The Ferlucci terrasse in Villeray becomes a popular gathering spot as soon as the outdoor tables come back into use. Inside, the space is compact and busy, while a row of tables out front catches the afternoon sun. Espresso drinks anchor the offering, alongside pastries from Hof Kelsten, slices of pizza, and focaccia sandwiches. Open until 9 p.m., it’s one of the few spots in the neighbourhood where you can stop in for a quick coffee and come back later for an affogato.

This In Gamba location is defined by its open street-facing setup. The large garage door opens directly onto the street, creating a bright, active space that extends onto the terrasse and turns into a steady neighbourhood coffee stop. Behind the bar, attention to detail is evident in every cup, with precise preparation and consistently high-quality espresso, even during busy hours. The result is a coffee that runs consistently throughout the day, built around speed, quality, detail, and repetition rather than formality.

Renzo has become a go-to in Mile End for its stacked Italian-American sandwiches and fast, counter-style service. With no patio on site, people take their order to go and head to the picnic tables along Fairmount just a few steps away. The Philly cheesesteak is rich and messy in the best way, while the turkey club is a lighter option that still delivers. It’s an easy stop for a quick bite before heading further up Saint-Laurent to browse the shops.

A cult spot for bike and beer lovers, this industrial microbrewery along the Lachine Canal draws a steady flow of cyclists at the start of the season. The large backyard, lined with picnic tables, is set up for groups and shared tables, while the bar handles a wide range of beers from pilsners to stouts and slushies. Mitch Deli runs the food side with a menu built for sharing, making it a place where stops tend to last longer than expected.

Henrietta fills up steadily throughout the evening, its long bar visible from the street through large front windows. Spread over two floors, the space opens up upstairs with a direct view of the kitchen, while the ground floor centres around a compact bar and a few small tables. The cocktail list leans on freshness and acidity, citrus, honey, and a touch of bitterness, best enjoyed on their terrasse on Laurier Ouest. On the food side, small plates are designed for sharing, such as their Manchego popcorn, a Portuguese sandwich, and a kale Caesar salad.

Polari is a discreet wine bar in Villeray marked by its garage door, which opens onto the sidewalk and connects the room to the street. Their space, located in a converted garage, is compact with an intimate layout that keeps the focus on the bar. The menu shifts regularly, guided by the kitchen’s inspiration, alongside a few recurring plates like canned fish, beets with stracciatella, chicken liver mousse, and a selection of Quebec cheeses. The wine list leans toward organic and low-intervention bottles, with a rotating selection available by the glass and a broader range by the bottle.

In Pointe-Saint-Charles, June Buvette is a neighborhood wine bar created by the teams behind La Traversée and the Tomahawk group (Santos, Uniburger, Mignon, Buvette Pastek). Located on Centre Street, the small space features a garage door opening onto the street, with a compact interior centered around a bar that fills up early in the evening. The seasonal menu, led by chef Patrick Marion, features a few signature dishes such as fried calamari, beef tartare, and duck breast. The wine list, curated by sommelier Olivier Deschamps, offers a balance of natural and classic wines. Outdoor seating carries that setup onto the sidewalk.

Located in a former presbytery in Little Burgundy, Candide is run by chefs John Winter Russell and Angèle Gauthier. It offers a tasting menu featuring Quebec ingredients sourced from local producers. The experience consists of four courses: two appetizers, a choice of main course, followed by dessert or a cheese platter, with optional wine pairings. The dishes change regularly, reflecting the availability of seasonal produce and a minimalist approach to technique and composition. A small back terrasse offers a quieter outdoor dining option in addition to the bright and intimate dining room.

In Mile Ex, Cicchetti draws inspiration from Venetian bàcari, serving small dishes designed to be enjoyed quickly alongside a drink. The dining area is narrow and lively; guests stand near the bar or share small tables as orders arrive. On the menu: antipasti, crustless sandwiches, and croutons topped with seasonal ingredients. The cocktail menu follows the same vibe, featuring espresso martinis, tequila-based drinks with citrus notes, and spritz-style concoctions. Outside, the terrasse operates as an extension of the bar, with constant turnover between drinks and plates.

Perched above Parc Avenue in Mile Ex, Taverne Atlantic’s rooftop terrasse is one of the neighbourhood’s go-to spots for 5 à 7. Service is done at the table, whether you’re seated inside or upstairs on the rooftop, making it an easy place to settle in once you’ve found a spot. The kitchen leans into crowd-pleasers like pizzas, hot dogs, and poutine, alongside salmon rillettes, oyster mushrooms, and burrata.

On the drinks side, expect classic cocktails like spritzes and negronis, alongside citrus-forward, refreshing builds. The wine list offers easy-drinking whites, rosés, and reds, while the beer selection focuses on local drafts and familiar lagers. The non-alcoholic menu includes options like hibiscus and ginger soda, a yogurt-based cream soda with lime, a virgin Negroni, and a spicy celery and jalapeño drink.

In the Quartier des Spectacles, Papito is a convivial Latin American–inspired restaurant from the team behind Café Parvis and Furco. The project is named in tribute to Alejandra Ponce Pacheco’s late father, affectionately known as “Papito,” and reflects a desire to celebrate shared meals and time spent with friends and family. Its central location makes it a natural stop before or after shows, with a terrasse that extends the dining room onto the street. The menu is designed for sharing, with plates meant to be ordered for the table, alongside a drinks list built for easy pairing.