2025 was a study in contradictions for Montreal's dining scene: rooted in Quebec terroir yet gaining international recognition, confident in its identity yet grappling with affordability, celebrating Michelin stars while questioning what they actually mean for a city built on neighbourhood spots and casual excellence.

We asked local food insiders—writers, photographers, critics, influencers—to reflect on the year that was and what might lie ahead. Their answers reveal a scene that's found its footing: less about chasing hype, more cooking with personality. Neighbourhoods mattered more than ever, collaborations pushed boundaries, and the gap between what diners could afford and what restaurants needed to charge became impossible to ignore.

Looking ahead to 2026, some say we should expect more pop-ups and chef collaborations, a continued shift toward casual-but-serious dining, and the ongoing tension between Michelin's spotlight and Montreal's unpretentious soul. Will the guide recognize quietly consistent chefs or keep chasing fine dining? Will $27 sandwiches and $13 matchas cool off? And can the city's talent shine globally without losing what makes it special?

As for Michelin predictions, opinions split between hopeful and skeptical—some refusing to speculate, others pointing to spots that "definitely should be" recognized, whether or not the inspectors understand what Montreal's really about.

If you could sum up the past year's food and drink scene in a word, sentence or statement, what would it be?

Ivy Lerner-Frank, @ivylernerfrank: "Steady. Neighbourhoods. Still fun."

Charles Nguyen, @mtlcharles: "Creative, confident, and way more interesting than people give it credit for."

Alison Slattery, @twofoodphotographers: "Firstly I would say diverse. So many flavours. Secondly, I would say super accommodating. This past year I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and the amount of restaurants that have been accommodating to people's allergies & making completely separate dishes for me has really demonstrated a lot of care in the industry."

2025 was a study in contradictions for Montreal's dining scene: rooted in Quebec terroir yet gaining international recognition, confident in its identity yet grappling with affordability, celebrating Michelin stars while questioning what they actually mean for a city built on neighbourhood spots and casual excellence.

We asked local food insiders—writers, photographers, critics, influencers—to reflect on the year that was and what might lie ahead. Their answers reveal a scene that's found its footing: less about chasing hype, more cooking with personality. Neighbourhoods mattered more than ever, collaborations pushed boundaries, and the gap between what diners could afford and what restaurants needed to charge became impossible to ignore.

Looking ahead to 2026, some say we should expect more pop-ups and chef collaborations, a continued shift toward casual-but-serious dining, and the ongoing tension between Michelin's spotlight and Montreal's unpretentious soul. Will the guide recognize quietly consistent chefs or keep chasing fine dining? Will $27 sandwiches and $13 matchas cool off? And can the city's talent shine globally without losing what makes it special?

As for Michelin predictions, opinions split between hopeful and skeptical—some refusing to speculate, others pointing to spots that "definitely should be" recognized, whether or not the inspectors understand what Montreal's really about.

If you could sum up the past year's food and drink scene in a word, sentence or statement, what would it be?

Ivy Lerner-Frank, @ivylernerfrank: "Steady. Neighbourhoods. Still fun."

Charles Nguyen, @mtlcharles: "Creative, confident, and way more interesting than people give it credit for."

Alison Slattery, @twofoodphotographers: "Firstly I would say diverse. So many flavours. Secondly, I would say super accommodating. This past year I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and the amount of restaurants that have been accommodating to people's allergies & making completely separate dishes for me has really demonstrated a lot of care in the industry."

2025 was a study in contradictions for Montreal's dining scene: rooted in Quebec terroir yet gaining international recognition, confident in its identity yet grappling with affordability, celebrating Michelin stars while questioning what they actually mean for a city built on neighbourhood spots and casual excellence.

We asked local food insiders—writers, photographers, critics, influencers—to reflect on the year that was and what might lie ahead. Their answers reveal a scene that's found its footing: less about chasing hype, more cooking with personality. Neighbourhoods mattered more than ever, collaborations pushed boundaries, and the gap between what diners could afford and what restaurants needed to charge became impossible to ignore.

Looking ahead to 2026, some say we should expect more pop-ups and chef collaborations, a continued shift toward casual-but-serious dining, and the ongoing tension between Michelin's spotlight and Montreal's unpretentious soul. Will the guide recognize quietly consistent chefs or keep chasing fine dining? Will $27 sandwiches and $13 matchas cool off? And can the city's talent shine globally without losing what makes it special?

2025 was a study in contradictions for Montreal's dining scene: rooted in Quebec terroir yet gaining international recognition, confident in its identity yet grappling with affordability, celebrating Michelin stars while questioning what they actually mean for a city built on neighbourhood spots and casual excellence.

We asked local food insiders—writers, photographers, critics, influencers—to reflect on the year that was and what might lie ahead. Their answers reveal a scene that's found its footing: less about chasing hype, more cooking with personality. Neighbourhoods mattered more than ever, collaborations pushed boundaries, and the gap between what diners could afford and what restaurants needed to charge became impossible to ignore.

Looking ahead to 2026, some say we should expect more pop-ups and chef collaborations, a continued shift toward casual-but-serious dining, and the ongoing tension between Michelin's spotlight and Montreal's unpretentious soul. Will the guide recognize quietly consistent chefs or keep chasing fine dining? Will $27 sandwiches and $13 matchas cool off? And can the city's talent shine globally without losing what makes it special?