Where to get a good lunch in Montreal

After nearly 30 years, Le 9e's Restaurant Île-de-France has reopened on the 9th floor of the Eaton Centre next to the grand hall. An opulent art deco space inspired by Lady Eaton's voyages on the French Line, it was designed by architect Jacques Carlu to recreate that luxury.

Featuring a blend of French and Quebec plates with some modernized techniques, the menu combines ship-inspired dishes and Eaton's original recipes. Helmed by a team composed of Jeff Baikowitz, Marco Gucciardi, manager Andrew Whibley, culinary director Derek Dammann, executive chef Liam Hopkins and café director Dominique Jacques, it clearly took a huge amount of talent to pull this off. Highlights include tartare, breaded cod, onglet steak, and pastas by Kiera German.

The wine list emphasizes natural options, while the cocktail bar, Le French Line, handles classic cocktails done right with a few occasional creative spins. Le 9e includes the 120-seat Île de France restaurant; the Gold and Silver rooms, two additional multipurpose spaces, each with capacity of up to 20; and La Grande Salle, a venue equipped to host a wide range of events. The maximum capacity is 500 guests.

This spot in Little Portugal captivates with greenery, leather accents, and steampunk-inspired, art deco charm. A premier Instagram hotspot, by day it's a café serving up Pilot Coffee Roasters' brews and delectable pastries, while it transforms it into a bustling bar by night. The brainchild of the Holder brothers, it occupies the former Les Bobards space with ever-changing menus that showcase seasonal dishes. Seamlessly transitioning from workday haven to vibrant evening haunt, it’s easily earned a spot among Montreal's best cafes.

McKiernan Luncheonette, a sprawling spot from the team behind Joe Beef and Maison Publique, redefines casual dining in Montreal’s Sud-Ouest. Positioned to cater to the day-to-day needs of locals, McKiernan occupies a vibrant space on St-Patrick Street, serving straightforward, yet inventive breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Expect comforting staples like rotisserie chicken and unique all-day breakfast options, accompanied by a modest selection of natural wines and beers. With its capacity for large groups and a flair for hosting, it promises more than just a meal—expect a culinary event designed for community engagement and pure delights.

Café Gentile has long been a cornerstone of Montreal’s Italian dining scene, and its Westmount location carries forward a legacy built on decades of dedication. Established by Anthony Gentile Jr. in 2016, this offshoot brings the soul of the original 1959 café on Chabanel into a sleek, contemporary setting envisioned by designer Zébulon Perron. Think marble tables, green-and-white tile nods to the brand’s heritage, and a laminated armchair that once belonged to Nonna—part tribute, part charm.

By day, it’s the spot for classics like their famed chicken cutlet sandwich or refreshing granita-laden iced tea. By evening, the menu dives into southern Italian comfort food: pillowy gnocchi, ricotta-laden meatballs, and a standout eggplant parm that speaks of homemade love.

Add to that cocktails crafted by family talent and a wine list curated with precision, and it’s an experience every time here. It’s not cheap per se, but when quality sings this loud, you’re likely to forgive the cheque.

A true neighbourhood diner, NDG Luncheonette brings a classic American touch to Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, serving breakfast and lunch with heart and history. Owned by Sophia Khalil-Griffin and her cousin Dillon Griffin, the small 24-seat spot is as much about community as it is about comfort food.

Expect diner staples done right—a perfectly smashed burger, a hot dog with just the right snap, thick-cut BLTs, smoked meat sandwiches, and fluffy pancakes. What sets it apart? Quality ingredients sourced from local businesses like Mange-Tout’s smoked salmon and Snowdon Bakery’s fresh bread, giving these familiar dishes a Montreal twist.

Inside, the vibe is warm, unpretentious, and personal. Boxing memorabilia lines the walls, a nod to the owners’ family ties to the sport. Regulars settle into red booths, order from a menu where dishes are named after loved ones, and chat with the staff like old friends.

At the 28-seater Ohayo Café right next door to Kitano Shokudo, you'll find yoshoku food—Japanese dishes based on Western food—in addition to a coffee program features a range of specialty coffees ground on Mahlkönig and Mythos grinders, with a La Marzocca for espresso-based drinks and classic pour-over gear for filter coffee.

Run by Hiroshi Kitano and his longstanding employee and close friend Samath Mom, they're preparing everything from homemade pickles to karaage, ramen, mazemen and artfully arranged bowls of chirashi.

“It’s very specific to cafés in Japan,” Hiroshi says. “Omu rice, hayashi rice, beef stew: they’re Western, but we’ve been making it for a long time.” Ohayo’s menu also features keema curry with ground beef and pork, an egg sando, and ebi (shrimp) and chicken burgers.

L’Épicerie Pumpui is a crash course in the kind of Thai flavours that don’t get enough airtime in Montreal. Open since 2017, this tiny St-Zotique spot operates like a no-frills curry shop straight out of Bangkok: bold, unapologetic, and laser-focused on doing a few things exceptionally well. Chef Jesse Mulder, who cut his teeth cooking and eating across Thailand for years, runs the place with Jesse Massumi (Voro, Waverly) and Xavier Cloutier, an ex-engineer turned restaurateur.

The menu revolves around rich, aromatic curries, fried snacks, and stir-fries that rotate with the seasons. But some things don’t change—like the fried chicken, which comes perfectly crispy and packed with umami, or their Pad Thai, a Thipsamai-inspired version that holds its own against Bangkok’s best. Pumpui also doubles as a specialty grocer, stocking Thai pantry essentials alongside a lineup of teas, sodas, and that ultra-sweet, ultra-addictive Thai coffee.

Ketiw Comptoir Cambodgien brings flavours of Cambodia to Verdun, offering a dining experience that's as quick or slow as you'd like to celebrate the cuisine’s rich traditions. With a focus on noodles, soups, and sandwiches, this take-out counter with 20 seats is an upstreet upstart neighbour to its founders' first restaurant, Les Street Monkeys.

The star of the menu is the Khuy teaw Phnom Penh, a seasoned noodle dish served with a separate chicken and beef bone broth, shrimp dumplings, and pork prepared three ways. Equally enticing are the num pang sandwiches—Cambodia’s answer to the bánh mì—featuring pickled cucumbers and green papaya in place of daikon, with fillings like beef, chicken, or mushrooms. For those craving more, Ketiw’s grocery section offers sauces, snacks, and their signature broth to take home, along with wines and beers.

Bistro Amerigo has been a cornerstone of NDG dining since 2014, blending old-school Italian traditions with a welcoming neighbourhood vibe. Named after owner Steve Marcone’s father and son, this compact eatery serves up hearty, authentic fare that feels as if it’s straight from a nonna’s kitchen. The menu is stacked with Italian classics, from tender homemade meatballs to cavatelli with sausage and rapini, all complemented by a thoughtful selection of private-import wines from Rome and Sicily.

The space exudes charm, while the no-reservations policy means you’ll need patience—but the payoff is worth it. Standout dishes like fried calamari and gnocchi funghi e tartufata are the kind of meals you’ll want to savour slowly, though the generous negronis might make you linger longer than intended. Amerigo is less a restaurant and more a communal table where NDG gathers to eat, drink, and connect.

Mano Cornuto didn’t arrive fully formed. It was built in real time, on a then-uncertain Griffintown corner, by a group of partners figuring things out as they went. Opened in 2019 by alumni of Foxy, Garde Manger, and Crew Collective, the café landed just ahead of the pandemic and never really stopped moving. Instead of closing, it adapted: pizzas, meal kits, shortened teams, longer days. That stretch quietly shaped what Mano would become.

Today, it runs all day, every day, balancing Italian café culture with Montreal pragmatism. The food stays rooted—fresh pasta, daily focaccia, familiar plates—while the room hums with different crowds cycling through from lunch to late evening. It’s less about destination dining than building rhythm, and that consistency is what turned a risky address into a reliable institution.

Established in 2011 in Westmount, Park Restaurant showcases chef Antonio Park’s unique culinary vision. Combining Japanese techniques with Korean and South American influences, Park offers a menu rich in flavor and creativity. The restaurant's elegant yet unpretentious design, featuring abundant wood and custom tables, creates a welcoming atmosphere. Renowned for its fresh, high-quality fish, the menu includes sushi, sashimi, and daily tasting options. The wine list, curated by knowledgeable friends and a sommelier, features biodynamic and natural selections, while the cocktails draw inspiration from the restaurant’s rooftop garden. Park Restaurant continues to impress with its innovative approach and exceptional cuisine.

Bistro La Franquette takes the idea of a neighbourhood bistro seriously, even in a part of the city not known for understatement. Opened by chef Elias Deligianis with sommelier and co owner Renée Deschenes, the restaurant leans into clarity rather than show. The menu is concise and seasonal, built around well executed plates that favour balance over excess, from pastas and poultry to seafood and classic steak frites.

The room is warm without being precious. High ceilings, handmade details, and a steady hum of conversation give it a lived in feel, while the service stays attentive and unforced. Wine plays a central role, with a list that leans European and rewards curiosity. La Franquette works because it resists the urge to overdefine itself, letting good cooking and hospitality carry the evening.

Archway is a 100% vegan wine bar and restaurant in Verdun, offering a vibrant, globally-inspired menu that evolves with the seasons. The food here is both beautiful and satisfying, with plenty of gluten-free options and a focus on local, fresh ingredients. The natural wine list is thoughtfully paired with the menu, alongside creative cocktails, craft beers, and inventive non-alcoholic drinks. The vibe is warm and contemporary, perfect for a quick drink that turns into a lingering meal.

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.

Il Miglio is a fresh take on Italian dining, offering fast, well-crafted meals that put fresh pasta at the forefront in a counter-style setting. The concept is simple: high-quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and a menu that evolves to keep things exciting. There are exceptions and mainstays like the campanelle, a house specialty, which consistently delivers on flavour; meanwhile antipasti, arancini, and seasonal specials round out the options for those craving variety.

With a sleek and minimalist design, the space is efficient yet inviting, allowing diners to enjoy a quick meal without feeling rushed. Drinks are served the Italian way—wine and beer in small cups—perfect for a casual, fuss-free experience.

Hochelaga’s Aube Boulangerie didn’t take long to captivate Montrealers with its artisanal look, feel, and offerings. Opened in 2023, it's already a neighborhood favorite, drawing crowds to its unassuming location. Helmed by a talent including chef David Ollu, whose expertise shines in from nearby establishments, it's a haven for pastry lovers, and its ambiance is as inviting as the fare with elegant decor and a glass-enclosed kitchen offering glimpses of baking in action. From dawn till dusk, Aube beckons with freshly baked bread, decadent pastries, and aromatic coffee.

This venture comes from WITH Hospitality, the group known for spots like Ryu, Ayla, Sushi Dept, and Livi. Positioned in Old Montreal, Dorsia is a contemporary fine dining establishment that draws inspiration from the vibrant elegance of the 1980s, merging French and Italian culinary techniques. Canadian-born Chef Miles Pundsack-Poe, who boasts experience from Michelin-starred restaurants such as The Restaurant at Meadowood and Ensue, is behind the menu which features dishes like smoked burrata with fennel, hand-cut tagliatelle with local lamb ragu, and Quebec duck roasted with sea buckthorn berries.

The restaurant's design, a collaboration with Ivy Studio, marries elegance with incorporated wood millwork, marble, travertine, mirrors, and soft, indirect lighting. That said, the 100-seat venue is designed for sophisticated nights out, which is helped along by classic cocktails and a curated wine list.

BarBara in Saint-Henri is a multipurpose spot that doesn’t miss a beat. Opened in 2021, this Italian-inspired wine bar and dispensa leans into versatility with its hybrid café, grocery counter, and restaurant concept. The menu revolves around fresh pasta, focaccia, and Italian comfort fare, while the dispensa shelves are stocked with homemade sauces, preserves, and signature coffee to fuel your culinary experiments at home.

Inside, the space balances boho charm with a contemporary edge, thanks to the Gauley Brothers and Jean-François Gervais’ design. The vibe shifts effortlessly from laptop-friendly mornings to lively wine-fuelled evenings, with a curated cellar featuring small producers from Italy and Quebec. While the prices stay approachable, the quality never wavers. Whether you’re snagging a zeppoli to go or diving into lumache at a sidewalk table, BarBara proves that laid-back doesn’t mean uninspired. This is Saint-Henri’s new go-to for all things Italian.

Olive et Gourmando, a fixture in Old Montreal since 1997, has mastered the art of comfort food with upscaled twists. Co-owners Dyan Solomon and Éric Girard have created a café that blends artisanal breads, rich pastries, and flavour-packed dishes that keep people coming back.

Popular items like the “poached egg on your face” panini or the house-made ricotta plate are available throughout the week, while weekend brunch highlights treats like brioche French toast with labneh and nut crumble. The space feels like a warm, inviting kitchen, with a cozy wooden interior and an irresistible pastry counter that’s always stocked.

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.

Tucked away in the underworld of the Scotia Tower’s food court, Japote is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gem that punches far above its weight. With weekday lunch hours that seem designed to test your commitment, this family-run Japanese counter churns out steaming bowls of donburi and Japanese curry with assembly-line efficiency. The menu covers everything from tempura veggies to egg-smothered chicken, but the grilled eel bowl stands out if you’re feeling fancy. Prices hover in the dangerously cheap zone—grab a small portion if you’re watching your wallet and tack on a miso soup or croquette without breaking $10. Japote’s loyal following, from McGill students to nearby office workers, speaks for itself: it’s a cheap eat worth navigating the labyrinthine tunnels for.

Hélico Café, nestled in Hochelaga, has become a beloved spot for coffee lovers and brunch enthusiasts alike since opening in 2018. It brings a fresh and vibrant touch to the neighbourhood: The design, with its cheerful orange and white tones, creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying the café’s standout offerings.

Known for its exceptional homemade pastries including flaky croissants, decadent kouign-amanns, and one of the best brownies in town, the café also serves up a savory menu featuring seasonal, market-inspired dishes. Their breakfast sandwich, a local favourite, pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. Just as good for a pastry and coffee or a full lunch or brunch, Hélico Café is a bright spot.

Café Chez Téta is a delightful blend of traditional Lebanese flavors and modern coffee culture. Opened in October 2020 by partners Antoun Aoun and Mélodie Roukoz, the café radiates warmth and nostalgia, aptly named after the Lebanese word for grandmother. The menu pays homage to Antoun's heritage, featuring man'ouché, hummus, and other Lebanese classics made with locally sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, their third-wave coffee offerings cater to Montrealers' discerning tastes while including classic Turkish styles. Renovated with meticulous attention to detail, the café exudes a sleek look worth spending a couple hours in.

After eight years in the game, Barley has dropped the “Bar à Céréales” and grown into something warmer, sharper, and more grounded in its Middle Eastern roots. The Notre-Dame Street staple now centres its brunch and lunch menu on bold, ingredient-forward plates—think Turkish eggs with Aleppo pepper, falafel salads, and the Aylwin’s bacon hummus, a local nod that’s already a crowd favourite. There’s still fun to be had (matcha pancakes, black sesame date lattes), but the tone is more considered, from the revamped space to a refined coffee and cocktail program. While reservations are recommended, walk-ins are always welcome—and group dining is now possible in one of two private rooms.

Back when we got in touch with the chef running the show of this new spot in Villeray, Charles-Tristan Prévost, we were told that while Casavant is a proper French brasserie, it’s very much meant to be the kind of place you could roll through in shorts in the summer. That means this place from vinvinvin alumni and other industry vets is making a point of keeping things fun and casual while upholding quality. In a slicky designed place by MRDK, the kitchen churns out classics like tartare, tartes Provençale, chanterelle risotto, and more thatès carefully with wines from owner Matisse Deslauriersès wine import agency, À Boire Debout, which pulls in bottles from Italy and France with a bit of the States, Spain and Germany as well.

Following in the footsteps of many 'little sister' concepts to open in the past year wherein restaurants provide small attaché projects, Juliette Plaza is the project from Cheryl Johnson and Charles-Antoine Crête's Montréal Plaza.

Opening its doors on February 28, it's in many ways everything a person who's experienced the unbridled creativity of the OG, but it also boasts its own distinct ambiance and menu that's a bit more snackable than its forebearer: Snacks like devilled eggs, sandwiches, and temaki-style rolls get paired up with smaller dishes of seafood and fish mastery found at MP, as well as offal spun in creative new ways. Atmospherically, expect a lot of nostalgia and innovation both in dishes and the walls.

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.

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.

Dining at this Old Montreal jewel of a French brasserie and dining room from chef Jérémie Bastien is both a masterclass in its cuisine’s techniques and classics plus cosmopolitan inclusions from other cuisines.

Pot Masson has spent the last decade anchoring the heart of Promenade Masson with the kind of neighbourhood energy you don’t need to dress up for. Equal parts brunch hotspot and laid-back dinner joint, it does volume without losing warmth—especially during its daily 8 à 9 a.m. happy hour, where breakfast plates drop to half price. The menu reads like comfort food with a passport: shakshuka with shrimp, cheddar-stuffed omelettes, Korean bulgogi mac, jerk chicken salad, and more than one kind of poutine. Whether you’re here for a midday mimosa, a $1 oyster night, or a crowd-pleaser like the St-Louis ribs, there’s no mistaking the vibe: generous, familiar, and just chaotic enough to feel alive.

Since its establishment in 1968, the ITHQ has grown from a modest cooking school into a global leader in hospitality education. Located in the heart of Montréal’s tourism district, the institute offers a comprehensive range of programs across vocational, technical, and university levels, making it a unique institution in Canada.

ITHQ is dedicated to elevating the tourism, hospitality, and restaurant industries through hands-on training, cutting-edge facilities, and research initiatives. It’s more than a school—it’s a hub for innovation and talent development, preparing graduates for leadership roles in an ever-evolving global landscape.

With over 50 years of history, ITHQ has hosted world-renowned chefs, led international collaborations, and launched programs like the Applied Bachelor in Hospitality and Hotel Management, reflecting its commitment to excellence. Beyond academics, ITHQ emphasizes social responsibility and local gastronomy, bridging education with meaningful impact.

A multi-tiered hospitality concept taking over the upper floors of Place VIlle-Marie, Hiatus has truly set itself up to do it all: An outdoor terrasse with Mediterranean raw bar dining on the 44th floor, a bar with snacks on the 45th, and a full-fledged restaurant on the floor above that (the 46th and highest in the building) cooks up Japanese and French plates with technique interplay between the two cuisines. That translates to things like ramen or nori tacos as well as foie gras tartelettes and arctic char. With ambitious interior redesigns by Sid Lee Architecture, Hiatus has among the highest and most highly-prized tables in the city when it comes to lavish dining.

The team behind the Mile End sandwich slinger Renzo includes hospitality veterans, designers, and one country-singing chef (Jean-Michel Leblond) with a taste for reinvention. Together, they’ve built a tight, baseball-era throwback of a space that looks like a cross between a diner, a deli, and a vintage clubhouse. The name riffs on “San Lorenzo,” nodding to their spot on Saint-Laurent, but the menu draws from much farther afield: from a fried chicken sandwich with jalapeño zip to a smoked meat-style corned beef inspired by a trip to Seattle.

There are 14 sandwiches in all, plus a few sweet things like pouding chômeur and key lime pie. With its punchy branding, strong local energy, and an alcoholic slushie machine for good measure, Renzo was clearly aiming for institution status right out of the gate after its opening in June 2025.

Dandy, tucked in the heart of Old Montreal, is a bright, stylish brunch spot where the food is as captivating as the space. Chef-owner Michael Tozzi has crafted a menu filled with dishes far from ordinary. Ricotta pancakes drenched in maple brown butter, the tangy and fresh “Endless Summer Breakfast” bowl, or a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich stacked with apple remoulade on a brioche bun are just a few of the highlights.

Dandy is all about quality ingredients, playful flavours, and an effortlessly cool vibe. The large windows flood the space with light, complementing the retro-modern decor that blends elegance and comfort. It’s no wonder there are often lines out the door—this is a brunch experience worth waiting for.

Downtown Montreal’s Café Parvis blends history and modernity, with a location that used to be a fur showroom and a name evoking the grandeur of cathedral courtyards. The café's interior from local interior designer Zébulon Perron is an urban oasis adorned with lush greenery and vintage accents. Patrons are drawn to its spaciousness and abundant natural light, but it’s the menu’s affordable gourmet fare—think delicious salads to al taglio-style pizzas—and pinpoint accuracy coffee that really makes the inviting ambiance sing. Folks love this spot, and with good reason.

In a quiet corner of Old Montreal, Dispensa has been serving Italian coffee, sandwiches, and pantry staples since 2014. Founded by brothers Antony and Aldo Molinaro with their longtime friend Daniel Guerrera, the café blends the spirit of an old-country alimentari with the rhythm of a neighbourhood lunch counter. The space is compact—part espresso bar, part grocery—but it punches above its weight when it comes to flavour. There’s always a rush at lunch for warm focaccia piled with porchetta or breaded chicken, finished with house sauces like basil mayo or marinated eggplant. Mornings start with a caffè and a bombolone, and the shelves are stocked with imported olive oil, panettone, and prepared dishes. Antony usually works the front, greeting customers like family, while Daniel handles the grill and Aldo pours one of the area’s most reliable espressos. There’s seating inside, and a bench out front when the weather plays nice.

The Plateau’s La Matraca is a humble taqueria with an atmosphere reminiscent of Mexico City’s no-nonsense taco joints. The menu offers the essentials—tacos filled with suadero, chuleta, and al pastor—that stay true to their roots. Suadero, a specialty, arrives tender and flavorful, while the al pastor is a satisfying balance of marinated pork, cilantro, and pineapple. Though the space is minimal, with cafeteria-style seating and a bustling open kitchen, the focus remains squarely on the food. It’s an unpretentious spot where simple ingredients and traditional techniques come together, delivering a slice of authenticity.

Found in the eastern stretch of Mile End’s industrial corridor, PREZZE MOLLO’s Italian joint serves rigatoni vodka, cappelletti stuffed with artichokes, and fried chicken that shouldn’t be this good on a mid-week break. It’s the work of Catherine Caron and Julien Messier-Cousineau, a couple who know their audience: people who want a quick, satisfying lunch, but might just stretch it into aperitivo. The space balances efficiency with warmth, backed by a menu where everything’s made from scratch—from the focaccia to the sauces. The drink list leans natural, with wines you can sip solo or pair with whatever’s on the plate, and cocktails that favour precision over flash.

Larrys in Mile End is one of those places you keep coming back to—not just because the food is great, but because it feels like an extension of your own living room. This all-day café-meets-bistro has been fulfilling Montrealers since it first swung open its doors for both quick coffees and pastries & day-long feasts.

Their menu is an eclectic mix of small plates like salmon rillettes and kedgeree alongside heartier options like a juicy côtelette de porc and their ever-satisfying hamburger. Breakfast in particular hits all the right notes: You’ll want to start with the pikelets—little English-style pancakes topped with salted butter—or the spoonable soft scramble. The breakfast sandwich, with house-made sausages, bacon, and egg, is a revelation despite its simplicity.

San Gennaro, tucked away on St-Zotique, has become Montreal’s go-to for authentic Roman-style pizza al taglio, thanks to the Covone family’s dedication to traditional Italian flavours. Opened in 2015, the café is the brainchild of Fabrizio Covone, who apprenticed under Rome’s al taglio legend Gabriele Bonci. Returning home with a passion for the craft, Fabrizio, alongside his family, created a destination that combines artisanal skill with a laid-back café vibe.

Here, pizzas come in rectangular slices—sold by weight rather than size—and are crafted with high-quality ingredients, from rich caciocavallo to fresh rosemary and fluffy potatoes. San Gennaro’s menu keeps things simple but focused, featuring around 10 pizza options alongside fresh juices, pastries, and seasonal affogatos. With limited seating and a warm, Napoli-inspired interior by designer Annie Lebel, this café offers a small but mighty taste of Rome, making it the perfect stop for a quick, quality bite or leisurely aperitivo.

Buboy, relocated into Chinatown from the Monkland Village, feels less like a restaurant and more like a family kitchen. Chef-owner Eric Lozaro Magno runs the counter eatery inspired by OG carinderias of the Philippines. It's all about comforting, slow-cooked Ilocano dishes.

Eric grounds the menu in his Pangasinan roots. You’ll see it in the brothy staples—OG bulalo simmered with bone marrow and cabbage, or miki soup scented with chicken and coconut—and in the braised dishes like bulalo pares or the loco-gang beef gravy plate. The kitchen leans into homestyle standards: laing made with taro leaves and coconut milk, pancit canton with egg noodles and vegetables, and his lechon and chicken inasal, both tied to family recipes.

Filipino diner favourites round things out, from bangus with tomatoes and onion to a full roster of silog plates—longganisa, tocino, tapa, corned beef—served with garlic rice and a fried egg. Even the sisig comes in multiple versions, from mushroom to pork to bangus, all served sizzling. It’s straightforward food, cooked with patience, and unmistakably shaped by the people behind it.

Snowdon Deli isn't just a restaurant; it's an institution. For those in the know, it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane. For newcomers, it's a delightful discovery waiting to happen. This iconic Jewish deli, with its vibrant matzo ball soup and cheese bagelach, transports you straight to the heart of classic Miami eateries, echoing the charm of places like Wolfie’s Rascal House. Outlasting local legends like The Brown Derby and Ben’s, Snowdon Deli stands as a testament to timeless taste and tradition.