A Montreal institution since 1968, La Banquise beckons locals and tourists with its round-the-clock menu of over thirty poutines. Originally opened by firefighter Pierre Barsalou, it morphed into a 24-hour snack bar it is today in the '80s. Revamped in 2006, the restaurant’s now brimming with options ranging from burgers to brunches, but everyone knows that the poutine lineup is the star attraction, including straightforward classics and specialties like the T-Rex stealing the limelight in addition to more experimental options like La Panoramix that’s made with sour cream. Thriving and charming, La Banquise fosters a lively ambiance every hour of the day.

Dunn's Famous Deli and Steakhouse is a celebrated chain of Jewish delis that started in Montreal. Established by Myer Dunn who immigrated from Europe in 1927, Dunn’s focus shifted to Montreal-style smoked meat over the years, cementing its place as a local legend. Myer's dedication to his craft and community defined the spirit of this spot, which continues to uphold Myer's vision with an authentic taste of Montreal's culinary heritage. It gets even better at their downtown location on Metcalfe, where they’re regularly open to slice up sandwiches until 5 a.m.

Paulo et Suzanne has been dishing out everything that’s classically Québecois since 1980. Its retro American diner vibe—think black and white tiles and vintage art—sets the stage for one of the city’s best diners. Here, you’re going to want what’s traditional, like two-egg platters for breakfast and famous poutines that can come as classic or as dressed crazily as you want ‘em with ‘toppings’ like whole hamburgers. Open 24 hours on the weekend and until the late hours of the morning throughout the rest of the week, the owners here take pride in a loyal staff that delivers top-notch service.

Alto in the McGill Ghetto is a go-to spot for late-night student sustenance. Ever since its inception in 1987, it’s been a beloved fixture for OG, Montreal-style pizza as well as burgers, poutine, and pizzaghetti (don’t knock it ‘til you try it). Despite facing adversity when a nearby fire razed the original location in 2016, they rebuilt, supported by a loyal community. Now, Alto stands proud, maintaining its energetic atmosphere.

Hermas Gibeau's dream of sharing his trademark beverage, the Orange Julep, materialized in 1932 with the opening of his retail storefront on St. Laurent Boulevard. By transforming his building into the shape of an orange, he created a landmark: The largest orange sphere in the world in 1964. Over the years, Gibeau Orange Julep has become a Montreal icon drawing folks in with its nostalgic charm and famous juice. Beyond that signature drink, this spot specializes in classic diner fare like Montreal-style hot dogs, poutine and burgers, and they serve it all until 4 a.m. The weekly summer car shows add to the experience, attracting vintage car enthusiasts on Wednesdays in the warmer seasons.

Patati Patata’s a casse-croûte fixture that’s been in Montreal for over two decades. Originally founded by Louis Dumontier in 1996, it’s thrived on Saint-Laurent Boulevard ever since with good, cheap food in an unpretentious atmosphere. The concept here is straightforward: Affordable snacks from morning until the early hours when bars close. A cozy interior and a facade painted by artist Étienne Martin gives it an old-world charm, and the menu features a range of comfort foods like burgers, grilled cheese, poutines, and soups, with breakfast options throughout the day. Small in size, you may have to wait during busy hours, but it won’t take long to get a table and get a taste of local life in the Plateau.

Pizza Dany caters to late-night cravings, operating until 1 a.m. on most days and extending hours until 4 a.m. on Saturdays for post-clubbing hunger. Tucked into a closet of a space that’s conveniently located near the Bell Centre, it's a go-to for quality pizza in the city, perfect for pre-game fuel or a quick snack between periods. For those in a rush, grab a slice to go; their spinach and garlic pizza is the one that’ll convert you. Planning ahead? Order a large pie for your group. While it may seem unassuming from the outside, this spot’s reputation isn’t one to be second-guessed.

Established in 1977, Chez La Mère has thrived over the years thanks to loyal patrons and traditions that span generations. The restaurant’s diverse menus at low prices throughout the day have standout features like pizza as well as poutine, submarines, grilled and smoked meats, sandwiches, salads, BBQ chicken—everything and then some. Following the recent passing of its pioneering owner, Micheline Delbuguet, her legacy of French cookery’s been carried forward with a dedication to quality on the Quebec diner scene. Good thing it’s regularly open until late throughout the week.

A family-run spot since 1995, Miami Déli’s helmed by Mr. Steve Tsantes and his sons. Folks come for vibrant decor that pays homage to Miami, with fish adorning the walls that’ve been caught by the owner himself. The diner caters to all tastes and appetites, from breakfast to late-night munchies, offering a diverse menu including poutines, pizzas, subs, Greek specialties, and more. Open day and night, you can expect a diverse crowd here, from East End factory workers to people getting a greasy bite after being out all night (but it’s not like it gets Waffle House levels of crazy here).

Le Fameux is a timeless snack spot, bridging the gap between late-night eatery and lunch destination. Known for its smoked meat sandwich made with Lester’s brand cuts, some say it’s rivaling even the city's heavyweights. A hub where late-night revelers and early risers converge over gratiné-style poutine crisped up in the oven and Greek dishes like spanakopita and souvlaki alongside all-day breakfast specials, Le Fameux caters to diverse tastes. No wonder it’s cemented a status as a beloved corner diner in the Plateau for over 60 years

Fairmount Bagel, a Mile End staple since 1949, is the forerunning cherished institution in Montreal's culinary landscape. For over a century, the Shlafman family has upheld the tradition of crafting exceptional bagels, just as Isadore Shlafman did when he arrived from Russia in 1919. Today, Irwin and Rhonda Shlafman carry on the legacy, preserving the authenticity and quality that define Fairmount Bagel. From the classic poppy seed to the beloved sesame, each hand-rolled bagel reflects a commitment to tradition and taste. Step into this historic bakery, where tradition meets heart, and savor a taste of Montreal's delicious heritage.

Joe's Panini is a 24-hour sandwich spot known for its grilled sandwiches. The menu isn't groundbreaking, but each sandwich is speedily crafted, and seldom priced outside your average student’s budget. Signature options include the Philly Cheesesteak, spicy grilled chicken, turkey, prosciutto and brie, and spicy tuna. Grab a seat, order up, and watch their big-screen TV’s music videos under neon lights until your late-night cravings are satisfied.

Boustan’s Saint-Hubert Street location is a go-to spot on the Plaza. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling into a full spread, shawarma lovers will find all the classics—pitas, bowls, and salads—but the menu also stands out for its vegan options, like convincing shiitake mushroom ‘meat’. Outposts can be hit and miss, but this location captures everything that’s made Boustan a Montreal favourite since 1986.

A Montreal institution since 1980 on rue Saint-Denis, L'Express continues to uphold its reputation for timeless French cuisine and conviviality. Founded by François Tremblay, Colette Brossoit, and Pierre Villeneuve, the restaurant caters to everyone with a welcoming atmosphere that remains to this day. With a menu largely unchanged over the years, L'Express offers classic dishes like sorrel soup, marrow, and veal liver, prepared with an unwavering consistency and attention to detail. Designed by renowned architect Luc Laporte, the elegant decor exudes a timeless charm, attracting a diverse clientele served by a stable team of long-serving staff.

Restaurant A.A. in Saint-Henri boasts a long-standing legacy as a beloved local diner. Owner André Annoussos and his 50+ years in the business has helped keep its old-school charm intact.

The restaurant’s got a small, narrow layout featuring a long counter and a few booths where hungry nighthawks flood in for late-night offerings including steamies, toasties, and a unique poutine recipe you can’t find elsewhere in the city—it’s all in the gravy. A steadfast fixture cherished for comforting classics and lightning-speed service, it’s an essential on any self-respecting Montrealer’s late-night eats bucket list.

Le Majestique’s a lively bar first established in 2014, and it’s been boasting a dynamic atmosphere and top-notch cuisine ever since. Decorated by Thomas Csano with a blend of kitsch and curios, Majestique's ambiance invites patrons to indulge in delectable small plates highlighting seafood and seasonal vegetables. Signature dishes like the 12-inch Gaspor pork hot dog are crowd-pleasers and easy date night winners, as is the stellar oyster service. Beyond that, the bar's extensive drink options feature natural wines, microbrews, and classic cocktails, all up for grabs until the late hours.

Local restaurateur extraordinaire Richard Holder and his collaborators has done it again with Miracolo, an Italian-forward restaurant next to Schwartz's on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Designed in collaboration with Thomas Csano, it's yet another astounding space to dine in, dressed to the nines in every single nook, cranny, and angle you care to look in with vague moments of religiosity—think Madonna statuettes, a cow's head with a halo, or communion wafers at the entrance.

In the kitchen, it's chefs Alejandro Vega and Pierre Morneau. Their menu's a versatile one, offering a little of every size of dish and snack to meet their aims of being open every day of the week: Stop in for a few cocktails and some ricotta or anchovies on toast, or settle in for a more substantial meal of dishes like broccolini or endive salad, skewers of grilled mortadella, crudos, carpaccios, and a lot of fresh pasta that you see being made if you grab one of the table in the back dining room.

It's a bustling spot: At 100-ish seats, this has been a runaway hit since it opened. A great spot if you want that quintessential experience of rubbing shoulders with a neighbour as you chow down and feel the energy of an active address.

Taverne Atlantic, debuting in Montreal’s Mile Ex in late 2019, swiftly became a hotspot at the corner of Avenue du Parc and Rue Beaubien. It’s where restaurateurs Alexandre Baldwin, Alexandre Wolosianski, and Éric Dupuis have crafted a stylish Art Deco haven featuring a long, elegant bar, central seating, and a rooftop terrace. The drink menu, curated by Frédérique Fortin and Alexandre Taillon, includes creative cocktails and a robust selection of beers and wines. Chez Eddy Snack Bar complements the drinks with its menu of pizzas, hot dogs, and poutines, blending American comfort food with gourmet touches.

Bar Suzanne’s a laid-back spot perfect for socializing over drinks. Equal part quality fare and libations in its offerings, the bar exudes warmth with its airy design of plant life and tons of natural light streaming in through skylights during the day. Named after Leonard Cohen's muse, the bar features diverse wines, cocktails, and spirits, while the kitchen serves up dishes like inventive dumplings and other small plates for sharing late into the night.

Projet Pilote’s a multifaceted establishment that blends a distillery, microbrewery, restaurant, and bar into one cohesive space. The vision for this place has been in the works for over half a decade, resulting in a groundbreaking venue where experimentation thrives. Initially conceived as a distillery and bar, the project evolved to incorporate a microbrewery, making it the city's first venue to integrate both into one space. While located next to La Banquise, that diner doesn’t have Pjoet Pilote’s small batches of gin and eaux de vie, or its house-crafted beers. The collaborative spirit extends to the kitchen, which utilizes produce from the rooftop garden to create a menu of flavorful dishes.

Nestled in a semi-basement on Park Avenue, Double's Late Night embodies a contemporary dive bar ethos on the Mile End scene. It’s a great place to unwind over drinks, games, and bites. The decor, with traditional dive bar elements infused with modern twists, features a long bar, pool table, and TVs broadcasting sports. Chef Danny Smiles’ simple menu highlights signature burgers, onion rings, fish and chips, and a revolving set of other delicious options (oftentimes Italian) when his mood strikes.

Rouge Gorge’s been a cherished wine bar in the Plateau since 2015 because it offers a cozy haven for drinks and bites. Named after a Parisian tavern from the film Children of Paradise, its decor by Zébulon Perron blends industrialism with intimacy, while its wine selection of French bottles alongside global varieties complements seasonal bites including fresh oysters, pasta, and grilled seafood. Whether dining on its terrasse in the summer or drinking in their intimate bar downstairs, Rouge Gorge is where patrons savor good booze and food, making it an essential destination for bar enthusiasts.

Bar Henrietta’s a refined Portuguese-style bar that recalls community taverns of the 1960s and ‘70s. Named for owner Alexandre Baldwin's Portuguese heritage, Henrietta’s inviting vintage tavern swagger features an open-concept upper floor and a kitschy lower level. A lot of people roll through for the drink menu of classic cocktails and Quebec beers, all bets accompanied by Portuguese-inspired small plates like Manchego popcorn and grilled cheese sandwiches.

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.

Burgundy Lion Pub offers a distinct blend of British tradition and Montreal vibes, making it a relied-upon spot in Little Burgundy since opening in 2008. The pub’s décor is filled with memorabilia and souvenirs from the owners’ travels to England, along with collaborations with artists, which all together adds to the welcoming vibe. They serve a rotating list of beers, including two house brews, and boast one of the largest whiskey collections in Quebec with over 500 different bottles.

While the pub fare stays true to its roots with dishes that have included the likes of bangers and mash, Lancashire hotpot, and shepherd’s pie, there are seasonal updates to keep things fresh. Their brunch options are crowd-pleasers as well, ranging from hearty staples like the full English breakfast to Scotch eggs, avocado toasts, and a whole lotta mimosas.

The Montreal Pool Room’s a century-old institution that holds a special place in Montreal's culinary history. Founded in 1912 by Bulgarian immigrant Filipoff Dakov, it has evolved over the years, and remains a beloved spot for locals. Originally known for its steamies, the menu’s expanded to include fries, poutines, hamburgers, and more. This iconic greasy spoon’s seen a lot of faces over the years, from Leonard Cohen to Al Capone, serving up classic Quebecois snacks to them all—it’s a must-visit for those craving a taste of nostalgia.

Established in 2014, Bishop and Bagg offers a laid-back pub ambiance and a menu of classic eats like bangers and mash and burgers in the Mile End. An unpretentious spot from the Burgundy Lion team featuring wood accents and dark colors, you’ll find an impressive collection of gins and skilled bartenders crafting cocktails from them. Expect to eat well and drink well while you’re here—just don’t be surprised if it’s busy during brunch hours, or during lunch when swathes of video game designers from the nearby Ubisoft office come in. Those times aside, you can easily get a good bite late at night here.

A project from the team behind the wood-fired Pizzeria Magpie, Magpie Magique deviates from that concept entirely with a speakeasy-style red light entrance that leads into a chic spot. A pseudo-hidden bar, it specializes in classic cocktails complemented by a menu of sharing plates of mezze, skewered and grilled seafood, and pizzas from the front. Offering an anonymous, sophisticated, and unique experience that’ll include live music and other performances. It goes without saying that you can grab a bite late at night here, along with a good stiff drink.