Benjamin Avilés's favourite things in Montreal

While many serve it today, Otto Yakitori stands out as Montreal's progenitor for authentic charcoal-grilled yakitori. Founded in 2016 and named "Otto" to pays homage to its founders' roles as fathers, the izakaya offers a focused menu with skewers of various chicken cuts. Adorned with wild wall art and warm lighting, the menu also features Japanese specialties like sashimi, uni chawanmushi, mazemen, and ramen. Best of all, the sake, beer, wine, and cocktails don’t stop flowing here until the very last minute they’re open.

For those who know, this is a place to linger: Tucked into a quiet stretch of Laurier Avenue West, Il Pagliaccio is a quiet rebuke to the trend-chasing noise of Montreal’s restaurant scene. Helmed by Manuel Silva, a veteran of Montreal’s hospitality, this Italian eatery trades on simplicity and quality. The name, which translates to “the clown,” belies a restaurant that takes its mission—delivering unfussy yet flawless Italian fare—very seriously.

Here, the pasta isn’t just handmade; it’s sourced from a small Italian artisan, while the olive oil and tomatoes make their way across the Atlantic for the kind of authenticity you can taste. Expect dishes like veal piccata brightened with blood orange, or gnocchi that Silva’s guests describe as “pillows of delicate dough.” The vibe is understated: crisp white tablecloths, a wine list favouring Italian classics, and a quiet elegance that lets the food do the talking.

A hidden gem of Westmount, this French-forward bistro is equal parts traditional dishes done to perfection and a level of experimentation you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

Atwater Market, a cornerstone of Montreal’s Southwest borough, is renowned for its Art Deco architecture and rich history dating back to 1933. Open year-round, the market flourishes in the warmer months, with stands overflowing with flowers, herbs, and fresh vegetables. Visitors can explore butcher shops, cheesemongers, and horticultural vendors offering local and hard-to-find gourmet products. Its seasonal restaurants feature an array of options, from Vietnamese to Southern barbecue. The market, accessible by bus or Metro, also offers ample parking. Atwater Market is the perfect destination for discovering high-quality, seasonal produce and enjoying a picturesque picnic by the canal.

Casual, fun, and incomparably flavorful, this Singaporean restaurant’s menu walks the line between addictive comfort food and inventive visits to Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond.

At Falafel Yoni, simplicity reigns supreme—and that’s precisely the point. Founded by Israeli-born entrepreneur Yoni Amir and seasoned chef Daniel Maislin, this Mile End counter serves up some of the freshest falafel in Montreal. Here, the chickpea fritters are fried to order, resulting in crisp, golden shells and fluffy, herbaceous centres. Each bite is a love letter to Israel’s ubiquitous street food, delivered with precision.

Much like its minimalist decor by David Dworkind, the menu is unapologetically concise. The falafel sandwich, tucked into a pillowy pita, gets a vibrant lift from pickled red cabbage, creamy tahini-yogurt sauce, and finely diced Israeli salad. There’s also the sabich—a messily delicious combo of fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, and hummus. Even their dessert, chocolate tahini balls, keeps it simple yet satisfying.

Born in an alleyway with a makeshift smoker, Aylwin Barbecue started as an underground summer pop-up in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. Since then, it’s become one of Montreal’s most talked-about barbecue spots. Now stationed at Atwater Market, it brings the same no-frills energy and dedication to slow-smoked meats that made those early backyard gatherings legendary.

Here, the focus is on Texas-style barbecue with a Montreal twist. Think brisket smoked for 10 hours over hardwood, St. Louis-cut ribs slathered in house-made sauce, and a cheddar-laced “Aylwinator” cheeseburger kissed by the smoker. Sides like creamy mac and cheese with garlic breadcrumbs and tangy slaw balance out the carnivorous feast, while their house pickles cut through the richness with a satisfying crunch.

Its rotating menus of upscale, seasonal fare will keep you guessing, but the buzzy ambiance and service at this Saint-Henri eatery will make you feel like you’re immediately at home.

Club Atwater is a private members’ club set in a historic Tudor mansion in Montreal. Established in 1926 as the Montreal Badminton & Squash Club, it boasts a history of hosting national and international tournaments while remaining a hub for racquet sports enthusiasts. Today, its 35,000 square feet of bespoke space is where world-class squash and badminton courts, a fitness centre, personal trainers, and group classes are housed.

Culinary offerings include the Hanford Cocktail Lounge, a dining room, and the in-house Café Atwater for coffees and pastries. For intimate gatherings, its Cellar offers private dining. Wellness services, from therapeutic massage to concierge support, elevate the member experience here alongside curated events.

Pho Lien has been a Côte-des-Neiges institution for nearly 25 years, drawing crowds daily with its Vietnamese fare. Located at the corner of Côte St. Catherine and Côte-des-Neiges, it focuses on what truly matters: incredible food. Madame Lien Lee, the restaurant’s namesake, has drawn up a menu that keeps loyal locals and students returning for inexpensive bowls of pho and other favourites.

The star attraction here is, unsurprisingly, the soup. It’s got a crystal-clear, aromatic broth and perfectly cooked rice noodles with 15 variations, from classic rare beef to tripe and tendon. Weekenders can enjoy a special spicy soup, while the vermicelli rice plates, like the diced pork with peanuts and salad, round out the menu.

The vibes are high when eating at this restaurant from Chuck Hughes. It’s an absolute parade of surf and turf served up with a service staff that knows how to have a good time.