at Mile End's Latest Morning-to-midnight Spot

      The neighbourhood's smitten with Au Coin's all-day coffee, natural wine, and sourdough pizza.

      Marchigiani became a Montreal institution by staying old school
      Food & Drink
      Jason Gisoo Kim

      Marchigiani Became a Montreal Institution by Staying Old School

      Three generations and 65 years later, this family business is having its busiest run yet.

      1. Articles
      2. Food & Drink

      Shopping for Wine? Head Down to Your Local Caviste.

      Find out about the alternative to buying wine in Montreal at the SAQ with this short introduction to local cavistes.

      By Daniel BrombergJuly 11, 2023 - Read time: 5 min
      Shopping for wine? Head down to your local caviste.
      A typical spread at Vino Rama on Beaubien Est

      Most of you have been to the SAQ once or twice. Fine, maybe three times.

      For most of us, the SAQ—otherwise known as the Société des alcools du Québec—has existed as the province's alcohol monopoly for as long as we can remember. (For historical context, visit the SAQ's official chronology or this epic compilation of images and other information put together by the McCord Stewart Museum for the agency's 100th anniversary.)

      But did you know it's not the only place you can buy privately imported wine in Quebec? Well, in case you haven't had the chance to discover one of these shops, we're happy to inform you that they have a pretty little name that goes by caviste.

      Free account required

      For readers who care about Montreal

      Create a free account to read this story and access 3 articles per month, plus our weekly Bulletin.

      Independent. Local. Reader-supported.

      or

      Already a member? Sign in

      Advertisement

      Advertisement

      Advertisement

      Related Classics

      From our archive.

      1. Articles
      2. Food & Drink

      Shopping for Wine? Head Down to Your Local Caviste.

      Find out about the alternative to buying wine in Montreal at the SAQ with this short introduction to local cavistes.

      By Daniel BrombergJuly 11, 2023 - Read time: 5 min
      Shopping for wine? Head down to your local caviste.
      A typical spread at Vino Rama on Beaubien Est

      Most of you have been to the SAQ once or twice. Fine, maybe three times.

      For most of us, the SAQ—otherwise known as the Société des alcools du Québec—has existed as the province's alcohol monopoly for as long as we can remember. (For historical context, visit the SAQ's official chronology or this epic compilation of images and other information put together by the McCord Stewart Museum for the agency's 100th anniversary.)

      But did you know it's not the only place you can buy privately imported wine in Quebec? Well, in case you haven't had the chance to discover one of these shops, we're happy to inform you that they have a pretty little name that goes by caviste.

      Free account required

      For readers who care about Montreal

      Create a free account to read this story and access 3 articles per month, plus our weekly Bulletin.

      Independent. Local. Reader-supported.

      or

      Already a member? Sign in

      Advertisement

      Advertisement

      Advertisement

      Related Classics

      From our archive.

      Advertisement

      Advertisement

      The Fascinating History of Montreal's Spiral Staircases

      Previous

      The Fascinating History of Montreal's Spiral Staircases

      Next

      Miett Chips: The New Potato Chip Everyone Is Talking About

      Miett Chips: The New Potato Chip Everyone Is Talking About
      The Fascinating History of Montreal's Spiral Staircases

      Previous

      The Fascinating History of Montreal's Spiral Staircases

      Next

      Miett Chips: The New Potato Chip Everyone Is Talking About

      Miett Chips: The New Potato Chip Everyone Is Talking About

      Latest Stories

      History Lesson

      How Montreal Built Its Own Irish Pub Culture

      MAR 14
      How Montreal Built Its Own Irish Pub Culture
      Arts & Culture

      Our Predictions, Picks, and a Few Honest Upsets at the 98th Oscars

      MAR 13
      Our Predictions, Picks, and a Few Honest Upsets at the 98th Oscars
      Montreal, Inc.

      How Ciele Proves It's About More than Just Running

      MAR 12
      How Ciele proves it's about more than just running
      Newsletter

      The Bulletin: Placing Bets on the Oscars, a Sugar Shack Street Fair, and Countryside Dining [Issue #172]

      MAR 12
      The Bulletin: Placing Bets on the Oscars, a Sugar Shack Street Fair, and Countryside Dining [Issue #172]
      Arts & Culture

      What to Do This Weekend (03.12–03.15)

      MAR 11
      What to do this weekend (03.12–03.15)

      Latest Stories

      History Lesson

      How Montreal Built Its Own Irish Pub Culture

      MAR 14
      How Montreal Built Its Own Irish Pub Culture
      Arts & Culture

      Our Predictions, Picks, and a Few Honest Upsets at the 98th Oscars

      MAR 13
      Our Predictions, Picks, and a Few Honest Upsets at the 98th Oscars
      Montreal, Inc.

      How Ciele Proves It's About More than Just Running

      MAR 12
      How Ciele proves it's about more than just running
      Newsletter

      The Bulletin: Placing Bets on the Oscars, a Sugar Shack Street Fair, and Countryside Dining [Issue #172]

      MAR 12
      The Bulletin: Placing Bets on the Oscars, a Sugar Shack Street Fair, and Countryside Dining [Issue #172]
      Arts & Culture

      What to Do This Weekend (03.12–03.15)

      MAR 11
      What to do this weekend (03.12–03.15)