Harrison Shewchuk's favourite restaurants and bars in Montreal

Kitano Shokudo is the kind of place chefs will send you about when asked where they eat on their nights off. Run by Hiroshi Kitano, a self-taught chef with a deep respect for balance and technique, this Plateau bistro is a love letter to Japanese cuisine—elevated, yet unfussy. Kitano, who cut his teeth with the Otto Group (hence the former name Otto Bistro) before setting out on his own, brings an obsessive attention to detail to every dish, whether it’s jewel-like chirashi, crispy karaage, or rich mazemen noodles topped with duck confit.

The menu leans into seasonality, with specials that veer into unexpected yet deeply comforting territory—think wild boar mapo tofu or a luscious uni carbonara. Fish is a constant star, often sourced straight from Japan, while housemade tsukemono and a sharp, compact sake list round out the experience. The goal here isn’t expansion—it’s intimacy. With fewer seats and a loyal clientele, Kitano Shokudo is about proximity: to the chef, to the craft, and to a kind of soulful cooking that keeps regulars coming back.

A progenitor in the Montreal scene for taking Japanese cooking and treating it to French techniques and presentations, Hiroshi Kitano’s bistro in the Plateau is a must—especially the omakase.

For over 20 years, Leméac has been a cornerstone of Montreal’s dining scene, offering timeless French bistro classics in the elegant Outremont neighbourhood. This refined yet approachable brasserie serves up beautifully executed dishes like beef tartare, escargots, and steak frites, staying true to its roots while resisting the temptation to follow fleeting trends.

Brunch at Leméac is a highlight, with dishes like the towering French toast with caramelized bananas and chocolate sauce or boudin with cider sauce. The charming terrasse, perfect for any season, and its consistently welcoming atmosphere make it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

Set in a converted garage near Saint-Henri’s former RCA complex, Gia Vin & Grill's room balances industrial bones with warm Italian references, anchored by a bar and a cellar-like wine island that invites lingering. The menu draws heavily from central Italy, with an emphasis on charcoal-grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, supported by a tight roster of pastas that rotate with the seasons. Arrosticini arrive smoky and direct, seafood is treated with confidence, and the grill runs year-round. The wine list leans Italian and thoughtful, favouring bottles with structure over trendiness.

Pizza Bouquet, a beloved slice shop in Little Italy, has grown from humble beginnings at the Notre-Dame-des-Quilles bar to its own dedicated space across the street. Founded by André Thériault, the pizzeria is known for its no-frills approach to food while retaining their inimitable goofy charm, serving up 16-inch New York-style pies that balance a great crust with creative toppings. Whether it’s the soppressata with spicy honey or the upside-down options, each offer reflects quality and simplicity.

The new location, opened in 2021, allows Thériault and his team to triple their pizza output, thanks to a thoughtfully designed kitchen that addresses the space constraints of their original setup. Despite the expanded capacity, Pizza Bouquet remains true to its roots, focusing on a straightforward menu that has earned it a loyal following. Pizza Bouquet continues to be a go-to spot for Montrealers seeking a delicious, unpretentious meal.

Barfly is a Plateau institution where cheap beer, live music, and sheer character are on tap every night of the week. This place is pure, unfiltered Montreal, where locals squeeze into the tight space, beers slosh from glass to floor, and a dog might be sharing a pint in the corner. No pretension, no fuss—just raw, homegrown energy and live shows spanning blues to bluegrass. Don’t be surprised if the conversation you start turns into impromptu comedy for the whole bar. It’s the kind of dive that wears its Habs memorabilia like a badge and lets you feel instantly at home, whether you’re there for the music or just the cheap Moosehead.

Located in Montreal's Mile End, Le Plongeoir is a dive-inspired wine bar created by Antoine Denis, Frédéric Létourneau-Archambault, and John Hale, this 35-seat establishment blends a casual, back alley vibe with a focus on high-quality, affordable natural wines. The décor features lime-washed walls, dark green trim, and a classic billiards table illuminated by a stained-glass lamp, evoking a laid-back European feel.

Le Plongeoir aims to demystify wine drinking, offering a welcoming space where patrons can enjoy a glass or bottle without pretension. The wine list emphasizes French natural wines from lesser-known producers. Complementing the wine is a simple tapas menu featuring charcuterie, cheese, and cold plates. The concept is simple: great wine in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.

Noren, a snug 10-seater on Rachel Street in the Plateau, is the kind of place that lives or dies by its simplicity. Partners Élyse Garand and Hidenori Tsuda opened this tiny kitchen in 2016, infusing it with bits of Japan they picked up over seven years in Kyoto. It’s named after the traditional split curtains that hang at Japanese doorways—a nod to the neighbourhood family restaurants scattered across Japan that serve one or two specialty dishes.

In Noren’s case, those specialties are takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The former, better known as octopus balls, are served hot with katsuobushi dancing on top. The okonomiyaki, loaded with pork or shiitake, is savoury, crispy, and smoky, layered with sauce. A changing weekly dish adds variety, but this no-frills joint sticks to a few things and nails them every time. It’s cozy, intimate, and utterly unique in the Plateau, with warm, unfussy service and a design that mixes minimalist and eclectic touches—think vintage TVs and chalkboard walls—to create a space that feels like a lived-in gem rather than a showpiece.

Cosmo’s in NDG is the stuff of legends. A small, greasy spoon squeezed between shops on Sherbrooke Street West, this Montreal institution has been slinging eggs and frying up bacon since the 1960s. If you know, you know—and the regulars certainly do. People line up, rain or shine, for their breakfast done dirty and right.

Inside, the vibe is pure no-frills diner. You’ve got your handful of stools, a counter worn down from decades of elbows, and a short-order kitchen where you can watch the magic happen. It’s a tiny place where strangers bond over breakfast, where the coffee keeps coming, and where the vibe is so laid-back you’ll just end up chatting with the cooks. It’s rough around the edges, just like Montreal, and that’s why people love it.

Chalet Bar-B-Q is a piece of Montreal history. Established in 1944, this NDG haunt has earned a near-cult following for its simple, consistently mouth-watering recipe: fresh chickens, charcoal-roasted ‘til crispy and golden. Marcel Mauron, a Swiss immigrant, opened the place during WWII with a singular vision that endures today—no frills, just flawless rotisserie served with fries and a legendary, almost mysterious, gravy.

The place hasn’t changed much since the ‘40s: the knotty pine panelling and family-style booths are as much a staple as the bird itself. Devoted diners rave about the sauce, a guarded recipe that regulars dip everything into, from chicken to fries to toasted buns (we’ll never forget Derek Dammann’s recommendation of making a taco out of the bun). It’s a nostalgic, finger-licking pilgrimage here, and 80 years later, it’s still delivering the same magic.

Parcelles, located near the serene shores of Lake Memphremagog, opened its doors in July 2021. Founded by chef-owner Dominic Labelle, the restaurant embodies an agricultural vision that encompasses a restaurant, farm, and (potentially!) vineyard. This idyllic location serves as the perfect backdrop for Labelle's culinary creations: Initially a vegetable farming project, Parcelles has evolved a lot over time.

From a thriving summer hotspot known for its pizzas enjoyed al fresco to surging demand, the establishment has expanded its offerings and now even welcomes guests into Labelle's home in the off-season for intimate, six-course tasting menus that highlight the freshest farm-grown vegetables. Parcelles is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, creativity, and the farm-to-table ethos.

Since opening in 2006, Marché Hung Phat has become a top spot in Montreal for authentic Vietnamese bánh mì. What began as a small market has grown into a bustling sandwich counter, drawing a diverse crowd. At Hung Phat, house-made aioli, pickled vegetables, and fresh baguettes make for a delicious and generously portioned bánh mì experience.

Beyond sandwiches, Hung Phat offers a welcoming spot to enjoy hearty Vietnamese soups, fried rolls, and robust iced coffee, making it an ideal lunch stop near Jean-Talon Market.

Le Petit Boui Boui is a Vietnamese restaurant exuding charm and simplicity. Chef-owner Ritchie Nguyen, trained in classical French cuisine and experienced at La Maison Publique, channels his passion for Vietnamese street food into every dish. The cozy 24-seat establishment serves authentic fare like pho from Nguyen's mother’s recipe, crispy banh xèo, and a refreshing papaya salad. Decorated by Nguyen's partner Philomène Addy-Laird, the restaurant offers a warm, familial atmosphere. Diners can enjoy the unique experience of watching Nguyen at work in the open kitchen.

Adhering to tradition, the drink menu features only beer, which Nguyen believes pairs perfectly with Vietnamese cuisine.