Places in Montreal

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal · Music Venue

Westmount · Restaurant

The team behind Ristorante Donato opened this Italian café-cocktail bar in Westmount where espresso mornings slide into spritz-filled nights. The name means "snack" in Italian, and the menu delivers on that promise: handmade pastas, Roman-style pizzas, sandwiches running from breakfast through dinner. Highlights include prosciutto with whipped ricotta and truffle honey, ravioli di ricotta with tomato sauce, eggplant parmigiana, chicken piccata, seared calamari with lemon and chili. Pizzas feature mortadella with pistachio pesto, speck with marinated artichokes, funghi with pecorino. Cocktails lean Italian: limoncello martini, Aperol spritz with blood orange, affogato martini with Kahlúa and ice cream. The vibe is spontaneous, unhurried, designed for lingering. No reservations needed—just pull up a chair.

Mile End · Restaurant

Faros has held its ground on Fairmount since 1986, part of the stretch that once anchored Mile End’s Greek commercial life and still carries traces of it today. The kitchen has long been overseen by Benny Kazerooni, who came up through the restaurant before taking it on himself, continuing rather than reinventing what was already working. The focus is seafood, handled in the straightforward, ingredient-first style of a psarotaverna: whole fish sold by the pound, octopus, shrimp, and seasonal imports like langoustines or sea urchin when available. The daily display sets the tone, with origins listed and choices made in plain view. Around it, the usual spread of mezze—tzatziki, taramosalata, saganaki—fills out the table.

La Petite-Patrie · Clothing store

OFFICIEL is a necessary checkpoint in the ongoing evolution of Montreal streetwear. Sitting on Plaza St-Hubert, the shop merges skate culture, fashion, and community with a steady hand and a sharp eye. Since its beginnings, Official has become a proving ground for both established labels and emerging designers, curating a mix of apparel, footwear, and accessories that lean local without being insular. The interior is clean but not clinical: white tile, matte textures, and racks spaced with purpose. But the vibe stays loose. Events, drops, and DJ sets turn the space into more than just a place to shop—it’s where people come to post up, talk shit, and see what’s next. Go for a fresh tee or to catch a pop-up—whatever you do, Official keeps a finger on the pulse without trying too hard to flex.

Côte-des-Neiges · Restaurant

Chin Chow has outlasted nearly everything else in Plaza Côte-des-Neiges. The Chinese restaurant has been feeding neighbourhood regulars for decades—high schoolers who grew up on student plates now bring their own kids. The menu runs broad: General Tao chicken, fried rice, won ton soup, egg rolls with actual meat in them. Portions are generous, prices stay honest, and the staff have a reputation for loading your box on a good day. The Plaza may have changed around it, but Chin Chow has stayed the course as family-run, and still a first stop for anyone who grew up in CDN and needs a spot that feels less like a restaurant and more like a standing appointment with good memories.

Saint-Laurent · Restaurant

Miss Pho in Ville Saint-Laurent’s a slightly—ever so slightly—refined take on Vietnamese comfort food without sacrificing authenticity. The heart of the menu lies in its aromatic, piping hot, and perfectly balanced broth, a foundation that makes their pho some of the best around. Whether it’s the rich bun bo hue, grilled chicken soup, or the beef with tripe, every bowl is a solid choice. Their menu extends beyond soups, with standout grilled meat dishes, crispy spring rolls, and unexpectedly excellent calamari paired with a tangy, citrus-forward dipping sauce. Portions are generous, the service is welcoming, and the vibe is modern yet casual, with a parking lot terrace that surprisingly works. From what we hear, the Noodle and Grilled Meat combo or the duck soup are cult favourites.

Ahuntsic-Cartierville · Spa

L’Absolu Spa has been a sanctuary for relaxation in Montreal since 1998, blending Zen-inspired traditions with modern comforts to create an unparalleled wellness experience. This hidden gem offers a holistic approach to self-care, featuring massage therapy, floatation baths, a Finnish sauna, and a serene relaxation area designed for unwinding between treatments. The floatation baths, enriched with Epsom salts, provide a sensation of weightlessness that helps relieve tension, rejuvenate muscles, and soothe the skin. For those seeking deeper purification, the authentic Finnish sauna delivers a detoxifying thermotherapy experience that combines heat, steam, and ventilation. At the heart of L’Absolu is its renowned massage therapy: With a Tempur-mattress-equipped table in every room, customizable techniques, and soothing aloe-enriched oils, each session is tailored for ultimate comfort.

La Petite-Patrie · Spa

La Petite-Patrie’s Ovarium Spa has been deep into the art of relaxation since the early ’80s, and it all starts with its signature floatation tanks. Imagine an hour of weightlessness in a pod filled with Epsom salt water, cutting you off from the world’s relentless noise. It’s sensory deprivation, but in the best way—tension dissolves, creativity awakens, and stress takes a backseat. Pair it with their NeuroSpa zero-gravity chair, which uses sound vibrations to calm your nervous system, or opt for a massage to round out the experience. For those craving more, Ovarium offers light therapy with PSiO technology and a menu of facials and body treatments. Their “Total” package bundles all these services into one seamless escape, ideal for anyone chasing a profound escape.

Rosemont · Spa

Spa Escale Santé in Montreal’s Angus area is a hidden gem for anyone serious about hydrotherapy and holistic self-care. This intimate spa delivers a full-spectrum wellness experience, from Nordic baths and saunas to tailored treatments like osteopathy to realign your chi and tackle chronic tension. The attention to detail here is impressive—everything from the pH-balanced baths to the ionized drinking water is designed with your well-being in mind. Beyond its therapeutic edge, Spa Escale Santé shines with its array of services: facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, and body treatments all delivered in a sleek, modern space that feels instantly calming. Whether you’re seeking relief, rejuvenation, or just an hour of peace, this urban oasis sets the bar high for comfort and care.

Downtown · Spa

Found inside Les Cours Mont Royal in the Underground City, Spa Diva is complete urban indulgence: With over two decades of experience and recognition as the largest luxury day spa in Canada, this legacy spa pampers with features like heated massage beds, private changing rooms with showers, and treatments designed to spoil you rotten. Their offerings cover the full spectrum of relaxation and rejuvenation: facials, body wraps, reflexology, Reiki energy work, and manicures and pedicures delivered in plush massage chairs. The deluxe experience doesn’t stop there—Spa Diva is famous for its serene Zen-inspired lounge, where you can snack on signature chocolate-dipped strawberries before heading out to shop or unwind.

Downtown · Restaurant · $$$$

The iconic Ritz-Carlton Montreal’s in-house restaurant Maison Boulud is a beacon of haute cuisine, blending French tradition with global inspiration and local flair. Helmed by chef Daniel Boulud and brought to life by hand-picked executive chefs over the years, this refined yet approachable restaurant has become a cornerstone of Montreal’s culinary landscape since opening in 2012. The menu evolves with the seasons, spotlighting Quebec’s finest ingredients while showcasing Boulud’s worldly influences, honed over decades in New York, Italy, and beyond. Signature dishes, like ris de veau, tartares, and pastas share the stage with indulgent desserts. Pair your meal with selections from a meticulously curated 600-bottle wine list, or explore cocktails during a chic 5 à 7 at the bar. Designed by Japanese firm Super Potato, the space has understated luxury with natural woods, bronze accents, and a cozy central fireplace. In warmer months, the adjoining veranda provides a magical setting with views of the Ritz’s gardens and famous duck pond. For intimate gatherings, Maison Boulud offers private and semi-private dining rooms, perfect for celebrations or quiet business lunches.

Parc Jean-Drapeau · Landmark

Spanning two islands in the Saint Lawrence River, Parc Jean-Drapeau is a landmark rich with history, culture, and year-round activity. Comprised of Île Sainte-Hélène and the man-made Île Notre-Dame, this expansive green space was home to Expo 67 and the 1976 Summer Olympics, and today remains a hub for festivals, outdoor adventures, and architectural relics and modern-day wonders. The park’s attractions are as varied as its history. Music lovers flock to massive events like Osheaga and Piknic Électronik, while thrill-seekers can enjoy La Ronde, the Six Flags amusement park. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve draws Formula 1 fans for the Canadian Grand Prix, while serene spots like the Jean-Doré Beach or the lush flower gardens of Île Notre-Dame offer peaceful escapes. History buffs can explore the Victorian-era fort on Île Sainte-Hélène or admire Expo relics like the Biosphere, once the U.S. pavilion, and the monumental sculpture L’Homme by Alexander Calder. With 25 kilometres of walking, biking, and skiing trails, the park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, and the landscape is alive with public art and views of the St. Lawrence. In winter, the Fête des Neiges transforms the park into a snowy wonderland of family-friendly fun. Named after visionary mayor Jean Drapeau, who spearheaded Expo 67, the park is a testament to Montreal’s ability to blend innovation, recreation, and natural beauty.

Old Montreal · Restaurant

Oncle Lee Kao reimagines modern Chinese-American cuisine in Old Montreal, building on the foundation of its Laurier West sibling while forging its own identity. Rather than adhering strictly to regional traditions, the menu takes a creative approach to familiar flavours—blending bold spices, wok-fired techniques, and flame-grilled elements. Dishes range from a whole grilled seabream served in a fiery Sichuan-style broth to a brined, cumin-rubbed lamb skewer inspired by Northern Chinese street food. There’s also grilled octopus paired with lap cheong sausage and a house-made glaze, among other inventive takes. The high-ceilinged dining room, warmed by pale wood tones and anchored by a central bar, offers a lively yet refined setting. A semi-private space caters to groups without losing the restaurant’s energetic flow. With an appellation-driven wine selection and cocktails that layer Chinese influences into classic forms, Oncle Lee Kao delivers a fresh, dynamic experience—one that’s distinctly its own.

Downtown · Bar

In a downtown building that’s seen more than a century of change, McLean’s carries the torch of the city’s old public houses into the modern era. The menu hits familiar notes—burgers, wings, poutine, mac and cheese—but the kitchen leans into comfort with a twist, from Guinness-spiked pasta to butter chicken poutine. Regulars come for the game screens and stay for the easy camaraderie that defines the place: part pub, part sports bar, part local living room. It’s where office crowds, longtime Montrealers, and the odd tourist can all find common ground over a pint and a plate that doesn’t need overexplaining (not from us, anyway).

Chinatown · Restaurant

Hoshi specializes in donburi, katsu, and tempura bowls: Highlights include the rosu and hire katsu—panko-crusted pork loin and tenderloin served with soup—and the ten don, a rice bowl topped with fried scallop, shrimp, egg, and vegetable tempura, finished with a house-made tare sauce for a rich kick. For noodle lovers, the shrimp udon combines delicate broth with mushrooms, tofu, seaweed, and plump shrimp. Portions are generous, flavours are bold, and each dish strikes a balance between comfort and indulgence.

Pointe-Saint-Charles · Restaurant

Knox Tavern in Pointe-Saint-Charles has birthed a new project in the form of the neighbourhood slice shop Palomino, located right around the corner from the longstanding bar. It's fueling Knox's lunch services as well. Beer, wine, and al taglio style pizza are the focus here, the last of which comes with options like an upside-down margarita, spinach & ricotta, or a vegan blanco potato option.

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve · Restaurant

Located in Hochelaga, Motel Ontario brings together the experience of Vincent Châtelais, known for Pizzeria Heirloom and l'État-Major, with Maëlle Doguet and Nicolas Curcio-Valquenart to create a spot that joins the charge of vibrant spots in the East End. The name reflects Vincent's dream of a warm and friendly place, something that's helped along by having chef Gabrielle Girard and Maxime Perreault on the team, whose seasonal menu features dishes like crispy eggplant, beef rump tataki, salmon tartare, and fried cod bao buns. The wine list curated by Vins Fluides includes organic and classic options with a lot available by the glass. As for cocktails by Choyce Kotori and Atci Niquay, there's a lot of signature choices. Designed by Tania Morrison, the elegant space features a glass cellar, burnt orange armchairs, brown leather benches. Nice and casual.

Saint-Henri · Restaurant

Bringing a slice of Rome to Montreal’s Saint-Henri, La Spada is a love letter to Italian cuisine and culture. With its richly adorned interior—plush banquettes, rococo candelabras, and a marble-topped bar dubbed “purgatory”—the restaurant transforms dining into an experience of theatrical elegance. Currently helmed by Scott Usheroff, this osteria combines the warmth of a neighbourhood gathering spot with the refinement of Roman fine dining. The menu delivers timeless Italian dishes like cacio e pepe, vitello saltimbocca, and fried Roman-style suppli while also introducing inventive offerings such as butternut squash ravioli in brown butter sage sauce. Diners can tear into house-made focaccia, swirl squid ink linguine, and toast with classic aperitifs or curated Roman wines.

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal · Museum

Hidden in plain sight in the Plateau, Ceci n’est pas un musée offers a surreal escape crafted by retired architects Natalija Subotincic and Mark West. Part atelier, part public cabinet of curiosities, this intimate space blurs the line between art and life, transforming everyday objects into curious displays. Inspired by Freud’s Vienna office, it features poetic sculptures like vegan taxidermy made from branches, dioramas depicting dreamlike urban scenes, and even a kitchen table crafted from seven years of saved chicken bones. Beyond its whimsical displays, Ceci n’est pas un musée is a gift to Montreal’s community—a quiet, almost secretive invitation to encounter beauty in the mundane. Unadvertised and marked only by a subtle sign, it’s a space for the curious, where visitors discover a unique blend of imagination, history, and introspection.

Cité du Multimédia · Nightlife

Rodeo Montreal occupies a particular niche in the city's nightlife landscape: part honky-tonk fantasy, part disco spectacle. Located at 690 Notre-Dame Ouest, the 18+ venue leans hard into its Western-Southern concept, pairing a DJ-driven dance floor with house-smoked Canadian brisket, ribs, and shareable platters built for groups. The room leans into the contrast deliberately: bead-adorned bull heads, disco ball clusters, wrapped metal details, and mirrored surfaces that catch the light from every angle. The kitchen anchors the experience with BBQ pulled pork sliders, crispy mac and cheese balls, fried pickles, and signature combo platters guests can customize or order pre-set. Bottle service and premium cocktails run alongside the food program.

Mount Royal · Restaurant

Dagwoods has been a Montreal sandwich institution since 1989, and the Town of Mount Royal location runs true to form. The formula hasn't changed much in 35 years, cold cuts sliced to order, a larger-than-average meat-to-bread ratio, and the house Dagwoods sauce holding it all together. The menu is straightforward: turkey, club, Gino, the eponymous Dagwood piled with ham, mortadella, pepperoni and salami, plus salads, chili, and oven-fired cravers for when a sandwich isn't quite enough. The kind of place where the owner knows your order and the lineup moves fast. TMR's version of a sure thing.

Griffintown · Restaurant · $$

Le Boucan delivers a full-on smoky, saucy, carnivorous experience. Known for their towering Five Napkins Burger, this beast stacks hickory-smoked beef, fried onions, jalapeño mayo, BBQ sauce, and a slab of cheddar on a brioche bun that’s anything but modest. Don’t get us started about the sides of pulled pork poutine or mac and cheese. What sets Le Boucan apart is its Southern-style barbecue with their signature wood chip smoking technique. From melt-off-the-bone ribs to smoked jackfruit for vegetarians, they cater to every palate, as long as you’re here for bold flavours. With its rustic vibe, impressive bourbon collection, and a backyard terrace for summer gathering with friends or to catch a game, this spot in Little Burgundy is a great choice.

La Petite-Patrie · Restaurant · $

L’Hamburger is getting the smash burger exactly right. Born from owner George Megas’s travels to the U.S., this spot brought its take on the quintessential American smash burger to Montreal in 2019. Each patty is pressed cold onto a sizzling griddle, creating that signature crispy crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Sandwiched in Martin’s Potato Rolls with lettuce, onions, pickles, and secret sauce, the result is burger simplicity at its best. Their fries, golden and crisp, are the ideal companion, though adventurous eaters might take a dunk into one of L’Hamburger’s creamy milkshakes for a satisfying twist. Now with locations in Pierrefonds and Blainville, L’Hamburger is spreading its no-nonsense philosophy of burgers, shakes, and fries to more corners of the city. For smash burger purists, it’s the ultimate destination.

La Petite-Patrie · Restaurant

Neighbouring the 180g café-record store hybrid, Ma Mère en Feu is an experiment in what a diner can be in Montreal. Helmed by Beaver Sheppard and Max Corsillo, this unconventional spot serves up a rotating menu that’s equal parts nostalgia and madness. But at its heart are the sandwiches and burgers, like the Blue Angel Burger, which layers blue cheese decadence on a perfectly juicy patty, or the Nashville XXX Fried Chicken, fiery and indulgent. The vibe here is pure kitsch—think vintage diner signage, picnic tables, and a no-apologies attitude. Connected to the record store, it’s the kind of place where you can dig through vinyl before demolishing a burger that’s been made just for you.